The automotive industry is undergoing a transformative era, often referred to as a once-in-a-century revolution, driven by the rapid advancement of CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric) technologies. Alongside these advancements, an influx of new entrants from various industries is reshaping the landscape of automotive development. One critical aspect of this transformation is the growing demand for ultra-fast data communication systems, necessitated by automated driving technologies. The need to process vast amounts of data from high-precision sensors has resulted in a significant increase in communication capacity requirements both inside and outside vehicles.
Traditional automotive electrical harnesses, primarily composed of copper or aluminum materials, are becoming increasingly inadequate in meeting the high-speed transmission demands of modern vehicles. This limitation has driven attention toward optical fiber technology as a solution. Optical fibers, known for their exceptional transmission capabilities and reliability, are paving the way for next-generation communication systems in automobiles.
Recognizing this potential, Sumitomo Electric played a pivotal role in the publication of the ISO 24581 international standard. This newly established standard specifies the requirements and testing methods for optical harness components. These components include multimode glass optical fiber cables and optical connectors, designed to ensure stable, ultra-high-speed communication even under the harsh environmental conditions encountered in automotive applications. The standard encompasses rigorous tests such as vibration tests, bending tests, and high/low-temperature tests, ensuring the reliability and durability of these components in demanding scenarios.
The adoption of optical harnesses based on ISO 24581 introduces significant benefits to the automotive industry. By utilizing optical fibers, automotive communication systems can achieve ultra-high-speed data transfer rates of up to 100 Gb/s. This advancement opens new possibilities for vehicle communication design, enabling manufacturers to break free from existing constraints tied to conventional automotive Ethernet communication standards and image transmission systems for automated driving. As a result, the industry gains greater flexibility in developing advanced communication components, expediting innovation and fostering overall progress.
Optical harnesses offer several key advantages over traditional copper-based systems. These include:
- Low Transmission Loss: Optical fibers exhibit minimal signal degradation over long distances, making them ideal for extended vehicle configurations like articulated buses and trailers.
- High Noise Resistance: Optical communication is inherently resistant to electromagnetic interference, ensuring reliable data transmission even in noisy environments.
- Lightweight and Compact Design: Optical harnesses are significantly thinner and lighter than conventional alternatives, contributing to reduced vehicle weight and improved fuel efficiency.
- Flexible Cable Routing: The slim and flexible nature of optical fibers simplifies the routing process, enabling system designs without constraints on the placement of electronic control units (ECUs).
The combination of these features allows for the construction of advanced automotive systems that can seamlessly integrate electronic control units (ECUs) and switching units (SWs). ECUs, which electronically control various vehicle functions, and SWs, which optimize network communication by directing necessary information appropriately, benefit from the enhanced communication capabilities of optical harnesses.
Sumitomo Electric, a global leader in the automotive wire harness industry, has been at the forefront of this technological shift. Leveraging its expertise in optical fibers, cables, and related technologies, the company has successfully bridged its automotive and information-communications sectors to achieve this milestone. The development and adoption of the ISO 24581 standard are a testament to Sumitomo Electric’s commitment to fostering innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Looking ahead, Sumitomo Electric aims to capitalize on the synergies between its diverse business areas to further enhance the capabilities of automotive optical harnesses. By developing cutting-edge products in alignment with the ISO 24581 standard, the company is poised to drive the integration of optical communication technologies into vehicles. This effort aligns with the broader goals of advancing the CASE society, where connected, autonomous, and sustainable mobility becomes a reality.
Through these initiatives, Sumitomo Electric reaffirms its dedication to contributing to the evolution of the automotive industry. As the world embraces the future of mobility, the company’s innovations in optical communication systems will play a critical role in enabling safer, smarter, and more efficient transportation systems.
- CASE: Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric.
- LVDS: Low Voltage Differential Signaling.
- SerDes: Serializer/Deserializer, converting between parallel and serial signal formats.
- MIPI: Mobile Industry Processor Interface, a high-speed interface standard for cameras and other applications.
- ECU: Electronic Control Unit, which controls vehicle functions.
- SW: Switching Unit, which optimizes network communication among ECUs.
