SBIR-STTR Award

This program creates a multi-wavelength nodes for LAN networks (WDM Nodes), based on modular WDM Engines. The WDM Node has an integrated fully non-blocking cross-point switch to route any input to any output (any-to-any) with a throughput latency of less than 1 nanosecond. The WDM Node will route 10 Gbps data between optical input/output ports and local electrical I/O ports, with 250 mW of power/channel. The network functionality includes: wavelength switching, channel switching (same wavelength, different port), signal restoration (repeater) and add/drop to the local node. We will initially target a mesh network (with north, south, east, west, and local ports), however the design is scalable to higher-dimensions by increasing the number of WDM Engines.

Benefit:
Significant reduction in the costs associated with fielding and maintaining WDM LAN networks on avionic platforms.

Keywords:
,, Embedded OTDR, WDM LAN, mesh networks

The program goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of building a low-cost, easy to use, wavelength division-multiplexing (WDM) engine that incorporates built-in test (BIT) functions, specifically optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR). This modular WDM engine with BIT will utilize compact, volume manufactured plastic connector body and glass optical elements that integrate all the wavelength splitters and combiners into a robust optical path. The optical path is coupled to lasers and detectors via Ultra Communication, Inc. high-resolution optoelectronics packaging to form the wavelength specific transceiver lanes and OTDR functionality. The modular design approach permits inclusion of this device into WDM nodes such as emerging CLR-4, COBO and SAE Aerospace standards or proprietary, application specific non-blocking, low latency CWDM crossbar switch fabrics.

Benefit:
Combining integrated active and passive WDM components with planar light-wave circuits (PLCs), and integrated optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) technology will create low cost, space, weight and power (SWAP) WDM packaging technology for Department of Defense (DoD) aviation platforms. Application of BIT capable WDM technology on DoD aviation platforms will enable a drastic increase in the aggregate transmission bandwidth and network node connectivity, reliability and maintainability relative to todays copper and single-wavelength fiber optic point-to-point link designs.

Keywords:
Wavelength Division Multiplexing, Fiber optic components, avionic built-in-test