Connector interface for spacecraft modules

Abstract

A standardized interface between a spacecraft backbone structure (,) and multiple spacecraft modules (,) that are coupled to the backbone structure mechanically, electrically and optically. The interface structure includes power connection pins (,or,) that connect to a power bus in the backbone structure, data signal pins (,) that connect to a conventional data bus in the backbone structure, and an optical connection (,or,) that connects to an optical data bus (,) in the backbone structure. Optionally, the interface also includes a wireless data bus (,) using infrared propagation along the backbone structure, and a radio-frequency (RF) microstrip connector (,) for transmission of data at radio frequencies. The optical data connection employs an optical interface unit (,) in each spacecraft module (,) to convert optical signals from the optical data bus (,) to corresponding electrical signals, and a cross-point switch (,) to distribute the signals to appropriate destinations on the module. The optical interface unit (,) also converts electrical signals to optical signals for transmission back onto the optical data bus (,). Optical signals may be wavelength division multiplexed onto the optical data bus (,), for which purpose the interface unit (,) also includes an optical demultiplexer (,) and an optical multiplexer (,).