Wireless TSN via Li-Fi

When we want to talk to each other, we best transfer the information in a short time and without detours. In automation technology, the demands on communication are even higher. There, messages often have to be transmitted in the microsecond range, for example to synchronize machines or drives with each other. The Fraunhofer IPMS has combined Li-Fi and Time Sensitive Networking to enable real-time and deterministic data transmission wirelessly.

Previously, real-time data transmission via cable was carried out using special fieldbus systems.  This makes it unsuitable for mobile applications in industrial robots and automation technology. The Fraunhofer IPMS has combined Li-Fi and Time Sensitive Networking to enable real-time and deterministic data transmission wirelessly. This enables mobile applications such as industrial robots or dynamic manufacturing cells to communicate wirelessly and in real time via TSN standard.

“Li-Fi is a technology for wireless data transmission by means of light and offers the possibility to realize transmission times in the microsecond range. In addition, the data connection with Li-Fi is reliable and offers consistent quality,” explains Dr. Alexander Noack, head of development at Fraunhofer IPMS. “Li-Fi is therefore an ideal medium for real-time and deterministic wireless data communication. In this way, Time Sensitive Networking can also be implemented without cables.

Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) extends existing Ethernet standards by deterministic and real-time data transmission through a common network. Especially in the field of modern production, high bandwidth and guaranteed cycle times of less than one millisecond are required. A time-critical and prioritized control of the data streams is indispensable for this.

“Until now, real-time data transmission for TSN was wired. However, radio transmission would be an alternative, but there are clear limits,” continues Dr. Noack. “With today’s radio standards such as 4G, LTE, W-LAN or the future 5G radio standard, required latency times from automation in the microsecond range cannot be achieved. The Fraunhofer IPMS therefore integrates TSN into a Li-Fi hotspot.”

At the international trade fair for intelligent automation “SPS” in Nuremberg from 26 to 28 November 2019, the Fraunhofer IPMS will present the TSN Li-Fi hotspot in Hall 7A, Stand 246. In addition, wireless sensor systems for IoT applications, IP core solutions for TSN and wireless optical communication solutions (Li-Fi) for industrial applications will be presented.