The New Hamamatsu Optical Transceiver: Transforming Free-Space Data Transmission in Rotary Joints

Created September 29, 2025
Technical Features

As Industry 4.0 evolves, the demand for fast, efficient, and reliable data transmission is more important than ever. With the growing number of sensors and actuators in robotics, ensuring smooth data exchange is a necessity.

Fiber Optic Rotary Joint (FORJ) scheme

Industries rely on real-time data exchange, yet transmitting information through rotating joints presents considerable challenges for engineers. Traditionally, slip rings have been employed to address this issue. They are subject to limitations, though, such as frequent maintenance requirements, susceptibility to electromagnetic interference, and accelerated wear, especially when rotary speeds exceed 1000 rpm. At these high speeds, slip rings often fail, making optical data communication the only viable alternative. The Fiber Optic Rotary Joint (FORJ) represents an advancement in this field, enabling the transmission of data through light via plastic optical fibers (POFs).
Hamamatsu has taken a significant leap forward eliminating the need for optical fibers altogether, and introducing an innovative solution that promises to redefine rotary data transmission. The new P16548-01AT optical transceiver from Hamamatsu Photonics is ideal for Free-Space Optical Data Transmission.

 

THE EVOLUTION TO FREE-SPACE OPTICAL DATA TRANSMISSION
Building on the foundation of FORJ technology, free-space optical data transmission represents a significant evolution. Unlike FORJ, which relies on optical fibers, free-space optical transmission eliminates the need for these fragile components. This advancement allows for even greater reliability and durability, as there are no fibers to break or degrade over time.

KEY FEATURES OF HAMAMATSU’S OPTICAL TRANSCEIVER
The new P16548-01AT optical transceiver features a built-in transmitter and receiver, incorporating an 850 nm VCSEL transmitter with a driver IC for temperature compensation to ensure stable communication. The receiver is equipped with a PIN photodiode and a signal processing IC, enabling high-speed operation. Additionally, the transceiver boasts an extremely compact device package with dimensions of 6.7 x 7.6 x 5.9 mm, making it ideal for space-constrained applications.

P16548 01AT product overview

Coupling two of these transceivers, attached to mutually rotating joints allows for:
• Bidirectional Full Duplex Communication
Ensures efficient and simultaneous two-way data transmission in free space.
• Communication Distance
Ranging from 25mm to 100mm.
• High-speed Data Transmission
From 100Mbps to 1.25Gbps.
• Stable Communication
Even during continuous 360° rotation.
• Operating Temperature
Range of -40°C to +85°C.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS FOR THE P16548-01AT
Designed to enable short distance board to board data transmission, the P16548-01AT guarantees high speed signal transmission and EMI insulation for compact setups. Being fiber-less and without connectors, it saves valuable space in several applications such:

Rotating Cameras
Ensuring uninterrupted, high-quality video transmission in surveillance and broadcasting.

 

Medical Equipment
Providing reliable data transfer for precise, real- time control in surgical robots or medical diagnostic devices such as CT and MRI scanners.

Automotive LiDAR Modules
Enabling accurate and rapid data transmission for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles.

MEETING THE DEMANDS OF INDUSTRY 4.0
Industry 4.0 continues to drive the automation and networking of machines and equipment. Hamamatsu’s optical transceiver is designed to meet these demands, offering maximum efficiency and uptime. Its robust design ensures reliable real-time control, even in the most challenging environments, such as bottling plants, fairground rides, and industrial robots.
Embrace the next step in data transmission with Hamamatsu’s new optical transceiver and experience high performance, reliability, and flexibility in your rotary optical data transmission needs.

Discover more by visiting
www.hamamatsu.com or contact us at info@hamamatsu.eu to discuss your project requirements.

the-new-hamamatsu-optical-transceiver-transforming-free-space-data-transmission-in-rotary-joints

This article was written
by Optical Connections News Team


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