Fiber optics for the Space Station Freedom DMS network

Dan L. House; Gary A. Carlson; James J. Steinhardt; Frank J. Owens

doi:10.1117/12.156563

15 September 1993 Fiber optics for the Space Station Freedom DMS network

Dan L. House, Gary A. Carlson, James J. Steinhardt, Frank J. Owens

Proceedings Volume 1953, Photonics for Space Environments; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.156563
Event: Optical Engineering and Photonics in Aerospace Sensing, 1993, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

The Space Station Freedom data management system uses a fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) backbone, which provides counter rotating rings with a data bandwidth of 100 Mbps. This data rate allows a potential for system growth not practical with a copper solution. Fiber's growth potential, coupled with obvious advantages in weight and EMI, perfectly matches the needs and requirements of the Space Station environment. The Space Station environment also provides some unique problems not normally encountered in a FDDI design. The hardware must perform in a vacuum and at nearly full military temperature range. Also, the assembly process of the Space Station causes a much larger than normal signal loss between stations. Finally, the system requires data integrity much higher than the normal FDDI specification demands. These problems are solved by deviating from the FDDI standard on several points. Custom fiber optic receiver and transmitter hybrids have been developed for the program. The result of these hybrids is a much higher sensitivity and larger dynamic range than an ordinary FDDI network would need. Another change from normal systems is the use of specially designed ring concentrator. This allows easier servicing of the units while in orbit, as well as facilitating system reconfiguration for future growth.

Citation Download Citation

Dan L. House, Gary A. Carlson, James J. Steinhardt, and Frank J. Owens "Fiber optics for the Space Station Freedom DMS network", Proc. SPIE 1953, Photonics for Space Environments, (15 September 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.156563

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