N092-118 TITLE: Fiber Optic Connector Inspection Test Set

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Materials/Processes, Electronics, Weapons

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Joint Strike Fighter

OBJECTIVE: Develop a fiber optic connector inspection probe that provides a "GO / NO-GO" result based on automatic determination of terminus endface cleanliness and health.

DESCRIPTION: Fiber optic connector inspection and cleaning procedures have proven to be problematic to implement and have caused undue stress on fleet maintenance staff. Current inspection procedures sometimes involve undue removal, test, and re-installation of weapons replaceable and aircraft subsystems. Part of the problem lies in the ambiguity of using an inspection scope device to inspect fiber optic terminus endfaces prior to connector remating. This current state-of-the-art is based on a hand-held inspection scope based on fixed magnification, depth of focus, field-of-view, image contrast and resolution. This method is subjective and relies on the expertise of the maintainer to ascertain the connector cleanliness and health. The fiber optic terminus endface is viewed on a liquid crystal display screen and the image is compared to guidance given in either NAVAIR 01-1A-505 or platform specific maintenance procedures. This fiber optic connector inspection probe is used on all fiber optic connectors including those that are safety critical. In addition, maintainer error during inspection can result in fiber optic connector damage. Unidentified dirt in the terminus endface will cause permanent damage as 4 pounds of force are applied to each 1 mm diameter fiber. If damaged, these costly cables must be replaced, which is time consuming and scrap producing.

A simple, compact but sophisticated "GO / NO-GO" inspection indicator device available for use by Navy and Marine maintenance technicians is sought to help increase the accuracy/reliability of the inspection and decrease the stress on the maintainer. Proposed innovations should incorporate artificial intelligence and image processing. Developed solutions will need to meet the performance requirements of MIL-STD-28800F for environmental ruggedness and should give a simple "GO / NO-GO" decision indication on fiber optic terminus cleanliness and health. Fiber optic terminus health should be categorized by existing Naval Aviation fiber optic terminus endface malfunction coding for cleanliness and damage. The inspection device shall provide a reading within 20 seconds and the terminus health shall be categorized via a memory function.

PHASE I: Define the variables to consider when inspecting military fiber optic connector pin and socket termini in the field for cleanliness and health. Demonstrate feasibility of a design solution for a fiber optic terminus inspection probe that has the required variable magnification, field of view, image contrast, depth of focus and resolution to automatically and quickly provide a "GO / NO-GO" decision on fiber optic pin and socket terminus endface cleanliness and health.

PHASE II: Build and demonstrate prototype hand-held inspection probe and interfacing electronics to inspect fiber optic pin and socket terminus endfaces for cleanliness and health. Test the prototype inspection probe in realistic military avionics connector environments. Gather data required to verify design approach efficacy for possible Phase III transition program.

PHASE III: Transition probe design to the military aircraft support equipment and training acquisition infrastructure via product commercialization and qualification.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Any fiber to the home or remote office or building application environment would benefit from the use of such a device in the commercial datacom or telecom sector.

REFERENCES:
1. SAE AS5675, "Characterization and Requirements for New Aerospace Fiber Optic Cable Assemblies," SAE, Warrenville, PA.

2. B.G. McDermott, et al., "Fiber optic cable assembly checklist for avionics," Proc of the IEEE Avionics Fiber Optics and Photonics Conference (AVFOP 2004), 2004.

3. MIL-DTL-38999K, "Connectors, Electrical, Circular, Miniature, High Density, Quick Disconnect (Bayonet, Threaded, and Breech Coupling), Environment Resistant, Removable Crimp and Hermetic Solder Contacts, General Specification For."

4. MIL-PRF-29504, "Termini, Fiber Optic Connector, Removable, General Specification for."

5. NAVAIR 01-1A-505, "Technical Manual, Installation and Testing Practices, Aircraft Fiber Optic Cabling.

KEYWORDS: Fiber Optics; Terminus; Inspection; Fiber Pistoning; Portable; Hand-held

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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