The P2P-FSO project has reached an important milestone with the delivery of the new ISB-SNAKE sensor board, designed by NEXVISION. The board integrates the LYNRED SNAKE SWIR sensor (640×512 – 15 µm – InGaAs) and plays a critical role in the next phase of the project’s free-space optical communication module.
P2P-FSO aims to develop a high-speed, gyro-stabilized free-space optical communication system capable of establishing platform-to-platform links (such as vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-drone…) over short, medium, and long ranges, from a few meters up to 25 km (typically 3 km). The system is designed for both autonomous and non-autonomous military platforms.
The challenge of optical alignment in motion
One of the main challenges in free-space optical communication is ensuring precise and continuous alignment between optical transmitters and receivers. This challenge becomes even more complex when platforms are moving or subjected to vibrations.
To address this, P2P-FSO relies on an innovative three-stage alignment architecture: coarse alignment using radio links, SWIR-based pre-alignment via the ISB-SNAKE emission and reception chain, and fine optical alignment to maintain stable, high-performance communication under dynamic conditions.
ISB-SNAKE: a critical enabler
The arrival of the ISB-SNAKE board represents a significant step forward. It will enable validation of the second alignment stage, a key requirement to ensure robust optical links when platforms are in motion.
Developed as part of a European collaborative effort involving ASENSE, HELLENIC INSTRUMENTS, Lambda-X and Amphinicy Technologies, P2P-FSO brings next-generation military optical communication systems closer to operational reality.
