Enhancing Naval Combat and Intelligence Systems
In the demanding environment of naval defense, integrating advanced interconnect solutions is crucial to the efficiency and effectiveness of shipboard combat systems. This case study explains the connector impact on naval intelligence systems.
Naval defense systems must be designed to deliver unfailing reliability in conditions that are — at best — extremely unfriendly to electronics. At worst, these conditions, which include submersion, salt spray, temperature extremes, shock and vibration, pressure, and various forms of interference, can lead to catastrophic systems failure or interception of classified information. Integrating advanced interconnect solutions is crucial to the efficiency, effectiveness, and safety of shipboard combat systems.
Naval combat systems are required to protect all communications between command and units. Automatic target acquisition, the ability for an algorithm or device to recognize targets or other objects based on data obtained from sensors, is essential for maintaining operational superiority. These systems demand robust and reliable interconnect solutions that comply with the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) Technical Standard and other stringent military requirements for electronic components.
Ruggedized, high performance, and high reliability connectors and RF solutions also play a pivotal role in enhancing the U.S. Navy’s capabilities in Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) and Signal Acquisition. Signals intelligence, the field of intelligence gathering through interception of signals, involves cryptoanalysis of encrypted classified and sensitive information.

SV Microwave’s VITA 66.5 RF/Fiber Hybrid Connectors are the latest addition to the RF/coaxial section of the VPX platform. Available in SMPM and SMPS series, this product line has undergone extensive design and testing to make sure that it adheres to the latest SOSA specification.
One key challenge in SIGINT operations is the rapid and accurate acquisition of electromagnetic signals across a wide frequency range. These systems must operate without interference or signal degradation to ensure the integrity of the data collected. A 2022 standards update, VITA 66.5 for RF fiber hybrid connectors, addresses this challenge by facilitating high-fidelity signal transmission with minimal loss. This ensures that the data collected by shipboard systems is both precise and reliable, enabling timely and accurate intelligence analysis.
VITA 66.5 is a standard under the VITA (VMEbus International Trade Association) organization, specifically related to optical interconnects for high-performance embedded computing systems. It is part of the broader VITA 66 family, which defines standards for optical interconnects in VPX systems (VITA 46). VITA 66.5 defines the mechanical and physical requirements for backplane and plug-in module interfaces that incorporate optical connectors. These connectors are used for high-speed data transmission via fiber optics. It introduces hybrid modules that support both optical and electrical interfaces. This allows a single module to manage multiple data transmission types, enhancing flexibility and scalability. VITA 66.5 is designed to support high-density connections, making it ideal for applications requiring large numbers of optical links in a small form factor. Like other VPX-related standards, VITA 66.5 is designed to meet the needs of ruggedized systems, such as those that perform in harsh naval settings.
Signal acquisition systems on naval vessels must be capable of simultaneously capturing signals from multiple sources, often in contested electronic environments. These systems are required to handle high data rates and large volumes of data efficiently. VITA 66.5 connectors must work side-by-side with other VITA standards like R-VPX VITA 46, that can meet these demands. These ruggedized, high-speed board-to-board connectors support data rates of up to 10 GB/s, making them essential for real-time signal processing and ensuring that combat systems can manage the data load effectively.
VITA 66.5 RF/fiber hybrid connectors combine RF and fiber optic interfaces in a compact form factor and are designed for applications that require high-density, high-performance signal transmission. They provide high signal integrity and low insertion loss, perform robustly in harsh environments, and are compliant with SOSA Technical Standards. This makes them ideal for SIGINT systems that require reliable high-frequency signals and high-speed data transmission.
All connectors used in naval and other demanding military applications must deliver high-speed, ruggedized connections. They must be engineered to withstand the shock, vibration, and thermal extremes of naval operations, these connectors are capable of supporting high data rates. Their enhanced durability and reliability, coupled with their scalability for future system upgrades, make specifying the latest generation of compliant connectors critical for signal acquisition systems where robust, high-speed data transmission is essential.
VITA 66.5 RF/fiber hybrid connectors not only meet but exceed the rigorous standards required by naval applications. By leveraging these technologies, the Navy enhances its SIGINT and signal acquisition capabilities, ensuring superior operational performance and mission success.
SV Microwave is an associate member of The Open Group and an active participant of the SOSA Electro-mechanical hardware group.
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