Mr. Jean-Baptiste Sauveplane Profile

Jean-Baptiste Sauveplane

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Proceedings Article | 11 June 2021 Open Access

Qualification of multi-fiber interconnect solutions for payload data processing

Cathy Combet, Houda Brahimi, Jean-Baptiste Sauveplane

Proceedings Volume 11852, 1185253 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2599924

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It is essential to use multi-fiber interconnect solutions to meet requirements for bandwidth and the amount of data needed to transmit in payload applications without compromising weight and performance. In order to have multi-fiber solutions available and qualified for space applications in severe environments, CNES, Thales Alenia Space (TAS) and Radiall have specified, designed and qualified a full optical link based on a high-density, 12-fiber MT ferrule. The methodology to qualify this entire solution duplicates the real conditions of the product in its operating conditions. The qualification test plan includes mechanical, thermal, outgassing and radiation tests and has been successfully completed. The sequence of tests has been properly defined in accordance with state-of-the-art technology and the expected performance in severe environments. One test file with mating, vibration, shock and temperature cycling and one test file with mating, vibration, shock and temperature storage were conducted to guarantee that the optical and mechanical properties are maintained after the test sequence. The full optical link consists of harnesses, combining ruggedized optical contacts (Q-MTitan) with 12 radiation resistant fibers. These assemblies are connected by an 8 or 10-cavity multipin panel feedthrough disconnect connector. The Q-MTitan optical contact was designed for use in size 8 Quadrax cavities of off-the-shelf multipin connectors used in the defense and aerospace markets, such as MIL-DTL-38999, ARINC 600, EPX EN4644 and EN4165. This mature contact has demonstrated its performance and value as the baseline for ARINC 846, the standard of the aerospace industry. It features a compact, lightweight and ruggedized body that incorporates and protects the MT ferrule to guarantee the best optical performance in the most demanding environments. The contact can be terminated on round cable or ribbon fibers without needing specific accessories that would have increased the overall weight. The multipin connector design was driven by the search for the best tradeoff in terms of density, cost and performance, such as mechanical, thermal and radiation resistance. The harnesses built with these interconnect solutions and the use of radiation-hardened fibers and cables have been tested and qualified following the test plan established in collaboration with CNES and TAS to be as close as possible to the operating application. In the paper, we describe the complete optical solution, its qualification test plan and results that demonstrate the possibility of using multi-fiber interconnect solutions inside and between equipment of payload applications.

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