Lessons learnt from fibre optics in aircraft

Powerpoint Template V2

Lessons learnt from fibre optics in aircraft

Andrew Lee AVoptics Ltd

ESTEC 10/12/15


Introduction

• Todays Presentation: – History – Differences seen between space and aero – Previous barriers – Current State of the Art – Learning from Aerospace


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


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.


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.


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


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


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)


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


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

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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


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


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


Thank you

Andrew Lee

Call: +44 (0) 1935 471 606

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Lessons learnt from fibre optics in aircraft