JEDEC Solid State Technology Association and SAE International announced that they have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the development of standards for fiber optic system test & qualification methods for harsh environment applications. The work will be conducted under the auspices of the new JEDEC JC-13.6 Subcommittee for Fiber Optic Systems in Military and Space Applications.

The JC-13.6 Subcommittee’s objective is to publish and maintain a comprehensive test and qualification standard for fiber optics in harsh environment applications; with emphasis on commercial and military avionics in missile and space systems.  JEDEC and SAE International invite companies and agencies interested in contributing to the development process to contact the JEDEC office at 703-907-7560 for more information.

“It’s clear that the industry must raise the bar and establish comprehensive standards for fiber optics in harsh environments,” said Chuck Tabbert, Chairman of JC-13.6.  He added, “With high speed point-to-point intra-platform communications networks becoming a choke point for next generation systems, the rapid qualification of fiber optic transceiver modules and the associated infrastructure is essential.  Fiber optic systems offer numerous benefits, including insensitivity to electronic interference, savings in weight and power, increased bandwidth and immunity to lightning.”

“SAE International and JEDEC’s agreement to collaborate is a response to the growing consensus regarding the need to improve industry standards available to the fiber optic community,” said Edward M. Manns, manager of aerospace standards for SAE International. He added, “SAE International is pleased that this effort enjoys the active support of fiber optic industry leaders, and we look forward to working with JEDEC to bring government agencies, users and vendors together to meet the needs of the industry.”

David Zika, chair of SAE International’s Avionic Systems Division, will serve as the vice chair of the new JEDEC Committee. “This is an important agreement because fiber optics is playing an increasingly larger part in commercial and military avionics. We are pleased to be part of this agreement and look forward to the important work that lies ahead.”

JEDEC President John Kelly agreed, saying the quality work that will be done will benefit the entire industry.  “JEDEC is delighted to enter into this collaboration with SAE International, and we encourage wide participation in the work being undertaken by JC-13.6”.  He added, “Such participation helps to ensure broad consensus and significantly enhances the quality of the resulting standards.”

About JEDEC
JEDEC is the leading developer of standards for the solid-state industry.  Over 3,000 participants, appointed by nearly 300 companies work together in 50 JEDEC committees to meet the needs of every segment of the industry, manufacturers and consumers alike. The publications and standards that they generate are accepted throughout the world. All JEDEC standards are available online, at no charge. For more information, visit www.jedec.org.

About SAE:
SAE International is a global association of more than 121,000 engineers and related technical experts in the automotive, aerospace and commercial-vehicle industries. SAE International's core competencies are life-long learning and standards development. SAE International's charitable arm is the SAE Foundation, which supports many programs, including A World In Motion® and the Collegiate Design Series. For more information, visit www.sae.org.