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Fibre optic connectivity is already widely used when high data transfer speeds are required. In the automotive sector, however, fibre optic technology is only just on the verge of a breakthrough. ZF has further developed its ProAI high-performance computer for optical multi-gigabit Ethernet in automotive applications. Newly developed chips and connectors enable data to be transmitted via automotive-grade optical fibres according to the IEEE 802.3cz standard.
“This ultra-fast transmission is a key technology for future vehicle electrical systems of software-defined vehicles,” explained Oliver Briemle, head of Cross-Domain Computing at ZF. The technology enables both short- and long-distance transmissions of up to 40 meters. Series production is possible as early as next year.
Optical multi-gigabit Ethernet offers considerable advantages for various vehicle classes. Intensive tests have confirmed the suitability of this technology for use in cars, trucks, buses and shuttles and have proven its robustness under various operating conditions. The results show that optical multi-gigabit Ethernet is a versatile and future-proof solution for data communication.
Basics of optical data transmission
Optical data transmission is a key technology used in many modern communication systems, including the automotive industry. It is based on the transmission of light signals through glass optical fibre (GOF) or plastic optical fibre (POF) cables.
Fibre optic cables offer high bandwidth and low losses. The propagation of light in these fibres is based on the principle of total internal reflection. When light enters the fibre, it is reflected at the interfaces between the core and cladding of the fibre, causing it to remain trapped in the core and propagate along the fibre.
Optical data transmission in the automotive industry
High data transmission rates and reliability are advantages of optical data transmission systems in the automotive industry. Optical systems such as “Media Oriented Systems Transport”, or MOST for short, were introduced in the automotive sector around approximately 20 years ago. These older systems relied on polymer fibres as the physical layer for data transmission. In contrast, the new standards, such as the optical multi-gigabit Ethernet according to IEEE 802.3cz-2023, are based on glass fibres, which offer a higher bandwidth and lower losses.
