Fiber Optic Connectors for MIL/Aero Applications Product Roundup
This week’s Product Roundup highlights MIL/Aero fiber optic connectors from leading suppliers.
Fiber Optic Connectors for MIL/Aero Applications
Interstate Connecting Components (ICC) supplies Amphenol’s new M28876 connectors. Amphenol Fiber 28876 connectors are qualified to MIL-PRF-28876, Rev. F., and feature black hard anodized (BHA) PTFE plating for superior performance in corrosive and other harsh environments. Backshells are available in straight, 45°, and 90° configurations and utilize Amphenol Fiber Systems’ Quickloc captivation system. Precision-machined to stringent tolerances, these connectors are designed for superior optical performance in extreme environmental conditions. Amphenol Fiber Optic MIL-PRF-28876 connectors are built and shipped through ICC’s value-added assembly process. M28876 connector dust caps for protection from contaminants are also available to ensure optimal performance.
Smiths Interconnect offers low loss floating fiber pin termini for MIL-DTL-38999 style connectors. The floating pin termini provides exceptional low loss characteristics with high reliability and repeatability. They are designed to fit standard off-the-shelf electrical MIL-DTL-38999 connectors, eliminating the need for costly tight tolerance and hard to locate D38999/60 & /61 connectors. Features include improved insertion loss performance with a .006″ radial and 3.25 degree angular misalignment, precision alignment of the fiber ferrules in extreme environmental conditions of shock and vibration, vibration resistance, precision floating ceramic ferrules, and stainless steel terminus body. They are designed for use in size 16 cavities of the MIL-DTL-38999 Series III connector and feature Sabritec technology.
Amphenol Aerospace offers a multi-channel circular connector with high density MT fiber optics. This connector uses MT ferrules and offers high fiber density in a relatively small circular connector package with all the advantages of the MIL-DTL-38999 Series III connector. Its three levels of alignment (shell-to-shell with keying to allow for alternate positions, insert plug to insert receptacle, MT contact guide pins) provide for precision fiber-to-fiber interface. Ferrules are available in either 12-fiber or 24-fiber versions, in multi-mode PC, single mode PC, and single mode APC configurations. Available in arrangements of shell size 11 with one ferrule and shell size 21 with four ferrules.
FireFly™ Micro Flyover System™ from Samtec gives designers the flexibility of using micro footprint high-performance optical and low-cost copper interconnects interchangeably with the same connector system. The optical system is available in x4 and x12 designs. FireFly incorporates OM3 multi-mode fiber and is available in a variety of End 2 options and heat sinks for various cooling processes. Its miniature footprint allows for greater density and closer proximity to the IC, which simplifies board layout and enhances signal integrity. Performance of 28 Gb/s can be achieved in a footprint covering an area of only 0.63 square inches, for an aggregate 265 Gb/s per square inch. The ETUO product is an Extended Temperature FireFly with a -40 ºC to +85 ºC range for military and industrial applications. (Read about Samtec’s acquisition of Ultra Communications and its surface mount technology (SMT) reflowable attach process that complements the FireFly family.)
Cinch Connectivity Solution’s Fibreco HDA Adaptors allow for internal MTP box solutions to transition into expanded beam in harsh environment situations. The adaptors are available in several expanded beam connector styles, with jam nut and square flange options, which protects the MTP interface while allowing the transition from a controlled environment to an uncontrolled harsh environment. The HDA allows for board-level assembly and box-mounted accessories to remain isolated. Various connector configurations, such as Cinch’s MIL-83526/21 derived Junior, Mini, Senior, and D38999 Series III derived connectors, with 2 to 12 channels in singlemode and multimode, make it easy to go from board to the rugged outside world.
With its miniature, circular, push-pull design, the Fischer FiberOptic Series from Fischer Connectors combines optical performance and quality with robustness and easy use, cleaning and maintenance. These features enable engineers to design devices that can be used in various indoor and outdoor environments in line with MIL-Spec and C5ISR programs. For best optical performances, Fischer FiberOptic solutions feature butt-joint optical contacts for high optical performances (0.2 dB/connection) with optimal design enabling precise lateral alignment and reduced insertion loss; single mode for long-distance applications (around 120 km) and multimode for short-distance runs (3-5 km); multi-mode with UPC polishing (Ultra Physical Contact); single mode with UPC and 8° APC polishing (angled physical contact) for ultra-low back reflection optimizing return loss. Tested for harsh and extreme environments according to Norm IEC 61753-1 Cat. E, these fiber-optic cabled connectors are unbreakable by hand, sealed up to IP68 mated (IP67 unmated) -2m/24h and -300 m (1,000 ft) for the single fiber optic connector, have gas-tight panel receptacles (<10-6 mbar l/s), and resist corrosion (1,000 hours of salt mist, brass Ni-Cr plated) and operating temperatures from -40 °C to +85 °C. Features enhancing usability and cleaning include ergonomic and user-friendly push-pull design with easy ball-locking mating with ‘click’ proof, easy cleaning with water (monoblock removable sleeve holder supporting in-field end-face cleaning and providing easy access to ferrules), and easy maintenance and replacement.
Sure-Seal Connections from PEI-Genesis offers a range of fiber optic cable assemblies and adapters for harsh industrial communication applications. Available in both single-mode (9/125) and multimode (50/125 & 62.5/125) permutations, Sure-Seal fiber optic patch cables are thoroughly tested and certified in all standard connector offerings including but not limited to LC, SC, ST, FC and MPO. Sure-Seal Fiber Optic Patch Cords are available off-the-shelf in a variety of pre-terminated lengths, and also in custom variations and lengths of all standard cable assemblies.
Positronic’s CBF series is part of the Combo-D family mixed density D-sub to mix signal/power/coax/HV and fiber optic. CBF series connectors offer crimp removable, fiber optic, and fixed size 8 and 20 contacts with industrial and Mil/Aero performance options. The series is RoHS 5/6-compliant and meets ARINC 801qualification.
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