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Thomas Heller, account manager,
aerospace and defence, Molex.
Network Box
In addition to the rapid growth
in the number of fibre optic
systems, the density of the
PCBs and size of the boxes
housing them will decrease
can typically be smaller compared
to copper-based products that have
equal or less information through-
put. As boxes become smaller in size
with increased bandwidth, output
requirements become a key design
factor. It goes without saying that
weight impacts directly on payload
capacity and related fuel usage –
so the lighter the better, and fibre
optics provide greater bandwidth
for transmitting information. This is
particularly helpful when trying to
maintain high-level signal integrity
during the uploading/downloading
of video and audio files.
One option in development is fibre
optic flex planes. Flex planes, with
fibres embedded in an engineering
plastic sheet, can greatly reduce
weight and cross-sectional area of
a data system. The conformability
helps manufacturing and the weight
savings enhances fuel efficiency
for the life of the aircraft. Whereas
copper cables (with their higher
weight) require quite heavy fixtures,
ribbon fibre can be easily attached
without additional mechanical
fixtures.
Turning on to Light
Companies that provide cabling
interconnects for printed circuit
boards (PCBs) and PCB box
units to in-flight entertainment
system manufacturers are also
designing new power supplies
as well as wireless hardware and
lighting systems. Some Aircraft
manufacturers are also conducting
flight simulation tests on fibre optic
systems for future modifications and
updates of cabin systems.
Another key area for design
engineers to focus on in addition
to the rapid growth in the number
of fibre optic systems, the density
of the PCBs will increase and the
size of the boxes housing them will
decrease. This has already occurred
in laptops and other personal
electronic devices, and the industry
will soon see this within in-flight
entertainment systems.
In the not-so-distant future, all
phones in the backs of the seats will
disappear while the big boxes under
the seat, although growing smaller,
will still contain seat power, hubs,
and access points, along with more
functionality. For on-board system
designers to meet such needs, the
use of fibre optic interconnects will
become a mandatory requirement.
New-Tech Magazine Europe l 39