Jun 20 2014
Zephyr Photonics, Inc.'s ZMACS 20 ruggedized, active optical cable (AOC) was chosen for Primetime Choices' Product Award for VITA Technologies Magazine. Optical connections are gaining ground in critical embedded applications.
Zephyr Photonics' ZMACS 20 ruggedized 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet Active Optical Cables (AOCs) are EMI-resistant, optical interconnects for harsh environments. They are ideal for high-speed control and data systems, secure data networks, avionics systems control, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) ground stations, and ground tactical and forward operating bases. They provide significant reductions in size, weight, and power (SWaP), while meeting the range of MIL-SPEC temperatures with blind-mateable connectors.
"We are very pleased that VITA Technologies has recognized Zephyr's ZMACS 20, a ruggedized 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet AOC as a Primetime Choice Product," stated Tim McAllister, Zephyr's Vice President of Business Development. "Zephyr's goal is to make life easier for our customers. Our ZMACS 20 AOC is part of a new line of ruggedized, electrically pluggable, active optical cables (AOCs) to provide form, fit and function replacements for legacy Mil-Aero copper interconnects. Zephyr's patent-pending AOCs enable Interconnect Modernization that allows drop-in insertion for transitioning from heavy, EMI-laden, distance and bend-radius constricted, copper interconnects."
Dr. Duane Louderback, Ph.D., Zephyr's President and CTO, noted, "There is significant 'pent-up' demand for optical solutions that address all of the requirements needed to support a seamless transition from copper to optical in a compact solution, converting multiple signal types directly in the 38999 connector backshells."
Dr. Louderback added, "Zephyr's AOCs are electrically-pluggable and fully sealed, eliminating the typical maintenance issues with traditional fiber optic solutions where careful cleaning of the optical connectors is required. In addition, for applications where routing access is size limited or in-field termination is required, alternative versions of Zephyr's AOCs are possible."
Another key to Zephyr's optical solutions is enabling power distribution, management and isolation with its hybrid, fiber-copper cable assemblies. Additionally, Zephyr provides a novel solution for health monitoring and management for its AOCs with a separate sideband communication channel. The channel allows in-field assessment of the cable health, reporting status of a variety of conditions, as well as an ability to pass communications from downstream systems. Demonstration systems for new customers are available upon request.
Information available at: http://vita.opensystemsmedia.com/products/id/?9917222
The information contained in this release is used with permission from VITA Technologies. Copyright OpenSystems Media, 2014. All rights reserved.
About Zephyr Photonics
For more than 25 years, Zephyr Photonics has developed innovative and advanced photonic solutions for government agencies, communication companies, and defense prime contractors. Enabled by its proprietary, wide-temperature VCSEL-based, optical technology, Zephyr Photonics brings ruggedized, high-performance optical interconnect solutions to demanding mission-critical applications. As a vertically integrated supplier, Zephyr Photonics is bringing the advantages of optical solutions to the defense, intelligence, industrial, and oil & gas industries. It operates a vertically integrated, 17,000 square foot development and manufacturing facility, including cleanrooms for semiconductor epitaxial growth, device fabrication and testing, as well as device packaging and module assembly. Zephyr Photonics is an ITAR registered and ISO 9001:2008 certified. For more information, go to www.zephyrphotonics.com or follow www.twitter.com/ZephyrPhotonics (@ZephyrPhotonics).
About OpenSystems Media
OpenSystems Media has been a leading publisher of electronics magazines, e-mail newsletters, websites, and product resource guides for more than 30 years. OpenSystems Media offers E-casts and Techcasts for engineers and provides interactive tools where engineers can communicate directly with presenters and top industry editors. Current publications include: DSP-FPGA.com, EDA Digest, EmbeddedStar.com, EDAGeek.com, FPGABlog.com, EDABlog.com, Embedded Computing Design, Military Embedded Systems, PC/104 and Small Form Factors, VITA Technologies, Industrial Embedded Systems, and PICMG Systems & Technology. For more information, visit: www.opensystemsmedia.com.