TOWARDS A UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR ROV TELEMETRY VIA FIBER OPTICS

Abstract

A brief description is presented on a current application of fiber optic technology to Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) design. Significant advantage is realized in terms of weight and space, EMI immunity, high bandwidth, and long length transmission capability. Current design practice utilized a standard graded index 50/125 micron telecommunications fiber “ruggedized” with a composite armor. On-going development seeks to make this cable element small and expendable while preserving the high bandwidth and low loss nature of the fiber. To free the system designer from mechanical considerations, the cable is pre-spooled and carried and deployed by the vehicle. Three dedicated communications channels are proposed on the single fiber by utilizing optical wavelength multiplexing.