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Lessons learnt from fibre optics in aircraft
Andrew Lee AVoptics Ltd
ESTEC 10/12/15
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Introduction
• Todays Presentation: – History – Differences seen between space and aero – Previous barriers – Current State of the Art – Learning from Aerospace
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Who are we? AS9100 certified company formed in 2005 Specialise in research, designing, developing and manufacturing Fibre Optics in Harsh Environments
• Harsh Environment Fibre Optics
• Free Space Optical Communications
• Fibre Optic Sensing and Structural Health Monitoring
• Hyper-Spectral Imaging
• Electronic Design and Prototyping
• Tuneable IR Laser Systems
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History of Fibre in Aerospace
• Fibre optics first flew over 30 years ago • Adoption and standardisation however has taken a
long time • It is still an ongoing process • Driver for adoption was security and EMI • Data has only become more prevalent as adoption of
more commercial technologies has become possible and digital video requirement has grown.
• It is still seen by many as a new and ‘risky’ technology.
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Aircraft Using Standardised Fibre Optic Components
Boeing-Lockheed Martin F-22 Lightning
BAE SYSTEMS TYPHOON
AW -101 MERLIN HC.3
AIRBUS A340-600 A380-800
AIRBUS A400M LMCO F-35
Boeing 787 A350 - XWB
BOEING CHINOOK HC.3 AW -159 WILDCAT
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What is the Gap between Aviation and Space
• Main requirements differences: – Military avionics requirements are similar or harsher
than a typical LEO (SP2) system – SP3 however considerably colder – Radiation and outgassing requirements remain the
two main fundamental differences. – However, this is changing with a big push towards the
next generation of military UAV’s • High altitudes and harsher radiation requirements • A lot of the information regarding radiation requirements of
UAV is difficult to show publicly.
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Previous barriers to adoption in aerospace
• Perception • Supportability • Training and knowledge • Real requirement
– Only implemented recently for bandwidth – Security and EMI historically
• Cost
• Previously poor technology selection and practices selections has, in cases, discouraged adoption
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Current State of Aerospace
• Still predominantly mission systems and not flight critical
• Majority of systems are 2.5Gbps or less.
• Applications: – Data communications – Secure communications – Fibre optics sensing
• Impact detection (growing with composites) • Stress, strain and temperature
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Databuses
• Avionics Full-DupleX Switched Ethernet (AFDX) • GBE and Fibre Channel (Mainly in video systems) • ARINC818 etc… • Majority of systems are point to point • Custom Passive Optical Network Systems • Long term trend is towards 10 GB Ethernet • Components are mainly:
– Multimode OM3 / OM4 – VCSEL Systems (850nm or 1300nm)
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Databuses
• Research work on: – CWDM systems – Ring networks – PON systems – Legacy Conversion
• Adoption & Conclusions – Avoid external media converts where
possible – Multi-Mode and VCSEL’s – Ribbon fibre rapidly gaining ground
• Less components to qualify and lower risk compared to other systems.
– Inside the box free space optics shows promise
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Sensing
With the rise in composites interest in load sensing and monitoring has risen: • Almost entirely single mode
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Sensing
Damage detection • Acoustic Emissions detection
Third flight - sustained vibration
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Standards Roadmap
ISO TC20/SC1 Electrical
NATIONAL STANDARDS BODIES
ANSI American National Standards Institute
BSI British Standards
Institute
CEN European
Standards Committee
DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V.
(Germany)
NOTE: The SAE Aerospace Council serves as the US sponsor for the US Technical Advisory Committee for ISO/TC20 providing a focal point for co-ordinating the needs of the US aerospace industry within ISO/TC20.
SBAC (UK)
ASD-STAN (Europe)
EIA/TIA (USA)
SAE (USA)
TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
ARINC (USA)
AFNOR (France)
ISO TC20 Aerospace
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ARINC Standards
• ARINC801 – Termini / Connectors • ARINC802 – Cable • ARINC803 – Design Guidelines • ARINC804 – Active devices • ARINC805 – Repair and Maintenance • ARINC806 - Testing • ARINC807 - Training
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Learning from Aerospace
• Multiple standards means no standard • DAPHNE & FONDA programmes showed:
– Optics aren’t always cheaper and lighter. • Qualification cost, end system costs, power requirements for
MIA’s. – Multimode can do most things, sensing or RF is the
driver for single mode. • Training and understanding of the technology is
key, from designer to manufacturer. • Easy supportability makes adoption easier
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Learning from Aerospace
• UAV requirements will be driving some aerospace components in the space direction
• Try to move optics into end systems • Route optics and electrical harnesses together • Interest in ribbon fibre is growing rapidly • Smart structures are coming
– How to interface to structure is a challenge
• Fibre is highly reliable • Telecoms can mean high obsolesce risk as well • RF optics and sensing will drive single mode