Problem with standard fiberoptic connectors
The physical connection (PC contact) with ordinary fiberoptic connectors is very small, 9 micrometers for Singlemode and 50 or 62.5 micrometers for Multimode fiber. Smaller than the diameter of a human hair. If there is dirt, dust, mud, water, oil or other contamination on it, this blocks the light flow to a large extent.
Due to the physical contact between the connector tips, contamination can also irreparably damage the connectors. The result: high reflection (RL) and attenuation (IL) and therefore no reliable signal or no signal at all. This must either be prevented or another connection must be chosen. This all depends on the application.
The solution: Expanded Beam
It’s not always possible to clean the connector tips or keep them clean, such as with industrial, military, broadcast or other outdoor applications. With this kind of applications, we don’t want and can’t depend on a perfectly clean connector tip. Then we’d better choose for Expanded Beam connectors. These types of connectors increase the original size of the optical beam up to 2000 times, so dirt will not block the beam. The connector tips do not make physical contact with each other, so dirty connectors will not damage each other. The contamination doesn’t effect the transmission of the light signal and the simple rinsing and drying of the connector is sufficient for a reliable connection.
- No blockage due to dirt
- No damage due to dirt
Shapes and sizes
Expanded Beam connectors are available in different varieties and according to various industry or military standards. From 2- to 16-ports in just one circular connector housing.
Approved termination partner
For many years, MCAP has been an official assembly partner of Fibreco, one of the top manufacturers of Expanded Beam connectors. We supply these reliable cable assemblies in all kinds of varieties, for many applications. Indispensable for heavy duty applications such as audio visual services, industry, petrochemicals, defence and aviation.
- High reliability
- Low maintenance
- Speed
- Ease of use
No hassle with dirty fibre optic connectors
The big advantage and unique feature of Expanded Beam connectors is that contaminated connectors will immediately function back again after simply rinsing and drying the fibre optic tips in contrast to the usual Physical Contact fibre connectors. They have a particularly small contact surface, where signals are easily disturbed by a tiny dust particle or a hair. What about sand or beer residue from a festival site? Let MCAP demonstrate this to you and discover the difference yourselves.
Do you also benefit from reliable glass fibre connections at heavy duty conditions? Please contact us immediately and we’ll help you. MCAP assemblies – Problem solvers providing the best connection
Call me back
Wondering if we can do something for you? Leave your details here and we will call you back as soon as possible. Of course, you could also fill in the contact form.
