Fiber optics is proving to be an essential transmission medium at data rates of 1 Gigabit per second and above because of advantages relative to copper, including increased distance-bandwidth, reduced weight, and reduced cable volume. However, whereas implementation in commercial applications is often straightforward, aerospace applications present a number of challenges due to an environment harsher than exists in the commercial world. In order to meet the future needs of military aircraft, designers will have to choose carefully between a number of component and architectural choices now available. This paper examines current trends in aerospace fiber optics and maps future needs for aerospace. This paper first discusses the environmental characteristics driving the unique requirements for aerospace applications and then looks at technology trends, including · Type of fiber (singlemode vs. multimode) · Network architecture (electronic switches vs. optical switches vs. wavelength routing) · Connector/contact costs · The role of open standards · Appropriate levels of COTS insertion · Wavelength selection (shortwave vs. longwave) · The development of more robust links
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