Optical Multi-Gigabit Ethernet: On the verge of standardisation

It will enhance the existing 10GBASE-SR, which is the current standard by IEEE, to establish a communications channel in optical fibere at 10Gb/s.

“With technological leaps such as electrical vehicles, automated driving, and V2X interconnection rushing through, automotive applications, utilisation, 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 standardisation 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 2.5Gb/s and going up to 25-50Gb/s.

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 US 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), Fibre Optic Transceiver (FOT), fibres, connectors, and light sources.

The technology will be scalable in order to enable even higher data rates such as 50 and 100Gbps in the future. By combining optimisation 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.