Supplement: Interconnection
1984: Raytheon develops the fibre-optic guided missile (FOGM) controlled by a two- way fibre optic data link, with fibre paid-out from a bobbin at the rear of the missile. 1993: NASA sets-up Fiber Optic Working Group (FOWG) to support fly-by-light trials by major aero primes, such as Boeing and Sikorsky and their sub-system suppliers. Connectors are a concern, due to the poor optical performance of expanded-beam, against acceptable performance of physical contact (PC) but with concerns over cleaning. Trials successfully go ahead with ceramic PC ferrules in 38999 shells incorporating ‘floating’ split ceramic alignment sleeves, mounted in a special insert. 1999: TAC-COM Tactical Fibre-Optic Cable Reels introduced. Connectors were multi- channel MIL-PRF-83526 of hermaphroditic design to allow easy daisy-chaining and rapid deployment in the field. This type of connector is now available in COTS versions from many global manufacturers.
The Strider image is of a current UK-made man-pack version, designed to efficiently deploy and recover high-performance fibre optic cable networks across a range of challenging terrains. With 1km fibre-optic cable onboard, this backpack system weighs less than 25kg.
The FOGM and TAC-COM were the first Strider: Image courtesy of ArmourLux
adoptions of fibre-optic technology in the military and probably the most obvious applications. Over the next few years, other command-and-control and ISR-type applications would follow, enabled by improvements in fibre, in-turn fuelled by the huge increases in speed and bandwidth demanded by expanding Internet services. The performance of commercial fibre- optic connectors has kept pace with these developments, albeit without the need for rugged packaging. Now, the opportunity to exploit the latest commercial fibre-optic technology into the aerospace and military market is what has driven ODU to launch this new product range.
The limitations of current fibre connectivity solutions in the world of rugged embedded systems continue to be an issue for end users, with low mating cycles and excessive cleaning in the field. The new Expanded Beam Performance (EBP) products are the obvious answer to these limitations.
Fiber optic cables use thin glass fibres to transmit data, via light pulses. There are two main types: Single-Mode and Multi-Mode. The main difference between these types is the way the light is reflected in the core of the fibre.
Single-Mode (SM) fibres transmit light in only one mode or beam path, characterized by a small core diameter of around 9 micrometres and are ideal for long-distance transmissions, as they offer high bandwidths and low attenuation. The narrow core allows the light to be guided in almost a straight line, which improves transmission efficiency and bandwidth. However, this type of fibre requires coherent light sources, such as lasers, to transmit the light in a targeted and efficient manner, which makes the technology more expensive. Multi-Mode (MM) fibres have a larger core diameter of around 50 micrometres, enabling the transmission of multiple light modes. This leads to higher light refraction and therefore a lower bandwidth compared to SM fibres. MM fibres are particularly suitable for shorter distances and can be operated with more cost-effective light sources, such as LEDs.
Expanded Beam Performance (EBP) technology combines contactless transmission with excellent attenuation values, when using multi- mode fibres, the system
www.cieonline.co.uk Expanded Beam Technology
delivers data with an insertion loss of < 0.15 dB. The return loss also noticeably exceeds the values of PC connections with > 45 dB in multi-mode and > 60 dB in single-mode, ensuring excellent data transmission without losses. The special ferrules do not require cleaning at fixed intervals, only if they are exceptionally dirty. The service life of 50,000 mating cycles can thus be achieved under real conditions without maintenance. At the heart of the new portfolio is a cassette system that allows multiple ferrules to be arranged side-by-side in a space-saving manner. With 12 connected fibres per ferrule, up to 96 optical fibres can be connected to one connector. The technology is available in two styles of classic I/O circular connectors and also in backplane connection systems in accordance with the VITA standard.
Combines the proven design of the MIL- DTL-38999, Series lll connectors with the innovative Expanded Beam Performance technology. Based on the upcoming VITA 95 standard, meeting demanding use in military
aviation. In 4 shell sizes for up to 96 fibres - low-maintenance alternative to VITA 87 and VITA 89 solutions.
The ODU AMC Series T connectors meet the performance for 38999 Series III connectors, but in a small form factor with up to 39 per cent reduced weight. In 4 shell sizes for up to 96 fibres.
Robust rectangular connectors, based on future VITA 96, with up to 96 optical fibres per connection. Over 10,000 mating cycles and normally no cleaning, only in exceptional circumstances.
This new generation of Expanded Beam fibre-optic connectors have settled any previous arguments about optical performance once-and-for-all, and should now become the de-facto choice for all aerospace and defence applications.
https://odu-aerospace.com/ Components in Electronics June 2025 29
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