SANTA ROSA, CA, Jan 29, 2025 – Keysight Technologies and KD, Inc., have collaborated to create a comprehensive test for multigigabit optical automotive Ethernet physical layer. The companies have jointly developed a Transmitter Distortion Figure of Merit (TDFOM) measurement and signal analysis metric validating PMD transmitter conformance based on the IEEE 802.3cz and Open Alliance.
Modern day vehicles contain over 100 million lines of code, pushing the limits of their hardware capabilities to support an unprecedented combination of infotainment systems, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and computing power. Future vehicle computing systems are shifting toward centralized designs, with software-driven functions and increased data sharing across fewer engine control units (ECUs). Thus, backbone communications links push to ever-higher speeds in the multi-gigabits-per-second range.
In response, the industry has created new automotive Ethernet standards, with IEEE 802.3cz being the highest data rate multi-gigabit standard. Published in 2023, the standard supports operations up to 50 Gb/s over glass optical fiber, specifying physical-layer requirements and management parameters for 2.5-, 5-, 10-, 25-, and 50-Gb/s operations in automotive environments. The standard is designed to meet the demands of modern in-vehicle networking platforms.
The newly developed TDFOM measurement and signal analysis metric represents a significant advancement in evaluating multigigabit optical signal quality in glass optical fiber transmission. As specified in IEEE 802.3cz, TDFOM measurements utilize a reference receiver that models typical integrated circuit (IC) implementation, ensuring transmitter interoperability through signal integrity validation. This metric is essential for calibrating reference transmitters and enabling compliance testing of optical receivers.
Combining KD’s software-based reference receiver and signal metric analysis capabilities with Keysight’s optical-to-electrical converter (O/E) and oscilloscope technology delivers a comprehensive testing platform that evaluates a transmitted optical signal’s ability to achieve the required system Bit Error Rate (BER) after passing through a worst-case optical channel and a reference receiver. This development emerged from both companies’ active participation in establishing the final TDFOM specification during the IEEE 802.3cz standard development.
Rubén Pérez-Aranda, KD’s CTO and co-founder, said, “With this agreement, we make a big step in providing OEMs and Tier-1 companies with the necessary means to test the quality of developments incorporating optical communications according to the IEEE Std 802.3cz. Keysight and KD have collaborated in IEEE 802.3 to define the tests and metrics that ensure the new Ethernet communications standard meets the quality requirements demanded by the automotive industry.”
Thomas Goetzel, vice president and general manager of Keysight’s automotive & energy solution, highlighted the importance of this agreement: “Automotive Ethernet technologies have evolved and now derive significant benefits from optical fiber technologies for enabling multigigabit in-vehicle networking. Our innovative test and measurement equipment, combined with KD’s expertise in optical measurements, aims to assist customers in exploring reliable high-speed links in in-vehicle networking.”
This collaboration combines KD’s skills in developing new technologies with Keysight’s testing tools. It helps OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers test and improve advanced technologies. The partnership supports innovation, improves compatibility, and promotes the use of advanced optical communication standards in the automotive industry.
About Keysight Technologies
Keysight Technologies, established in 2014 as a spin-off from Agilent Technologies, is a leading provider of electronic design and test solutions. Headquartered in Santa Rosa, CA, the company offers a portfolio of hardware and software products, including oscilloscopes, signal generators, and electronic design automation (EDA) software. The solutions serve industries, such as telecommunications, aerospace and defense, automotive, energy, semiconductor, and general electronics. As of 2024, Keysight employs approximately 15,500 people and reported annual revenue of $5.0 billion. The company’s global presence spans the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific, supporting over 30,000 customers in more than 100 countries. Keysight is known for driving innovation, with over 3,800 patents and a focus on research and development.
About KD Inc.
KD, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company headquartered in Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain. Established in 2010, it specializes in high-speed optical networking solutions, particularly for harsh environments. The company provides semiconductors designed to enable optical communication over fiber optics, offering products for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications. Their technology supports multi-gigabit speeds, making it ideal for automotive Ethernet, industrial data networks, and consumer devices such as Wi-Fi access points. KD Inc. has made advancements in optical communication, developing solutions that ensure performance in environments requiring high-speed and reliable data transmission. The company’s innovative solutions are integral to the evolving need for fast and efficient data transfer in various industries. The company plays a crucial role in advancing fiber optic technology for next-gen automotive and industrial applications.
Source: Keysight
