The G657A2 optical fiber, a bend-insensitive single-mode fiber specified under the ITU-T G.657 recommendation, has emerged as a critical component in modern unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, due to its unique combination of flexibility, durability, and high-performance data transmission capabilities. Designed to address the stringent demands of confined and dynamic environments, G657A2 fibers are particularly suited for UAVs, where space optimization, weight reduction, and reliable communication are paramount.
Fiber Construction
G657A2 FIBER Specification:
|
Mode Field Diameter @ 1310 nm |
8.6 ± 0.4 um | ||
|
Mode Field Diameter @ 1550 nm |
9.8-10.8 um | ||
|
Cladding diameter |
125.0 ± 0.7um | ||
|
Core/cladding concentricity error |
0.5um | ||
|
Cladding non-circularity |
0.7 % | ||
|
Fiber curl radius |
≥4um | ||
| Primary coating material | UV curable acrylate | ||
| Primary coating Diameter | 245 ± 10um | ||
| Optical Characteristics | |||
|
Attenuation |
@ 1310nm |
0.34 dB/km |
|
| @ 1383nm± 3 nm |
0.31dB/km |
||
| @ 1550nm |
0.20dB/km |
||
| Dispersion | @ 1288 ~ 1339nm |
3.5 ps/nm×km |
|
| @ 1550nm |
18 ps/nm×km |
||
| Zero dispersion wavelength | 1300 – 1324 nm | ||
| Dispersion slope at zero dispersion wavelength | 0.092 ps/nm2×km | ||
| Cabled cut-off wavelength (lcc) | 1260 nm | ||
| Polarization mode dispersion link value | 0.2 ps/√km | ||
| Mechanical Characteristics | |||
| Proof stress level | ≥0.69 GPa | ||
| Effective group index of refraction Neff | 1.466(at 1310nm) | ||
| Effective group index of refraction Neff | 1.467 (at 1550nm) | ||
| 10turns radius 15mm 1550nm | 0.03dB | ||
| 10turns radius 15mm 1625nm | 0.1dB | ||
| 1turns radius 10mm 1550nm | 0.1dB | ||
| 1turns radius 10mm 1625nm | 0.2dB | ||
| 1turns radius 7.5mm 1550nm | 0.5dB | ||
| 1turns radius 7.5mm 1625nm | 1.0dB | ||
Key Properties and Advantages of G657A2 optical fiber
Bend Insensitivity:
G657A2 fibers excel in environments requiring tight bends, supporting a minimum bend radius of 7.5 mm without significant signal loss. This is vital in UAVs, where optical cables must navigate compact spaces within the drone’s fuselage, wings, or payload compartments. Traditional fibers suffer from macro- or micro-bend attenuation in such scenarios, but G657A2’s enhanced design minimizes these losses, ensuring stable data transmission even in complex routing configurations.
High Bandwidth and Low Latency:
As single-mode fibers, G657A2 supports high-speed, long-distance data transmission, crucial for UAVs transmitting high-resolution video feeds (e.g., 4K/8K surveillance or mapping data) or real-time telemetry. This capability is essential for applications like military reconnaissance, agricultural monitoring, or disaster response, where low latency and high bandwidth are critical for operational success.
Environmental Robustness:
UAVs operate in diverse conditions, from extreme temperatures to humidity and mechanical stress. G657A2 fibers are engineered with durable coatings and materials that resist environmental degradation, ensuring performance stability. Their resistance to vibration and shock aligns well with the dynamic flight profiles of drones, including takeoff, landing, and turbulent maneuvers.
Weight Efficiency:
Compared to copper cabling, optical fibers like G657A2 are significantly lighter, contributing to overall weight reduction in UAVs. This enhances flight endurance and payload capacity, key factors for commercial and defense applications.
Applications in UAV Systems
Fly-by-Light Control Systems:
G657A2 is increasingly used in fly-by-light architectures, where optical fibers replace traditional fly-by-wire electrical systems. This eliminates electromagnetic interference (EMI) risks, enhancing reliability in environments with high EMI, such as near power lines or in military jamming scenarios.
G657A2 in UAV Systems
Sensor and Communication Networks:
UAVs integrate numerous sensors (LiDAR, thermal cameras, etc.) requiring high-speed data aggregation. G657A2 fibers provide the backbone for these networks, ensuring seamless data flow between sensors, onboard processors, and ground stations.
Secure Military Communications:
The inherent security of optical signals (difficult to intercept or jam) makes G657A2 ideal for military drones transmitting encrypted data over secure lines, critical for missions requiring stealth and reliability.
Compatibility and Integration
G657A2 fibers maintain compatibility with standard single-mode fibers (ITU-T G.652.D), allowing seamless integration with existing ground infrastructure. This ensures cost-effective upgrades and interoperability in hybrid systems.
G.657 Series Standards
G.657 series single-mode optical fibers are manufactured in strict accordance with the highest standards, with quality superior to ITU-T G.657 and IEC60793-2-50 G.657 optical fiber technical specifications and national standard GB/T 9771.7.
G657A2 Fiber’s Features:
◼ Excellent bending resistance within a bending radius of 5 to 15 mm
◼ Low attenuation for O+S+C+L operating band requirements
◼ Compatible with other G.652 single-mode optical fibers
◼ Low PMD for high-speed, long-distance transmission
◼ Precisely controlled geometric dimensions, low splicing loss
The adoption of G657A2 optical fibers in UAVs represents a strategic advancement in aerospace technology, addressing the dual challenges of miniaturization and performance. By enabling robust, high-speed communication in constrained spaces, G657A2 enhances the operational scope of drones, supporting applications ranging from civilian logistics to advanced defense systems. As UAVs evolve toward greater autonomy and complexity, bend-insensitive fibers like G657A2 will remain integral to unlocking their full potential.
Post time: Feb-19-2025