| Autor: |
David Barnett, Harshad Uka, James Guerrero, Brandon Arritt, Karim Qassim, Abhishek Singh, Ajay Malshe |
| Rok vydání: |
2005 |
| Předmět: |
|
| Zdroj: |
Infotech@Aerospace. |
| Popis: |
Flexible circuits (copper clad polyimide) are an integral part of the majority of multifunctional structures. Multifunctional structures have been cited over recent years as an enabling techno logy for lightweight flight vehicles such as microspacecraft and interceptors. Although flexible circuits have found a wide acceptance in commercial electronics, their usage in flight hardware particularly in module -to -module interconnects has been almost non -existent. The primary reasons include lack of familiarity, minimal design rules, concerns with shielding systems and interfaces with standard circular and rectangular connectors. AFRL and MDA have funded both an STTR Phase II and an SBIR Phase II to provide solutions to these problems and provide demonstration hardware and methodology. Key advantages of defense programs' use of this technology include large savings in cable mass and volume (> 50%), cost savings through the elimination of touch labor , test point exposure through flex extensions at any location and the use of distributed active and passive components for data processing and sensors. The efforts in both the Phase I and Phase II tasks have focused on Northrop Grumman Global Hawk cabling systems and the Boeing Delta IV launch vehicle. Methods have been developed to provide a mix of shielding depending upon environmental and signal integrity needs. The shielding can be designed to be continuous from one end to the other while still suppo rting rework. Cladding materials are in development to prevent abrasion and damage in flight environments. A novel interconnect to a standard D38999 connector has been developed to permit carrying the shield layers through and permitting a transition cab le to be manufactured that interfaces to existing hardware. Design rules and guidelines are in place to support contractors as they transition into flexible circuit design and incorporation. |
| Databáze: |
OpenAIRE |
| Externí odkaz: |
|
