High-Speed Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) Optical Backplane for Avionics Applications
ID: N241-020Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

High-Speed Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) Optical Backplane for Avionics Applications

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2479715

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
  1. 1
    Release Nov 29, 2023 12:00 AM
  2. 2
    Open Jan 3, 2024 12:00 AM
  3. 3
    Next Submission Due Feb 21, 2024 12:00 AM
  4. 4
    Close Feb 21, 2024 12:00 AM
Description

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "High-Speed Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) Optical Backplane for Avionics Applications" as part of their SBIR 24.1 BAA. The objective of this solicitation is to develop and package a high-speed (100-400 Gbps) optical backplane based on WDM for onboard avionics applications. The current avionics systems require increased bandwidths while reducing Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP). The proposed technology should provide high connectivity, throughput, reconfigurability, modularity, low-latency, large link budget, and compatibility with the avionic environment. The traditional use of copper traces for board-to-board communications is limiting, and an optical interconnect technology refresh is needed. The proposed WDM optical backplane should meet the SOSA™ roadmap expectations and operate in harsh avionic environments. The project will have a Phase I to develop a hardware engineering design, Phase II to optimize the design and build a prototype, and Phase III for transition and commercialization. The technology developed will have applications in military aircraft platforms, commercial data centers, and defense avionics industries, providing increased bandwidth and data input at higher speeds. The solicitation is closed, and more information can be found on the DOD SBIR website.

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