Selecting the appropriate multi-channel fiber connector for your application is crucial to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance. Multi-channel fiber connectors are connectors that allow multiple optical fibers to be terminated in a single connector, facilitating high-density connections and efficient data transmission. They are used in various industries, including military, industrial, aerospace, telecommunications, and data centers. Here, we'll explore some popular multi-channel fiber connectors, including MIL-DTL-38999, ARINC 801, QSeal, IP connectors, and Expanded Beam connectors, to help you make an informed decision.
Expanded Beam Connectors
Expanded Beam Connectors are different from traditional connectors in that, instead of the fibers physically touching when mated, the light is beamed from connector to connector. This technology gives you advantages when it comes to durability, reliability, susceptibility to contamination, and ease of maintenance. There is a large selection of different Expanded Beam connectors designed for different applications, such as Mini, Junior, MIL-DTL-83526, Senior, F960, D38999, Geo-Beam EX(explosion-proof)/BA(break away). Common for all of these is that they are designed to withstand harsh conditions and environments. You can read about the advantages of Expanded Beam connectors in the article Advantages of Expanded Beam connectors in field applications.
- Designed for repeated mating
- Less susceptible to contamination
- Easy maintenance and cleaning
- Less susceptible to misalignment
ARINC 801 Connectors
ARINC 801 is a standard for fiber optic connectors used primarily in aerospace and military applications. These connectors are designed to provide high performance and reliability in harsh environments. They are available in various configurations, including straight plug and wall-mount receptacles, to suit different application needs. Genderless terminus design with removable alignment inserts using ceramic alignment sleeves and ferrules to ensure accurate fiber alignment results in reliable connections and ease of maintenance. Rotation-locked termini enable APC interfaces for improved return loss performance.
- Variety of connector configurations
- Wide range of fiber channels
- Removable alignment sleeve insert
- Genderless terminus design
- Available in UPC or APC end-face
MIL-DTL-38999 Connectors
MIL-DTL-38999 connectors are widely used in military and aerospace applications for signal, power, coax, triax, quadrax, and optical transmission due to their high performance and reliability in harsh environments. These connectors offer a compact circular package and are available in various different shell sizes, materials, and finishes. It can be configured using MIL-PRF-29504 pin and socket that fits the standard size 16 copper contact inserts. Because of the widespread popularity of the 38999 Series III connectors, this threaded form factor has been used for designs to meet a variety of configurations beyond those of the MIL-DTL-38999. For fiber optic applications, there are inserts specifically designed for reliable fiber optic interfaces, such as expanded beam, ELIO, and MPO/MTP, each giving the connector certain advantageous properties.
- Threaded circular connector
- Self-locking vibration resistance
- Variety of interface configurations
- Wide range of fiber channels and interfaces
IP Connectors
IP-rated fiber optic connectors are designed to provide protection against dust and water, making them suitable for telecom, broadcast, and industrial applications in harsh environments. The "IP" stands for Ingress Protection, and the rating consists of two numbers. The first number indicates the level of protection against solid objects, while the second number indicates the level of protection against liquids. Examples of these connectors include standard telecom connectors like LC-duplex or MPO connectors encapsulated in an IP-rated housing.
- Dust and water protection rating
- Wide range of fiber configurations
- Available in UPC or APC end-face
QSeal Connectors
QSeal is a 2-4 fiber IP67 sealed Push-Pull connector designed for quick and easy connections. The plugs connect to XLR-compatible receptacles with a direct LC-Duplex interface, enabling simple and cost-effective SFP module-based integration. This connector is a popular choice for broadcast, pro-audio, and entertainment applications. Additionally, it is intermateable with several other connectors used in these markets.
- Push-Pull
- Sealed to IP67
- 2-4 fiber
- Intermateability:
- Neutrik OpticalCon Duo (2Ch)
- OpticalCon Quad (4Ch)
Conclusion
Choosing the right multifiber connector depends on your specific application requirements, including environmental conditions, data transmission needs, and maintenance capabilities. By understanding the features and benefits of each connector type, you can select the most suitable option for your needs, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
