Microchip’s UNICENS Software Makes Interfacing to High-Speed Infotainment In-Vehicle Networks Easy and Flexible

CHANDLER, Ariz., May 22, 2017 — A new high-speed network solution for in-vehicle infotainment with device control over Internet Protocol (IP) is now available from Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP). Unified Centralized Network Stack (UNICENS) is a software module available at no charge to Microchip customers who are using Intelligent Network Interface Controllers (INIC) such as the OS81118, OS81119 and any future INICs.

UNICENS encapsulates many of the network specifics and allows customers to focus on their application development rather than being burdened by network management details. It enables customers to choose their preferred device control method including Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST^®) technology’s FBlock, Ethernet IP and customer-specific methods. UNICENS also supports the configuration and control of all network participants from one central node and can eliminate the need for microcontrollers (MCUs) in all other nodes in the network.

“In essence, UNICENS and INICs provide the customer with the control method of an Ethernet-based network without the challenges of managing bandwidth reservation protocol for audio and video data,” said Dan Termer, vice president of Microchip’s Automotive Division. “Using UNICENS eliminates the need for a MCU and software management in network nodes, which results in cost savings and faster time to market. It takes Ethernet and MOST technology and combines the best of both worlds.”

Customers can apply standardized software API (such as open, read, write) and Ethernet device control today with the free UNICENS software and proven MOST technology INICs from Microchip. Customers do not need to have extensive knowledge of MOST technology or commit to an extensive MOST technology network to use UNICENS software.

UNICENS is available now as free and open-source software for Microchip customers. For more information about UNICENS contact your local Microchip representative.

About Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip Technology website.