Modules have been developed that can transfer data, wirelessly, at up to 1Gbps over a distance of 10m. Developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS), the modules rely on LiFi technology: that is, transferring data using light.
Fraunhofer IPMS’ solution uses infrared light as the wireless transmission medium. Bandwidth reaches ‘several’ Gbps; data can be transferred up to 10 times faster than existing wireless solutions, says the Institute – using 15% of the energy per byte.
A LiFi Hotspot prototype will be shown by Fraunhofer at Electronica in Munich next month (stand A4.113). The module combines an optical transceiver and protocol controller with a Giagbit ethernet interface, so can be integrated into common industrial systems.
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Several years ago, Samsung showed this kind of technology in backlights for displays, although we haven’t seen anything in backlights for a while. The idea of ‘narrowcasting’ data from a display without impacting other wireless signals is a good one, but requires standards to become a realistic application. (TA)
