Skip to main content
European Commission logo
Enterprise Europe Network

Industrial partner sought to support the development of modular optical circuits or photonic integrated circuits for current measurement performed with fiber optic faraday-based sensors.

Summary

Profile Type
  • Technology request
POD Reference
TRES20241227007
Term of Validity
27 December 2024 - 27 December 2025
Company's Country
  • Spain
Type of partnership
  • Commercial agreement with technical assistance
Targeted Countries
  • All countries
Contact the EEN partner nearest to you for more information.
Find my local partner

General information

Short Summary
A Spanish optic electronics company looks for an industrial expert partner with knowledge and capabilities in the manufacturing of fiber optic complex components applied to the advanced sensor industry. They seek to develop a technology solution either via the integration of specific couplers and polarizers in one unique module, or through the development of specific photonic integrated circuits foundry manufactured with these elements.
Full Description
An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specializing in advanced condition monitoring systems for the electrical and energy sectors is seeking an industrial technology partner to assist in the development of an enhanced optical structure for its primary current measurement sensor. This enhancement aims to enable manufacturing automation, improve product consistency, and elevate quality standards.

The OEM’s solutions are designed for the High Voltage (HV) and Extra-High Voltage (EHV) transmission sector, serving critical functions such as remote health diagnostics of key assets and classified analyses in compliance with International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards for precision and protection applications.

The company has patented its innovative technology and proprietary optical measurement structures, which meet stringent performance requirements. Rapid growth in market demand has required a transition to scalable industrial processes that minimize manual intervention, enhance automation, and streamline quality assurance.

To achieve these goals, the company is focused on adapting its optical measurement structure to a modular design that integrates couplers and polarizers or incorporates a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) combining these functionalities. The new structure must interface seamlessly with single-mode fiber optics and the broader system equipment.

The company looks for experienced industrial partners to collaborate in this transformative effort, ensuring the scalability, precision, and reliability needed to support its fast-expanding market presence.
Stage of Development
  • Under development
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
IPR description
The Spanish company is looking for a partner capable of combining specific market couplers and polarizers into a single element manufactured without fiber optic stretching, ideally leveraging automated fiber fusion processes.

The combined component must meet the following key objectives:
1. Cost Reduction: Achieve a minimum cost reduction of 20% compared to the current cost of acquiring, assembling, and performing quality checks for the separate elements.
2. Lead Time Reduction: Reduce manufacturing lead time by over 50%, eliminating intermediate quality assurance and calibration steps for components.
3. Product Consistency: Ensure an industrial process capable of delivering a final product with greater than 95% consistency and repeatability.

Production Requirements
• Initial demand: At least 400 units per year.
• Growth trajectory: A scale-up factor of 5x annually, reaching significantly higher volumes over the next six years.

Collaboration Framework
The selected partner will have the opportunity to remain as the exclusive supplier of this component for our equipment. Alternatively, the solution may be licensed to us under mutually agreeable terms.

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner
The partner will be an exclusive supplier and will play a pivotal role in the development and production of an advanced optical component that integrates market couplers and polarizers into a single, cost-effective, and highly reliable unit. Their expertise in fiber optics, automated manufacturing processes, and precision engineering will be critical in achieving the project's objectives of cost reduction, lead time optimization, and product consistency.
Specifically, the partner will be responsible for designing and prototyping the combined optical component, leveraging innovative technologies such as automated fiber fusion processes. They will also develop and refine an industrial manufacturing process that ensures a high level of repeatability (>95%) while meeting stringent quality standards. The partner must possess the technical capacity to support scaling production volumes from an initial 400 units annually to a growth factor of 5x within six years, addressing the increasing market demand.
Additionally, the partner will collaborate closely with the client to align the design and manufacturing process with the client’s proprietary requirements and end-use applications. The partnership may also involve establishing a long-term supply agreement or transferring the technology under a licensing framework, depending on mutual interests and project outcomes.
Type and Size of Partner
  • SME 11-49
  • SME 50 - 249
  • Big company
  • SME <=10
  • R&D Institution
Type of partnership
  • Commercial agreement with technical assistance

Dissemination

Technology keywords
  • 01001002 - Digital Systems, Digital Representation
  • 09001004 - Electrical Technology related to measurements
  • 09001009 - Sensor Technology related to measurements
Market keywords
  • 03006 - Fibre Optics
  • 06002003 - Power grid and distribution
Sector Groups Involved
  • Electronics
Targeted countries
  • All countries