The Boeing Company
Electric power and data communications within a fuel tank and across a wall of the fuel tank using resistive non-metallic wire and an optical hybrid fuel height sensor

Abstract:

A system for power and data communications within a fuel tank and across a wall of the fuel tank includes an optical hybrid fuel height sensor and a sealed connector extending through a wall of the fuel tank. The system also includes an electric power connection between the optical hybrid fuel height sensor and the sealed connector. The electric power connection includes a resistive non-metallic wire. The system also includes a sealed optical connector extending through the wall of the fuel tank. The system further includes an internal data communications connection between the optical hybrid fuel height sensor and the sealed optical connector. The internal data communications connection includes an optical signal out connection.