Real-Time Li-Fi Communication System in Industry from Fraunhofer IPMS

[Ahmet Ö.]

Fraunhofer IPMS has introduced Li-Fi Grathus®, an optical wireless communication system designed to replace cable and radio-based wireless communication (Wi-Fi/cellular) in industrial environments. This technology uses light waves instead of radio waves to provide a data rate of 1 Gbit/s and a deterministic latency of less than 100 nanoseconds. These features are critical for digital supply chains where synchronized robots and high-speed sensor arrays require instantaneous feedback loops.

### Technical Performance and Determinism

• Data Rate: 1 Gbit/s full duplex (simultaneous sending and receiving)
• Latency: Deterministic latency below 100 ns, enabling "real-time" control
• Range: Reliable communication up to 10 meters
• Side Channel: 1 Mbit/s dedicated channel for management, diagnostics, and security signals

### Immunity to Electromagnetic Interference and Integration
The Li-Fi Grathus® system has the advantage of light-based communication, providing natural immunity to electromagnetic interference. While reflections and multipath interference of radio waves in metallic industrial environments can create system instability, Li-Fi Grathus® ensures a stable connection. It offers easy integration into existing industrial networks with its "plug and play" feature and supports the following protocols:

• Industrial Ethernet: Profinet, EtherCAT, EtherCAT G, SERCOS III
• Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN): Critical for prioritized data traffic
• Interfaces: USB 3.0/3.1 and Gigabit Ethernet

### Industrial Design and Ease of Use

• Multipath lens technology: Patented lens system for high transmission power and easy manual alignment
• Durable casing: Compact, thermally stable metal housing
• Safety: Laser Class 1 certified, safe for human eyes

### Strategic Applications in Automation and Logistics
Li-Fi Grathus® can be used in modular automotive production lines, for precise synchronization of robotic arms, for high-bandwidth data transfer in automated guided vehicles (AGVs), as a replacement for slip rings and complex cable carriers in rotating machinery, and as a wireless backbone for Wi-Fi or cellular access points in areas with high radio wave density.

Fraunhofer IPMS offers an evaluation kit, including two modules and necessary peripherals, for manufacturers who want to test the seamless replacement of 1 Gbps wired connections with optical wireless connections.