Fraunhofer introduces LiFi Grathus | Electronics Weekly

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.

The Li-Fi Grathus is available as an evaluation kit. This “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.

Deterministic latency is less than 100 nanoseconds. This allows for real-time data transmission, which is crucial for robotics and precise machine control.

The technology’s immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is common in industrial environments, is a key advantage.

The system supports full-duplex communication, transmitting and receiving simultaneously, which ensures uninterrupted data flow and prevents any time loss.

It can be 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.

Unlike complex optical systems such as free-space setups, which require time-consuming alignment, or costly solutions like beam steering or adaptive optics, Li-Fi Grathus can be installed and operated flexibly without any adjustments.