The reliable optical card-edge connector (ROC)

Fiber optic networks have long been touted for their high bandwidth and excellent noise immunity. However, efforts to introduce photonic networks into avionic systems have been less than successful due to design, reliability, and maintainability problems. Many of these problems have been traced to particulate contamination and failure under severe environmental conditions. Since the F-22, RAH-66, and several commercial aircraft are planning to use photonic networks, there has been considerable effort underway to develop more reliable optical connectors and components. AT&T, under contract to the Avionics Directorate at Wright-Patterson AFB, has developed a new type of connector that employs expanded-beam optics and micro-machined silicon alignment blocks to maintain extremely accurate alignment, even under severe shock and vibration. This connector also provides self-sealing doors that protect the unmated connectors from sand, dust, and abusive handling. The design and test results for this connector are presented in this paper