A High-Fiber (Optic) Diet

The need to handle increasing amounts of data at increasingly higher speeds has system engineers turning more and more frequently to fiber optic solutions. In addition to handling substantially more data than an equivalent size copper wire, fiber optic cables provide a size and weight advantage as well. However, when fiber optics finally mate to copper, special considerations must be taken into account. “High-density interconnects that address EMI containment offer cost savings during design and compliance testing stages,” says Tom Marrapode, director of marketing, Fiber Optics, Molex Inc. In addition, special hybrid converters are required to convert triax copper to a fiber optic system. One downside to fiber optics compared to copper is ruggedness. However, a connector system designed for rugged use can address oil/gas exploration and other harsh applications.

RUGGED FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR

Developed to provide a rugged optic connector in a small space, Tyco’s PRO BEAM Mini connector is shorter and half the weight of its PRO BEAM Jr. line. The rugged fiber optic design reduces the need for board real estate while meeting stacked/matrix applications’ connection requirements. Harsh environments with severe mechanical, vibration or thermal limits will benefit by the connectors non-contacting, separable interface that uses Expanded Beam technology. This approach collimates a transmission signal into an optical beam over 14 times its original signal diameter and up to 200 times its cross-sectional area for multimode. For single mode, this increases up to 45 times the original signal diameter and up to 2000 times the cross-sectional area. The connectors’ blind mating design reduces fiber connection and signal transmission damage by sealing the fiber ferrules behind a spherical lens. This can save equipment field repair and retrieval service costs. The connector targets oil/gas exploration, sporting events, aerospace, geophysical sciences and other rugged application. Get more information on Tyco Electronics’ PRO BEAM Mini connector.

Molex’s Universal Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) Adapter allows users to maintain standard optical adapter performance and functionality while changing one-half of specific application’s optical interface. The design offers a common panel mounting hole and internal SC connector for mating with an SC, ST or FC connector on the opposite side. Optical performance is guaranteed by a removable alignment sleeve designed for quick contact without entering the enclosure or disconnecting it from the adapter when cleaning the internal mated connector. The single EMI adapter is offered as an individual component, pre-configured for full panel usage or as a customer or installer configurable unit. A common SC panel mount interface reduces the number of panel designs for a specific application’s connection requirements. The adapter targets storage servers, test and telecommunications equipment and routers among others. Get more information on Molex’s Universal EMI Adapter.

TRIAX TO FIBER CONVERTER

LEMO’s 3K93C hybrid media converter allows the transmission of TV signals over fiber optic cable providing higher definition and longer transmission abilities. For HD camera interconnection systems, the compact design has two single-mode fiber contacts, two power contacts and two signal contacts. Other precision custom triax copper broadcast connection solutions include Lemo’s 4A, 4E, 4M and 3T series that can all interface with the media converter. The LEMO 3K93C is complaint with AINSI/SMPTE (USA), ARIB (Japan) and EBU (Europe) standards. Get more information on LEMO’s triax to fiber converter.