Demo setup of the optical multi-gigabit system solution from KDPOF for in-vehicle connectivity

Together with several industry leaders, KDPOF is working on an optical automotive multi-gigabit system that will fulfill the needs of future connected and automated vehicles. Instead of various port components, the new solution provides a single, complete package. “As the auto industry approaches the 50 Gb/s*m speed-length threshold, the move from copper to optical physical data transmission media is becoming mandatory,” stated Carlos Pardo, CEO and Co-founder of KDPOF. “Optical is the engineering-wise path for higher data rates.” The new connector systems are very small, lightweight and extremely inexpensive compared to the previous ones. With the comprehensive EVK9351AUT evaluation kit, automotive manufacturers and suppliers can already test the new configuration at 1 Gbit/s today. KDPOF thus supports easy project entry into optical gigabit connectivity for a secure Ethernet backbone and ADAS sensor connections in vehicles. Read more

The new integrated KD9351 Fiber Optic Transceiver (FOT) from KDPOF further reduces costs for optical in-vehicle networks at 1 Gb/s. Incorporating the transmit and receive optoelectronics into one single component, the KD9351 is an optical transceiver for 100 Mb/s up to 1 Gb/s with a small footprint. “Compared to STP (shielded twisted pair of copper wires), the combination of the new KD9351 FOT with the continuing KD1053 IC cuts the cost for 1 Gb/s by 30 percent,” explained Carlos Pardo, CEO and Co-founder of KDPOF. “The new integrated device provides enhanced efficiency and flexibility. It thus paves the way to optical multi-gigabit Ethernet in the vehicle.” Applications for the new KD9351, with competitive pricing for EMC critical or galvanic isolated critical links, include safe Ethernet backbones and sensor links for advanced driver assist systems (ADAS).

KDPOF Provides Efficient Optical Technology for Safe Backbone and ADAS Sensor Links in Vehicles

KDPOF presents new integrated KD9351 FOT for automotive gigabit connectivity

New integrated KD9351 FOT for automotive gigabit connectivity

KDPOF significantly lowers costs for the new KD9351 by constructing the transimpedance amplifier, photodiode, LED driver, and LED as one single device. Additional benefits are a shorter supply chain and no test duplication with the final test at the Tier1. Furthermore, the assembly of the FOT and the existing KD1053 IC is simplified and the connector offers snap-fit without soldering. The KD9351 reuses low-cost MEMs encapsulation and allows SMD reflow assembly with 8 by 7 mm LGA components. It is fully shielded against electromagnetic radiation. Fiber connection is done with a very simple plastic connector placed on top. The temperature range, from -40 °C to +105 °C, conforms with harsh automotive environmental requirements. The FOT withstands motor conditions with a vibration class of V2. Additionally, the device endures water without sealing. EMC performance is excellent even with the ECU shield case removed, as shielding is integrated into the PCB component. Optics implement Tx and Rx lenses. Samples are already available.

KDPOF presents the brand new integrated Fiber Optic Transceiver (FOT) KD7051. It is the first device for optical in-vehicle connectivity that incorporates the transceiver IC, optoelectronics, and optics. The integrated FOT is a 100 Mb/s optical port in one single component. “By constructing the ASIC IC, photodiode and LED as one single device, we significantly reduce cost and footprint for automotive Ethernet connectivity at 100 Mb/s,” stated Carlos Pardo, CEO and Co-Founder of KDPOF. “The decreased number of parts also reduces the effort in testing and qualification.”

Cost and Size Reduction by Integrating Transceiver IC, Optoelectronics, and Optics into One Fiber Optic Transceiver

KDPOF’s new KD7051 thus substantially reduces the overall expense compared to STP (shielded twisted pair of copper wires). Further advantages are no margin stacking between links in the supply chain and supply chain simplification. Consequently, it offers competitive pricing for EMC critical or galvanic isolated critical links. Applications include battery management systems, camera and sensor links, fast Ethernet links and smart antenna links.

All New Physical Layer

KDPOF’s new transceiver IC KD7051 offers a complete new FOT design. It reuses low cost MEMs encapsulation and allows SMD reflow assembly with 8 by 7 mm LGA components. The FOT is fully shielded against electromagnetic radiation. Fiber connection is done with a very simple plastic connector placed on top. The temperature range, from -40 °C to +105 °C, conforms with harsh automotive environmental requirements. With a vibration class of V2, it withstands motor conditions. Additionally, the device endures water without sealing. EMC performance is excellent even with the ECU shield case removed, as shielding is integrated into the PCB component. The assembly of the FOT and the IC in the PCB is simplified. Optics implement Tx and Rx lenses. The first prototypes are available.

Simple Implementation

As a plastic optical fiber with a large diameter, POF is more cost-effective to manufacture and install: installation is just easy plug and play; winding and clamping is similar to copper cables. Moreover, during the car assembly, the optical harness can be installed in the same process as the copper harness. POF has been present in vehicles for more than 10 years and is installed in millions of cars.

KDPOF has conducted a study examining the influence of home networking on online gaming and video streaming. For online gaming, the delay between an action the player intends to perform in the game and its actual effect on the screen can totally ruin the experience. Among gamers, this latency is known as ping or lag. The action issued by the player has to go through different network segments until it reaches the game server; it is then processed and the response travels back to the gamer. Numbers over 150 ms are a total no-go experience while being under 20 ms is considered a very good behavior.

KDPOF Study Reports Significant Effect of Home Networking on Online Gaming Experience

“There are three main segments that can influence the latency level: online game servers, access network, and home networking,” explained Carlos Pardo, CEO and Co-founder of KDPOF. “Our study showed that the home network plays a key role in the whole experience. Average values as low as 1 ms and up to 30 ms could be found.” A good solution is wired connectivity over plastic optical fiber (POF). It provides very low latency and jitter, just like Ethernet wiring but without visible cabling installed.

The Importance of Low Latency for Home Networks

The number one home network technology used nowadays in any home is Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, it provides little control over when each node has access to the air. Any packet loss is not noticeable for services such as web browsing, but when delivering video related services, these crashes generate peaks of latency. Those packets need to be retransmitted, extending the time required to reach the other end. If a device in the same environment is connected over Ethernet directly to the access router, the picture changes significantly. “It is not surprising that gamers prefer to connect over wires rather than Wi-Fi due to these effects,” added Carlos Pardo. “Delays are getting even worse with the rapid increase of multiple Wi-Fi access points of Wi-Fi mesh in the home.”

Plastic Optical Fiber Combined with Wi-Fi

Since wired connectivity adds only negligible latency to the path, it is recommended over wireless for the in-home portion. With its ease of installation, lack of aesthetic impact, robustness, and stability, plastic optical fiber is the ideal solution to contribute to a perfect online gaming experience. The ultimate home network solution is one that combines the advantages of a POF backbone with Wi-Fi access points throughout the home. It secures 1 Gb/s speed to each access point, avoiding any loss inherently present with wireless due to distance, walls or interference. While Wi-Fi links provide latencies on the level of milliseconds, POF is on the level of microseconds, i.e. 1000 times better.

POF can easily be installed in any duct throughout the home: power, coaxial, or telephone conduits, or easily hidden on walls, under carpets or through false ceilings. Devices that connect to the network via Wi-Fi will continue to use that connection, but will enjoy the dedicated 1 Gb/s speed of the POF network. This way, Wi-Fi speed experienced anywhere in the home is the same as next to the router.

Aukua Systems Inc., provider of Ethernet test and monitoring solutions, and KDPOF are proud to announce the success of their technology partnership for ISO 21111 standardization. Recently, two additional sections, ISO 21111-3:2020 and ISO 21111-5:2020, of the international in-vehicle Ethernet ISO standard series 21111 have been published. “By providing their MGA2510 Ethernet Test and Monitoring Platform, Aukua Systems have supremely equipped the test setup for ISO certification,” stated Carlos Pardo, CEO and Co-founder of KDPOF.

Successful Technology Partnership Results in ISO Standard for Optical In-Vehicle Gigabit Connectivity

Suds Rajagopal is Co-Founder of Aukua Systems

Suds Rajagopal is Co-Founder of Aukua Systems

KDPOF supports the test ecosystem to make sure that ECUs including their technology will be tested by recognized test houses and based on the ISO standard. “We are delighted to support the overall standard for optical gigabit connectivity in vehicles with ISO 21111 complementing the existing IEEE Std 802.3bvTM,” added Suds Rajagopal, Co-Founder at Aukua Systems. “By leveraging Aukua’s test solutions, carmakers and Tier1s now have access to a complete, compatible, and interoperating implementation based on these standards.”

ISO 21111 Standardization

For reliable implementations of systems that implement in-vehicle Ethernet Optical 1 Gb/s as a physical layer, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has added two new sections to the in-vehicle Ethernet series 21111: ISO 21111-3:2020 specifies additional features to IEEE 802.3bv, such as wake-up and synchronized link sleep algorithms. ISO 21111-5:2020 specifies requirements at the system level and a complete conformance and interoperability test plan for ECU providers that implement optical 1 Gb/s physical layer as specified in ISO 21111-3.

About Aukua Systems
Aukua Systems Inc. is a leading provider of Ethernet testing and visibility solutions. Whether developing, validating, deploying, supporting or managing applications or networks, their products help improve performance and make networks more secure. The Aukua product line includes packet capture tools, analyzers, traffic generators, and impairment emulators. Since 2015, equipment manufacturers, semiconductor companies, automotive OEMs and Tier1’s, large enterprises, service providers, and government agencies worldwide have depended on Aukua to build stronger networks.

Granite River Labs (GRL), a global leader in engineering services and test solutions for connectivity and charging, and KDPOF announced that a specification for 1 Gb/s optical connectivity in vehicles has been adopted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Vamshi Kandalla is Executive Vice President and General Manager of Granite River Labs

Vamshi Kandalla is Executive Vice President and General Manager of Granite River Labs

“GRL is proud to support ISO-standardized Gigabit Ethernet POF (GEPOF) test services and automated test solutions,” said Vamshi Kandalla, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Granite River Labs. “Extending our automotive ethernet testing profile further supports automotive hardware developers, including ECU vendors, to confidently deploy robust, interoperable products and technologies.”

“With ISO standardization of GEPOF, we and GRL jointly provide the network technology to enable new and emerging connected car technologies,” added Carlos Pardo, CEO and Co-Founder of KDPOF. “Carmakers and Tier1 suppliers benefit from integrated, compatible, and interoperable implementation based on our KD1053 IC and GRL’s competencies to perform conformance tests.”

ISO 21111 Enables Standardized Design and Testing of Optical Gigabit Networks

ISO published two new standards for in-vehicle Ethernet series 21111, forming the basis for reliable implementations of systems that realize in-vehicle 1 Gb/s Optical Ethernet as a physical layer. ISO 21111-3:2020 specifies additional features to IEEE 802.3bvTM, such as wake-up and synchronized link sleep algorithms. ISO 21111-5:2020 specifies requirements at the system level and a complete conformance and interoperability test plan for electronic control unit (ECU) providers that implement an optical 1 Gb/s physical layer as specified in ISO 21111-3.

About Granite River Labs

The world’s leading Engineering Services and Test Automation Solutions firm for connectivity and charging, GRL helps engineers solve tough design and validation challenges. GRL began in 2010 with a vision to provide affordable test services to help hardware developers implement digital interface technologies as they become faster, more complex, and more challenging to test. Today, GRL has worked with hundreds of companies supporting the adoption of new and emerging technologies from their worldwide test facilities and R&D centers. For more information, please see www.graniteriverlabs.com.

KDPOF welcomes the publication of two additional standards in the frame of the international in-vehicle Ethernet ISO standard series 21111. The supplementary parts, ISO 21111-3:2020 and ISO 21111-5:2020, specify further features for in-vehicle data transmission of 1 Gigabit per second over POF technology. “With the new ISO 21111 sections complementing the existing IEEE Std 802.3bvTM, optical Gigabit connectivity is now entirely standardized,” explained Carlos Pardo, CEO and Co-founder of KDPOF. “Based on these standards, our optical technology allows a complete, compatible, and interoperating implementation for carmakers and Tier1s.”

Publication of ISO 21111

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) has added two new sections to the in-vehicle Ethernet series 21111. These newly approved parts are key components to assure reliable implementations of systems that realize in-vehicle Ethernet Optical 1 Gb/s as a physical layer.

ISO 21111-3:2020 specifies additional features to IEEE 802.3bv, such as wake-up and synchronized link sleep algorithms. It also contains a complete conformance test plan for IC providers that implement this standard.

ISO 21111-5:2020 specifies requirements at the system level and a complete conformance and interoperability test plan for ECU providers that implement optical 1 Gb/s physical layer as specified in ISO 21111-3.

Further relevant parts of ISO 21111 for this type of high speed in-vehicle communications include:

  • ISO 21111-1 provides general definitions.
  • ISO 21111-2 defines general wake-up and sleep definitions and RGMII specifications.
  • ISO 21111-4:2020 is devoted to optical connectivity component specification and tests.
KDPOF demos first 50 Gb/s Single Lane Automotive-grade Optical Multi-Gigabit Ethernet (Copyright: Getty Images)
KDPOF demos first 50 Gb/s Single Lane Automotive-grade Optical Multi-Gigabit Ethernet
(Copyright: Getty Images)

KDPOF will proudly display the world’s first demonstration of an automotive-grade optical transmission system with 50 gigabits per second single lane at the Automotive Ethernet Congress from February 12 to 13, 2020 in Munich, Germany. In his presentation, “Optical Multi-Gigabit Ethernet – on the Verge of Standardization and Implementation,” on February 13 at 14:30, Carlos Pardo, CEO and Co-founder of KDPOF, will show details on the process for the new standard for multi-gigabit in automotive. It will enhance the existing 10GBASE-SR, which is the current standard by IEEE, to establish a communications channel in optical fiber at 10 Gb/s. “With technological leaps such as electrical vehicles, automated driving, and V2X interconnection rushing through, automotive applications, utilization, and safety requirements are boosting the necessary network speed tremendously,” explained Carlos Pardo. “Consequently, in-vehicle networks are on the brink of speeds from one to multiple gigabits per second.”

IEEE 802.3 Automotive Optical Multi-Gigabit Standard

With the approval of the IEEE 802.3 working group, a team of individuals affiliated with more than 15 key carmakers and components suppliers, including KDPOF, has started the standardization of an IEEE 802.3 Automotive Optical Multi-Gigabit Standard with strong support from the industry. The working group headed by Carlos Pardo (KDPOF) kicked off last summer. The first prototypes are projected by the end of 2021. The study group will evaluate the creation of an IEEE Ethernet standard for the automotive industry, with speeds starting at 2.5 Gb/s and going up to 25 or 50 Gb/s.

Optical Multi-Gigabit Ethernet – on the Verge of Standardization and Implementation

The key advantages of the optical solution for specific applications using multi-gigabit speeds with in-vehicle connectivity are, among others, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) thanks to the inherent galvanic isolation, low weight, and low cost. Relevant use cases from different carmakers in Europe and the USA incorporate the comprehensive features and benefits of the optical network technology. Use cases include the interconnectivity of telematics control modules, redundant and safe backbones for autonomous driving architectures, and advanced driver assist system (ADAS) sensors. 

Key leading optoelectronic, connector, and wire harness vendors worldwide are prepared and already provide a well-supplied and competitive market with all the new components needed for multi-gigabit in the car: Physical Layer (PHY), Fiber Optic Transceiver (FOT), fibers, connectors, and light sources. The technology will be scalable in order to enable even higher data rates such as 50 and 100 Gb/s in the future. By combining optimization in all areas of the new standard, the right balance of complexity and cost among all parts (CMOS IC, VCSEL, PD, ferrules, sleeves, cable, in-line connection technology, optics, and lenses, etc.) can be achieved in order to deliver the lowest cost, most reliable, and highly scalable solution to the automotive market. 

Demonstration
Automotive Ethernet Congress on February 12 to 13, 2020 in Munich, Germany 

Presentation 
“Optical Multi-Gigabit Ethernet – on the Verge of Standardization and Implementation” on February 13 at 14:30 by Carlos Pardo, CEO and Co-founder of KDPOF, at Automotive Ethernet Congress in Munich, Germany.

Further information 
White Paper “Off-the-shelf System Solution: Optical Multi-Gigabit Connectivity in Vehicles

Embedded Expo China: KDPOF Will Present Low Cost, Low Weight, and EMC Robustness of Gigabit Ethernet POF
Embedded Expo China: KDPOF Will Present Low Cost, Low Weight, and EMC Robustness of Gigabit Ethernet POF

At the Embedded Expo China from December 19 to 21, 2019 in Shenzhen, China, KDPOF will display the benefits of 1 Gigabit data transmission over Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) at stand 1E12. POF inherently provides galvanic isolation and simplifies Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC). In addition, applications profit from the low weight and low cost of optical connectivity, which is essential in the automotive industry. KDPOF’s Gigabit Ethernet over POF (GEPOF) transceiver KD1053 provides high connectivity with a flexible digital host interface, low latency, low jitter, and low linking time.

Camera Surround View

In a vehicle with a camera surround view system, the driver is able to have a 360-degree view around the vehicle. Between four and eight cameras are connected to the system via Ethernet with more than one Gigabit per second bandwidth required to ensure image quality and low latency. POF (GEPOF) is the ideal solution providing low weight, EMC robustness and consequently low price.

We look forward to meeting you in Shenzhen. To set up a meeting, please contact Juergen Schachtschneider

KDPOF robust, low latency POF backbone provides guaranteed Gigabit Wi-Fi mesh
KDPOF robust, low latency POF backbone provides guaranteed Gigabit Wi-Fi mesh
KDPOF robust, low latency POF backbone provides guaranteed Gigabit Wi-Fi mesh

KDPOF proudly announces that Comtrend has implemented their Gigabit Ethernet POF (GEPOF) technology in order to provide guaranteed connectivity within home networks. “Comtrend have preferred our POF optical transceiver KD1001 for their new device since more and more Service Providers require a way to secure robust connectivity with very low latency, reduced jitter, fast download speeds, and flawless connectivity for video,” stated Carlos Pardo, CEO and Co-founder of KDPOF. Comtrend’s new product provides two POF and two Ethernet ports in order to allow daisy chain topologies. “Service Providers worldwide will benefit from being able to deliver guaranteed 1 Gigabit connectivity into homes by combining the POF backbone with Wi-Fi Mesh.” 

Plastic Optical Fiber Backbone Complements Wi-Fi Mesh for Guaranteed Gigabit Performance

For customers that demand assured performance, POF is the preferred option. POF cables are practically invisible since installers can reuse any existing conduits or install in a very unnoticeable way in the home. Plastic Optical Fiber is cost-efficient, robust, and much easier and quicker to install than Cat 6 cables. 

KDPOF will present their in-home robust optical backbone connectivity at stand B40 at the Broadband World Forum on October 15 to 17, 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In his presentation ”Gbps: Do Customers Care?” on October 16, 2019 at 10:05, Ramón Garcia, Business Development Manager with KDPOF, will discuss how to satisfy Gbps customers and thereby increase the number of subscribers willing to pay for qualified bandwidth instead of sole connectivity. 

About Comtrend
Founded in 1990, Comtrend Corporation has established itself as one of the leading suppliers of Broadband Networking equipment in the world. An ISO-9001/14001 certified company, Comtrend designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of advanced networking equipment integrating ADSL, ADSL2+, Bonded ADSL2+, VDSL2, VoIP, Residential Wi-Fi, Auto Configuration Systems, GPON ONT, and High-Speed PLC technology. The company’s greatest triumph has been its ability to attract, retain, and develop talented professionals from all around the world. Comtrend is committed to a vision of bringing people together through technology and continues to realize this vision through a focus on innovation and superior service. For more information, including Comtrend’s full lineup of Broadband Networking solutions, please visit www.comtrend.com