Chris-
What I heard on the channel definitions ad hoc call today plus what I
have from history comes down to something like the following which I
would like to put forth as a strawman for discussion as the connector
requirement for RTPGE.
- There is no particular desire to reuse the RJ-45 as a
twisted pair Ethernet connector in the automotive environment. The
only possible exception to this might be "external" connections for use
by end users for connecting consumer Ethernet equipment to the
vehicle. That requirement (if it exists) probably has nothing to do
with RTPGE.
- RTPGE provides a "moment in history" point for us to escape the
tyranny of the installed base for twisted-pair Ethernet and the
well-known problems of the RJ-45.
- Automotive manufacturers and suppliers have their own requirements
(driven by a number of factors) for the physical configuration of
connectors to be used for RTPGE.
- Automotive manufacturers and suppliers have requirements for RTPGE to
pass through in-harness connectors that are very likely to have a
significant number of non-ethernet pins carrying a wide variety of
signals.
- The specs for the MDI attachment and in-line connectors should be
performance based but not mechanically constrained.
- The above not withstanding, it would be useful to be able to
standardize the circuit board interface for RTPGE. (I have problems
with this concept reconciling edge connectors vs. headers, etc.)
- Power transmission over the same conductors and connectors was not
discussed today. It is a real consideration and might come into play
at multiple power levels.
- It would be very useful to have a fully specified (i.e. electrically
and mechanically) test connector for RTGE. This would be used for
establishing baseline performance and for interfacing test equipment.
This connector would not have as stringent cost constraints as the
connectors used in production volumes.
If all of the above is not correct then I hope it is at least useful as
a starting point for discussion.
Best regards,
Geoff Thompson
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