Automotive Ethernet media converter
July 2026
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
HMS Networks has introduced its first automotive ethernet product under the PEAK brand. The PAE-Media Converter is a compact device designed to connect automotive Ethernet, 100BASE-T1 or 1000BASE-T1, with standard Ethernet, 100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-T, networks. As a media converter, it enables automotive engineers to simplify development, testing and validation workflows within the 100 Mbit/s and 1000 Mbit/s domains.
Unique features for automotive testing
The PAE-Media Converter addresses key challenges in automotive development and validation with three core capabilities. It enables realistic fault simulation by allowing physical interruption of the automotive ethernet link, triggering directly on the device or via an application programming interface to support reproducible and controlled test scenarios.
“We empower engineers with simple and powerful tools. With our unique physical link interruption functionality, we enable them to create real fault conditions in test scenarios without unplugging the device, saving time and wear,” says Kristofer Koch, product manager at HMS Networks.
The device combines H-MTD and MATEnet connector support in one unit, reducing hardware complexity, investment risks and enabling faster setups. “With only one device we cover the two de facto connection standards in the market, with no additional adapters needed,” says Koch.
The PAE-Media Converter provides plug-and-play operation with optional API control and selectable dual-speed conversion,100/1000BASE-T1, via a DIP switch. This hardware-only configuration means engineers can start immediately without software while retaining the flexibility to integrate the device into automated test environments.
Designed for practical engineering use
The PAE-Media Converter features a robust aluminium housing of 145 × 61 × 46 mm, and an extended operating temperature range from -40 to 85°C, ensuring reliable performance in testing environments. LED indicators provide direct feedback on link status, signal quality and errors for intuitive on-device diagnostics, supporting efficient troubleshooting during development and testing.
Flexible integration and automation
The media converter connects directly to standard tools, enabling immediate use in development and analysis workflows. An integrated frame generator supports link validation and wiring tests.
Available accessories include H-MTD and MATEnet cables for automotive ethernet connections, as well as a DIN-rail adapter for integration into test benches and industrial setups.
“Automotive ethernet, especially within the 100/1000 Mbit/s domains, is a key technology for software-defined vehicles,” says Koch, highlighting PEAK’s strategic move into this emerging market. “With our strong background in CAN, PEAK has long been a proven expert in in-vehicle communication. With the addition of automotive Ethernet, we are now extending this expertise to cover the full in-vehicle network landscape. For engineers, this means one reliable partner across both technologies. With the PAE-Media Converter, we provide a first simple, yet powerful, tool to bridge development and testing environments, with a lot more to come in the future.”
For more information contact HMS Networks, [email protected], www.peak-system.com
Further reading:
Siemens and HighByte partner to scale industrial AI
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Siemens is expanding its Industrial Edge ecosystem through a partnership with HighByte, enabling customers to connect, contextualise and transform data from operational technology and information technology sources to build AI models and applications at scale.
Read more...
3D electrical systems design workflow for electromechanical innovation
Siemens South Africa
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has announced new 3D electrical design capabilities within its Capital software, enabling electrical and mechanical engineers to work concurrently in a shared 3D environment to reduce late-stage design changes and accelerate time to market for complex electromechanical products.
Read more...
Long-distance signal delivery is critical to rail safety
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
A remote monitoring specialist explains why fibre optic technology is increasingly replacing copper cabling in safety-critical railway signalling systems.
Read more...
Building efficiency into cement production with SCADA and IIoT
Adroit Technologies
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
For decades, Adroit Technologies has worked alongside leading cement producers, helping them gain greater visibility into their operations through advanced SCADA and IIoT solutions.
Read more...
Loop signature Part 2-5: Interactive control systems
Michael Brown Control Engineering
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Feedforward control was explained in the previous loop signature articles. One of the examples used was feedforward control of load changes on a heat exchanger when variations occurred in the flow of the process fluid through the exchanger.
Read more...
Integrated automation systems in poultry feed production
Adroit Technologies
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
South Africa’s poultry industry is increasingly turning to advanced automation systems to optimise operations. Working in partnership with Adroit Technologies, leading poultry supplier Sovereign implemented the Mitsubishi Adroit Process Suite across a key feed production facility, creating a scalable, integrated system capable of supporting both current operations and future expansion.
Read more...
Why secure industrial communication depends on deployment as well
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The Industrial Security Harmonisation Group has released a joint industry perspective highlighting a critical truth in industrial cybersecurity: secure communication is not determined by protocols alone, but by how they are deployed and managed in real-world environments.
Read more...
A single platform for all automation functions
Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The introduction of TwinCAT in 1996 marked a decisive evolutionary step for PC-based control. Today, the TwinCAT platform combines all automation functions in a strictly deterministic real-time environment, from PLC and motion control through CNC and measurement technology and beyond, to vision, robotics and pioneering AI tools.
Read more...
Loop signature Part 2-4: Feedforward Control: Part 3
Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
In the previous articles in this series, the basic theory behind feedforward control was discussed, and it was also shown how to apply feedforward in practice. In this article, it will be shown how well feedforward can work in practice by giving a couple of examples.
Read more...
Control Station and Dimension Software partner to connect control performance monitoring with enterprise operations intelligence
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Control Station has entered into a strategic technology partnership with Dimension Software, a leading provider of industrial operations management platforms. The collaboration connects Control Station’s PlantESP control loop performance monitoring platform with Dimension Software’s Asset Intellect operations intelligence environment, enabling manufacturers to operationalise control performance insights across their organisations.
Read more...
printer friendly version