The supplier for gigabit connectivity over fiber optics in harsh environments KDPOF from Spain entered a technological cooperation with Würth Elektronik from Germany, one of the leading manufacturers of electronics and electromechanical components in Europe, to advance automotive multigigabit Ethernet.

“We are honored to have Würth Elektronik as a partner for our next-generation optical high-speed connectivity reference designs in vehicles,” stated Carlos Pardo, CEO and co-founder of KDPOF. “As the auto industry approaches the 100 Gb/s·m speed-length threshold, the move from copper to optical physical data transmission media is picking up speed.”

“With a growing portfolio of automotive grade components, we are able to support several innovative applications such as ADAS,” said Alexander Gerfer, CTO of the Würth Elektronik eiSos group. “Our partnership with KDPOF marks an important step towards strengthening our presence in the field of automotive in-vehicle connectivity, where our EMC know-how is highly requested.”

In order to fulfill the needs of future connected and automated vehicles, KDPOF’s next-generation automotive Ethernet provides high-speed links up to 100 Gb/s over glass optical fibers (GOF). Instead of various port components, the new solution delivers a single-component, complete automotive multi-gigabit system. Optical Ethernet connectivity perfectly solves vehicles' challenges and electrical interference thanks to its unbeatable electromagnetic compatibility, reliability, and low cost.

The new connector systems are very small, light-weight, and extremely inexpensive compared to the previous ones. With cost-down and consistency in focus, optics, fibers, connectors, and electronics already developed for nGBASE-SR are leveraged. Further specifications include 980 nm VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser), multimode OM3 fiber, and connectors. Applications comprise display connectivity, sensor-fusion backbone, and ADAS sensors, such as cameras, radar, and lidar.

KDPOF will present their latest demo setup, demonstrating automotive high-speed links with a connector from MD Elektronik, together with Würth Elektronik at stand 110 in hall 2 at Embedded World international trade show on March 14, 2023 in Nuremberg. Germany. In addition, KDPOF will show the demo at Automotive Ethernet Congress from March 22 to 23, 2023 in Munich, Germany.