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One AirBorn FOCuS active optical cable pair.

AirBorn FOCuS Rugged Active Optical Cables

Optimized for mission-critical reliability and flexibility, AirBorn Fiber Optic Copper Solution (FOCuS) Active Optical Cables are expertly engineered for aerospace, defense and space environments, supporting both copper and fiber solutions. These cable assemblies integrate a space-rated optical transceiver directly into the connector housing and deliver up to 14Gbps per lane with superior electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection and substantial weight savings. Factory pre-terminated and environmentally sealed, AirBorn FOCuS Active Optical Cables enable hassle-free installation and long-term durability, even under the harshest conditions.

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Features and Benefits

Cable designers are challenged by the demand for high-speed, EMI-immune data transmission over long distances in weight- and space-constrained environments. Longer cables increase size and difficulty, complicating installation and maintenance procedures. Additionally, harsh environmental factors including vibration, temperature extremes and radiation compromise signal integrity.

Complex systems needing extended cables require a streamlined process for easy installation, maintenance and retrofitting. These cables must be radiation-hardened, vibration-resistant and outgassing-compliant for extreme conditions in space and defense applications. Manufacturers also need the flexibility to use copper or fiber cables without pinout adjustments.

AirBorn FOCuS cables deliver high-speed, high-integrity data transmission for aerospace, defense and space systems, supporting data rates of up to 14Gbps per lane. These cables enable design flexibility for manufacturers to use copper or fiber cables in the same pinout configuration. They also embed a fully qualified optical transceiver into the connector housing, eliminating the need for separate board-level transceivers. Multiple points of contact enhance vibration and shock resistance, while the sealed optical path reduces contamination and maintenance. Available as space-rated active optical cables and ruggedized active optical cables, AirBorn FOCuS cables meet NASA and MIL standards for outgassing and EMI performance, making them ideal optical cable solutions.

Integrated Space-Rated Optical Transceiver

AirBorn FOCuS Active Optical Cables are built for spaceflight and harsh environments, ensuring exceptional signal integrity in shock, vibration and temperature extremes. The optical transceiver is designed directly into the connector, converting electrical signals to optical and back within a sealed, rugged housing.

Silver AirBorn FOCuS Active Optical Cable.

Superior EMI Immunity and Environmental Sealing

Optical signal transmission provides inherent immunity to EMI, which is crucial for sensitive and data-intensive systems. AirBorn FOCuS Active Optical Cables are environmentally sealed and meet or exceed ingress protection and MIL-STD requirements to mitigate moisture, dust and outgassing contamination that can lead to product failure.

Silver AirBorn FOCuS rugged optical cable.

Flexible, Hassle-Free Fiber for Easy Installation and Maintenance

Factory pre-terminated AirBorn FOCuS Active Optical Cables eliminate the need for fiber polishing, cleaving or cleaning in the field. Common pinout for both copper and optical assemblies allows for rapid upgrades and easy retrofits.

Silver AirBorn FOCuS rugged optical cable.

Withstands vibration levels exceeding 85 g-force for spaceflight and military qualification
Launch-ready and vibration-resistant, these cables are ideal for space and defense applications.

Supports demanding high-speed protocols and long-distance transmission (up to 100 meters)
Cable data rates enable up to 14Gbps per lane to meet high-speed requirements.

Meets NASA EEE-INST-002 standards
Radiation-hardened and outgassing-compliant, these cables are suitable for space-rated applications in extreme environments.

Enables design flexibility
To overcome design constraints, AirBorn FOCuS technology is available on AirBorn verSI High-Density Connector or AirBorn MicroSI High-Speed Micro-D Connector platforms and is adaptable to the following products: AirBorn M Series MIL-DTL-83513 Micro-D Connectors, AirBorn N Series MIL-DTL-32139 Nano-D Connectors and hybrid assemblies. Vertical board-mount, right-angle, I/O panel and cable-to-cable options are also offered.

Supports hybrid power and optics
These cables combine power and optical signal transmission in a single assembly.

Simplifies system design, reduces cost and board space
No transceiver is required on the PCB.

Supports weight reduction and enhances space efficiency
These cables are significantly lighter and smaller than traditional copper cable bundles.

Maintains stable performance for ruggedized use in military, aerospace and industrial environments
Metal backshells, multiple points of contact and robust materials provide exceptional reliability.

Applications by Industry

Airframes
Helicopters
Launch vehicles
Satellites

Missile systems
Submarines

This is not a definitive list of applications for this product. It represents some of the more common uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an AirBorn FOCuS Active Optical Cable?

An AirBorn FOCuS Active Optical Cable is a factory-terminated cable assembly with an integrated optical transceiver in the connector housing. The cable converts electrical signals to optical for high-speed, long-distance data transfer with ruggedized, sealed interfaces.

How do AirBorn FOCuS cables compare to traditional copper or fiber cables?

With less weight and a smaller diameter, AirBorn FOCuS cables offer higher data rates and a longer reach than copper cables. AirBorn FOCuS cables are easier to manage and more robust than traditional fiber—no field cleaning or fiber termination and easier installation.

What data rates and distances are supported?

AirBorn FOCuS cables support up to 14Gbps per lane; four lanes per cable provide 50Gbps of aggregate bandwidth. Space-rated active optical cables support up to 30 meters, and rugged active optical cables support up to 100 meters.

How is EMI protection achieved?

AirBorn FOCuS cables are more resistant to EMI since they use light signals. Conversely, copper cables transmit data as electrical signals that can be disrupted by electromagnetic fields. AirBorn FOCuS cables also feature shielded connector housings and sealed design that further enhance electromagnetic compatibility.

What makes AirBorn FOCuS cables suitable for space and defense environments?

AirBorn FOCuS cables have radiation-hardened components, outgassing-compliant materials and launch-ready vibration resistance (>85 g-force). These cables passed NASA, MIL-STD and extensive qualification testing for spaceflight and critical military use.

Can copper and AirBorn FOCuS cables be used interchangeably?

Yes, both use a common pinout and connector interface, allowing customers to switch between copper and optical cables as needed for distance and performance.

What connector types and configurations are available?

AirBorn FOCuS technology is available on AirBorn verSI High-Density Connector or AirBorn MicroSI High-Speed Micro-D Connector platforms and is adaptable to the following products: AirBorn M Series MIL-DTL-83513 Micro-D Connectors, AirBorn N Series MIL-DTL-32139 Nano-D Connectors and hybrid assemblies. Vertical board-mount, right-angle, I/O panel and cable-to-cable options are also offered.

What benefits does factory termination provide?

Factory termination eliminates on-site fiber preparation, cleaning and termination, reducing installation time and risk of contamination.

What is the difference between space-rated active optical cables and rugged active optical cables?

Space-rated active optical cables are radiation-hardened and outgassing-compliant for orbital/space use. Rugged active optical cables are ruggedized for non-space harsh environments, such as military and industrial applications.

How is reliability ensured?

AirBorn FOCuS Active Optical Cables undergo rigorous, 100% component screening and extensive environmental testing (thermal, vibration, EMI, radiation) and feature robust sealed construction.