Fiber-optic interconnect and component packaging for the next generation of aerospace platforms

The author first presents an overview of the requirements for data communication subsystems in modern, high-performance military aircraft and spacecraft, in order to put a perspective on the issues and challenges. The evolution of the needed fiber-optic components such as transmitters, receivers, and interconnection hardware is presented. This leads to a description of the state of the art in aerospace optoelectronic packaging, as it is practised at the Harris Corporation. The author concludes with a list of promising optical and optoelectronic technologies expected to be found in future avionic subsystems.<>