As ADAS technology evolves toward higher levels of automation, the volume of sensor data—from cameras, LiDAR, RADAR, and ultrasonic sensors—continues to grow exponentially. This data must be reliably transmitted over high-speed Ethernet networks operating at speeds up to 10 Gb/s (10GBASE-T1). Any failure in these critical communication links could compromise vehicle safety, making comprehensive fault insertion testing essential during design verification and production testing.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

In this demonstration, you'll see how Pickering's 40/42-205 family of MEMS-based fault insertion units enable engineers to automatically introduce various wiring faults into ADAS networks. The video covers:

How to simulate open circuits and shorted wires in 10GBASE-T1 Ethernet channels

The advantages of MEMS switching technology over traditional electromechanical relay (EMR) solutions for multi-gigabit testing

Integration of fault insertion modules into automotive HIL simulation systems

Verification methods to ensure ADAS controllers respond safely and predictably to interconnection failures

WHY MEMS TECHNOLOGY MATTERS FOR ADAS TESTING

Traditional EMR-based fault insertion units cannot support the bandwidth requirements of modern automotive Ethernet standards. The 40/42-205 modules utilize micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switching technology from Menlo Micro, providing high bandwidth up to 6 GHz (suitable for 10GBASE-T1 and beyond), extended operational life exceeding 3 billion operations, and fast switching speeds—all critical for accurate fault simulation at multi-gigabit data rates.

These modules support four or eight channels of impedance-controlled 2-wire connections and can simulate multiple fault conditions: open circuits, shorts between wire pairs, connections to supply voltage or ground, and resistive faults when combined with external components. The modules integrate seamlessly into existing test systems, providing test engineers with the flexibility and scalability required for comprehensive ADAS validation.

MEETING SAFETY STANDARDS

With the introduction of ISO 21448 (SOTIF - Safety of the Intended Functionality) for automated systems, design verification of ADAS networks now requires repeatable, accurate, and commercially available test solutions. Fault insertion testing provides the structured approach necessary to demonstrate compliance with these emerging safety standards.

Whether you're validating ADAS central compute ECUs, verifying sensor array networks, or conducting production tests on automotive Ethernet components, this video provides practical insights into implementing fault insertion testing in your hardware-in-the-loop environment.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Compatible with 10GBASE-T1 Automotive Ethernet (IEEE 802.3ch)

Available in PXI and PXIe formats (models 40-205 and 42-205)

4 or 8 impedance-controlled 2-wire channels

MEMS switching with 6 GHz bandwidth (typical)

Low insertion loss and VSWR

Relay cycle counting for predictive maintenance

Integration with Rosenberger H MTD series connectors

For engineers working on ADAS validation, automotive Ethernet testing, or HIL system development, this demonstration shows how advanced fault insertion technology accelerates the path to reliable, safety-compliant vehicle networks.