Oledcomm's LiFi Solutions For Space Applications Li-Fi Conference 2023 Presentation
Oledcomm LiFi Solutions for Space
In today's article, we will talk about one of the presentations delivered at the recent Li-Fi Conference 3rd edition. The presentation titled “LiFi solutions for space applications” was delivered by Mr Benjamin Azoulay, CEO of Oledcomm.
Benjamin Azoulay discussed the journey and strategic direction of Oledcomm, focusing on real-world use cases rather than R&D. Initially, the company struggled to find a scalable product-market fit but has now reached an inflection point. They launched a product named LiFiMAX at CES Vegas 2019, which has evolved over time, addressing issues like interference management and handover between antennas. The technology has reached a level of industrialisation, with a focus on providing solutions in areas where radiofrequency is prohibited or problematic, carving a niche in markets left untouched by Wi-Fi, 4G, and 5G technologies.
You can watch the full presentation on the following link:
Below are some of the key points we have extracted from Benjamin Azoulay's presentation:
For the past 2 years, Oledcomm has pivoted its strategy to focus on LiFi use cases where radio frequencies are prohibited or problematic, rather than trying to replace WiFi.
They view LiFi as a cable replacement solution for niche applications where cables are difficult to use.
Oledcomm has industrialised its LiFiMAX product and deployed a large 500 sqm LiFi network at an Airbus facility where radio frequencies are not allowed. This demonstrates the scalability of their solution.
They now offer a range of LiFi products including chips, OEM modules, LiFiMax, LiFi Satellite for space applications, and a defense product.
For satellites, LiFi can replace cables and wiring, reducing weight. It can also simplify engineering and integration. Key applications are intra-satellite links, hosted payloads, satellite-to-launcher links for telemetry.
Oledcomm has launched 4 LiFi products in satellites already in 2022, showing the technology works in space. More launches are planned.
On the product roadmap, they have evolved from 1 Mbps in 2017 to multi-Gbps now using wavelength multiplexing.
Oledcomm has solved various technical challenges over the years like improving angular coverage, interference management, and handovers between access points. This has helped industrialise their LiFiMAX product.
For Defense applications, they provide zero electromagnetic emission connectivity for high security along with cable replacement.
In satellites, LiFi allows simplifying engineering and reducing integration timelines in addition to lowering weight.
LiFi can provide easy wireless integration of hosted payloads in existing satellite platforms.
LiFi offers satellite to ground links for retrieving telemetry data before satellite launch.
Software integration is complex due to proprietary nature of satellite communication protocols. Customisation is needed.
Oledcomm's LiFi products meant for space have passed radiation, thermal, vibration and shock tests to qualify for launch conditions.
Initial space testing has shown LiFi can survive first weeks in low earth orbit. Still need more data from higher orbits.
Oledcomm has ambitious long-term goal of achieving 100 Gbps links using LiFi, though challenges remain.
In conclusion, Oledcomm has customised LiFi for space, solved multiple engineering issues, proven technology in initial launches, and aims to push boundaries on performance going forward. Oledcomm is focused on positioning LiFi as a cable replacement solution for niche applications where radio frequencies don't work well, including satellites and Defense. Their products have proven successful in initial space flights.
Image credit to Oledcomm
