Wireless optical communications for intra-spacecraft networks based on OCDMA with random optical codes

• Published in: IEEE aerospace and electronic systems magazine Vol. 27; no. 5; pp. 36 - 41
• Main Authors: Poves, E., Del Campo, G., Lopez-Hernandez, F.J., Martin-Gonzalez, J.A., Gonzalez, O., Rufo, J., Perez-Jimenez, R.
• Format: Magazine Article
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01.05.2012
• Subjects: Actuators; Field programmable gate arrays; Optical receivers; Optical transmitters; Phase locked loops; Sensors; Wireless communication
• ISSN: 0885-8985; 1557-959X
• DOI: 10.1109/MAES.2012.6226693

In recent years, spacial agencies have shown a growing interest in optical wireless as an alternative to wired and radio-frequency communications [1,2]. The use of these techniques for intra-spacecraft communications reduces the effect of take-off acceleration and vibrations on the systems by avoiding the need for rugged connectors and provides a significant mass reduction. Diffuse transmission also eases the design process as terminals can be placed almost anywhere without a tight planification to ensure the proper system behaviour. Previous studies [3,4] have compared the performance of radio-frequency and infrared optical communications. In an intra-satellite environment optical techniques help reduce EMI related problems, and their main disadvantages - multipath dispersion and the need for line-of-sight - can be neglected due to the reduced cavity size. Channel studies [5] demonstrate that the effect of the channel can be neglected in small environments if data bandwidth is lower than some hundreds of MHz.