An automobile includes an electronic control unit (ECU), at least one fiber optical cable, and a sensor unit. The ECU is operational to generate an optical power signal and a first optical communications signal. The fiber optical cable transports the optical power signal and the first optical communications signal. The sensor unit is operational to convert the optical power signal into an electrical power, convert the first optical communications signal into an electrical control signal, measure a first parameter related to the automobile, and generate a second optical communications signal that conveys the first parameter as measured. The fiber optical transports the second optical communications signal to the electronic control unit. The ECU is further operational to convert the second optical communications signal into a first electrical sensed signal that conveys the first parameter, and take an action based on the first parameter in the first electrical sensed signal.