Use of Fiber Optics in Commercial Aviation

Modern aircraft have large amounts of data flowing across various systems at any given time to allow for the reliable and efficient use of modern flight technology. Whether in the cockpit or passenger cabin, it is crucial that data can be delivered at lightning speed, so it is important to rely on the right conductive wires and cables to transmit your information. Due to its many benefits, today’s aircraft manufacturers and airlines are turning to optical fiber technology. Using fiber optic networks to transmit data is a modern alternative to traditional copper wires that is slowly taking over as the best data transmission method in commercial aviation. For your better knowledge, this blog will take a closer look at the advantages of fiber optics for safe flight.

Offering the ability to transmit much more information in less time over longer distances, optical fibers first became popular in the telecom world and quickly spread to commercial aviation for the same reasons. Sometimes considered the future generation of communication technology, fiber optic networks transmit large quantities of information over long distances without compromising quality. With the additional advantages of greater bandwidths, lower power consumption, and immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), the copper wiring technology used during the DC3 era no longer compares.

As modern technology is constantly in need of networks that can support increasingly higher bandwidths, there are multiple places where this technology finds home in commercial aircraft. For pilots, fiber optical networks are essentially used to support all new developments in avionics, ranging from the electronic flight bags (EFBs) used by pilots to enhanced vision systems to video-rich flight deck displays.

Meanwhile, fiber optics also work to offer passengers access to the latest inflight entertainment (IFE) offerings. IFE includes a wide range of entertainment sources for passengers like TV and on-demand movies, high-speed internet access, games, shopping, and more. Offering passengers seamless need fulfillment, fiber optics give the airlines that employ such technology a competitive advantage.

With such high demands, fiber optic networks are already built into newer aircraft models like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787, while older aircraft will require wire and cable upgrades to accommodate the various forms of avionics and aircraft technology that have high bandwidths. With demands constantly calling for smaller, lighter, and higher performing networks, it is rare for any commercial aircraft you fly today to be entirely devoid of such technology. On the off chance you find yourself on a flight without fiber optic networks, there will be noticeable differences in the overall experience. When sourcing technology to make your aircraft more modern or futuristic, it is important to do so from a reliable distributor like Integrated Aerospace to ensure you receive only the best products and services.

Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, Integrated Aerospace is a leading online distributor of aviation and electrical components from manufacturers on our Approved Vendor List (AVL). Boasting access to an ever-expanding inventory of over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find parts, we offer quotes on all items within 15 minutes or less. To receive a custom, competitive quote on any item(s) that pique your interest, simply submit a Request for Quote (RFQ) form with as much detail as possible. Our team of experts uses relevant details like target prices, shipping deadlines, and desired quantities to formulate quotes that account for your specific needs. With a team of dedicated professionals working 24/7x365, we are readily available to help you procure the parts you need with rapid lead times and competitive cost savings. To learn more, you may contact us via phone or email at any point.