Tongkuai and KDPOF launch their first 980 nm multi gigabit automotive interconnection system

Tongkuai Optoelectronic Devices, a global leader in vertical cavity laser emitters (VCSEL) and laser diodes (PD) solutions based in Germany, and a Spanish expert in high-speed optical network solutions, KDPOF, showcased the first 980 nm multi gigabit interconnect system for automotive systems at last week's ECOC.

Both companies are committed to achieving the most advanced optical data communication standards and solutions for the automotive industry. Due to the strong development of autonomous driving in the automotive industry, a large amount of data must be processed in automobiles. Therefore, optical interconnection is needed as a neural system to manage data flow, connect sensors and electronic brains, while meeting strict electromagnetic interference requirements.

As this trend intensifies, Tongkuai and KDPOF established a strategic partnership as early as 2022, combining their knowledge in data communication devices and network fields. Now, significant progress has been made in the first implementation of the new standard IEEE Std 802.3cz (nGBASE-AU), which consists of transceivers - integrating electronics, photonics, and optics in a single IC component. The evaluation board will soon be available for OEM testing.

980 nm VCSEL and PD solutions with higher stability
980 nm wavelength VCSEL as a new automotive standard IEEE802.3cz

Automobiles are a highly demanding industry. Therefore, the IEEE Std 802.3cz standard focuses on high reliability and can achieve low-cost, mass production, and a lifespan of 15 years or even longer, "said KDPOF's CTO Rub é n P é rez Aranda. After suppliers like Tongkuai joined the 802.3cz working group, they enriched the discussion with their deep manufacturing and design knowledge in VCSEL and PD devices, thus setting strict and reliable standards. Through our further strategic partnership, the goal is to make optical networks an indispensable part of future automobiles, "P é rez Aranda added.

The increasing use of optical data communication in automotive systems

With the development of autonomous vehicle, the amount of data in the vehicle network is increasing

VCSEL and PD can support optical data communication applications
Automotive applications not only require a wider operating temperature range (from -40 ° C to up to 125 ° C), but also require a short interconnect length of less than 40 meters. Due to its excellent stability against wear and random faults, 980 nm VCSEL has been approved as the new standard wavelength. In addition to its performance characteristics, 980 nm is also suitable for existing OM3 fibers with low dispersion loss.

Source: Tongkuai