16 Gbit/s Physical Layer

Efficient Networks in Vehicles for Data Rates up to 16 Gbit/s

Using the 16 Gbit/s physical layer for a simple twisted pair wireline data transmission, it is possible to transfer data at rates of 16 Gbit/s in real time. The new high-speed is ideal for high-bit-rate data streaming with real time requirements used in driver assistance systems with machine vision, but also for connecting mobile devices as well as for multimedia applications in vehicles.

These applications require high data throughput using a simple, lightweight and inexpensive copper cable, combined with low power consumption and minimum latency. Consuming less than one watt for every transmitter/receiver pair, the new physical layer can transmit 16 Gbit/s over a single twisted pair cable up to 10m or a single coax cable up to 15m long. Keeping the latency to a minimum provides video data for machine vision applications and human-machine interaction tasks in real time. The universal design of this development allows a wide range of content with various requirements to be transmitted effective simultaneously, which also means that connections that used to run in parallel can now be consolidated into one pair of wires.

Similar requirements are found in production automation and robotics, i.e. in the field of environment detection and material testing, as well as at medical technology. Broadcasting that uses multiple cameras and HD or even 4k video streaming can also benefit from this technology.

Fraunhofer IIS scientists will be demonstrating an evaluation and test platform for the 16 Gbit/s physical layer at embedded world (Hall 4, Booth 4-460).