Miniature active optical connector family reduces PCB mounting space

Hirose has designed a unidirectional active optical connector system with built-in E/O on the Tx (transmit) end and an O/E on the Rx (receiver) end. The system converts balanced high-speed differential electrical signals on a PCB at one end into a MM optical signal for transmission down a thin flexible FO cables. It then converts it back into an electrical signal at the other end. The series is created as a separate plug and receptacle that solders to the PCB to remove the thermal issues linked with soldering the E/O and O/E devices directly to the PCB. While the series has been designed for medical industries and factory automation, the system is a perfect solution for any application that needs high speed, long reach and limited wiring space. "The BF4M Series offers significant space-savings when compared to conventional systems using a SFP module and LC connector. In addition, conventional optical modules still leave challenges for internal connections. The user-friendly BF4M Series optical transmission system has a unique, simplified design optimised for internal connection that ensures high speed, low power, and low noise operation," said Bill Kysiak, product marketing manager for Hirose Electric USA. The receptacle has a height of only 1.5mm, 11.5mm long and 5.5mm wide.