Airborne high-temperature resistant optical cable

High-temperature airborne optical cables are engineered for extreme environments, offering thermal resistance, vibration immunity, EMI protection, and long-term reliability for aerospace and defense applications. Key FeaturesAirBorn FOCuS Active Optical Cables are specifically designed for aerospace, defense, and space applications. They integrate a space-rated optical transceiver directly into the connector housing, supporting data rates up to 14 Gbps per lane while providing superior electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection and significant weight savings.

These cables are factory pre-terminated, environmentally sealed, and meet NASA and MIL standards for outgassing, vibration, and temperature extremes, ensuring reliable performance in airborne and space environments. High-temperature fibers from manufacturers like Corning and AFL are designed to withstand extreme thermal conditions, with coatings such as polyimide, silicone, high-temperature acrylates, and hermetic carbon layers. These coatings provide resistance to hydrogen, moisture, and chemical ingress, enabling operation at temperatures ranging from cryogenic levels up to 500°C depending on the fiber type and coating.

Fused silica fibers with heat-resistant coatings can operate from −190°C to +385°C, making them suitable for high-temperature airborne applications.

Environmental and Mechanical Considerations

Vibration and Shock Resistance: Multiple points of contact and ruggedized connector designs enhance mechanical stability in high-vibration airborne environments.

EM

I Immunity: Optical signal transmission inherently resists electromagnetic interference, critical for sensitive avionics and data-intensive systems. Chemical and Moisture Resistance: Hermetic coatings and sealed optical paths prevent contamination from moisture, dust, and chemical exposure, maintaining signal integrity. Temperature Range: Depending on the fiber and coating, cables can operate reliably from −190°C to +500°C, accommodating both high-altitude cold and engine-proximate heat.

Applications

These cables are ideal for: Aerospace and defense systems requiring high-speed, EMI-immune data transmission. Spaceflight and satellite systems where outgassing, radiation, and vibration are critical concerns. Harsh industrial environments such as oil & gas, geothermal, and high-temperature monitoring applications.

Standards and Compliance

Airborne high-temperature optical cables typically comply with: MIL-STD for vibration, shock, and EMI performance.

NAS

A outgassing standards for space-rated applications.

IE

C 60794 and IEEE 1222 for fiber optic cable construction and environmental resistance.

Summary

For airborne applications requiring high-temperature resistance, ruggedized active optical cables like AirBorn FOCuS, combined with high-temperature fibers featuring polyimide, silicone, or hermetic coatings, provide reliable, high-speed data transmission. These solutions ensure durability under extreme thermal, mechanical, and chemical conditions, making them suitable for aerospace, defense, and other harsh environments.