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High-Bandwidth Optical Links for Open Standards: from Transceiver to VITA 87 Connector

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Modern defense and aerospace systems demand higher data rates, lower latency, and assured reliability in harsh environments.

This webinar presents Smiths Interconnect’s complete fiber‑optic interconnect solution. High‑performance optical transceivers pair with rugged VITA 87 optical connectors to build reliable, high‑bandwidth links for mission‑critical platforms.

An integrated optical architecture simplifies design and accelerates deployment. It fits applications such as missile systems, avionics modules, electronic warfare equipment, and next‑generation vetronics.

The approach strengthens signal integrity, increases EMI immunity, and optimizes SWaP. It aligns with SOSA, VPX, and CMOSS hardware requirements. Engineering teams gain a clear path to adopt high‑speed optical connectivity with confidence.

Key takeaways:

  • Highlight the market context and design pressures (SWaP, data rate) driving optical adoption in rugged systems.
  • Showcase how transceivers + VITA 87 connectors deliver a complete, interoperable fiber‑optic link.
  • Give insights into performance and system benefits: low latency, high reliability, EMI immunity, density, and SOSA/VPX/CMOSS readiness.

Kyle Gobble - Product Line Manager, Aerospace & Defense Connectors, Smiths Interconnect
Kyle brings hands‑on experience developing LightCONEX active‑optical backplane connectors and plays an active role in open architecture standards, including serving as editor of the newly published VITA 66.5 Optical Interconnects on VPX standard. His work across VITA, VPX, and related ecosystems supports innovation for next‑generation mission‑critical systems. Kyle holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of North Florida.

Jon Lundberg - Product Line Manager, Optical Transceivers, Smiths Interconnect
Jon has 30+ years of experience spanning aerospace engineering, semiconductor sales, and fiber‑optic test and sensing technologies. At Smiths Interconnect, he leads optical transceiver product lines for defense and commercial avionics. Jon holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from MIT and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University.