Civilian avionics

On-board digital data networks are a cornerstone of modern avionics technologies. With the advent of numerical technologies within aircrafts and the constant demand for improved security systems and flight assistance technologies, modern avionics requires more and more data to be interconnected.
Based on their intrinsic advantages (data rate scalability, EMC immunity, low weight…), optical fibers are thus stepping in the world of commercial aeronautics. Both Boeing and Airbus currently install optical data links for cockpit displays interconnections, taxi camera systems or electronic flight bags. In a very near future, the flight-critical Ethernet-based avionic data network will also be relying on optical fiber technologies.

At the passenger level, the need for more In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) also imposes improved cabin data networks. On the most recent aircrafts, the cabin network backbone will also be based on optical fibers.