Broadband Multichannel Slipring Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Topic No.: N05-058 Topic Title: Broadband Multichannel Slipring Proposal No.: N051-058-0104 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation Photonic Systems Division 20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg 100 Torrance, California 90501-1821 Contact: Kang Lee Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: To address the U.S. Navy need for a robust, reconfigurable, high-speed communication system to transfer data between remote sensors and inboard processing equipment aboard submarines, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Broadband Multichannel Slipring (BMCS). This proposed device is based on a Fiber Optic Rotary Joint (FORJ), time division multiplexing (TDM), wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), and roll-ring technologies. It will include a three-channel FORJ, a three-channel roll-ring electrical slipring, and a three-channel RF coupler. The BMCS will simultaneously transfer analog/digital, optical, and electrical signals/data at high speeds/data rates, it will be lightweight and compact, durable, reliable, and maintenance-free, with wide bandwidth, low loss, and high security. The novel BMCS is bidirectional and freely rotating. In Phase I POC will demonstrate the feasibility of transmitting multiple data, audio/video, and sensing signals through a prototype BMCS at high speed between a stationary base and a rotary platform. In Phase II POC plans to fully develop a BMCS to replace current Navy copper-based rotary joints with sufficient capacity for future sensors. Benefits: The U.S. Navy will directly benefit from the BMCS technology, which can replace the aging copper-based rotary joints currently in the U.S. Navy submarine force for communication between remote sensors and inboard processing equipment. BMCS can also upgrade tanks, light armored vehicles, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), armored personnel carriers, retrievers, armored field artillery vehicles, brigade command vehicles, reconnaissance vehicles, mobile missile launchers, independently rotating command stations, and forward-looking infrared systems or viewers for the Joint Services: the BMCS can be incorporated, for example, by the U.S. Army, into M60 tanks, M2/M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and V150 Commando Vehicles. The proposed BMCS will also have wide commercial applications with or without minor modifications. These applications include: replacing conventional brush/armature assemblies in electrical motors and alternators; transferring power to rotating devices, such as helicopter rotors and centrifuges; and a number of uses in industrial machinery and machining centers, including rotary index tables, heavy equipment turrets or cable reels, test equipment, packaging machines, palletizing machines, magnetic clutches, process control equipment, rotary sensors, and emergency lighting robotics. Return