Intelligent Fiber-Optic Network with Real Time Built-in Test Performance Monitoring for Prognostics and Diagnostics

NAVAIR and other user communities seek the deployment of wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical network architectures to support increasingly demanding missions on aerospace platforms in support of the warfighter. IFOS is leveraging its unique and proven portfolio of optical sensing and networking experience to develop innovative, miniaturized, multifunctional optical network node chipsets. These chips, in addition to other functionalities, will include all-optical spectral tagging (AOST), based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), for network built-in-test (BIT). IFOS will leverage leading capabilities in Si and InP fabrication. In Phase I, IFOS successfully demonstrated the feasibility of its innovations through modeling/analysis and experimentation using discrete and semi-integrated optical components. The Phase I effort resulted in additional innovative but practical concepts incorporated in the Phase II objective of enhancing network node size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) through integration of Si and InP chipsets. Aerospace optical networks will be enhanced by implementation of IFOS’ innovations incorporated in two ASPICs called Tag*Sense™ and OptiNode™. Tag*Sense™ includes AOST for real-time network-wide BIT capability using FBGs. OptiNode™ includes key network functionalities like arrayed waveguide grating (AWG).