By Scott Knowlton, PCI-SIG MWG Co-Chair

As part of our ongoing effort to broaden the adoption and deployment of PCI Express® (PCIe®) technology into diverse industry verticals, the PCI-SIG® Board of Directors recently announced the PCI-SIG Automotive Taskforce. Members are currently using PCIe specifications for automotive applications, and we are evaluating the suitability and potentially enhancing the PCIe specifications for designs in the automotive ecosystem. As part of these efforts, we are soliciting involvement and input from PCI-SIG members actively designing and deploying PCIe architecture in automotive designs. Additionally, we are seeking participation from OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers in the automotive ecosystem. All participants must be members of PCI-SIG.

The purpose of the Automotive Taskforce will be to serve a facilitating function between the PCI Express standards and specifications, and the automotive ecosystem. PCIe technology deployment in automotive designs can be optimized for the automotive developer base and members by more inclusive and bi-directional input to ensure the unique design needs of automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers are encapsulated in future PCIe specifications and efforts. The intent is for this taskforce to serve as a bridge to ensure that the needs of our member base delivering products into the automotive ecosystem are communicated within the PCI-SIG technical committees, as well as facilitate PCI-SIG to member communication, education, and assistance for member developers in this space. The taskforce will operate under the same procedures of a committee regarding anti-trust and IPR rules as outlined in the PCI-SIG Bylaws. Provided there is sufficient interest and direction, we hope to convert this taskforce into a work group within the structure of the PCI-SIG.   

If your company provides significant PCI Express technology design/deployments in this sector and you are interested in providing input or joining the taskforce, please reach out to administration@pcisig.com.

Marketing Efforts Underway

The adoption of PCIe technology in the automotive industry continues to expand as it provides high bandwidth links needed in today’s automotive systems. Usage in Electronic Control Units (ECUs), infotainment systems, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and new automotive electronic architectures require unique functional safety, reliability and security support, in addition to the existing base PCIe specification. Read the blog post or watch the video to learn more about how PCIe specifications are deployed in automotive.

The PCI-SIG Marketing Workgroup (MWG) is planning various marketing activities in 2021 to promote the benefits and use cases of PCI Express technology in automotive, including a webinar series. If you are a PCI-SIG member interested in joining the automotive working sessions, please contact pr@pcisig.com. If your company is not yet a PCI-SIG member but is interested in becoming more involved, please visit our website to learn more.