Basics

SMSC’s Automotive Information Systems is a leading provider of Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST®) technology, which connects devices in a network configuration or directly to one another using optical or electrical physical layers. MOST enables the seamless transport of digital audio, video, and packet-based data, along with control information. It not only includes the physical connection between devices, but also defines properties and methods for devices to interact with each other.

Cars are a consumer electronics platform, where audio, video and data communications come together. Multiple components need to interact with each other and with passengers, and the interface to the driver needs to be reliable. The ability to digitally convert and manage multiple “real world” tasks associated with visual and audible interfaces in the car must also be dependable and simple to use. MOST addresses all of these requirements and allows for the seamless operation of the only true network of consumer devices for the automobile.

MOST allows entertainment functions to be distributed throughout a multimedia system without any restrictions to device location and order. For example, DVD players can send audio and video signals over the network for simultaneous playback at several locations. Cost-effective, intelligent audio devices can be strategically placed throughout the vehicle, allowing the user to issue voice commands and control the system from a variety of locations. Interaction and prioritization of devices can be easily managed via the MOST network. For example, a telephone system can communicate with audio and video systems to notify the owner about incoming calls. An in-car navigation system can use the driver's primary interface screen for display (HMI) and the audio system's speakers for voice guidance. Since digital data is available to all devices, dynamic equalization and active noise cancellation on all audio signals flowing throughout the network is possible.