CEA-Leti reveals high data rate Li-Fi prototype
The technology employs the high-frequency modulation capabilities of light-emitting diode (LED) engines used in commercial lighting.
The device achieves 10Mb/s transmission rate at a range of three meters using light power of less than 1,000 lumens and with direct or even indirect lighting.
With this first proof of concept and its expertise in RF communications, Leti is forecasting data transmission rates in excess of 100Mb/s with traditional lighting based on LED lamps using this technology approach and without altering the high-performance lighting characteristics.
The optical system consists of an A19 lamp based on LEDs at the transmitter and an avalanche photodiode at the receiver. The digital communication component is implemented on a proprietary and reconfigurable platform that carries out a flexible multi-carrier modulation.
As part of its Ecodesign process, the European Union has established a schedule for LED lighting penetration (regulation No. 1194/2012) which will help drive Li-Fi technology developments. Halogen lamps will be phased out and replaced by LED lighting by Sept. 1, 2016, in 30 European countries.
Moreover, because LEDs can be modulated at high frequencies and their oscillations are invisible to humans, they permit information transmission at high data rates.
Other technical and market factors also are increasing interest in data transmission through lighting. These include crowding of the conventional radiofrequency (RF) spectrum, the mobile data-traffic explosion in cellular networks, and the need for wireless data transmission without electromagnetic field (EMF) interference.
The demonstration is part of a Leti project begun in 2013 to achieve a high data rate Li-Fi prototype by applying Leti’s expertise in digital communications, hardware prototyping and solid-state lighting.
Leti, which is demonstrating the Li-Fi capability to show a promising alternative to conventional RF wireless communications, is also focusing on component optimization to offer a bidirectional link.
Related articles and links:
News articles:
LED lightbulbs access Internet to pave the way for energy saving LiFi technology
LiFi proposal for massive-MIMO visible-light communication networks
Slideshow: Six shakers and movers in LED technology
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
