Altera to Develop Reconfigurable Coherent Optical Communications Modem Prototype for DIU RAZORBAC Program

Development effort advances adaptive optical networking technologies for resilient multi-domain communications

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Altera, the industry’s largest pure-play FPGA solutions provider, today announced it is working with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to advance the development of a highly reconfigurable coherent Free Space Optics (FSO) modem prototype for the Resilient Adaptive Zero-latency Optical Relay for Broadband All-domain Communications (RAZORBAC) program. The effort builds upon prior Space-Based Adaptive Communications Node (Space-BACN) initiatives and represents an important step toward advancing next-generation secure communications infrastructure for space and multi-domain operations.

The RAZORBAC program is focused on enabling resilient, high-bandwidth optical networks that can dynamically adapt to evolving mission requirements across space, air, and ground environments. As part of the initiative, Altera will contribute Agilex® FPGA-based technologies and advanced packaging expertise to support development of a reconfigurable Multi-Chip Package (MCP) prototype capable of performing coherent FSO modem functions.

The MCP prototype will be designed to support interoperable optical links across satellite constellations and orbital layers, helping advance secure, high-speed data transport for both defense and commercial applications, including high-throughput interconnects and backbone links for broadband service providers. By leveraging programmable hardware architectures, the system can evolve alongside rapidly changing waveform, protocol, and mission requirements without requiring complete hardware redesigns.

“In today’s rapidly evolving, highly dynamic, and complex communications environment, flexibility is mission critical for operational readiness,” said Gopi Jandhyala, Head of Platform, Architecture and Chip Engineering at Altera. “Programmable solutions enable systems to evolve in real time while reducing development risk and accelerating deployment. We believe reconfigurable architectures will play a foundational role in the future of resilient optical networking.”

The RAZORBAC effort supports broader initiatives led by the U.S. Space Force and DIU to accelerate adoption of laser communications technologies capable of delivering high-data-rate, low-probability-of-intercept connectivity in contested operational environments. The initiative also highlights the growing importance of open, modular system architectures in accelerating interoperability and deployment of advanced capabilities across commercial and government Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISLs). The goal is to create an “internet” of satellites, enabling seamless communication between constellations and ground terminals. This vision aligns with growing commercial demand for protocol-agnostic optical mesh constellations that can serve both government and commercial customers.

Altera’s work with DIU on the RAZORBAC program builds upon a strong foundation of government-sponsored innovation, including CHIPS, Space-BACN, and KANAGAWA, while further advancing the company’s leadership in programmable technologies and heterogeneous integration. This effort positions Altera's programmable optical networking solutions for broader adoption across commercial satellite, government, and telecommunications markets.

About Altera

Altera is the industry’s largest pure-play FPGA solutions provider, with an exclusive focus on delivering FPGA innovations to the broad market. The company provides a comprehensive portfolio of programmable hardware, software, and development tools that empower designers of electronic systems to innovate, differentiate, and execute with greater speed and efficiency. With industry-leading FPGAs, SoCs, and design solutions, Altera enables customers to achieve faster time-to-market, greater flexibility, and optimized performance across a wide range of applications, spanning physical AI, industrial automation, audio/video, robotics, aerospace, defense, data centers, telecommunications, and more. For more information, visit www.altera.com.