Value proposition

Robust high-speed optical fiber technology for harsh environments, in fully integrated optoelectronics devices.

Fabless semiconductor supplier KD provides innovative high-speed optical networking for harsh environments. Founded in 2010 in Madrid, Spain, KD offer their cost-effective technology as either ASSP or IP (Intellectual Property) to be integrated in SoCs (System-on-Chips).

Optical connectivity perfectly solves the electrical challenges and interference in vehicles thanks to its low weight, low cost, and electromagnetic compatibility due to inherent galvanic isolation. The integrated KD9351 Fiber Optic Transceiver (FOT), in combination with the proven KD1053 IC, reduces the cost for optical in-vehicle networks at 1 Gb/s, compared to STP (shielded twisted pair of copper wires). Incorporating the transmit and receive optoelectronics into one single component, the KD9351 is an optical transceiver for 100 Mb/s up to 1 Gb/s with a small footprint, enhanced efficiency and flexibility. With the comprehensive EVK9351AUT evaluation kit, carmakers and suppliers can already test the new configuration at 1 Gbit/s today. KDPOF thus supports easy project entry into optical gigabit connectivity for a secure Ethernet backbone and ADAS sensor connections in vehicles.

Together with industry leaders, KDPOF is working on an optical automotive multi-gigabit system that will fulfill the needs of future connected and automated vehicles. Instead of various port components, the new solution provides a single, complete off-the-shelf package. The ecosystem already exists since the system leverages well-proven technologies, such as VCSELs multimode fibers and photodiodes already developed for the data centers industry. The technology will be scalable in order to enable even higher data rates, such as 50 and 100 Gb/s, in the future. Standardization processes are ongoing with IEEE 802.3 Automotive Ethernet and ISO PWI 24581 in progress.

Digital and Mixed-Signal Semiconductors, Digital Communications Technologies, Safety Redundancy, Autonomous Driving, Battery Management, Multi-Gigabit optical links, Quality of Experience, Infotainment, Safe Backbone, Galvanic Isolation, Smart Antenna Modules, Lower Speed EMC-tight Links, EMC, ADAS Sensor Interconnection, Connectivity, Network, Automotive Ethernet, Plastic optical fiber, fiber optics, Home networking, low latency, and electric mobility