Remote Operation of Flight Termination System over Fiber Optic Media in Test Range Scenario

Abstract

In this paper, a novel approach for implementing remote operation of flight termination system using single mode fiber optic link is demonstrated. The process involves RF signal generation and telecommand data modulation, RF to optical conversion at local end, transmission of modulated telecommand RF signal via single mode fiber over remote location, optical to RF conversion at remote end and transmitting through telecommand antenna. The received signal level at the optical to RF receiver module was analyzed for various RF input signal level at the transmitting end and maximum output level was recorded at −10.7 dBm. The CW FM modulated signal renders the expected spectrum after traveling the fiber of the required distance without any distortion. The measured maximum RF level has sufficient link margin above threshold of 10 dB for a target at 100 meters away from the telecommand antenna location.