Wireless Optical Communications for Intra-Spacecraft Networks based on OCDMA with Random Optical Codes

Abstract: 

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.


Publication type: 
JRC-SCI Magazine
Published in: 
The IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine Vol 27 (5 ) p.p. 36-41
ISBN/ISSN: 
0885-8985
Publication date: 
May 2012
CeDInt Authors: 
Other Authors: 
J.A. Martin-Gonzalez ; O. Gonzalez ; J. Rufo ; R. Perez-Jimenez