In the future, scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS in Dresden want to replace wired fieldbus systems or HF connectors that are subject to wear with Li-Fi communication modules. Optical technology makes it possible to transmit data in both half and full duplex modes at speeds of up to 12.5 gigabits per second over short distances. The transceiver replaces cable or plug connections and operates up to ten times faster than currently available wireless solutions. Other advantages include negligible bit error rates (<10-11), and low energy consumption. This unique transceiver is especially suitable for industrial applications in which large amounts of data need to be transmitted very quickly and where plug connections no longer meet requirements or provide the necessary level of reliability.

"With our know-how in the field of optical design, high-frequency electronics, packaging  as well as high-frequency and optical measurement and test, we are able to flexibly react to the needs of our customers", says Project Manager Frank Deicke. "So we can, for example, optimize the size of existing prototypes or customize application-specific range and alignment". The Fraunhofer IPMS technology can already be tested and the institute currently offers evaluation kits for data rates of 1, 5 and 10 Gbps.

Visitors to the European Conference on Optical Communication ECOC, Europe's largest meeting place for optical communication, have the chance to examine the Li-Fi interconnect technology in Valencia from 28 – 30 September 2015. The Fraunhofer IPMS exhibition can be found at booth 812.