intrepid neoECU AVB/TSN User manual
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neoECU AVB/TSN User's Guide
An AVB/TSN Audio/Video Endpoint Simulator with
integrated AVB/TSN Switch
1. Introduction and Overview
2. A Tour of neoECU AVB/TSN Hardware
3. Software Setup
4. The neoVI Explorer Configuration Utility
4.1 System Settings and Firmware Updates
4.2 General Settings
4.3 CAN Network Settings
4.5 The Text API
4.6 Performance Tests
4.6 Ethernet Switch Configuration
4.7-AVB Endpoint Configuration
5. 88Q5050 Switch Use and Configuration
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Safety and Other Important Notices
Safety Notices
1. Prior to using this product, read, understand, and follow the instructions for this device and any
assocaited software. If do you fully understand the instructions, contact [email protected] for
support.
2. Do not use this product if it has been used oustide of the specified operating conditions or is suspected
to be damaged.
3. There are no operator serviceable parts inside this equipment. Should you suspect the device is not
operating properly, please contact [email protected]
4. The failure modes of this device should be carefully considered prior to using it to instrument safety
critical systems. A single point of failure at this device should not prevent the safe operation of any
vechicle system.
5. Occaisionally, hardware and software are released for testing and evaluation in a beta release. These
releases are not subject to full Quality Assurance. They should be used only in a controlled environment
with consideration of any impact the safety of the user and the surrounding people and enviornment.
Data and test results from beta hardware and software should be appropriately scrutinized.
Intended Use
This hardware is intended for the use of developing automotive communication networks. It is suitable for
operation in dry enviornmnents such as the passenger compartment or trunk area. Direct exposure to water
or excessively damp enviornments may result in malfunction or damage to the device.
Deviating from the intended use of this product or operating outside of its specifications may cause
malfunction or damage and will void the manufacturer's warranty.
Disclaimers
1. Every attempt is made to keep this documentation accurate and current. Intrepid Control Systems
reserves the right to update this documentation without notice and assumes no liability from its use.
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1. Introduction and Overview
1.1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a neoECU AVB/TSN from Intrepid Control Systems (ICS). Here are some of the
noteworthy features of your new device.
Product Features
Configurable as Talker or Listener for Audio and Video Streams
Integral 7-Port AVB/TSN Switch
8x dual purpose LEDs for network status and device configuration
Field-upgradeable flash firmware
Rugged aluminum case with shock-absorbing end caps
Supported Standards
802.1Qat Stream Reservation Protocol (SRP)
802.1Qav Forwarding and Queuing for Time-Sensitive Streams (FQTSS)
802.1AS generalized Precision Timing Protocol (gPTP)
IEEE 1722 (AVTP)
IEEE 1722.1 (AVDECC)
Supported Stream Formats
Video Audio
IEC 61883-6 (h264, 1080p @ 30 fps) IEC 61883-4
Compressed Video Format (CVF) AVTP Audio Format (AAF)
Media Interfaces
HDMI output
2x analog audio in (mini jack)
8x analog audio out (mini jack)
USB host (camera)
SD card (Media file storage)
Integral 7-Port AVB/TSN switch (Marvell 88Q5050):
5x 100BASE-T1 Ports
2x 1000BASE-T Port
2x CAN-FD Interfaces
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1.2 Operational Overview
The neoECU AVN/TSN can be configured as a talker or listener.
1.2.1 Talker Configuration
As a talker, a media stream can be generated from one of 3 sources:
1. Video stored on an internal micro SDCard (with or without audio)
2. Audio via 3.5mm audio jack
3. Webcam video using the USB Host port
This media stream can be tranmitted on either a 100BASE-T1 or 1000BASE-T port
1.2.1 Listner Configuration
A listener may receive a stream over 100BASE-T1 or 1000BASE-T.
The stream can be decoded and played over 1 of 2 interfaces:
1. micro-HDMI (720p with or without audio)
2. Analog audio via 3.5mm jack
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1.3 Package Contents
Your neoECU AVN/TSN package includes both hardware and software. Upon receipt, please remove, unwrap
and inspect all its contents. If anything is missing or damaged, please contact Intrepid for prompt assistance,
using the information at the end of this guide.
Hardware
Your neoECU AVN/TSN package includes the following:
The neoECU AVN/TSN device.
A standard 8-wire Ethernet cable (CAT5e)
Nano-MQS Connector and Terminal kit
A standard USB Type A to Type B device cable
A 12 Volt Power Supply
Software
In your package you will find a software/driver CD containing:
Drivers for the neoECU AVN/TSN.
An API install kit containing the neoVI Explorer utility for configuring the device.
1.4 Hardware Requirements
Device Power
The neoECU AVN/TSN can be powered in 2 ways
1. DC supply: This device comes with a DC supply rated for this device. If an alternate supply is used,
insure that the voltage is between 5V-40V and is rated for at least 1
2. 9-pin DSUB (See section 2.2 for pin assignments)
Computer Interface
As a hardware device, there are no specific requirements on the computer aside from the proper USB
interface and the proper device driver installed. Instructions on installing the device driver are covered later
with the installation of software.
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2. A Tour of neoECU AVB/TSN Hardware
Before learning how to configure and set up the device, let’s examine the device from all sides to understand
all of its interfaces and status indicators.
2.1 Label and Status Indicators
1. Red Button (Activates Red Labels)
Solid Blue: Red LED labels apply
Inactive: Unpowered, has not booted, or White Button is active
2. AE1-6 (100BASE-T1) (May take a few seconds to change state)
Solid Blue: Link Active
Inactive: No Link
3. Text Balloon
Solid Blue: Talker configuration
Inactive: Listener Configuration
4. Clacker
Solid Blue: ADP indicates video source or sink
Inactive: Not configured as video component
5. GM Indicator
Red: Standard Profile / No AS-Capable Device Connected
Solid Blue: Grand Master
Flashing Blue: Clock Slave
6. HDMI
Solid Blue: Configured for HDMI output
Inactive: Currently an invalid state
7. Stream Status
Solid Blue: Stream Active
Inactive: No Stream Active
8. Device Error
Solid Red: Internal Software Fault Detected
Inactive: No faults detected
9. White Button (Activates Red Labels / Toggles status screen overlay on HDMI)
Solid Blue: White LED labels apply
Inactive: Unpowered, has not booted, or Red Button is active
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2.2 Connector Interfaces
2.2.1 Ethernet / Audio Endpanel
2.2.1.1 DC In
This device is shipped with a 12V DC power supply which mates with this connector. DC supplys with a
compatible connector can be used provided they supply a voltage in the range 9-40 Volts with a current of 1A
or greater.
2.2.1.2 Audio Ports
If enabled, OUT1-4 provide an unamplified signal of the audio being streamed for use with headphones or
external amplifier. This audio is present for both talker and listener endpoint configuations.
Audio Port Audio Channel Notes
OUT1 1/2 (2-Channel Audio from Video Stream)
OUT2 3/4
OUT3 5/6
OUT4 7/8 (Channel 8 is the ".1" if the stream is Dolby 7.1)
IN1 -- Can be configured to be audio source for talker stream
MIC -- Not used
Note that Stream 0 is the only stream associated with these audio ports. Additional audio streams can
be connected simultaneously but this device is not capable of decoding and playing the audio.
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2.2.1.3 Ethernet Ports
Device Port(s)
AVB
Endpoint
AE1 /
P1
The Ethernet interface of the AVB Endpoint is selectable between AE1
(100BASE-T1) and P1 (1000BASE-T)
88Q5050
Switch AE2-6 5x 88Q5050 Switch Ports (100BASE-T1)
88Q5050
Switch P2 1x 88Q5050 Switch Port (1000BASE-T)
The following diagram helps visualize the different modes of operation that are configurable in the neoVI
Explorer configuration utility. It also shows the physical port assignments on the 88Q5050 which must be
known to configure the switch properly for your network.
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2.2.2 USB / HDMI / CAN Endpanel
Interface Use
USB Host This port can be configured to be the source of a video stream using a Linux
compatible web cam
USB
Device
This port is used to connect to a PC for configuration or to utilize the CAN/LIN
interfaces
Mini-USB This interface is not used
Micro
SDCard
Slots
The firmware and media storage resides on micro SDCards in these slots. The data on
this media is not intended to be accessed or updated with anything other than Intrepid
software. Not using Intrepid software with this media may render the device inoperable
and void the warranty of the device.
Micro-
HDMI
This interface can be connected to an disply to the video being streamed by a talker or
received by a listener.
DB26 Reference pin assignments in section 2.2.3
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2.2.3 Connector Information
2.2.3.1 DB26 (Power/HSCAN)
Pin Signal
4 HSCAN 1 L
6 HSCAN 2 L
10 GND
14 HSCAN 1 H
16 HSCAN 2 H
19 VBATT
2.2.3.2 100BASE-T1 Connections (AE1-6)
Ports 100BASE-T1_P 100BASE-T1_N
AE2/AE4/AE6 Pin 8 Pin 7
AE1/AE3/AE5 Pin 4 Pin 3
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2.2.4 AVB Endpoint Status Screens
When the micro HDMI port is connected to a display, a video overlay displaying endpoint status information
can be enabled by double pressing the white switch membrane on the top label of the device.
Note that AVB/TSN is a set of Layer 2 protocols, therefore an IP Address is not necessary, and may not be
present.
Stream Status lists all streams which have been enabled in the configuration, their format, and connection
status.
Helpful Debug Information
Anything “Stopped” suggests a problem with the device’s software or device configuration
If gptp port role status is “disabled”, it is waiting to be connected to an “asCapable device
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3. Software Setup
While Vehicle Spy software is not required to use your device, Intrepid devices often require specific drivers to
function properly. Your device should have arrived with the software necessary to use it. If the media
containing this software is no longer available, the software can be found at the following link.
https://www.intrepidcs.com/support/support-resources/
If you intend to use Vehicle Spy, any necessary drivers are installed with that software installation.
If you do not intend to use Vehicle Spy, it will be required to install a package having the necessary drivers
and the hardware configuration utility. This same package will also install support files to allow the hardware
to be accessed through APIs hosted here: https://github.com/intrepidcs
If you are having trouble finding or installing the software, please contact our customer support at
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4. The neoVI Explorer Configuration Utility
Starting and Using neoVI Explorer
The neoVI Explorer utility allows you to connect to, manage and configure all of your Intrepid Control Systems
hardware. It is supplied both as an integrated feature of Vehicle Spy, and as a standalone program. This
section will describe general features and the basics of using neoVI Explorer, so you will understand the utility
when we get into settings specific to your device.
Starting neoVI Explorer from within Vehicle Spy
There are several ways to open neoVI Explorer from within VSpy. These are probably the two easiest, since
they are accessible at all times:
Menu Item: Click the Setup menu and then select Hardware.
Hardware Setup Button: Click the button located in the main Vehicle Spy toolbar just under its menu
(Figure below).
Note that you cannot start neoVI Explorer when Vehicle Spy is online (even if in simulation mode). If you
attempt to do so, VSpy will prompt you to either go offline and launch neoVI Explorer, or remain online and
return to Vehicle Spy.
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Starting neoVI Explorer as a Standalone Program
If you want to work with your device without opening Vehicle Spy, you can launch neoVI Explorer directly.
Open the Start Menu, navigate to the IntrepidCS folder, then under the Vehicle Spy 3 subfolder, select neoVI
Explorer (Figure below).
Starting neoVI Explorer as a Standalone Program (API Kit Installed)
If you installed the API kit and support files instead of Vehicle Spy, you can run neoVI Explorer from the Start
Menu using the same basic process as described above. The only difference is the name of the subfolder, so
you will navigate to the IntrepidCS folder, then open the ICS API Install Kit subfolder, and finally select neoVI
Explorer (Figure below).
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4.1 System Settings and Firmware Updates
4.1.1 Connecting to the your device
When neoVI Explorer loads, it will start up with the first hardware device it can find selected in the menu pane
on the left. You should see your device listed here, along with its serial number. If you don’t see the device to
be connected, but do see other Intrepid devices, be sure to scroll down to look for it. If it is still not visible, this
means its drivers have not been installed correctly, it is not powered properly, or there is a problem with the
USB connection.
To manage your device, click on its entry in the navigation pane (if it is not already highlighted) and then press
the Connect button. After successfully connecting to the device, you will see a “thumbs up” icon next to the
device’s name, and checkmarks will appear next to currently-enabled networks in the explorer area on the left.
You should also see a message in the message box on the right saying “ settings have been read”. This tells
you that neoVI Explorer has loaded the current settings from the unit.
The screen as a whole should appear similar to one of the screens shown below (but note that the version
number shown at the bottom may be different).
It is possible to click on various parameter groups at any time, but they will not show
valid date until you connect to the device. Remember also to connect to the device before
making changes, or they will be erased when you do connect to the settings in the
hardware are
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Writing and Reloading Settings
To avoid potential problems, neoVI Explorer will not save any changes to device parameters until you instruct
it to do so. This is done by pressing the Write Settings button, which will update the parameters within the
firmware in your device. If you make changes you do not want to keep, pressing the Read Settings button will
reload the settings stored in the device, wiping out any modifications made in neoVI Explorer that had not yet
been saved.
Reloading Device Defaults
To return all settings to factory defaults, press the Load Default Settings button. This is convenient if many
changes have been made and written to the firmware in the past, and you want to start over with a clean
slate. Note that pressing this button actually writes the defaults to the device first, and then reloads them
automatically, so you do not need to also press Write Settings. You will see messages in the message area
telling you that defaults have been sent to the device and then read from it.
Disconnecting from the device
Press the Disconnect button to tell neoVI Explorer that you are done working with the device. This step is
actually optional, because neoVI Explorer will disconnect from any connected devices when you exit the
program.
Searching for Devices
If you attach new hardware to your PC after starting neoVI Explorer, press the Search For Devices button at
the bottom left of the dialog box to prompt the program to scan for new hardware you can manage.
Exiting neoVI Explorer
Like any Windows program, you can close neoVI Explorer by clicking the “X” in the top right corner, or
pressing the Alt+F4 key combination.
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4.1.2 System Settings and Firmware Updates
The top two entries in the explorer window on the left side of neoVI Explorer contain system- wide settings
that apply to all hardware devices, and information related to firmware updates.
System Settings
In the top branch of the tree in the left pane of neoVI Explorer you will see several settings that you can
enable or disable:
Enable Server: Turns on the neoVI Server feature, a background program that allows your hardware to
be used by multiple applications at the same time.
Enable Low Latency: This is an advanced setting for applications where fast response is needed after
transmission.
Enable Auto Update: When enabled, both neoVI Explorer and Vehicle Spy will automatically update
firmware. If this box is not checked, firmware must be updated manually. (See below for details.)
Network Adapter Server: This is a feature that is used with Intrepid products having Active Taps for
Automotive Ethernet. It may not apply to your device.
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Available Firmware
This is an informational page that shows which firmware versions are available in this version of neoVI
Explorer for various Intrepid products. Note that some devices have multiple firmware programs that control
different aspects of their operation; You normally won’t need to look in this area, because as we’ll see in
Section , neoVI Explorer shows you the current and available firmware versions for your device when you
connect to it.
Automatic and Manual Firmware Updates
Firmware is essentially software that runs hardware and is required to enable the many capabilities of your
device. New versions of firmware are created regularly by Intrepid’s engineers to implement new features and
correct problems that have been identified.
If you have Enable Auto Update on—which is the default, and is recommended—then you don’t really need to
worry about firmware updates. Each time you connect to your device in neoVI Explorer or go online with it in
Vehicle Spy, the firmware will be checked, and if a newer version is available, the device will immediately be
updated. If you do not have automatic updates enabled, you control when your firmware is updated. When
new firmware is available, you will be notified on the initial connection screen, as shown below. Simply press
the Manual Reflash button to update the firmware.
While your device may appear to operate with incompatible firmware, proper and
reliable operation cannot be guaranteed unless the version of firmware mateches what is
listed in Vehicle Spy
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The Firmware Update Process
During the firmware update process, the device will be placed into bootloader mode, indicated by all LEDs on
the top label flashing synchronously. Normal LED flash patterns will resume when the update is complete and
the device reboots. You will see a dialog box on the screen showing you the progress of the firmware update
operation. an example is shown below. You will also see messages in the message box on the right side of
neoVI Explorer as the firmware program is sent to the device. When the process is complete the dialog box
will disappear and another message will appear in neoVI Explorer to confirm that the update has finished. If
you receive any error messages or experience any other problems updating your device’s firmware, please
contact Intrepid for assistance.
Please take heed of the warning on the firmware update dialog box: leave the device
connected and powered on for the entire firmware update process to avoid possible
problems with the device.
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4.2 General Settings and Product Details
These two areas of the device’s parameter setup provide information about the device and allow you to
perform a few basic maintenance tasks.
General Settings
After connecting to the device you will see basic information about it in the right-hand pane of the window:
The device’s serial number.
The firmware versions currently in the device, and an indication if new firmware is available.
A message showing that the hardware license for the device was recognized.
A current readout of the device’s real-time clock.
This information can be displayed again at any time by clicking the device’s name in the explorer navigation
window, or the General Settings entry immediately below it.
The version of the MCHIP firmware for the device will be shown in black if it matches the firmware version
within neoVI Explorer. If not, the current version and the newest available version will be shown in red to help
you notice that an update is available. Section 4.1 provides more information on firmware updates.
There are three buttons on this screen. Manual Reflash was described in Section 4.2. The Read RTC button will
reload the device’s internal time clock, while Synchronize RTC will set the device’s clock to the same value as
that of the PC.
Product Details
This is an informational area that provides technical data on the devices’s hardware and internal setup. You
will generally only need this if requested by Intrepid in order to facilitate support or troubleshooting. You can
use the Copy To Clipboard button to copy all of the information to the Windows Clipboard, so you can then
paste it into an email or file.
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Table of contents
