2. Introduction to the Intrepid RAD-Moon

2.1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a RAD-Moon media converter from Intrepid Control Systems (ICS). The RAD-Moon is an inexpensive yet powerful tool that effectively bridges the gap between Automotive Ethernet and conventional Ethernet.

Elegantly simple, the RAD-Moon contains one BroadR-Reach Automotive Ethernet port and one standard, 4-wire 10/100 Mb/s Ethernet port. Data received on either port is copied to the other, allowing an Automotive Ethernet ECU to be connected to a standard PC network interface card or Ethernet switch. Powered by USB for convenience, the RAD-Moon is packaged in a rugged, lightweight enclosure, making it easy to take anywhere it’s needed.

The RAD-Moon media converter is ideal for monitoring, analysis, diagnostics and other applications in an Automotive Ethernet environment.

2.2. Package Contents

Your RAD-Moon package includes the following:

The RAD-Moon device.

A standard 4-wire Ethernet cable.

A standard USB to mini-USB cable.

If anything is missing, please contact Intrepid for prompt assistance, using the information at the end of this guide.

2.3. Overview of Operation and Features

We’ll now briefly outline the RAD-Moon’s construction, operation and features. While the RAD- Moon is a pretty straightforward device, understanding its design will help you get the most of its capabilities.

2.3.1. General Operation

The RAD-Moon contains two different Ethernet physical layer implementations (PHYs) that are internally connected: a BroadR-Reach PHY, and a conventional 10/100 twisted pair Ethernet PHY. An Automotive Ethernet ECU or other device can be connected to the BroadR-Reach PHY using the RAD-Moon’s Molex Mini50 connector, while a regular Ethernet device attaches through the RAD-Moon’s RJ-45 jack.

Whenever any data is received over either connection, it is automatically sent out on the other, creating a seamless link between the two attached devices. Full-duplex operation is supported, so data can be sent in both directions simultaneously.

The RAD-Moon’s third input is a standard mini-USB connector, which provides power to the device. A number of LEDs provide useful information about the status of the converter.

A typical application of the RAD-Moon is to connect an Automotive Ethernet ECU to the Ethernet jack on a laptop or desktop PC. Ethernet frames from the ECU can then be monitored using Intrepid’s Vehicle Spy 3 software. Messages can also be transmitted from Vehicle Spy 3 through the RAD-Moon to the ECU, allowing any Automotive Ethernet device to be queried, tested and managed.

2.3.2. Features

Here are some of the noteworthy features of the RAD-Moon:

Powered by an industry-standard mini-USB connection

BroadCom BCM89810 BroadR-Reach PHY or TJA1100 if you own serial number greater than 023599

Automatic master/slave configuration for the attached Automotive Ethernet device

Molex Mini50 for Automotive Ethernet connection

Standard RJ-45 for 10/100 Ethernet connection with automatic configuration for 10 Mb/s or 100 Mb/s Ethernet networks.

Link and activity LEDs for both connections

Full-duplex support for simultaneous data transmission and reception across both PHYs

Rugged aluminum enclosure with rubber bumpers for durability

Ethernet cable and USB cable included

2.4. Block Diagram

Figure 1 illustrates the main functional elements of the RAD-Moon. The two PHYs are connected directly to each other via the standard Ethernet Media Independent Interface (MII).