Patent ID: 7158726

Claim:
A backbone communications interface between at least three members of a communications network for a space vehicle, the members comprising a first group of at least two members, and a second group of members, the backbone communications interface comprising: first electro-optical converter means for convening electrical signals which are received as inputs to the backbone communications interface from the first group into optical signals or for inverse conversion of a plurality of demultiplexed optical signals which are received from the second group into electrical signals that are transmitted to the first group; and first multiplexing/demultiplexing means for forming a plurality wavelength divided multiplexed optical signals from the optical signals which are converted, or for demultiplexing a multiplexed optical signal into a plurality of demultiplexed optical signals; said first multiplexing/demultiplexing means being connected to a plurality of optical fibers of said communications network, wherein the plurality of optical fibers convey the plurality of wavelength division multiplex signals to or from at least one member of the second group, the backbone communications interface further comprising selection means for selecting optical signals that are transmitted as the plurality of wavelength division multiplex signals, such that each of the plurality of optical fibers conveys a different group of optical signals, wherein the first group comprises: control means for delivering a remote control signal for controlling a remote piece of equipment, which is a member of the second group, or for receiving a telemetry signal from said piece of equipment; reference means for delivering at least one of a frequency reference signal, a phase reference signal, and a time reference signal to said remote piece of equipment; and means for delivering a power signal to said remote piece of equipment via an optical fiber among the plurality of optical fibers, wherein the remote piece of equipment is powered by the power signal that is delivered.