Ethernet Over Plastic Optical Fiber for Use in the Control System Network for Automotive Applications

Plastic optical fiber (POF) for use in automotive applications is not a new concept and has been used in some vehicles for infotainment media distribution within the Media Oriented Systems Transport protocol. However, the use of POF for the control network’s physical layer is a concept that has not been implemented in automotive applications. Many aspects of a vehicle can be improved by implementing POF as the physical backbone for the control network. Currently, the Controller Area Network (CAN) is used as the primary backbone control network protocol for most automobiles as it is inexpensive and reliable. However, CAN is limited to 500 kbps in most vehicles and is easily accessible. Ethernet may provide the improvements of speed and security needed in today’s feature rich and connected vehicles. The feasibility of implementing Ethernet over POF as the control network for automotive applications is the topic of this research investigation