FRAUNHOFER INSTITUTE FOR PHOTONIC MICROSYSTEMS IPMS Li-Fi Optical Wireless Communication
Optical Wireless Data Transfer over a Distance of Several Meters. Li-Fi Optical Wireless Communication Light as a Transmission Medium Using light as a communication tool, for example in beacons and lighthouses, has a long tradition in the history of mankind. With a speed of approximately 300,000 km / s, light is the fastest known transmission medium. Technologically, everyone is aware of optical signals used in the television remote control. Even when radiation is emitted in infrared (IR), outside our visible spectrum, the transmission of data is based on the same physical laws as those for the so-called visual light communication (VLC) using visible light. So far, optical wireless communication has prevailed above all only in special applications, with radio transmission technologies dominating the broader market of wireless data communication. Due to the ever-growing amount of data to be transmitted, radio-based wireless communication is increasingly reaching its limits. In addition to the limited bandwidth availability of radio systems, the so-called Frequency Crunch problem, implementation costs are growing exponentially with increasing transmission frequencies. The advantages of Li-Fi technology can be summarized in two simple words: Fast Low latency means real time capability Accessible No cables means more flexibility Secure Line-of-Sight means hard to hack Tiny Small module sizes are possible Low-cost Low energy and production costs Interference-free No RF interferences Global No spectrum license fees High-speed 10 faster than other wireless solutions Timely Up-to-date technology Therefore, optical wireless communication known as Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) is experiencing a renaissance due especially to high data rates, relatively low production costs and the possibility to communicate in real time. Hence, light as a transmission medium will, in the next years, play an increasingly important role in both the industrial as well as in the consumer sectors.
Wireless Energy and High Speed Data Transmission. Li-Fi GigaDock Our optical docking station addresses application scenarios with ranges of a few centimeters. Data speeds of 12.5 Gbps are now already realizable, still unachievable for radio connections. The future will bring transmission speeds of over 100 Gbps. Through narrow restrictions of the data connection with regards to reach and field-of-view, up to 97% of the transmission capacity can be utilized for user data. The data exchange is limited to a defined area and therefore does not interfere with other Hotspots nearby, making it possible to use the full bandwidth of each Li-Fi link. In addition to Li-Fi-broadcasting modules sending data in one direction, technology developed at Fraunhofer IPMS offers the possibility of a real-time capable and bi-directional, full duplex communication. In addition to a high net data rate and real-time capability, security plays a major role in this application scenario. Eavesdropping on communications is practically impossible and thereby just as private as a direct access by means of a plug or cable connection. In contrast, however, no open contacts exist. The system remains fully closed on every side of communication. Fraunhofer IPMS develops and manufactures transceivers for Li- Fi docking applications with dimensions of down to 2 mm edge length. A wireless energy supply is also possible at this distance. Li-Fi Hotspot The Li-Fi-Hotspot developed at Fraunhofer IPMS allows for the installation of a private, high-speed network without imposing cables. The system offers high data rates of up to 1 Gbps, robustness, low energy consumption, data security as well as networking capability over a distance of up to 30 meters and its small size is easily aligned and inexpensive to install. Cable Replacement in Industrial Applications With more and more sensors, machines and control units communicating with each other, industrial equipment is becoming increasingly complex. Evolving requirements have also resulted in increased demands to find substitutes for the prevailing wirebound fieldbus systems. Wireless systems offer better reliability and security than expensive special cables or slip rings that are prone to wear and tear, particularly in movable or moving equipment. Due to low latency, a Li-Fi communication channel is very well suited for machine-to-machine interaction. It is therefore possible to synchronize sensor and actuator data and thus avoid collisions or coordinate complex interactions between robot arms or different subsystems. Li-Fi solutions developed at Fraunhofer IPMS also allow the expansion of existing infrastructure free of costly installation through a an independent communication channel. This is especially beneficial in areas where conventional technologies are
Wireless Board-to-Board Communication with up to 12.5 Gbps. already in use by other applications or the use of radio systems is impossible due to strong electromagnetic interactions. The electrical interface communication for the Li-Fi module can be individually adapted to the given requirements of an already existing communication network, like Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, RS422, RS232 CAN or Profinet. The modules are designed to work in a plug-and-play manner without installation of additional software. Security One of the main handicaps of optical wireless data transmission is the necessary line of sight. However, this constraint is not only disadvantageous. Data can only be accessed by the direct introduction of a receiver in the transmission channel. Such an intrusion would, with high probability, be noticed allowing for a swift response to such an event. Therefore, Li-Fi communication combines the flexibility of wireless communication technology with the security of traditional cable-wired solutions. Due to the potentially high net data rates, connections must often be held only for a short time, for example when downloading new firmware or uploading sensor data. more complex connector constructions in order to reliably send signals. Unfortunately, it is often the case that delicately-structured HF connectors are expensive and in practice, mechanically fragile. Contacts often become bent or loose and connectors can be replugged only a limited number of times. The Fraunhofer IPMS is designing Li-Fi modules to replace vulnerable HF connectors on printed circuit boards and thus ensure reliable board-to-board communication. This allows for higher flexibility with respect to interchangeability and installation of board modules. Furthermore, completely new opportunities arise for the form factor and miniaturization of systems and the galvanic decoupling of subsystems. Fraunhofer IPMS Competences Optics Transceiver Protocol Controller Li-Fi Board-to-Board Communication High-frequency signals are commonly transmitted between two circuit boards via HF connectors. Higher data rates require Electrical Interface
Range of Services Li-Fi Module Characteristics Fraunhofer IPMS Services Data Rate: kbit / s up to 12.5 Gbit / s Wavelengths: Infrared and Visible Low Power down to 7mW / Gbit / s Distances up to 30 m Smallest Package Concept: 2 2 2 mm² Temperature Range: Consumer or Industrial Laser Class 1 Different Electrical Interfaces (e.g. USB, RS422, RS232, CAN, HDMI, Profinet, Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet) Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint Solutions Uni- and Bi-directional Communication Half and Full Duplex Mode Plug and Play Consulting Services Guidance for decisions which may change the world. Feasibility Tests Use our know-how to verify your ideas. Research and Development Innovation for our future. Module Prototyping Make your vision a product. Optical & HF Simulation Plan before acting. Available Evaluation Kits Li-Fi GigaDock Eval Kits Transceiver Type Data Rate GD-1G 1 Gbit / s GD-5G 5 Gbit / s GD-10G 10 Gbit / s Li-Fi Hotspot Eval Kits Transceiver Type Data Rate HS-1M 1 Mbit / s HS-10M 10 Mbit / s HS-100M 100 Mbit / s HS-1G 1 Gbit / s Customized Transceiver Design No compromises. Transceiver Test and Qualification Clarify your stance. Eye Safety and Laser Class Measurement Safety first. Eye Diagram and Jitter Measurements Everything sharp and clear.
Short Profile Based in Dresden, Fraunhofer IPMS is your research and service partner for the fields of optical sensors and actuators, integrated circuits, microsystems (MEMS/ MOEMS) and nanoelectronics. As one of currently 67 independent institutes of the Fraunhofer Society for the advancement of applied research, the leading European organization for industry-related research, our approximately 280 scientists work together with industrial and service companies as well as the public sector on projects directly benefiting both business and society. In recognition of our customers high standards, the Fraunhofer IPMS is certified in accordance with DIN EN 9001:2008 to research, develop and manufacture photonic microsystems, relevant semiconductor and microsystem processes and integrated actuators / sensors as well as to provide DEKRA consulting. We are committed to the research and development of technology for tomorrow s high-speed networks in the field of optical wireless communication. We utilize light, both from the infrared and visible spectrums, as a wireless transmission medium. Our Li-Fi technology uses bandwidths of several gigabits per second and has the potential to transmit data up to one ten times faster than currently available wireless solutions with a negligible bit error rate of 10-9 per second. Together with industry partners, we have founded the new industry platform Li-Fi Consortium in 2011, enabling us to drive industry-suitable technology developments in markets characterized by different standards as well as promote and market optical technologies and applications. With our years of experience, we offer application oriented contract research, technology solutions and product development as well as prototype and pilot series production for a variety of Li-Fi application scenarios. Li-Fi Optical Wireless Communication Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS Maria-Reiche-Str. 2 01109 Dresden, Germany Phone: +49 351 88 23-0 Fax: +49 351 88 23-266 info@ipms.fraunhofer.de www.ipms.fraunhofer.de