Yazaki Shows Next Generation Optical Data Transmission System

DETROIT, Oct. 21, 2002; -- Yazaki Corporation, a leading supplier of vehicle power and data solutions to the automotive industry, today demonstrated the feasibility of a glass fiber-based optical data transmission system. Developed with key partners, this new high performance system promises as much as a five-fold increase in bandwidth and a 50 times reduction in signal attenuation, compared to current plastic optical fiber (POF) systems.

"The application of electronics into vehicles to support safety, convenience and infotainment features is increasing rapidly. This trend is driving the need for greater bandwidth, communication speed and better environmental performance," said Myron Trenne, vice president, Research & Development, Yazaki North America. "The system we're showing today at Convergence offers a solution to those needs and the technical challenges inherent in meeting them."

The Yazaki PCS Optical Communications System combines Yazaki's high performance connector technology with polymer-clad silica (PCS) fiber and vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL) to provide the increases in performance necessary to meet those future requirements.

"This technology offers great potential and we are presenting it now to gather feedback from our customers," said Trenne. "We want to understand how our customers might use it, when they will need it, and what their cost targets might be."

Although systems utilizing PCS fiber and VCSEL technology are currently used in commercial data-communications applications, they operate in relatively benign environments. Automotive systems must be able to function flawlessly in aggressive environments where vibration, extreme temperatures, water, dirt and other contaminants are constant threats.

"Not only do we need to design and manufacture data transmission systems that are functionally efficient, we must create a product that will stand up to the rigors of automotive applications ... and the cost has to be right," said Trenne.

The use of PCS fiber and a VCSEL light source presents some special challenges. Because the core diameter of PCS is much smaller than that of POF, ensuring signal alignment for optimal performance is crucial. High- performance components, higher communication speeds and severe operating environments demand highly precise, rugged connection systems.

"This is where we shine," said Trenne. "Our connector technology, coupled with our systems' integration capability, is the key enabler of our new system."

In addition to greater bandwidth, PCS fiber offers exceptional heat resistance and superb flexibility, providing unprecedented opportunities to route long lengths of the fiber through high temperature areas and in more complex configurations.

For example, the Yazaki PCS Optical Communications System would enable the use of optically connected, forward-looking video cameras or radar, with PCS fiber routed through the engine compartment to control units or displays in the passenger compartment. Rear seat entertainment systems offering multiple channels for multiple users, Internet connectivity to an on-board PC and other applications might require routing through the vehicle headliner, where temperatures can be extreme. Future applications could also include collision anticipation and avoidance systems, x-by-wire systems, image processing, video displays and more.

"This technology is still under development, but we're very encouraged by the progress we've made," said Trenne.

Dr. Eberhard Zeeb, Senior Manager, DaimlerChrysler Research and Technology, said, "A system that uses PCS fiber in combination with VCSEL transmitter technology has the capability to satisfy all relevant requirements for next-generation automotive data buses."