Fiber Optic Communication Ribbon

Traditional inter-missile communication design techniques, which connect front-end avionics packages with mid and aft-end controller packages, render lengthy and heavy electrical cabling, hence large conduits and numerous connectors and covers. These wirebundles add considerable inert weight to the missile (aerodynamic drag) hence reducing missile propulsion efficiency therefore reducing missile iso-timeline performance. Wire bundles/cables/connectors have historically caused or contributed to asignificant percentage of missile reliability problems and higher than expected development/manufacturing costs. Traditional copper cabling have also limited if not obstructed high bandwidth communication of digital data between subcomponents; bandwidthbeing a critical requirement for advanced missile technology development and deployment.Phase I objective will be focused on the development of a low cost, reliable advanced fiber optic cable ribbon with miniaturized transmitter and receiver connectors that can be processed and embedded in a composite pressure vessel structure such as acomposite solid rocket motor case. The implementation of this technology will not only significantly reduce vehicle mass, in addition it will dramatically increase communication bandwidth, reduce missile integration steps and reduce production/assemblycosts, therefore greatly enhancing missile reliability and testability. Technology Need addressedTraditional inter-missile communication design techniques, which connect front-end avionics packages with mid and aft-end controller packages, render lengthy and heavy electrical cabling, hence large conduits and numerous connectors and covers. These wirebundles add considerable inert weight to the missile (aerodynamic drag) hence reducing missile propulsion efficiency therefore reducing missile iso-timeline performance. Wire bundles/cables/connectors have historically caused or contributed to asignificant percentage of missile reliability problems and higher than expected development/manufacturing costs. Traditional copper cabling have also limited if not obstructed high bandwidth communication of digital data between subcomponents; bandwidthbeing a critical requirement for advanced missile technology development and deployment.CommercializationThe present plan for commercialization is to make the technology available within the US DoD and associated contractors doing work on missile defense systems.Upon a successful Phase II demonstration in prototypical hardware, the results, design approaches, and simulation models would be thoroughly documented and made available to DoD contractors as designated by government agencies.Included with the documented results on techniques to manufacture embedded Fiber Optic Communication Ribbon structures are the following:¿ Trade study report listing all possible candidate technologies and rationale for preferred method.¿ Selected papers accepted by professional societies.¿ Final Report on all topics required to implement the developed technology in an application.¿ Detailed fabrication drawings and manufacturing specifications.¿ Detail environmental and electrical parametersNon-DOD use:- The ability to manufacture structures with embedded optical media is of significant benefit to any embedded or non-embedded product. Incorporation of this technology into any self contained embedded system will be investigated for possible(non DOD) market potential.