The application of photonics technology in switched RF networks is discussed with emphasis on the benefits for avionics applications. System requirements and performance issues are addressed. A 16 X 16 photonic switch module prototype is described and results for RF fiber-optic links passing through the module are presented. RF channel isolation measured was at least 75 dB. A demonstration is described in which a photonic network using the switch module passed signals from a dynamic electromagnetic environment simulator to two radar warning systems under test. Demonstration modes included simulation of both aperture sharing and processor sharing. Finally, a novel alternative switch module architecture is described that is strictly non-blocking and has inherently better channel isolation.
Current fly-by-light (FBL) sensors represent a proliferation of different unique electro-optic interfaces and transducers. Development of standard electro-optic interfaces for diverse measurements (position, pressure, temperature, speed, etc.) offers potential to improve affordability of FBL sensor systems. Ladar fiber-optic sensor (LFOS) is a promising sensor technology that has demonstrated such a capability. A position transducer, temperature transducer, rotary speed transducer, liquid level transducer, and switch have all been demonstrated as plug compatible. In addition to providing a standard common interface, LFOS technology also offers the benefits of small and robust transducers, inherent multiplexing capability, and inherent fault detection and isolation capability. Current versions of the LFOS electro-optic interface consist of two VME circuit cards that are capable of interrogating and processing four multiplexed sensors. LFOS has been demonstrated in several flight and propulsion control laboratory testbeds.
Over the last several years, it has become widely recognized that electromagnetic interference (EMI), electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), High-Intensity Radio Frequency (HIRF), and new threats, such as directed-energy weapons, can jeopardize the flight safety of vehicles equipped with Fly-By-Wire (FBW) systems, unless adequate shielding precautions are taken. This leads to weight penalties which can be avoided through implementation of Fiber-optic systems.
A ladar fiber optic sensor (LFOS) for aircraft applications is described. Chirped intensity- modulated ranging is used to estimate linear position. LFOS technology offers several advantages over other fiber optic sensor techniques proposed for aircraft position sensing applications, including small and robust transducer heads, inherent multiplexing capability, and inherent fault isolation capability. LFOS sensors have been integrated inside a flight control surface hydraulic actuator and inside a pilot's sidestick controller. Closed loop operation of the actuator using the LFOS sensor for position feedback was successfully demonstrated in the laboratory. The LFOS sensors in the sidestick controller were used as inputs to fly a flight simulator. The current LFOS interface electronics is contained on two VME circuit cards, with the capability to service four multiplexed sensors. Excellent performance has been achieved. Deviation from linearity over a 7-in. stroke is better than 0.05% of full scale. The RMS measurement noise is less than 15 microns for a 1 millisecond measurement interval.
Practical considerations in the design of an optically multiplexed ladar fiber-optic linear position sensing system are discussed including network architecture, bus fiber count, fault location, sensor separation and network efficiency. The results of a six channel multiplexing experiment using a single laser diode are presented.
Optical heterodyne techniques can be used to generate millimeter-wave signals. Optical FM sideband injection locking can be used to acheive an extremely narrow spectral width millimeter-wave signal. The phase and amplitude of the millimeter-wave signal can be controlled using electro-optic waveguide components.
Narrow spectral width microwave and millimeter-wave signals were generated by using optical heterodyne and optical injection locking techniques. The phase of the signal was electrooptically controlled using integrated optical Ti:LiNbO3 waveguide modulator.
The analysis, design, and testing of a high-precision linear position sensor using diode laser radar techniques
and fiber-optic signal distribution is described. A frequency-chirped, intensity-modulated semiconductor diode laser
is used as the transmitter. Each sensor head consists of two reflectors -one moving and one fixed -in a differential
ranging mode to cancel apparent range changes caused by temperature induced fiber length variations. The returned
(round trip delayed) chirps are direct detected by a photodiode and then are mixed with the original (undelayed)
chirp to produce a sum of beat frequencies, each proportional to the range of a reflector. Several sensors heads,
located at different fiber distances, can be optically multiplexed by a single laser transmitter using a reflective or
transmissive network. The performance of the laser radar position sensor is anal,rzed by first calculating the return
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). A Cramér-Rao lower bound is derived to relate the SNR, chirp bandwidth, and chirp
duration to the root-mean-square (RMS) range error. The theoretical optimum performance of the experimental
sensor system is determined. An experimental system was built that achieved 58 pm RMS range error using a 1 ms
chirp duration with a processing time of 50 ps.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.