The time division multiplexed (TDM) digital optical position transducer (5" stroke, 1 2 bit) was successfully tested for performance, environmental response and life cycle. In particular, the performance was measured in terms of transducer insertion loss, linearity, tracking accuracy and resolution whereas the environmental tests included temperature cycling from -55°C to 135°C and the vibration from 5 Hz to 5,000 Hz. The transducer exhibited an insertion loss of ~23 dB and a linear position measurement range of ±2.4993 inches with a linearity of ±0.024 % full-scale, tracking accuracy on the order of resolution, 0.0012 inches. When temperature cycled, the change in the insertion loss of the transducer measured at 25°C was negligible. In addition, the transducer did not exhibit any hysteresis on completion of each thermal cycle. Both random and sinusoidal vibration test were conducted on the transducer which neither affected the optical perlormance nor induced any mechanical/optical failures. Although the life cycle test was limited to 15,000 full strokes, it demonstrated the ruggedness of the design and proved the maturity of TDM technology under extreme environmental conditions.
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