Advanced Digital Optical Control Actuation for the ADOCS

The digital fly-by-wire control systems currently being developed for next generation aircraft are not immune to lightning, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and electromagnetic pulse (EMP). Optical commands signals transmitted via fiber optic links, and optical digital transducers to generate feedback signals, provide the means to overcome this hostile environment. This paper describes the major elements of a Driver Actuation System compatible with an Advanced Digital Optical Control System (ADOCS), and demonstrates the feasibility of the design concept through presentation of bench and aircraft integration test results.