Intra-spacecraft optical communication solutions using discrete transceiver

摘要

The ever-decreasing size of the small satellites with more demanding payloads has opened new research areas to investigate innovative onboard data-handling solutions. This paper presents the use of optical intra-satellite communication using discretely designed transceivers. The transceiver can handle large variations in the received photocurrents and implements filtration against the ambient light. The designed transceiver has been tested with selected optical components including infrared diodes, photo detectors, and optical guides to validate its functionality. The displacement damage testing on selected optical components was performed to validate their suitability for use in space. The experimental communication schemes have been presented for free space as well as glass fiber-based intra-spacecraft communication.