New rugged high-performance fibre-optic connectors for mil/aero embedded systems

ODU's Expanded Beam Performance technology is an advanced fibre-optic solution that provides high-end transmission characteristics over many mating cycles. The exceptional optical performance remains unchanged despite mechanical stress, environmental influences, and harsh ambient conditions. Since there is no physical contact between the ferrule ends, the connections are relatively insensitive to contamination, with no cleaning needed under normal conditions - 50,000 mating cycles at –65C to +105C. The insertion loss for Multimode is <0.15dB (typical) / <0.3dB (max.). Single mode is <0.35dB (typical) / < 0.7dB (max.). The return loss – Multimode is >45dB (typical) / ≥35dB (min.), and single mode>60dB (typical) / ≥55dB (min).

Fibre-optic solutions, according to VITA 95 and VITA 96: VITA is a US-based standards organisation accredited by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) to develop critical and intelligent embedded systems across many markets. They will soon publish new Mil/Aero standards, and the company's new connectors will be compliant.

The Expanded Beam Performance ferrules are the heart of the new portfolio. Each ferrule can connect 12 optical fibres through a non-contact lens system. A space-saving cassette arrangement of the ferrules permits the system to be expanded to 96 optical fibres.

This has resulted in three products in differing configurations:

ODU backplane: Connects modules to the mission computer and allows them to be quickly replaced. Thanks to insensitivity to dust and pollution, it allows for quick and easy maintenance. The connectors are available in three different dimensions, as defined in upcoming standards VITA 96.1, 96.4 and 96.5

ODU tactics: Combining the proven MIL-DTL 38999, Series III connectors with the highly innovative Expanded Beam Performance technology, the VITA 95 interconnect system takes fibre optic transmission in aircraft to a new level. Available in four shell sizes – 11, 13, 15 and 17.

ODU AMC Series T: An advanced circular connector tested to MIL-DTL 38999 standards. This I/O connector is available with push-pull or thread-lock mechanism and provides perfect data integrity with a smaller outer diameter and higher fibre density than traditional solutions.