Fiber optic links for airborne EHF SATCOM terminal applications

Author

Gee, C.M. ; Thurmond, G.D. ; Newberg, I.L. ; Yen, H.W. ; Lafaw, D. ; Spink, B.

Author_Institution

Hughes Res. Lab., Malibu, CA, USA

fYear

1988

Firstpage

743

Abstract

Results of implementing fiber optics at 11 GHz in an experimental satellite communication EHF/SHF research terminal for airborne applications are reported. System measurements were made after a 100-m-long fiber-optic link replaced a 4-ft-long coaxial cable to enable the antenna to be positioned remotely from the terminal at X-band. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of fiber optics compared to coaxial and waveguide systems are discussed. It is concluded that the insertion of a 100-m-long fiber-optic link in a satellite communication terminal for airborne applications did not significantly degrade the SATCOM terminal performance. The link provides a lightweight, long-distance remote connection that is not practical at high frequencies with coaxial cable or waveguides.<>

Keywords

aircraft communication; military equipment; optical fibres; optical links; satellite ground stations; 11 GHz; SHF; X-band; airborne EHF SATCOM terminal; fiber optics; military; satellite communication; Antenna measurements; Coaxial cables; Coaxial components; Degradation; Optical fiber cables; Optical fiber communication; Optical fibers; Optical waveguides; Position measurement; Satellite communication;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Military Communications Conference, 1988. MILCOM 88, Conference record. 21st Century Military Communications - What's Possible? 1988 IEEE

Conference_Location

San Diego, CA, USA

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/MILCOM.1988.13474

Filename

13474