Harris uses multichip modules from CTS Corp. for F-22 Raptor
Engineers at Harris Corp. in Melbourne, Fla., needed three cost-effective custom optical data link multichip modules (MCMs) for support of the F-22 Raptor jet fighter.
Experts at CTS Corp. in West Lafayette, Ind., met their needs with MCMs that include a fiber optic transmitter and receiver pair, used to provide high bandwidth point-to-point communications within the F-22 airframe, and a high-speed data bus. The data bus provides high-rate bus communications in support of the transmitter and receiver devices.
Harris engineers began working with CTS on this contract in 1993. CTS engineers designed and developed the three unique multichip modules, selecting low temperature cofired ceramic for the multilayer interconnect network, as well as a detachable fiber optic connector.
This design approach enables replacement of only the optical link cable to the multichip module in the event of damage to the optical cable, thereby saving Harris the cost of replacing the complete MCM, CTS officials claim.
The award is for support of two F-22 production-representative test vehicle aircraft, as well as additional modules for the continued testing of this application. Delivery is scheduled to begin in third quarter 1999. — J.M.
For more information on CTS Corp., contact R.L. Ramsby by phone at 219-293-7511, by fax at 219-293-6146, or on the World Wide Web at http://www.ctscorp. com.
