AMI-C Technical Documents Transferred to 1394 Trade Association for Long-Term Maintenance and Continued Development

 

The Automotive Multimedia Interface Collaboration (AMI-C) today announced the worldwide copyright assignment of its 1394 automotive technical specifications to the 1394 Trade Association.

 

As part of the assignment, the 1394 TA will maintain the complete collection of AMI-C 1394 automotive specifications and lead any future development and expansion activities designed to keep the specifications synchronized with evolving technologies and emerging market demands.

 

“AMI-C is proud to assign this valuable asset to the 1394 TA,” said AMI-C Executive Director Scott McCormick.  “Our members have high regard for the good work that the 1394 TA is doing and are confidant in their ability to maintain and promote the adoption of these important documents throughout the automotive industry.” 

 

Since the AMI-C 1394 technical documents were published in 2003, they have played a significant role in introducing the global automotive industry to the 1394 network technology, also known as FireWire or iLink. 

 

”These specifications offer a great opportunity for all vehicle manufacturers to work closely in a common environment that benefits customers with innovation, at the least possible cost and development timeframe,” said Bob Fust, Chairman of the 1394 TA Automotive Working Group (AWG).

 

The AMI-C 1394 technical documents specify requirements for implementing a vehicle interface that enables devices (i.e. mini disk players, compact disc players, audio processors, DVD players, digital video camcorders, etc.) to access and communicate with an automaker’s proprietary vehicle network.  The AMI-C specifications allow for flexible application design and support expandability and upgradeability options.

 

“Our power management specifications include the software architecture and network messages required to execute the wake-up sequences and shutdown sequences in coordination with the ignition key position,” said Ricardo Wong, AMI-C 1394 Technical Expert Group Leader.  “These sequences are essential for the implementation of 1394 networks.  They apply to both 1394 optical and copper networks.”

 

Wong noted that the specifications have been validated using a prototype, based on network interfaces with electrical wake up capabilities.  The next step, he said, is to use a prototype, based on network interfaces with optical wake-up capabilities.

 

The complete set of AMI-C 1394 technical documents includes:

 

·        AMI-C 3023 Power Management Specification

·        AMI-C 3013 Power Management Architecture

·        AMI-C 2002 1.0.2 Common Message Set Power Management

·        AMI-C 3034 Power Management Test Documents

·        AMI-C 4001 Revision Physical Specification

 

”The Trade Association is definitely committed to enhancing all of the specifications, as needed,” said Fust.  “It will be an active program, once the IP is transferred.”

 

He said the TA’s initial plans for promoting the specifications will include issuing regular news updates, creating technical white papers to help the Tier 1-3 suppliers with implementation exercises, and reaching out to all of automakers' design / development teams to urge their support.

 

“Having all of the vehicle A/V specifications under one roof makes it easier to work with them,” Fust said.

 

The 1394 Trade Association is a global organization dedicated to the advancement and proliferation of the IEEE 1394 standard in the consumer electronics, computer, peripherals, automotive, industrial, and other markets. For more information, please visit www.1394ta.org.