Volcano Network Architect from Mentor Graphics verifies and improves network bandwidth usage at Mazda

Mentor Graphics has announced that Mazda has chosen VNA (Volcano Network Architect) software to verify their network bandwidth usage. The VNA is a tool to design CAN and LIN networks in a vehicle and facilitate calculation of the worst-case scenario on a CAN bus. Mazda's use of VNA has enabled significant improvements in network efficiency and reliability. Mazda has developed their new generation Skyactiv technology to deliver driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance in their vehicles. The CX-5, one of Mazda's latest products, features Skyactiv technology and is now globally available. Mazda has a unique CAN stack in their vehicle networking systems. The company has been using an in-house CAN network-design tool. To introduce Skyactiv technology, Mazda shifted to the Mentor Graphics software VNA to ensure their network configuration would work under worst-case conditions. During the tests, Mazda analyzed several networking issues and make performance improvements. In particular, by entering the network data their tools generated into the VNA, Mazda was able to analyze their network usage and identify which messages on the bus caused problems. The VNA tool has optimization features to load the network to more than 90% of available bandwidth. Mazda engineers used the analysis from VNA to optimize and verify that the network bandwidth utilization is increased but not overstressed. This procedure significantly reduced the testing requirements and time. Moreover, what was learned by the VNA tool could then be applied to new network additions and the VNA flow Mazda implemented to verify their networks made their networks significantly more efficient and reliable. "Mazda changed from our internal tool to Mentor Graphics' tool for automotive-network [design.] Migrating from [an] in-house design environment to [the] Mentor Graphics Volcano Network Architect-based design environment moved smoothly and it reduced the testing requirements and time significantly," said Tetsuhiro Yamashita, staff manager, Vehicle Development Division, Vehicle System Development Department, Mazda Motor Corporation. "We are happy to have improved our design quality, as well as our automotive-network reliability." "VNA has unparalleled capabilities in enabling design, implementation and optimization of deterministic communication systems, leading to profound improvements in efficiency, quality, and reliability of in-vehicle networking," said Serge Leef, vice president and general manager, System Level Engineering Division, Mentor Graphics. "We are pleased we have been able to provide a product to Mazda that makes the management and maintenance of their distributed network solutions more efficient." Mentor Graphics VNA deeplink