Optical communication systems for avionics

Avionic information processing and transmission requirements are increasing geometrically with no end in sight. The only feasible way of accommodating them is to incorporate fiber-optic communication systems into avionic platforms. Such systems can be employed to replace standard electronic components, to augment existing systems, or to enable new technologies. In this paper we survey the field of low-power communication systems from the avionics engineering perspective. We review the fundamental merits of optical fiber for information transmission and discuss various information modulation schemes. These modulation techniques naturally determine the performance requirements for laser transmitters. We describe the horizontal- and vertical-cavity semiconductor lasers currently available for these systems, and measure their performance against the additional environmental constraints of avionics platforms. Finally, we outline expected near- and far-term trends in system and device development.