Harsh environment fiber optic connectors/testing

Douglas A. Parker

doi:10.1117/12.2063027

5 September 2014 Harsh environment fiber optic connectors/testing

Douglas A. Parker

Proceedings Volume 9202, Photonics Applications for Aviation, Aerospace, Commercial, and Harsh Environments V; 920216 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2063027
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2014, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Fiber optic systems are used frequently in military, aerospace and commercial aviation programs. There is a long history of implementing fiber optic data transfer for aircraft control, for harsh environment use in local area networks and more recently for in-flight entertainment systems. The advantages of fiber optics include high data rate capacity, low weight, immunity to EMI/RFI, and security from signal tapping. Technicians must be trained particularly to install and maintain fiber systems, but it is not necessarily more difficult than wire systems. However, the testing of the fiber optic interconnection system must be conducted in a standardized manner to assure proper performance. Testing can be conducted with slight differences in the set-up and procedure that produce significantly different test results. This paper reviews various options of interconnect configurations and discusses how these options can affect the performance, maintenance required and longevity of a fiber optic system, depending on the environment. Proper test methods are discussed. There is a review of the essentials of proper fiber optic testing and impact of changing such test parameters as input launch conditions, wavelength considerations, power meter options and the basic methods of testing. This becomes important right from the start when the supplier test data differs from the user’s data check upon receiving the product. It also is important in periodic testing. Properly conducting the fiber optic testing will eliminate confusion and produce meaningful test results for a given harsh environment application.

Citation Download Citation

Douglas A. Parker "Harsh environment fiber optic connectors/testing", Proc. SPIE 9202, Photonics Applications for Aviation, Aerospace, Commercial, and Harsh Environments V, 920216 (5 September 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2063027

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