Optical Fiber Lightguide Sensing for Gimbal Pickoffs.
Abstract
The application of optical fiber lightguides in gimbal pickoffs is under study by the U.S. Army Missile Command. Laser diodes or light-emitting diodes, optical fibers, and solid-state light detectors can save space and weight in inertial-guidance systems for missiles and projectiles. Because they are non-contacting and have no moving parts, optical components are free of friction, gimbal-wiring, slip ring torques, potentiometer-wiper lift-off during flight, and noise. The sensors and optical fibers may also reduce manufacturing costs. The study recommends that the concept use the pulse-duration-modulation design as an inner-gimbal wide-angle position sensor, described in the author's earlier report, T-79-81, AD-A076 372. For the outer gimbal, the light intensity concept, as described in this report, is proposed as a wide-angle position sensor. This concept provides a linear range of + or - 35 degrees with a nonlinear repeatable range up to + or - 90 degrees. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA133343
Entities
People
- Aubrey Rodgers
Organizations
- United States Army Aviation and Missile Command