Copyright: Vector Informatik GmbH
MADRID, Spain, Feb 4, 2026 – Vector has expanded its VN5650 ethernet interface to support multi-gigabit optical ethernet testing in compliance with IEEE Std 802.3cz-2023. By integrating KD7251 optical transceivers from semiconductor company KD, the VN5650 enables testing of in-vehicle optical ethernet links. The update allows engineers to establish, monitor, and analyze optical ethernet within existing Vector workflows for automotive validation used by OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers.
With KD7251 devices installed, the VN5650 supports nGBASE-AU optical ethernet with link speeds up to 10 Gbit/s (with 2.5/5/10 Gbit/s supported by KD7251). The interface support up to 12 automotive ethernet ports through VNmodule60 slots. Engineers can use the same VN5650 hardware for electrical and optical ethernet testing. The system supports synchronous monitoring across multiple ports to capture timing and traffic behavior. It also supports fault/load generation applied to optical links. These features allow engineers to validate in-vehicle optical Ethernet networks using existing Vector test workflows.
The solution integrates with CANoe option ethernet, allowing engineers to script, simulate, and verify ethernet behavior. It supports testing against IEEE 802.3cz requirements across representative vehicle scenarios. The VNmodule60 ecosystem remains compatible with the update, allowing teams to select physical layer options without changing established workflows.
“Vector’s adoption of 802.3cz optical Ethernet within the VN5650 provides development teams a practical, test-bench-ready path to validate multi-gig links using the Vector tools that automotive already trust,” said Juan Luis Matus, field application engineer manager at KD. “It’s an important milestone in bringing high-bandwidth optical connectivity to automotive applications.”
For his part, Matthias Schwedt, product manager ethernet at Vector, emphasized: “Together with KD’s seamless collaboration, we have once again demonstrated the outstanding flexibility of our VN5650 interface. As automotive systems demand higher data speeds and bandwidth, multi-gigabit Ethernet links will play a key role in enabling next-generation Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) architectures. With this integration, we are ready to support also optical multi-gigabit Ethernet testing across all scenarios – from complex CANoe-based simulations to basic media conversion at the hardware level.”
Source: Vector
About KD
KD is a privately held semiconductor company based in Madrid, Spain, specializing in high-speed optical communication solutions for demanding environments. Its product lineup includes 1 Gb/s and multigigabit optical transceivers – such as the KD1053, KD9351, and KD7251 – designed for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications, including in-vehicle networks, smart home systems, machine-to-machine communication, advanced driver assistance systems, infotainment, and industrial IoT. Founded in the early 2010s, the company operates commercially in more than 10 countries. Its technology supports international standards such as IEEE 802.3bz, IEEE 802.3cz, and ETSI TS 105-175, reinforcing its role in advancing optical networking infrastructure. The company employs about 50 engineers and is expanding through continued R&D investment and demand in automotive and industrial markets.
About Vector
Vector Informatik GmbH develops software tools, embedded components, and engineering services for electronic system design, testing, and networking, primarily for automotive and embedded industries. The company supports development of electronic control units and in-vehicle communication using CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet, and related protocols. Its products include CANalyzer, CANoe, CANape, CANdelaStudio, and PREEvision, used for analysis, simulation, calibration, and validation. Vector also provides engineering and consulting services across development lifecycles. Customers include automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, aerospace firms, commercial vehicle manufacturers, and industrial embedded developers. Vector employs about 4,000 people worldwide. The company was founded in 1988. Vector is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and operates subsidiaries and offices across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.