Rugged optical cable for harsh-environment aerospace and defense uses introduced by Molex

LISLE, Ill., 2 May 2014. Molex Inc. in Lisle, Ill., is introducing expanded-beam ruggedized optical cable assemblies for harsh-environment aerospace and defense applications such as tactical communications, security communications, on-board aerospace and marine networks, and I/O applications in the field.

These ruggedized connectors meet MIL-DTL-83526/20 and/21 standards while delivering repeatable, error-free optical transmissions and requiring minimal cleaning. They can withstand thousands of mating cycles, have a field-installable and repairable design to minimize maintenance downtime, and offer a stainless steel housing option, for corrosive environments.

The connectors work by using lenses that expand and collimate the light emitting from optical fibers across a sealed connector interface. The expanded and collimated light beam has an active area much larger than the original optical fiber core, making it less sensitive to data transmission interruption due to dirt and debris particles, while also being more efficient to align across the two connector halves.

The assemblies are available in 2- and 4-fiber counts for a multi-channel optical interface. The non-contacting lens interface reduces connector failure by preventing debris from becoming imbedded or damaging the optical surface during the mating or handling process.

For more information contact Molex online at www.molex.com.