Understanding FSC 5850: Visible and Invisible Light Communication Equipment

In this era of rapid technological advancement, the nuances of specialized equipment must be carefully taken into consideration during the procurement process. Developed by the U.S. government, Federal Supply Classes (FSCs) play a central role in standardizing the organization of a wide array of parts used in public and private sectors alike. In this blog, we will specifically delve into FSC 5850: Visible and Invisible Light Communication Equipment, providing a clearer understanding of the items within this class.

Why Does Visible and Invisible Light Communication Equipment Require an FSC?

Visible and invisible light communication equipment finds primary use in industries that require secure, specialized communication. Their applications span across military, aerospace, and specialized industrial settings where traditional radio frequency signals may be compromised or undesirable. Because of the unique engineering and operational characteristics of these devices, they must be differentiated from general communication, radar, or lighting equipment for easier identification and procurement.

Notable Devices Found within FSC 5850

Infrared Communication Sets

Designed for secure, short-range communication, infrared communication sets utilize infrared light to transmit data, offering a level of privacy that is unattainable with radio waves. Additionally, they often incorporate modulators and demodulators that encode and decode information into infrared signals. This technology is particularly valuable in tactical scenarios where minimizing interference and detection is crucial, with some popular variants including:

Handheld Infrared Communicators: These compact, lightweight devices are portable and feature precision optical emitters and photodetectors, allowing them to achieve a strong signal even in challenging environments. Advanced models boast encrypted transmission protocols and adaptive filtering to minimize interference from ambient infrared sources, such as sunlight or artificial lighting.
Fixed-Point Infrared Transceivers: These stationary units are engineered for secure, high-bandwidth communication between designated points. They employ highly focused infrared beams, often using collimated optics or laser-based emitters to increase range and reduce signal dispersion.

Optical Communication Devices

Optical communication devices use visible and infrared light to transmit data with exceptional speed and security. Leveraging highly directional optical beams, these systems offer enhanced resistance to electromagnetic interference. Moreover, their reliance on line-of-sight transmission ensures reduced interception risk while enabling efficient data transfer over varying distances. Notable subtypes include:

Free-Space Optical (FSO) Systems: FSO systems employ laser beams to transmit data wirelessly through the atmosphere, providing a high-speed alternative to traditional radio or fiber optic networks. Furthermore, they also incorporate adaptive optics to compensate for environmental distortions like turbulence or weather-induced scattering. FSO technology is often used in military field deployments and other environments where laying physical communication infrastructure is infeasible.
Fiber Optic Transmitters and Receivers: While more commonly associated with wired networks, these devices are sometimes integrated into specialized military-grade systems within this classification. They convert electrical signals into light pulses and vice versa, facilitating secure and interference-free communication.

Specialized Light-Based Signalers

Specialized light-based signalers serve critical roles in navigation, signaling, and covert communication by using controlled pulses of light. Unlike the previously mentioned devices, which focus on data transmission for networking and high-bandwidth communication, these systems primarily convey predefined messages, alerts, or location markers. They are used to communicate status updates, coded messages, distress signals, or directional guidance, often in situations where other communication methods are impractical or compromised. Two popular options are:

Infrared Beacons: Essential for covert marking, tracking, and signaling in low-light conditions, infrared beacons use precisely tuned infrared wavelengths that are visible only to receivers equipped with compatible sensors, such as night vision equipment. Tactical variants feature adjustable pulse rates, encrypted identification codes, and ruggedized housings to withstand extreme environments and combat conditions.
Optical Signal Lamps: Widely used in maritime and aviation applications, optical signal lamps provide high-visibility communication through modulated light pulses. In aviation, these lamps help to identify designated landing areas, while in maritime operations, they serve as emergency signaling devices or navigational aids.

Find Dependable FSC 5850 Components on Integrated NSN

Integrated NSN offers a comprehensive selection of visible and invisible light communication items, as well as thousands of other parts that can be conveniently found across our organized catalogs. In addition to ease of browsing on our website, we pride ourselves on providing a simple and efficient procurement process, our experts being ready to serve you with competitive purchasing options that are curated to your needs. To see if we are the right procurement platform for your operational requirements, explore our offerings and get in touch with our representatives by phone, form, or email.