TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems, Ground/Sea Vehicles, Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Submarine Antenna Modernization and Sustainment (SAMS)

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this SBIR topic is to identify and develop technologies to miniaturize hybrid fiber optic/copper circular connectors. The ultimate goal of this SBIR topic is to field a dual use military/commercial grade miniature hybrid connector in the next generation Buoyant Cable Antenna system as well as in any other communications system that could benefit from this technology.

DESCRIPTION: There are many problems associated with waveguide and coaxial cabling. The shortfalls of these two power transmission methods can be minimized or even eliminated by using optical energy transmitted with fiber optics. In this scheme, Radio Frequency (RF) energy is converted into optical energy before entering the transmission line- the fiber optic cable. At the end of the transmission line the optical energy is modulated back into RF energy where it continues on to a termination. This type of communication system relies upon active outboard components to convert the optical energy to RF so that it may be used.

A hybrid connector is required so that optical and electrical signals may pass through a single connector somewhere inboard of the transmission line termination. The problem with hybrid connectors available right now is the packaging size. An industry survey reveals no truly miniature hybrid connectors that are suitable for subsurface, tightly packaged communications systems. The available connectors are either not rated for subsurface operations or are too bulky to be efficiently used. Miniaturization of existing designs poses new problems in the form of tighter tolerances. Current fiber optic connectors rely heavily on concentric tolerances and mating tolerances in the microns to maintain low connector loss.

Ultimately, this hybrid connector would possess the following characteristics:
rigid section size to be no larger than .625 in. in diameter and 1.25 in. in length when mated (strain relief does not count as rigid body length), minimum of six electrical and one fiber optic contact, minimal assembly, minimum of 50 assembly/disassembly cycles, pressure sealed and rated for deep sea submergence, minimum mated tensile strength of several hundred pounds. Ideally, the connector would have a modular insert which would allow the designer of the system the ability to choose any combination of electrical or fiber contacts with a maximum of seven slots available while using a common connector shell.

PHASE I: Asses the feasibility of designing a miniaturized hybrid connector with the minimum properties outlined in the description portion of this topic. Approaches should consider Finite Element Analysis (FEA), solid modeling, simulations, or any other applicable means.

PHASE II: Design and develop a prototype to be delivered to the US Government. Final design work, development of the materials and methods for production, demonstration of a proof-of-concept prototype, and validation tests are to be completed. Additionally, Military robustness and functionality such as shock, vibration, and connector characteristics are to be assessed during this phase.

PHASE III: There are applications that exist already in the military and civilian markets. Civilian applications would include the telecommunications industry, offshore oil industry, underwater vehicles, and in general, any other uses where subsurface hybrid operation is desired. Military applications include submarine communications systems, electronic warfare systems, and intelligence systems.
The communications industry is increasingly moving away from copper conductors as a primary means of transmission medium and towards a fiber optic infrastructure for increased connectivity and bandwidth. While the transition from copper to fiber is occurring, there is a specific need for hybrid connectors that allow one connection to be made for both fiber optic and copper conductors.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The technology that would be developed as a result of this SBIR topic could be used in the telecommunications industry and off-shore oil industry as a way to ruggedize and miniaturize existing hybrid connections. The telecommunications industry, in recent years, has been moving from copper conductors as a primary transmission medium to a fiber optic based communications platforms. This industry would primarily benefit from the smaller size and reduced number of connections that have to be made. The off-shore oil industry could potentially benefit in the same manner as the telecommunications industry with the addition of a pressure sealed connector capable of being submerged up to several thousand feet.

REFERENCES:
1. "NEETS, Module 24�Introduction to Fiber Optics", Online Text, 94 pgs, Integrated
Publishing, 19JUN07< http://www.tpub.com/neets/book24/index.htm>

2. Bybee, K., "Development of HP/HT Fiber-Optic Connectors for Subsea Intelligent
Wells", OTC 15323, Online Article, Bybee, Karen Ed., Ocean Development Inc., 2pgs,
19JUN07<http://www.odi.com/ODI_Documents/Articles_and_Papers/pdf/JPTAugust2003-
Article.pdf>

3. Jenkins, D., Barlow, S. "Very High Performance, Small Form Factor, Harsh
Environment Fiber Optic Connectors", Online Paper, Ocean Development Inc., 4pgs,
19JUN07 <http://odi.com/ODI_Documents/Articles_and_Papers/pdf/Oceans-MTS2003-
JenkinsPaper.pdf>

KEYWORDS: Fiber Optic; Hybrid; Electrical; Connector; Miniature; Subsurface; Circular; Modular; Optical;

TPOC: Adam Proulx
Phone: (401)832-8391
Fax: (401)832-7162
Email: [email protected]
2nd TPOC: Kimberly Hartka
Phone: (401)832-4744
Fax: (401)832-3303
Email: [email protected]

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

DoD Notice:   Between November 13 and December 9, 2007, you may talk directly with the Topic Author(s) to ask technical questions about the topics. Their contact information is listed above. For reasons of competitive fairness, direct communication between proposers and topic authors is not allowed starting December 10, 2007, when DoD begins accepting proposals for this solicitation.

However, proposers may still submit written questions about solicitation topics through the DoD's SBIR/STTR Interactive Topic Information System (SITIS), in which the questioner and respondent remain anonymous and all questions and answers are posted electronically for general viewing until the solicitation closes. All proposers are advised to monitor SITIS (08.1 Q&A) during the solicitation period for questions and answers, and other significant information, relevant to the SBIR 08.1 topic under which they are proposing.

If you have general questions about DoD SBIR program, please contact the DoD SBIR Help Desk at (866) 724-7457 or email weblink.