Built-In Test Capability for WDM Avionic Systems

The objective of this program is to develop a methodology and hardware solution that are capable of real-time analysis of the MIL-STD-1760 optical link performance while simultaneously providing an optical mechanism by which the attached payloads can identify their physical location and therefore configure themselves as necessary. This would be particularly useful in a Wavelength Division Multiplex (WDM) based network topology that relies on each physical location having unique and permanently assigned transmit and receive wavelengths. Since the MIL-STD-1760 specification does not allow for electrical address strapping for identification purposes, the optical identification ability that comes for free with our proposed Built-In Test (BIT) approach would enable the payload to appropriately tune its transmit and receive wavelengths without installer intervention. This capability would drastically ease the logistics of payload management and eliminate the possibility of human error.