Photo-Cybernetics: Fiber Optics Use in Motor Vehicle Electronic Controls and Monitors

Electronic multiplexing control systems in aircraft have demonstrated utility in reducing the complexity and weight of wiring harnesses. Currently, there is much interest throughout the automotive industry in adapting multiplexing control techniques to obtain similar reductions in complexity and weight of the wiring harness in motor vehicles.

Use of optical fiber control cables in aircraft multiplexing systems has also been demonstrated. Similar optical control systems are under study in the automotive industry because of their advantages over multiplexing systems using copper wire control links: visible light signals sent through fiber optic cables are not subject to electromagnetic interference; fiber optic cables are relatively inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to repair in the field.

The paper shows simplified wiring diagrams for an electro-optical multiplexing control system and describes how such a system can be fabricated, installed, and repaired. In addition, examples of fiber optics monitoring systems are illustrated and explained.