Connectivity solutions for harsh environments
The greatest difficulty in deploying RF-over-fibre systems in military applications has been the lack of ruggedised fibre-optic connectors capable of meeting the stringent return-loss requirements needed for quality signal transmissions.
Defence departments around the world are pushing systems manufacturers to provide increasingly capable and efficient systems at current or, in some cases, even reduced costs. Major systems integrators are currently dedicating substantial resources to evaluate new techniques and technologies to reduce cost, improve system performance, and provide the best possible equipment to today’s warfighter. One technology that is garnering substantial attention is RF-over-fibre.
RF-over-fibre is a cognomen for the technology that allows a high-frequency data-carrying RF signal to be transmitted via optical fibre. This technology is widely used in both the CATV and wireless telecommunications markets. It is now being investigated for use in a number of defence applications such as radar, satellite communications, and battlefield wireless technologies. In its simplest terms, an RF-over-fibre system modulates light with a radio signal, transmits that resulting analog optical signal over an optical fibre, and then re-converts the optical signal to a radio signal, typically with the purpose of broadcasting that signal over the air.
Copper vs fibre
Historically, RF transmissions have been made via copper wire, but there are numerous advantages to using optical fibre in defence applications. First, fibre-optic cable is much lighter than copper cable. This weight savings is advantageous in making a system lighter and more easily transported and deployed by a soldier. It also reduces the overall weight of a vehicle or ship, which results in greater fuel efficiency. The weight savings can also be used to add additional equipment to the vehicle or ship. Second, fibre-optic cable is not affected by electromagnetic interference nor does it create electromagnetic interference that might be detected by enemy forces. Finally, optical signals can travel much farther than equivalent signals conducted on copper wire. This allows for greater distances between communications shelters and antennas, making military personnel in the field harder to detect.
The challenge of RF-over-fibre in military applications
The greatest difficulty in deploying RF-over-fibre systems in military applications has been the lack of ruggedised fibre-optic connectors capable of meeting the stringent return-loss requirements needed for quality signal transmissions. RF signals transmitted on optical fibre are analog and as a result are quite susceptible to signal degradation caused by light reflected upstream into the transmitting laser. Excessive reflected light, typically caused by connection points or passive devices in the system, causes a destructive wave interference that adds noise to the optical signal. Most analog systems require a minimum return loss of 65 dB.
In commercial applications, angle-polished connectors (like the ubiquitous FC/APC connector) minimise return loss by directing reflected light out of the optical pathway through an eight-degree angled ferrule end face. The angled end face scatters the light rather than allowing it to reach the transmitting laser. Unfortunately, commercial connectors are not rugged enough to survive military applications. They perform poorly under vibration, shock, and in extreme environmental conditions. At critical times, they do not provide a reliable solution for conducting critical fibre-optic signals.
Military-grade fibre-optic connectors have been used in numerous applications over the last 15 years. These connectors are designed to provide precise optical alignment under extreme mechanical and environmental conditions. Most military systems that contain fibre optics use multimode fibre, but in the last five years single-mode fibre has become much more common. The use of single-mode fibre is expected to continue to increase in the future.
Single-mode fibre and angle-polished end faces
While the military connectors used with single-mode fibre are common and readily available, they are typically not able to meet the 65 dB return-loss requirement needed for quality analog optical signal transmission. The end faces on standard military fibre-optic connectors have a spherical dome shape rather than an angled one. Most standard military single-mode connectors can offer, at best, 45 dB return loss. To meet 65 dB return loss for military applications, angle-polished end faces need to be added to the military fibre-optic connector product suite.
Fortunately, a number of options for military fibre-optic connectors with APC end faces are in development or available today. These connectors are based on existing and field-proven military fibre-optic connectors, but with modifications to support the needed return loss requirements.
M28876 and APC28876
The APC28876, manufactured by Amphenol Fibre Systems International, is based on MIL-PRF-28876 connectors that have long been used by the US Navy as its primary tactical-grade shipboard fibre-optic connector. The multichannel M28876 is designed with the precision alignment needed for a quality optical connection. Additionally, it is designed to survive extreme mechanical shocks, high vibrations, and corrosive environments found at sea. The MIL-PRF-29504 termini are made with the most robust spring mechanism available. The spring force on the terminus allows the connector system to function under extreme mechanical loads. With single-mode fibre, one can expect a typical insertion loss of 0.4 dB per connection and a return loss of 45dB. While this is truly exceptional optical performance for standard digital requirements, it is insufficient for analog signals.
Another military-grade solution for APC connectors becoming popular in the market is based on the ARINC801 standard. These connectors, made by Amphenol, Radiall, and Sabritec, are derivative of the D38999 series connector. D38999 connectors were originally designed as electrical connectors. As such, the shells are not designed for precision alignment. The ARINC801 specification overcomes this deficiency by utilising precision inserts and a custom optical terminus. The ARINC801 termini are based on the commercially available LC connector, using the same ferrule and spring as a standard LC connector. When combined with the ARINC801 precision inserts, a quality APC connection system is achieved. Insertion loss is typically 0.4 dB, and the necessary 65 dB return loss is also achieved. The ARINC801 is suitable for high-vibration environments where mechanical shocks are not expected.
A third APC connectivity solution that is emerging and will likely become the dominant military-grade APC connector is based on the MIL-PRF-64266 specification. The MIL-PRF-64266 was developed by an industry working group managed under the auspices of the US Navy. Every major military fibre-optic connector manufacturer participated in this group. At its heart, the M64266 standard combines the best optical performance characteristics and alignment features of the M28876 series with the best shell characteristics of the D38999 series. The M64266 connector uses a 1.25 mm ferrule combined with a terminus design reminiscent of the field-proven M29504 terminus. A robust 4lb spring provides excellent shock and vibration resistance. Insert-to-insert bottoming between mating connectors locks the terminus in place for increased stability. A suite of purpose-built backshells provides superior strain relief for virtually any cable type. As with the other solutions available, 0.4 dB insertion loss and 65 dB return loss are expected.
Since many RF-over-fibre optical systems operate at relatively higher optical power levels, terminus end-face cleanliness is another parameter critical to a highly functional connectivity system. Debris, contaminants, and scratches can all lead to optical signal degradation. In extreme cases, these defects can result in physical damage to the terminus end face during use. Proper cleaning using lint-free wipes and laboratory grade isopropyl alcohol is usually sufficient to prevent loss due to contaminants. As with end face geometry, commercial end face quality standards (such as IPC-8497-1) are applicable to military APC termini also.
High-performance RF-over-fibre optical communication systems hold great promise for advances in numerous areas of defence technology. From state-of-the-art radars to cutting-edge wireless battlefield communication systems, RF-over-fibre technology is poised to revolutionise military network technology. Recent advances in harsh-environment fibre-optic connectivity bring this technology one step closer to the warfighter.
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