FEV, Lightspeed Technologies to demonstrate fiber optic-based O/E (Optical and Electronic) architecture for automotive application at 2018 CES

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- FEV North America, Inc. (FEV) and Lightspeed™ Technologies (Lightspeed) have joined forces to create an automotive O/E (Optical and Electronic) system architecture technology that transmits photons over plastic optical fiber in lieu of E/E (Electricity and Electronics) technologies that typically conduct electrons over copper.  This will significantly reduce weight, the number of vehicle parts, and assembly costs, while improving system efficiencies. The technology will be demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in January 2018. The demonstrations take place in the FEV Hospitality Suite at the Bellagio Hotel.

Lightspeed has created an all fiber optic, zero software system for vehicles that replaces copper wiring and other heavy components, while increasing the integration level. The technology has already been proven in aircraft and military applications.  It provides additional security by making the system immune to EMI (electromagnetic interference), RFI (radio frequency interference) and EMP (electromagnetic pulse). It would also be a robust system since the fibers do not corrode.

The system requires zero software, instead replacing the operating system and application software with real-time, proprietary deterministic algorithms and look up tables. The functions are embedded into a proprietary Systems-on-a-Chip, increasing system reliability, MTBF and speed, while decreasing weight and power requirements. 

Using its extensive knowledge of automotive hardware / software development and integration, calibration, deep electronics and vehicle systems expertise, FEV designs the vehicle architecture and components then integrates the system into the vehicle, optimizing the system's capabilities for an automotive application. A demonstrator vehicle will be the next step in the project's development.

About FEV Group
The FEV Group is an internationally recognized powertrain and vehicle engineering company that supports the global transportation industry.  FEV offers a complete range of engineering services, providing support across the globe to customers in the design, analysis, prototyping, powertrain and transmission development, as well as vehicle integration, calibration and homologation for advanced internal combustion gasoline-, diesel-, and alternative-fueled powertrains. FEV also designs, develops and prototypes advanced vehicle / powertrain electronic control systems and hybrid-electric engine concepts that address future emission and fuel economy standards.  The company has expanded its engineering capabilities to include full vehicle systems and now offers broad expertise in electronics, telematics and infotainment system engineering. The FEV Testing Solutions division is a global supplier of advanced test cell, instrumentation and test equipment.  The FEV Group employs a staff of over 4,600 highly skilled specialists at advanced technical centers on three continents.  FEV North America, Inc. employs over 450 personnel in its North American Technical Center in Auburn Hills, MI. For more information, visit www.fev.com

SOURCE FEV North America, Inc.

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