Charged particle effects on optoelectronic devices and bit error rate measurements on 400 Mbps fiber based data links

Proton test results on a fiber optic data link operating at 400 megabits/s (Mbps) are described to elucidate the roles of important variables such as proton angle of entry and the optical signal strength. Interpretation of these data reveals that direct ionization events from protons can result in bit errors, though these effects can be mitigated with increased optical signal strength. We explore the consequences of these results to suggest single event tolerant approaches for satellite applications, and conclude that radiation tolerant links and busses can operate in even the most severe orbital environments with acceptable error rates of <10^-9