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Reflex Photonics displayed its new radiation-resistant optical transceiver and active optical blind mate interconnect for VPX systems at the Space Tech Expo USA 2018 event.
Reflex Photonics’ SpaceABLE optical transceivers and SpaceCONEX VPX interconnect have been submitted to the most stringent protocol for heavy-ions, gamma rays, and high and low energy protons to ensure the space worthiness of these COTS components. Its radiation resistant or “Space-grade” transceivers and interconnects solutions are engineered to withstand radiation doses >100 krad (Si) as per the European Cooperation for Space Standardization ECSS-Q-ST-60-15C.
In addition to the LightABLE rugged transceivers standard qualifications (vibration, mechanical and thermal shock, thermal cycling, and cold storage according to MIL-STD-883 and MIL-STD-810), the SpaceABLE are successfully qualified with the following protocols:
- Proton testing: Total Non-Ionizing Dose (TNID)
- Heavy ion testing: Single Event Effect & Latch-up (SEE and SEL)
- Gamma ray using Cobalt-60: Total Ionizing Dose (TID) (MIL-STD-883G, method 1019.7)
The SpaceCONEX is a revolutionary radiation-resistant active optical blind mate interconnect for VPX embedded computing systems. It consists of a plug-in module connector and a backplane connector meeting the requirements of the forthcoming VITA 66.5 standard. The commercial space industry is slowly emerging from an era of mega-projects and almost unlimited budgets to become a dynamic industry supporting multiple commercial projects. One such endeavor envisions the deployment of complex satellite networks to deliver global Internet access. This project is made possible by more reliable, lower-consumption, smaller and more powerful computer, and high-speed optical communication systems.
The advantages of using Reflex Photonics’ line of small, lightweight, high-bandwidth SpaceABLE parallel optical transceiver modules and interconnects inside these satellites are that the SpaceABLE modules offer extremely high aggregate data rates (over 150 Gbps), and still, they are less than 1.5 cm3, weigh less than 5 g and consume less than 1.2 W.