TE Connectivity ruggedizes high-speed fiber optic electronic packaging

Dec. 20, 2017
HARRISBURG, Pa. TE Connectivity (TE), a provider of connectivity and sensors in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is releasing new optical flex circuit cable assemblies that are ruggedized for the harsh environments of aerospace, commercial and military aircraft, and defense systems. These compact, robust fiber-optic circuits offer a multifiber management solution for high-speed electronic packaging and are fully customizable for both card-to-card and backplane applications.  

HARRISBURG, Pa.TE Connectivity (TE), a provider of connectivity and sensors in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is releasing new optical flex circuit cable assemblies that are ruggedized for the harsh environments of aerospace, commercial and military aircraft, and defense systems. These compact, robust fiber-optic circuits offer a multifiber management solution for high-speed electronic packaging and are fully customizable for both card-to-card and backplane applications.

Optical flex circuits are made up of thousands of individual fibers precisely positioned on a single rugged substrate that employs crossovers to minimize stress while maximizing opportunities for complex routing arrangements. A thin film encapsulating each fiber helps provide enhanced protection from harsh environments and allows for high-density packaging that saves valuable space. Added durability and low insertion loss are achieved through controlled optical circuit routing using a computer numerical control (CNC) machine.

“These new multipurpose fiber-optic circuits are designed for a variety of aerospace and defense applications,” says Christophe Prel, product manager, Aerospace, Defense & Marine at TE Connectivity. “Multiple options in cable assembly design, connectorization, and routing give designers the flexibility to help maximize performance and design a solution tailored to their needs.”

Optical flex circuits manage high fiber counts in small spaces to simplify routing, and can accommodate up to 12 layers stacked and up to six fiber crossings.

TE Connectivity Ltd. is a $13 billion global technology and manufacturing company focused on creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. For more than 75 years, our connectivity and sensor solutions, proven in the harshest environments, have enabled advancements in transportation, industrial applications, medical technology, energy, data communications, and the home.

About the Author

Courtney E. Howard | Chief Editor, Intelligent Aerospace

Courtney enjoys writing about all things high-tech in PennWell’s burgeoning Aerospace and Defense Group, which encompasses Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics. She’s also a self-proclaimed social-media maven, mil-aero nerd, and avid avionics and space geek. Connect with Courtney at [email protected], @coho on Twitter, on LinkedIn, and on Google+.

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