Altera Advances Reconfigurable Optical Modem Development for DIU’s RAZORBAC Initiative

ElecSuppliers Industry NewsJun 01, 2026

Altera Corp. is collaborating with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to develop 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 initiative builds on earlier Space-Based Adaptive Communications Node (Space-BACN) efforts and is aimed at advancing secure, next-generation communications infrastructure for space and multi-domain operations.

Under the RAZORBAC program, Altera will contribute Agilex FPGA-based technologies and advanced packaging capabilities to support the development of a reconfigurable Multi-Chip Package (MCP) prototype designed for coherent FSO modem functions.

The program is focused on enabling resilient, high-bandwidth optical networks capable of dynamically adapting to mission requirements across space, air, and ground environments. The MCP prototype is intended to support interoperable optical links across satellite constellations and orbital layers, helping enable secure, high-speed data transport for defense and commercial applications.

Potential use cases include high-throughput interconnects and backbone links for broadband service providers. By leveraging programmable hardware architectures, the platform can adapt to evolving 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 initiative supports broader programs led by the Defense Innovation Unit and the United States Space Force to accelerate adoption of laser communications technologies capable of delivering high-data-rate, low-probability-of-intercept connectivity in contested operational environments.

The program also highlights increasing industry emphasis on open and modular system architectures to improve interoperability and deployment of advanced Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISLs) across commercial and government networks. The long-term objective is to establish an interconnected satellite communications infrastructure that enables seamless communication between constellations and ground terminals.

Altera said the effort aligns with growing commercial demand for protocol-agnostic optical mesh constellations capable of supporting both government and commercial customers.

The company added that its work on the RAZORBAC program expands on prior government-sponsored initiatives, including CHIPS, Space-BACN, and KANAGAWA, while strengthening its position in programmable technologies and heterogeneous integration for optical networking applications.