Deterministic digital WDM LAN for controlled configurations

This paper describes the use and value of digital Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) networks on-board small avionic and space platforms. Packaging and heat transfer efficiency are achieved when all of the optical wavelength sources occupy a common location. Each receiver is allocated a specific addressable wavelength that can be selected or tuned at the source (transmitter). Individual delays may be applied to assure synchronization at each receiver. The output of each individual source wavelength is pre-modulated with a clock signal. Signal modulation is applied by passing or rejecting the clock signals. Control plane functions can be merged with the data plane functions. Although based on a single data rate, this implementation of the digital WDM LAN concept can possibly be extended to process packet and analog payloads.