Optical data transmission unit, arrangement of optical data transmission units, system for optical communication, and method for operating a system for optical communication

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical data transmission unit (10) comprising at least one optical data transmission element (12) for transmitting and / or receiving optical signals (30), in particular serial optical signals, a signal input (22) for receiving electrical signals, and a signal output (32) for transmitting electrical signals, wherein the signal input (22) and the signal output (32) are designed for serial electrical linking with individual controlling of the at least one optical data transmission element (12). The invention further relates to an arrangement (50) of a plurality of optical data transmission units (10), to a system (100) for optical communication, having at least one arrangement (50), and to a method for operating a system (100) for optical communication.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Optical data transmission unit, arrangement of optical data transmission units, optical communication system and method for operating an optical communication system

[0004] State of the art

[0005] The invention relates to an optical data transmission unit, an arrangement of a plurality of optical data transmission units, a system for optical communication and a method for operating a system for optical communication.

[0006] The transmission of optical signals is quantum mechanically coupled to the emission of photons. This means that, with few exceptions, an optical signal is limited by the shot noise of the photons. Therefore, to transmit as much data as possible, a minimum number of photons, linked to the amount of data, is required. Additional disturbances, such as thermal noise from amplifiers, can further influence the required number of photons.

[0007] With an omnidirectional light source, as is the case with LiFi (Light Fidelity), the photons are typically distributed over half the solid angle of 2*TT sr, so that a potential receiver with a given aperture can only capture a fraction of the photons. To counteract this, the transmission power must be increased further.

[0008] DLR-4346 WO

[0009] 2025-09-05 However, if the transmitter has a limited amount of energy available, it makes sense to enable directed emission of the photons. This is implemented, for example, in laser communication. The direction of the laser beam is typically aligned using an optical deflector, such as a mirror, a spatial light modulator (SLM), or an acousto-optic modulator (AOM).

[0010] This has the advantage that a very large transmission distance can be bridged and very high data rates, much greater than 1 Gbit / s, can be achieved even with moderate transmission power.

[0011] It is also known that light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be addressed and arranged in a daisy chain, with their transmission power varied via a simple digital transmission protocol. LED strings are one example of this. The goal is to be able to display any desired color pattern. While individual LEDs can also be modulated in this way, common LEDs such as WS2811, WS2812B, WS2813, and WS2815 are relatively slow and can only be scaled to higher data rates with limitations.

[0012] WO 2019164780 A1 describes an optical free-space communication device comprising an array of optical sources, wherein each optical source of the array is individually controllable and positioned to produce a limited beam, enabling the array to provide a steerable far-field radiation pattern. Each optical source of the array can be a non-coherent optical source. For example, each optical source can be a light-emitting diode.

[0013] DLR-4346 WO

[0014] September 5, 2025. US Patent 2004056608 A1 discloses a method and apparatus for determining the intensity of a luminous flux. First, a photodiode or LED is charged to a fixed voltage by reverse bias. The fixed voltage is the sum of a threshold voltage and a predetermined offset voltage. Then, the time required to discharge the photodiode by a photocurrent down to the threshold voltage is measured to determine the light intensity that generates the photocurrent.

[0015] Disclosure of the invention

[0016] The object of the invention is to create a modular optical data transmission unit for an energy-efficient system for directed optical communication.

[0017] Another task is to create an arrangement of modular optical data transmission units for such a system.

[0018] Another task is to create an energy-efficient system for optical communication using an arrangement of modular optical data transmission units.

[0019] Another task is to specify a method for operating such a system for optical communication with an arrangement of modular optical data transmission units.

[0020] The problems are solved by the features of the independent claims. Favorable embodiments and advantages of the invention become apparent from the further claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0021] DLR-4346 WO

[0022] 2025-09-05 According to one aspect of the invention, an optical data transmission unit is proposed, comprising at least one optical data transmission element for sending and / or receiving optical signals, in particular serial optical signals, as well as a signal input for receiving electrical signals and a signal output for sending electrical signals. The signal input and signal output are configured for serial electrical linkage with individual control of the at least one optical data transmission element.

[0023] The proposed optical data transmission unit can be operated in a chained arrangement of multiple optical data transmission units capable of illuminating, for example, half a solid angle (2*TT sr), with each optical data transmission unit addressing a subsegment of the solid angle. In the simplest case, this can be achieved with several differently oriented optical data transmission units. Advantageously, each individual optical data transmission unit can be controlled, so that only those optical data transmission units directed at a potential receiver need to be operated. In this way, optical communication can be carried out with high energy efficiency.

[0024] In a favorable design, the optical data transmission unit can be configured to be controlled for data transmission using a serial protocol.

[0025] Serial protocols that allow daisy-chaining are particularly suitable. For example, a shift register can be used, which simply distributes a basic bit sequence from one output with a clock signal to multiple outputs.

[0026] DLR-4346 WO

[0027] September 5, 2025. Furthermore, a protocol is possible in which the bit sequence and the clock signal run over the same connection. Similar protocols include, for example, the UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) protocol, which is used in RS-232 interfaces. Alternatively, serial bus protocols such as I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), or lower layers (e.g., PHY as the physical layer) from network protocols can also be used.

[0028] According to a favorable embodiment of the optical data transmission unit, the at least one optical data transmission element can be designed as a light-emitting diode (LED) connected to an electronic component, in particular a D-flip-flop, which is provided for controlling the LED. The signal input can comprise: a first input coupled to a data input of the electronic component, a second input coupled to a first electrical terminal of the LED, and a clock input coupled to a clock input of the electronic component. The signal output can comprise: a first output coupled to a data output of the electronic component, a second output coupled to the second input, and a clock output coupled to the clock input.In this case, a second electrical connection of the light-emitting diode can be connected to the data output of the electronic component.

[0029] The electronic component can be, for example, a logic component, in particular a D flip-flop, which can also be integrated into the light-emitting diode.

[0030] DLR-4346 WO

[0031] 2025-09-05 The first electrical connection of the LED can be the anode, the second electrical connection the cathode. Since the electronic component can also be operated as a voltage sink, the anode and cathode of the LED can also be reversed. This requires either an inverted signal at the data input or operating the LED at the inverted data output.

[0032] Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be advantageously used as optical data transmission elements. Furthermore, the LEDs can be electrically modulated to emit a modulated optical signal within their solid angle.

[0033] One way to address LEDs is to energize either the cathode or anode of the LED and connect the other electrode to the modulated signal. This modulates the light output and transmits the signal. The LED can be powered or selected, for example, using the DIO (digital input / output) pins of a microcontroller.

[0034] According to a favorable design of the optical data transmission unit, the at least one optical data transmission element can be designed as at least one of a multicolored light-emitting diode, a polarized light-emitting diode, or a laser diode.

[0035] Furthermore, multi-colored LEDs, polarized LEDs, OLEDs, LECs (light-emitting electrochemical cells), or laser diodes, such as VCSELs (vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers), can also be controlled in this way. For multiple channels, such as RGB channels, a corresponding number of signal lines can be added in parallel.

[0036] DLR-4346 WO

[0037] 2025-09-05 According to a favorable design of the optical data transmission unit, the at least one optical data transmission element can comprise at least one of sub-apertures, optical lenses, microlenses, or light guides, which illuminate solid angles by means of several independent optical beams. In this way, optical communication with multiple receivers is advantageously possible.

[0038] With a favorable design of the optical data transmission unit, at least one optical data transmission element can be configured as a photodetector. Advantageously, at least one optical data transmission element can thus both transmit and receive optical signals. Direction finding towards a receiver can also be performed using this method, for example, when a beacon signal from the receiver is received.

[0039] In a favorable design, the optical data transmission unit can further include a radio transmitter. Such a radio transmitter can bridge and / or compensate for interruptions in the line of sight between the optical data transmission unit and an optical receiver. This advantageously ensures redundant data transmission.

[0040] According to another aspect of the invention, an arrangement with a plurality of optical data transmission units is proposed, which are arranged electrically linked in series, comprising a control unit.

[0041] DLR-4346 WO

[0042] 2025-09-05 The data transmission units each comprise at least one optical data transmission element for sending and / or receiving optical signals, in particular serial optical signals, a signal input for receiving electrical signals, and a signal output for sending electrical signals. The signal input and signal output are configured for serial electrical linkage with individual control of the at least one optical data transmission element. The control unit is electrically coupled to a signal input of a first optical data transmission unit.

[0043] Each optical data transmission unit's signal output is electrically coupled to a signal input of a subsequent optical data transmission unit. The control unit allows each optical data transmission unit to be individually activated.

[0044] The proposed arrangement features multiple interconnected optical data transmission units and is thus capable of illuminating, for example, half a solid angle (2*TT sr), with each optical data transmission unit addressing a subsegment of the solid angle. In the simplest case, this can be achieved with several differently oriented optical data transmission units. Advantageously, each individual optical data transmission unit can be controlled, so that only those optical data transmission units directed at a potential receiver need to be operated. In this way, optical communication can be carried out with high energy efficiency.

[0045] The proposed arrangement advantageously enables the simple provision of sensors to dynamic systems such as a rocket test stand, for crash tests, for aircraft, wind turbines, a wind tunnel, or other large technical facilities.

[0046] DLR-4346 WO

[0047] September 5, 2025. In particular, this allows individual LEDs to be connected in series. Advantageously, each LED can represent an optical data transmission unit. This significantly reduces the required number of cables and / or connections at the circuit board level. Therefore, very compact integrated modules with many transmit / receive LEDs can be implemented using even the smallest microcontrollers as control units.

[0048] In a favorable embodiment, the arrangement can further include a sensor that is electrically coupled to the control unit. In particular, the sensor can be a temperature sensor, an accelerometer, a microphone, a particle counter, an electric field sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a gas sensor, a camera sensor, a thermal camera sensor, or a combination of two or more such sensors. Typically, the sensor is not involved in the communication process.

[0049] In a favorable embodiment of the arrangement, an optical data transmission element of the optical data transmission units can be configured as a light-emitting diode (LED) connected to an electronic component, in particular a D-flip-flop, which is provided for controlling the LED. The control unit can be electrically coupled to a first input, a second input, and a clock input of a first optical data transmission unit. Each of the first outputs, a second output, and a clock output of an optical data transmission unit can be electrically coupled to a respective first input, a second input, and a clock input of a subsequent optical data transmission unit.

[0050] DLR-4346 WO

[0051] September 5, 2025: Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be advantageously used as optical data transmission elements. The LEDs can also be electrically modulated to emit a modulated optical signal within their solid angle.

[0052] One way to address LEDs is to energize either the cathode or anode of the LED and connect the other electrode to the modulated signal. This modulates the light output and transmits the signal. The LED can be powered or selected, for example, using the DIO (digital input / output) pins of a microcontroller.

[0053] One particularly advantageous approach is to arrange the LEDs in a so-called daisy chain. This can be achieved, for example, by chaining D flip-flops together to form a distributed shift register. This allows for the creation of any desired current pattern for the LEDs using two DIO outputs.

[0054] The data line can still be connected to all LEDs simultaneously, but it can also be routed through all LEDs using an equivalent shift register to avoid coupling the capacitance of the individual LEDs in parallel. This allows for the combination of virtually any number of LEDs.

[0055] LEDs are powered by an electric current. This current can be limited, for example, in the control unit using a resistor. Common current limiting methods are possible here.

[0056] DLR-4346 WO

[0057] 2025-09-05 The LEDs can also be used as photodiodes. The control unit, with its cascaded control circuit, can bias one of the LEDs / photodiodes accordingly, so that the response on the actual signal line changes as soon as the illuminated LED has been "selected." The signal line can, for example, "charge" the LED and then be switched to a measuring line to determine the discharge time.

[0058] Other photodiode circuits are also conceivable, but these require an additional output on the control unit to apply a bias voltage with a resistor. A digital input or an ADC input can then be used to determine the light response.

[0059] With a favorable design of the arrangement, the chained optical data transmission units can be configured as a distributed shift register. This allows for a particularly advantageous variant of a daisy-chain connection. In this way, any desired pattern for powering the LEDs can be generated using two DIO outputs.

[0060] According to a favorable embodiment of the arrangement, a number of optical data transmission units can be combined in a single optical data transmission unit, wherein the optical data transmission units are arranged in series and electrically linked.

[0061] The second inputs of identical optical data transmission units combined in the combined optical data transmission unit can be separately coupled to the control unit. In particular, the combined optical data transmission unit can include optical data transmission units for transmitting optical signals in different colors, especially red, green, and blue.

[0062] DLR-4346 WO

[0063] 2025-09-05 The elements within an RGB element, acting as a combined optical data transmission unit, can be connected in series using the same protocol, allowing for the connection of further simple as well as multi-channel elements. This also makes it possible to distribute different signals to different channels, such as color channels.

[0064] With a favorable design of the arrangement, the optical data transmission units can be arranged in rings with different polar angles.

[0065] A particularly clever arrangement is the arrangement of the LEDs in rings with different polar angles (0).

[0066] The following formula can be used to estimate the number N of LEDs:

[0067] N(0) = Maximum(1 , sin(0)*36O / a), where the function Maximum returns the largest of the two function values, a is less than or equal to the full opening angle of the LEDs.

[0068] In a favorable embodiment of the arrangement, the optical data transmission units can be arranged in and / or on a spherical segment, particularly on a hemisphere. Specifically, the spherical segment can be subdivided into equilateral triangles, and the data transmission units can be arranged at the vertices of these triangles. A particularly compact design is achieved by arranging the LEDs in / on a spherical shell in the shape of a hemisphere.

[0069] DLR-4346 WO

[0070] 2025-09-05 Besides the formula above, more geometrically efficient arrangements can also be pursued. For example, spherical surfaces formed by nearly equilateral triangles are suitable for aligning the typically round light cones of LEDs. An example of this is the icosahedron. For a larger number of LEDs, the geometry must be expanded. Here, geodesic domes, for example, are a well-known example that comes close to this ideal.

[0071] The dome can then be connected to measuring systems or other data systems. The establishment of optical data nodes is also possible. With LEDs specifically optimized for emission and detection (e.g., photodiodes), numerous high-bandwidth communication channels can be provided.

[0072] With a favorable design, the optical data transmission units can be arranged in a flat, particularly adhesive-strip-like, form. A particularly flat, adhesive-strip-like design is especially advantageous in aerodynamic applications.

[0073] With a favorable design, the optical data transmission units can be arranged on a flexible electronic circuit board. The LEDs can be installed on a flexible circuit board to adapt, for example, to the curvature of a dome.

[0074] DLR-4346 WO

[0075] 2025-09-05 According to a favorable embodiment of the arrangement, the sensor can be configured to determine a spatial direction using at least one of the following: radio communication, magnetic field, electric field, heat, sound, gravity, or acceleration. The transmission direction can thus be specified via third channels. These include radio communication, as well as magnetic fields, electric fields, heat, sound, gravity, acceleration, and other direction-indicating effects.

[0076] According to another aspect of the invention, a system for optical communication with at least one arrangement with a plurality of optical data transmission units is proposed.

[0077] The data transmission units each comprise at least one optical data transmission element for sending and / or receiving optical signals, in particular serial optical signals, a signal input for receiving electrical signals, and a signal output for sending electrical signals, wherein the signal input and signal output are configured for serial electrical linkage with individual control of the at least one optical data transmission element. The system includes an optical receiver unit for receiving optical signals from the optical data transmission units. At least one optical data transmission unit of the at least one arrangement, directed towards the optical receiver unit, is activatable.

[0078] The proposed system can advantageously reduce the power consumption of optical emitters / transmitters of the data transmission units, thus enabling, for example, a long battery life by restricting the transmission direction of an optical emitter of a data transmission unit.

[0079] DLR-4346 WO

[0080] 2025-09-05 The recipient can be identified. Data can be received from the recipient.

[0081] The aforementioned features can preferably be achieved without mechanically moving parts and in the most cost-effective way possible.

[0082] This offers the advantage of increased security for optical communication via a direct line of sight.

[0083] In a favorable design, the system can further include a beacon unit which is designed to send a signal, in particular an optical signal, to the majority of optical data transmission units.

[0084] A spatial direction between the beacon unit and the at least one arrangement can be determined by receiving the signal of the beacon unit from at least one data transmission element of the at least one arrangement.

[0085] In this way, the correct transmitting LED can be determined using an optical beacon unit at the actual optical receiver unit. Besides simple alignment with a beacon unit, simple feedback communication is also possible via a spatially addressable beacon unit. This allows information to be sent to the control unit, for example, to configure it correctly for a measurement task or to initiate a query of basic information.

[0086] It can also be advantageous to calibrate the sensitivities of the different LEDs in order to make a statement about the signal of the beacon unit.

[0087] DLR-4346 WO

[0088] 2025-09-05 The arrangement of the LEDs can be almost arbitrary, especially since assigning the direction using the beacon unit does not require any prior knowledge of the orientation of the LEDs.

[0089] In a favorable design, the system can include a directed transmitting unit, in particular a laser, which is configured to selectively address an optical data transmission unit. This eliminates the need for an identification protocol to select the desired arrangement / optical data transmission unit.

[0090] With a favorable system design, the optical receiving unit can be configured to record optical signals and process them into data streams. In particular, the optical receiving unit can be configured as a camera, especially an event camera and / or a neuromorphic camera. This ensures efficient implementation of optical communication.

[0091] The receiving unit can be designed particularly advantageously, as described in German patent application DE 102020127891 A1. This document describes a system for optical communication with a light source for transmitting serial optical signals and an optical receiving unit for receiving the optical signals, wherein the optical receiving unit has at least one photodetector. A mask unit is arranged between the optical receiving unit and the light source, which is switchable, at least in certain areas, between a state that is at least partially optically non-transmitting and at least partially optically transmitting. An image of at least one light-emitting area of ​​the light source is projected onto the at least one mask unit and, in the at least partially transmitting state, is transmitted to the receiving unit.

[0092] DLR-4346 WO

[0093] 2025-09-05 The clear distance between the mask unit and / or its image onto the receiver unit and an entrance aperture of the receiver unit is at most such that a light cone of the image of a light-emitting region of the light source, transmitted by the mask unit, corresponds at most to the entrance aperture of the photodetector of the receiver unit. An optical unit may be arranged in the beam path between the light source and the mask unit to image the light-emitting region of the light source onto the mask unit.

[0094] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for operating a system for optical communication is proposed, comprising: sending optical signals from all optical data transmission units of at least one arrangement of a plurality of optical data transmission units to an optical receiving unit; receiving at least one signal from the optical receiving unit; determining a spatial direction to the optical receiving unit from the signal; and optically communicating with the optical receiving unit via at least one optical data transmission unit which emits optical signals in the spatial direction to the optical receiving unit.

[0095] Advantageously, optical communication only requires at least one optical data transmission unit, which ensures a favorable alignment of the transmitted optical signal with the receiving unit. Only this optical data transmission unit needs to be controlled and powered. In this way, optical communication can be carried out with minimal energy consumption.

[0096] DLR-4346 WO

[0097] 2025-09-05 According to a favorable embodiment of the method, the at least one signal can be an optical signal which is received by at least one optical data transmission unit of the arrangement. This allows the spatial direction to be determined in a simple manner using an optical sensor.

[0098] According to a favorable embodiment of the method, the spatial direction can be determined via a signal, in particular an optical signal, from a beacon unit, which is received by at least one optical data transmission unit of the arrangement.

[0099] This makes it advantageous to determine the spatial direction between the receiving unit and the optical data transmission units.

[0100] With a favorable embodiment of the method, the spatial direction can be further determined via direction-inducing effects, which include at least one of the following: radio communication, magnetic field, electric field, heat, sound, gravity, or acceleration. Alternatively, the spatial direction can be determined using methods other than optical ones.

[0101] In a favorable embodiment of the method, the optical data transmission element can be designed as a light-emitting diode (LED) which is controlled by an electronic component, in particular a D-flip-flop. A clock signal fed in via a clock input allows the state of a data output of one optical data transmission unit to be transferred to a data input of a subsequent optical data transmission unit.

[0102] DLR-4346 WO

[0103] 2025-09-05 In this case, if an electrical potential is switched to the data input of at least one optical data transmission element, an optical signal of the optical data transmission unit can be generated by means of a second input.

[0104] The electrical potential can be an electrical mass or a positive electrical voltage.

[0105] Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be advantageously used as optical data transmission elements. Furthermore, the LEDs can be electrically modulated to emit a modulated optical signal within their solid angle.

[0106] One way to address LEDs is to energize either the cathode or anode of the LED and connect the other electrode to the modulated signal. This modulates the light output and transmits the signal. The LED can be powered or selected, for example, using the DIO (digital input / output) pins of a microcontroller.

[0107] A particularly advantageous approach is to arrange the LEDs in a daisy chain. This can be achieved, for example, by chaining D flip-flops to form a distributed shift register. This allows for the creation of any desired current pattern for the LEDs using two DIO outputs. The data line can be connected to all LEDs simultaneously, or it can be routed through all LEDs using an equivalent shift register to avoid coupling the capacitance of the individual LEDs in parallel. This allows for the combination of virtually any number of LEDs.

[0108] DLR-4346 WO

[0109] 2025-09-05 According to a favorable embodiment of the method, the second input can be buffered by means of another electronic component, in particular a logic component.

[0110] If purely digital transmission is possible, the signal can also be buffered, for example, with a D-flip-flop as an electronic component, which prevents the capacitance of the individual LEDs from being connected in parallel and allows the transmission rate to be further increased.

[0111] drawing

[0112] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The figures illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The figures, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0113] They show, for example:

[0114] Fig. 1 shows a circuit diagram of an optical data transmission unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0115] Fig. 2 shows a circuit diagram of an arrangement of a plurality of optical data transmission units according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0116] Fig. 3 shows a circuit diagram of an arrangement of a plurality of optical data transmission units according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0117] Fig. 4 shows a circuit diagram of an arrangement of a plurality of optical data transmission units according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0118] DLR-4346 WO

[0119] 2025-09-05 Fig. 5 shows an arrangement of a plurality of optical data transmission units in the form of a hemisphere according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0120] Fig. 6 shows a system for optical communication with multiple arrangements of optical data transmission units according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0121] Embodiments of the invention

[0122] In the figures, similar or equivalent components are numbered with the same reference symbols. The figures merely show examples and are not to be understood as limiting.

[0123] The directional terminology used below, including terms like "left," "right," "above," "below," "in front," "behind," "after," and the like, serves only to improve the understanding of the figures and is in no way intended to limit their generality. The components and elements depicted, their interpretation, and their use may vary according to the considerations of a person skilled in the art and be adapted to the specific applications.

[0124] Figure 1 shows a circuit diagram of an optical data transmission unit 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0125] The optical data transmission unit 10 comprises an optical data transmission element 12, which is designed as a light-emitting diode 14, for sending and / or receiving optical signals 30, in particular serial optical signals.

[0126] DLR-4346 WO

[0127] 2025-09-05 The optical data transmission unit 10 further comprises a signal input 22 for receiving electrical signals and a signal output 32 for transmitting electrical signals. Signal input 22 and signal output 32 are configured for serial electrical interconnection with individual control of the optical data transmission element 12. In this interconnection, a plurality of optical data transmission units 10 can be connected in series.

[0128] The optical data transmission unit 10 can be controlled for data transmission using a serial protocol. An integrated circuit, such as a D flip-flop 20, interprets the serial protocol and activates or deactivates the optical data transmission element 12.

[0129] Serial protocols that allow daisy-chaining are particularly suitable. For example, a shift register can be used, which simply distributes a bit sequence from one output with a clock signal to multiple outputs. Alternatively, a protocol is possible where the bit sequence and the clock signal travel over the same connection. Similar protocols include UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter), which is used in RS-232 interfaces. Serial bus protocols such as I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), or lower layers (e.g., PHY as the physical layer) from network protocols can also be used.

[0130] The optical data transmission element 12, designed as a light-emitting diode 14, is connected to an electronic component 20, in the illustrated embodiment a D-flip-flop, which is provided for controlling the light-emitting diode 14.

[0131] DLR-4346 WO

[0132] 2025-09-05 The signal input 22 comprises a first input 24, which is coupled to a data input 21 (D) of the electronic component 20, a second input 26, which is coupled to an anode 16 of the light-emitting diode 14, and a clock input 28, which is coupled to a clock input 23 (C) of the electronic component 20.

[0133] The signal output 32 comprises a first output 34, which is coupled to a data output 25 (Q) of the electronic module 20, a second output 36, which is coupled to the second input 26, and a clock output 38, which is coupled to the clock input 28.

[0134] The cathode 18 of the LED 14 is connected to the data output 25 (Q) of the electronic module 20. The anode 16 of the LED 14 is connected to the second input 26.

[0135] Another, inverted, data output 27 (Q) of the electronic module 20 is unused.

[0136] By means of a clock signal fed in via the clock input 28, a state of the data output 25 of the optical data transmission units 10 can be transmitted to the data input 21 of a subsequent optical data transmission unit 10.

[0137] The signal to activate the LED 14 is transmitted via the first input 24. The current state is transmitted to the data output 25 of the electronic module 20 at the time of the clock signal.

[0138] DLR-4346 WO

[0139] 2025-09-05 The actual signal can be applied as electrical ground to the anode of the LED 14 via the second input 26. Driver ICs can be inserted here to achieve a higher switching frequency and also a wider angular range of the emitted optical signal 30.

[0140] To control the light-emitting diode 14, the optical signal 30 of the optical data transmission unit 10 can be generated by means of the second input 26 when the electrical ground is switched to the data input 21 of the optical data transmission element 10.

[0141] Advantageously, the second input 26 can be buffered by means of another electronic component, in particular a logic component.

[0142] In this embodiment, a D flip-flop 20 is used to control the current flow to the LED 14. With each clock signal at the clock input 28 (C), the state at the data output 25 (Q) can be transmitted to the next D flip-flop 20 of the next optical data transmission unit 10. If ground is applied to the cathode 18 of one or more LEDs 14, the signal at the second input 26, in a high state, triggers the LED 14 to light up. A potentially necessary resistor is not shown here.

[0143] This is also compatible with analog signals. If purely digital transmission is possible, the signal can also be buffered, for example, with a D-flip-flop 20, which prevents the capacitance of the individual LEDs 14 from being connected in parallel and allows the transmission rate to be further increased.

[0144] DLR-4346 WO

[0145] 2025-09-05 Figure 2 shows a circuit diagram of an arrangement 50 of a plurality of optical data transmission units 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0146] Several optical data transmission units 10, each equipped with a light-emitting diode 14, are arranged in a chain. This creates a conventional shift register in which each individual element can drive a light-emitting diode 14.

[0147] The arrangement 50 includes a control unit 52, for example a microcontroller.

[0148] In another alternative embodiment, the optical data transmission elements 12 of the optical data transmission units 10, designed as light-emitting diodes 14, can be configured as photodetectors. In this way, the light-emitting diode 14 of the data transmission unit 10 can be used as a sensor to determine its orientation relative to the optical receiving unit 60.

[0149] The optical data transmission units 10 are arranged in series and electrically linked. The control unit 52 is electrically coupled to a signal input 22 of a first optical data transmission unit 10. Each signal output 32 of an optical data transmission unit 10 is electrically coupled to a signal input 22 of a subsequent optical data transmission unit 10.

[0150] Each of the optical data transmission units 10 can be individually activated using the control unit 52.

[0151] DLR-4346 WO

[0152] 2025-09-05 The optical data transmission elements 12 of the optical data transmission units 10 are each designed as a light-emitting diode 14, which is connected to an electronic component 20, in particular a D-flip-flop, which is provided for controlling the light-emitting diodes 14.

[0153] The control unit 52 of the arrangement 50 is electrically coupled to a first input 24, a second input 26 and a clock input 28 of a first optical data transmission unit 10.

[0154] Each first output 34, second output 36 and clock output 38 of an optical data transmission unit 10 is electrically coupled to a respective first input 24, second input 26 and clock input 28 of a subsequent optical data transmission unit 10.

[0155] The linked optical data transmission units 10 are thus designed as a distributed shift register.

[0156] Figure 3 shows a circuit diagram of an arrangement 50 of a plurality of optical data transmission units 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0157] The embodiment shown in Figure 3 additionally includes a sensor 54, which is electrically coupled to the control unit 52. The connection between the control unit 52 and the sensor 54 is shown with only one connection. The number of necessary connecting lines depends on the transmission protocol. The sensor 54 can also be wirelessly connected to the control unit 52.

[0158] DLR-4346 WO

[0159] 2025-09-05 The sensor 54 can be a temperature sensor, an accelerometer, a microphone, a particle counter, an electric field sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a gas sensor, a camera sensor, a thermal camera sensor, or a combination of such sensors. The primary function of the sensor 54 is to locally acquire data, such as radio waves, magnetic fields, electric fields, heat, sound, gravity, and acceleration.

[0160] For example, if the sensor 54 detects radio waves, it can be used to bridge and / or compensate for interruptions in the line of sight between the optical data transmission unit 10 and a beacon unit 70.

[0161] If the optical data transmission unit 10 also has a radio transmitter, interruptions in the line of sight between the optical data transmission unit 10 and an optical receiver unit 60 can be bridged and / or compensated for. This advantageously ensures redundant data transmission.

[0162] Under certain conditions, the sensor 54 can be used in addition to selecting the LED 14 of the data transmission unit 10.

[0163] Figure 4 shows a circuit diagram of an arrangement 50 of a plurality of optical data transmission units 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0164] In this arrangement, a number of optical data transmission units 10 are combined in a combined optical data transmission unit 40. The optical data transmission units 10 are electrically linked in series, with second inputs 26 of identical type in the combined optical data transmission unit 40.

[0165] DLR-4346 WO

[0166] The combined optical data transmission units 10 are separately coupled to the control unit 52 as of 2025-09-05.

[0167] DLR-4346 WO 2025-09-05 In the combined optical data transmission unit 40, for example, three optical data transmission units 10 can be combined, each of which has light-emitting diodes 14 in the colors red, green, and blue. Thus, the combined optical data transmission unit 40 can represent a complete RGB LED element.

[0168] The combined optical data transmission unit 40 can thus be advantageously designed to emit optical signals 30 in different colors, in particular in red, green, blue.

[0169] The optical data transmission units 10 within the combined optical data transmission unit 40 can be connected in series using the same protocol, so that further simple optical data transmission units 10, as well as multi-channel optical data transmission units 40, can be connected in succession. This also makes it possible to distribute different signals to different channels, such as color channels.

[0170] The optical data transmission element 12 can also be designed as a multi-colored light-emitting diode, as a polarized light-emitting diode, or as a laser diode.

[0171] Furthermore, the optical data transmission element can have 12 sub-apertures which illuminate solid angles by means of several independent optical beams. This allows for the preferential alignment of the optical signals 30 in specific spatial directions.

[0172] In the simplest case, an arrangement 50 of optical data transmission units 10 can be designed as a linear chain of optical data transmission units 10.

[0173] DLR-4346 WO

[0174] 2025-09-05 Alternatively, the optical data transmission units 10 can be arranged in rings with different polar angles.

[0175] In another embodiment, the optical data transmission units 10 can be arranged in and / or on a spherical segment 56, in particular on a hemisphere.

[0176] Figure 5 shows such an arrangement 50 of a plurality of optical data transmission units 10 in the form of a hemisphere according to an embodiment of the invention. The optical data transmission units 10 are arranged uniformly distributed over the surface of the hemisphere.

[0177] One such possible arrangement represents a directional optical transmitter. The spherical shape allows for a very compact transmitter for optical signals.

[0178] In particular, the spherical segment 56 can be subdivided into equilateral triangles, and the data transmission units 10 can be arranged at the vertices of the equilateral triangles. This allows for a uniform distribution over the surface of the spherical segment 56.

[0179] In an alternative embodiment not shown, which is particularly advantageous for aerodynamic applications, the optical data transmission units 10 can be arranged in a flat, in particular adhesive tape-like, design.

[0180] DLR-4346 WO

[0181] 2025-09-05 Advantageously, the optical data transmission units 10 can be arranged on a flexible electronic circuit board, so that an arrangement in a non-planar design, for example on the surface of the hemisphere, can be easily designed. In this way, the design can be adapted to a complex geometry.

[0182] Figure 6 shows a system 100 for optical communication with several arrangements 50 of optical data transmission units 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0183] The arrangements 50 of the optical data transmission units 10 are, for example, designed in a hemispherical shape, as shown in Figure 4.

[0184] The system 100 includes an optical receiving unit 60 for receiving optical signals 30 and optical data transmission units 10.

[0185] The arrangements 50 of optical data transmission units 10, equipped with alignable optical signal transmitters, can be arranged in the environment or distributed arbitrarily.

[0186] In this case, at least one optical data transmission unit 10 directed towards the optical receiving unit 60 is activated. In this way, particularly energy-optimized optical communication can be carried out, since not all optical data transmission units 10 of the various arrangements 50 need to be activated, but only one which is aligned as favorably as possible with the optical receiving unit 60.

[0187] DLR-4346 WO

[0188] 2025-09-05 The system 100 also includes an optional beacon unit 70, which is designed to send a signal 72, in particular an optical signal, to the majority of optical data transmission units 10.

[0189] The beacon unit 70 marks the direction of the receiver unit 60 for the various optical data transmission units 10. Using the signal 72 from the beacon unit 70 as a transmitter, all optical data transmission units 10 can be controlled and configured simultaneously.

[0190] The photosensor for direction determination can be the LEDs 14 of the optical data transmission units 10. By applying a bias voltage with the electronic components 20, in particular flip-flops, the illuminance can be measured.

[0191] The LEDs 14 can also be used as photodiodes. The control unit, with its cascaded drive circuit, can bias one of the LEDs / photodiodes accordingly, so that the response on the actual signal line changes as soon as the illuminated LED 14 has been "selected." The signal line can, for example, "charge" the LED 14 and then be switched to a measuring line to determine the discharge time. Other photodiode circuits are also conceivable, but these require an additional output on the control unit 52 to apply a bias voltage with a resistor.

[0192] A digital input or an ADC input can be used to determine the light reaction.

[0193] DLR-4346 WO

[0194] 2025-09-05 Thus, a spatial direction between the beacon unit 70 and the at least one arrangement 50 can be determined by receiving the signal 72 of the beacon unit 70 from at least one optical data transmission unit 10 or at least one arrangement 50.

[0195] Alternatively, to avoid an identification protocol, a directed transmitting unit, e.g. a laser, can be used to selectively address individual optical data transmission units 10.

[0196] Alternatively, a sensor can also be used to determine a spatial direction via at least one of the following: radio communication, magnetic field, electric field, heat, sound, gravity, or acceleration.

[0197] The signals 30 generated by the optical data transmission units 10 are recorded by the receiving unit 60, which may, for example, include a camera, and processed into data streams.

[0198] According to the proposed method for operating the system 100 for optical communication, optical signals 30 of all optical data transmission units 10 of at least one arrangement 50 of a plurality of optical data transmission units 10 can first be sent to the optical receiving unit 60.

[0199] The optical receiving unit 60, or the beacon unit 70, can then send out a signal 72, which is received by one or more arrangements 50.

[0200] DLR-4346 WO

[0201] 2025-09-05 From the signal 72 the spatial direction to the optical receiving unit 60 can be determined.

[0202] Subsequently, optical communication can take place with the optical receiving unit 60 via at least one optical data transmission unit 10, which transmits optical signals 30 in the spatial direction towards the optical receiving unit 60. The other optical data transmission units 10 can remain deactivated.

[0203] The signal 72 can be an optical signal which is received by at least one optical data transmission unit 10 of the arrangement 50.

[0204] Alternatively, it is also possible to determine the spatial direction via direction-inducing effects, which include at least one of radio communication, magnetic field, electric field, heat, sound, gravity, acceleration.

[0205] DLR-4346 WO 2025-09-05 Reference number

[0206] 10 optical data transmission units

[0207] 12 optical data transmission element

[0208] 14 light-emitting diodes

[0209] 16 first electrical connection, anode

[0210] 18 second electrical connection, cathode

[0211] 20 electronic components

[0212] 21 D Data input

[0213] 22 Signal input

[0214] 23 C Clock input

[0215] 24 first entrance

[0216] 25 Q data output

[0217] 26 second entrance

[0218] 27 Q Data output

[0219] 28 clock inputs

[0220] 30 optical signal

[0221] 32 Signal output

[0222] 34 first exit

[0223] 36 second exit

[0224] 38 clock output

[0225] 40 combined optical data transmission unit

[0226] 50 Arrangement

[0227] 52 Control unit

[0228] 54 Sensor

[0229] 56 spherical segment

[0230] 60 receiver units

[0231] 70 lighthouse units

[0232] 72 Signal

[0233] 100 System

[0234] DLR-4346 WO

[0235] 2025-09-05

Claims

Claims 1. Optical data transmission unit (10), comprising at least one optical data transmission element (12) for sending and / or receiving optical signals (30), in particular serial optical signals, a signal input (22) for receiving electrical signals and a signal output (32) for sending electrical signals, wherein the signal input (22) and signal output (32) are configured for serial electrical linking with individual control of the at least one optical data transmission element (12).

2. Optical data transmission unit according to claim 1, configured to be controlled for data transmission by means of a serial protocol.

3. Optical data transmission unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one optical data transmission element (12) is designed as a light-emitting diode (14) which is connected to an electronic component (20), in particular a D flip-flop, which is provided for controlling the light-emitting diode (14), wherein the signal input (22) comprises a first input (24) which is coupled to a data input (21) of the electronic component (20), a second input (26) which is coupled to a first electrical connection (16, 18) of the light-emitting diode (14), a clock input (28) which is coupled to a clock input (23) of the electronic component (20), wherein the signal output (32) comprises a first output (34) which is coupled to a data output (25) of the electronic component (20), a second output (36) which is coupled to the second input (26), DLR-4346 WO 2025-09-05 a clock output (38) which is coupled to the clock input (28), wherein a second electrical connection (18, 16) of the light-emitting diode (14) is connected to the data output (25) of the electronic component (20).

4. Optical data transmission unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one optical data transmission element (12) is designed as at least one of a multicolor light-emitting diode, a polarized light-emitting diode, a laser diode.

5. Optical data transmission unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one optical data transmission element (12) comprises at least one of sub-apertures, optical lenses, microlenses, light guides which illuminate solid angles by means of several independent optical beams.

6. Optical data transmission unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one optical data transmission element (12) is designed as a photodetector.

7. Optical data transmission unit according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a radio transmission unit. DLR-4346 WO 2025-09-05 8. Arrangement (50) with a plurality of optical data transmission units (10) which are arranged in series in an electrically linked manner, comprising a control unit (52), wherein the data transmission units (10) each comprise at least one optical data transmission element (12) for sending and / or receiving optical signals (30), in particular serial optical signals, a signal input (22) for receiving electrical signals and a signal output (32) for sending electrical signals, wherein the signal input (22) and signal output (32) are configured for a serial electrical linkage with individual control of the at least one optical data transmission element (12), wherein the control unit (52) is electrically coupled to a signal input (22) of a first optical data transmission unit (10),wherein a signal output (32) of an optical data transmission unit (10) is electrically coupled to a signal input (22) of a subsequent optical data transmission unit (10), wherein each of the optical data transmission units (10) can be individually activated by means of the control unit (52).

9. Arrangement according to claim 8, further comprising a sensor (54) which is electrically coupled to the control unit (52), in particular wherein the sensor (54) is a temperature sensor, an accelerometer, a microphone, a particle counter, an electric field sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a gas sensor, a camera sensor, a thermal camera sensor or a combination of two or more such sensors. DLR-4346 WO 2025-09-05 10. Arrangement according to claim 8 or 9, wherein an optical data transmission element (12) of the optical data transmission units (10) is designed as a light-emitting diode (14) which is connected to an electronic component (20), in particular a D flip-flop, which is provided for controlling the light-emitting diode (14), wherein the control unit (52) is electrically coupled to a first input (24), a second input (26) and a clock input (28) of a first optical data transmission unit (10), wherein a first output (34), a second output (36) and a clock output (38) of an optical data transmission unit (10) is electrically coupled to a respective first input (24), a second input (26) and a clock input (28) of a subsequent optical data transmission unit (10).

11. Arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the linked optical data transmission units (10) are configured as a distributed shift register.

12. Arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein a number of optical data transmission units (10) are combined in a combined optical data transmission unit (40), wherein the optical data transmission units (10) are arranged in series in an electrically linked manner, wherein the second inputs (26) of similar optical data transmission units (10) combined in the combined optical data transmission unit (40) are separately coupled to the control unit (52), in particular wherein the combined optical data transmission unit (40) comprises optical data transmission units (10) for emitting optical signals (30) in different colors, in particular in red, green, blue. DLR-4346 WO 2025-09-05 13. Arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the optical data transmission units (10) are arranged in rings with different polar angles.

14. Arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the optical data transmission units (10) are arranged in and / or on a spherical segment (56), in particular on a hemisphere, in particular wherein the spherical segment (56) is divided into equilateral triangles and the data transmission units (10) are arranged at corners of the equilateral triangles.

15. Arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the optical data transmission units (10) are arranged in a flat, in particular adhesive tape-like, design.

16. Arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the optical data transmission units (10) are arranged on a flexible electronic circuit board.

17. Arrangement according to one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the sensor (54) is designed to determine a spatial direction via at least one of radio communication, magnetic field, electric field, heat, sound, gravity, acceleration. DLR-4346 WO 2025-09-05 18. System (100) for optical communication with at least one arrangement (50) with a plurality of optical Data transmission units (10), wherein the data transmission units (10) each comprise at least one optical data transmission element (12) for sending and / or receiving optical signals (30), in particular serial optical signals, a signal input (22) for receiving electrical signals and a signal output (32) for sending electrical signals, wherein the signal input (22) and signal output (32) are configured for serial electrical linking with individual control of the at least one optical data transmission element (12), comprising an optical receiving unit (60) for receiving optical signals (30) from the optical data transmission units (10), wherein at least one optical data transmission unit (10) of the at least one arrangement (50) directed towards the optical receiving unit (60) is activatable.

19. System according to claim 18, further comprising a beacon unit (70) which is configured to send a signal (72), in particular an optical signal, to the plurality of optical data transmission units (10), wherein a spatial direction between the beacon unit (70) and the at least one arrangement (50) can be determined by the signal (72) of the beacon unit (70) being received by at least one data transmission element (12) of the at least one arrangement (50).

20. System according to claim 18, comprising a directed transmitting unit, in particular a laser, which is designed for targeted addressing of an optical data transmission unit (10). DLR-4346 WO 2025-09-05 21. System according to one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the optical receiving unit (60) is configured for recording the optical signals (30) and processing them in data streams, in particular wherein the optical receiving unit (60) is configured as a camera, in particular as an event camera and / or as a neuromorphic camera.

22. Method for operating a system (100) for optical communication according to one of claims 18 to 21, comprising Sending optical signals (30) from all optical data transmission units (10) of at least one arrangement (50) of a plurality of optical data transmission units (10) to an optical receiving unit (60); Receiving at least one signal from the optical receiving unit (60); Determining a spatial direction to the optical receiving unit (60) from the signal; Optical communication with the optical receiving unit (60) via at least one optical data transmission unit (10) which sends optical signals (30) in the spatial direction towards the optical receiving unit (60).

23. Method according to claim 22, wherein the at least one signal is an optical signal which is received by at least one optical data transmission unit (10) of the arrangement (50).

24. Method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the spatial direction is determined by a signal (72), in particular an optical signal, from a beacon unit (70), which is received by at least one optical data transmission unit (10) of the arrangement (50). DLR-4346 WO 2025-09-05 25. Method according to one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the spatial direction is determined by direction-inducing effects, which include at least one of radio communication, magnetic field, electric field, heat, sound, gravity, acceleration.

26. Method according to one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the optical data transmission element (10) is designed as a light-emitting diode (14) which is controlled by means of an electronic component (20), in particular a D flip-flop, wherein a state of a data output (25) of an optical data transmission unit (10) is transmitted to a data input (21) of a subsequent optical data transmission unit (10) by means of a clock signal supplied via a clock input (28), wherein, when an electrical potential is switched to the data input (21) of at least one optical data transmission element (10), an optical signal (30) of the optical data transmission unit (10) is generated by means of a second input (26).

27. Method according to claim 26, wherein the second input (26) is buffered by means of a further electronic component, in particular a logic component. DLR-4346 WO 2025-09-05

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