Advanced Development of a CWDM/TDM Sensor Network for Second Generation Fly-By-Light Systems

The objectives of this proposed Phase II project are to develop the appropriate optics for an 8 wavelength CWDM system and demonstrate both the multiplexed data link and the integration of the link with an aircraft actuator. Fly-by-light (FBL) systems have been the subject of research for many years; however, there are still several hurdles to overcome before FBL systems can provide the next advance in flight control technology. One of the main difficulties with current proposed FBL systems is the large number of fibers required. In order to reduce the number of fibers, coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) can be used to increase the signal capacity of individual fibers. The Phase I effort resulted in an architecture design capable of decreasing the number of fibers from 1190 to 210 when using a CWDM system with 8 wavelengths. Digital Optics Corporation will develop and demonstrate the necessary components for a CWDM based sensor network for FBL applications. New CWDM modules will be designed and fabricated and assembled with the necessary active components and optical sensors in order to demonstrate a complete optical data link. Partnering with HR Textron, this CWDM data link will be integrated with an aircraft actuator.