The U.S. Air Force has awarded Space Micro Inc. a contract to develop a space-qualified, highly-capable digital system to convert RF-to-optical and optical-to-RF signals. This advanced technology will allow seamless reception and transmission of radio signals across optical links.
The innovative Full Duplex RF-to-Optical Converter (FD-ROC) readily interfaces with heritage Radio Frequency (RF) systems.
Moving RF signals over Free Space Optical (FSO) links provides many advantages to operational forces, among others. Laser communications links are immune to electromagnetic interference, radio frequency interference, and electromagnetic pulses. They are extremely difficult to intercept and allow for greater link distances than RF communication systems. FSO links are ideal for crosslinks between space vehicles, as well as high data rate backhaul links to Earth.
“This development and product will provide DoD SATCOM users, including U.S. Space Force, increased resilience, better balance of communications resources, lower latency, and higher data throughput. It is made possible by uniquely combining our existing RF and optical communications space technologies,” said David J. Strobel, Space Micro Executive Chairman.