Li-Fi Grathus system enables gigabit optical data exchange in industrial environments

The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) is introducing a new technology called Li-Fi Grathus®, which transmits data via light instead of cable or radio waves. The system delivers gigabit-speed performance and can send and receive data simultaneously. It operates reliably and with near-zero latency, even in environments where traditional wireless systems reach their limits. Thus, Li-Fi Grathus® enables flexible, reliable, and truly real-time industrial communication.

 Modern industrial facilities require machines, sensors, and control systems to communicate with one another fast and reliably. Traditional wired connections are often inflexible, and wireless solutions are susceptible to interference.

 Li-Fi Grathus is said to address this challenge. The new technology uses light for data transmission, providing a wireless connection that does not rely on radio waves. With data rates of 1 Gbit/s or more and a range of up to 10 meters, the system is suitable for many industrial applications, says the IPMS.

A feature of the system is its extremely short and predictable delay, known as “deterministic latency”, of less than 100 nanoseconds. This allows for real-time data transmission, necessary for applications like robotics and precise machine control.

High-Speed and reliable

Because the system is based on radio waves it is immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is common in industrial environments. The system also supports full-duplex communication, transmitting and receiving simultaneously, which ensures uninterrupted data flow and prevents any time loss.

Furthermore, it can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems and networks without major modifications and supports common industrial standards, such as Profinet, EtherCAT, EtherCAT G, SERCOS III, and the new Time Sensitive Networking (TSN). In addition to Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet, it supports USB 3.0/3.1 and customer-specific interfaces. An additional side channel with 1 Mbit/s supports management, diagnostics, and safety signals.

IPMS states that  Li-Fi Grathus is suitable for applications that require fast, wireless data transmission. Typical use cases include: industrial automation; robotics; motion control; backhaul and backbone connections for Wi-Fi and cellular access points; logistics systems; rotating machinery; and high-bandwidth channels for uploading and downloading sensor data in automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

“The Li-Fi Grathus builds on more than 15 years of Li-Fi expertise at Fraunhofer IPMS. Our latest development provides fast, secure, real-time optical wireless communication for industrial applications and is compatible with numerous industrial Ethernet standards. Its robust design makes it ideal for demanding industrial environments,” said Dr. René Kirrbach, Group Leader for Li-Fi at Fraunhofer IPMS.

The Li-Fi Grathus is available as an evaluation kit. The ready-to-use set enables the easy replacement of a wired 1 Gbps Ethernet connection with an optical link via plug-and-play, while also allowing testing of the technology’s basic functions in practice. The kit includes two Grathus modules, two Ethernet cables, a power supply, and a user manual, and is available directly from Fraunhofer IPMS.