reliable and feasible technology for more than one gigabit over standard SI-POF

HOW THE TECHNOLOGY BECOMES A PRODUCT

Introduction

As we explain in section Applications, KDPOF technology can be integrated in many POF based systems providing great improvements in data-rate and coverage. It also introduces a low-cost and long-term alternative solution for the last drop in FTTH access networks.

KDPOF technology becomes a product in two different ways: as Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or chip, and as Intellectual Property (IP) that can be integrated in third part Systems on Chip (SoC).  The way depends on the target application.

In order to be specific, the following sub-sections show some examples of how KDPOF products can become part of systems that integrate POF connectivity, in applications as home networks, access networks, industrial communications and automotive infotainment systems.

Regardless to these examples we are open to any kind of collaboration with our customers in order to implement with them our technology in their products, adapting it in an efficient manner to fulfill new requirements.

Ethernet transceiver

The next scheme shows an ASIC that performs the basic Gigabit or Fast Ethernet transceiver functionality for integration in home and access networks as well as industrial communications. KDPOF ASIC interfaces on the left side with the system, where it is integrated, through commonly used buses as GMII or Ser/Des, carrying out the MAC or PHY role.

On the right side, KDPOF ASIC interfaces and controls the Analogue Front End (AFE), which interacts with optoelectronic components - light-emitter (LE) and photo-diode (PD). The transmission path contains a driver circuit that accommodates the signal to be injected in POF by LE. The reception path performs the opto-electric conversion through the PD and Trans-Impedance Amplifier (TIA) and filtering to eliminate signal aliasing and adapts the amplitude of the signal through a Variable Gain Amplifier (VGA), so it is suitable to be received by KDPOF ASIC. VGA is controlled by ASIC, which runs the Automatic Gain Control (AGC) task based on internal algorithms designed for optimum signal reception.

The above scheme is good for integration of KDPOF in different systems:

1. • Costumer Premisses Equipment (CPE), as routers
   

2. • Basement installed head-end (HE) access equipment. It can be integrated as Small Form-Factor (SFP) pluggable transceiver
   

3. • Ethernet Network Interface Controller (NIC) for industrial control devices
   

4. • Ethernet NIC for data storage devices, PC, digital TV, Set-top-Boxes, multimedia hard-drives, etc
   

5. • Ethernet ↔ POF media converters
   

Download brochures:

· KDPOF-PHY-1000 ·

· KDPOF-PHY-1005 ·

· KDPOF-PHY-1006 ·

Ethernet bridge

We show here one KDPOF ASIC integrating two POF interfaces with Ethernet bridging capabilities. In this case the ASIC controls two AFEs and routes packets among three ports - two POF cables and one bus for connection with the system.

This scheme is very well suited for do-it-yourself home network installations, because it reduces the number of cables along the residence and allows to extend the network in a simple manner - by insertion of a new device between two or connecting it to the last device of the network. This scheme can be integrated in all the devices with multimedia capabilities, enabling an easy and reliable POF based home network installation. It can also be integrated implementing Ethernet ↔ POF media converters to provide POF connectivity to devices that have Cat5 or Cat6 connection but do not include KDPOF technology.

Another scheme with bridging capabilities is depicted in next figure, which can be viewed as an upgrade of the above scheme. Here, KDPOF ASIC routes packets among three POF ports. This scheme is well suited to extend the home network following a tree topology. This scheme can be implemented in separate POF repeaters.

Bridged home networks based on POF

Next figure shows a bridged home network based on POF, implementing a bus topology for easy installation and upgrade. The Router integrates a basic Ethernet transceiver, as that depicted in first figure, and the Server, Desktop computer and Home Cinema integrates an Ethernet bridge as that explained above. Laptop, commonly used for non multimedia tasks is connected by WiFi for this example.

Bridged bus topology provides several advantages compared with ring or star topology:

1. • Bridged bus requires fewer cables
   

2. • so the cost is reduced
   

3. • It is a topology more reliable than ring. Ring topologies need of the correct operation of every device connected to network. Furthermore, the failure of only one fiber stretch in the ring causes the full failure of the network
   

4. • Only one cable is required for connecting rooms
   

Future MOST physical layer

KDPOF technology is ready to provide a new physical layer to MOST infotainment systems enabling data-rates around 1 Gbps over longer fiber stretches (up to 40 meters per stretch). We envisage this challenge can be achieved by integration of our technology as IP in third part ASICs. The last are in charged to provide the rest of layers (link to application) that MOST standard specifies, as well as the connectivity with the Host Controller.

Following figure depicts the scheme for new MOST physical layer IP integration.

Ⓒ2010 Knowledge Development for POF S.A.