ZF partners with KD for 10GBASE-AU optical networking

German Tier One supplier ZF is collaborating with KD in Spain to develop the first multigigabit optical networking design for upgradeable vehicle networks. ZF is incorporating the KD7251 transceiver into its ProAI high-performance electronic control unit (ECU), making it the first optical transceiver capable of transmitting data through automotive-grade optical fibers using the IEEE 802.3cz standard.

The KD7251 transceiver is designed to support BASE-AU physical layers and comply with 802.3cz for data rates of 2.5, 5, and 10 Gbit/s over glass optical fiber links. It serves as a bridge for MIPI sensors like cameras (CSI-2), displays (DSI-2), and AI processors (PCIe) in vehicles, featuring four inline connectors.

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Moreover, the same cables and connectors can be repurposed for higher bitrates at 25, 50 Gbit/s, and beyond in the future. This flexibility allows the ECU to be upgraded with faster AI processors without necessitating changes to the vehicle network, a crucial advancement for enhancing software-defined vehicle (SDV) implementations. The ProAI can be enhanced with processor boards ranging from 20TOPS to 1500TOPS, utilizing the latest Drive Thor GPU from Nvidia on a shared base board to cater to diverse customer needs.

While the standard version of the transceiver measures 24 x 14 x 5cm, the multi-domain variant comes in at 30 x 15 x 5cm. The adoption of fiber optics not only trims significant weight compared to copper cabling but also contributes to reducing fleet consumption, aligning with sustainability goals.

Oliver Briemle, Head of Cross-Domain Computing at ZF, emphasized the importance of ultra-fast transmission as a pivotal technology for future vehicle electrical systems. Briemle noted that the technology facilitates both short- and long-distance transmissions of up to 40 meters for cars and commercial vehicles. Test results underscore that optical multigigabit Ethernet stands as a versatile and future-proof solution for data communications.

Carlos Pardo, CEO and Co-founder of KD, hailed the implementation as a significant milestone in translating the IEEE Std 802.3cz specifications into tangible products and applications. Pardo highlighted the role of fiber optics communications in addressing connectivity challenges in demanding environments, underscoring the potential of optical networking in mainstream automotive applications.

The KD7251 transceiver boasts integrated EMC shielding, ensuring robust component-level EMC compliance without the need for external components. This design choice results in a smaller PCB area, lower BOM, and eliminates the necessity for ESD protections, common mode chokes, EMI filters, or DC blocks. As an automotive component, it supports MACsec, ASIL-B FuSa, TSN, Wake-up & Sleep, OAM, and reliability functions, enhancing its versatility and applicability.

Beyond ECU integration, the transceiver holds promise for various optical networking applications, spanning from an Ethernet backbone and zonal gateway connectivity to smart antenna links and connectivity for radars, cameras, lidar, displays, and high-performance computing units, showcasing its broad utility in advancing automotive connectivity and performance.