The typical fiber contact, such as LC, SC, and ST connectors and multi-fiber MPOs is a physical contact with a fiber core with less than 50 microns (0.05 millimeters). Those types of fiber contacts are typically used in data centers. The small surface needs to align perfectly with the connected fiber core to avoid light loss which can cause transmission problems and even complete loss of signal. The small fiber core and the need of perfect alignment causes the typical fiber contact to be sensitive to dust and particles.
Historically the military used copper in their communication systems but saw the benefits of the lighter and faster fiber optical technology. The development of a fiberoptic lens connector that could endure a harsh environment began.
The non-contact fiber technology, expanded beam, are designed with a lens in front of the fiber end to expand and collimate the light into a mating connector. With the expanded light, the impact of dust and contamination is minimized and can therefore be used even in harsh environments with lower insertion loss. The lens connector is contactless, with light passing over a small gap between the two lenses. With no physical contact, there is less damage from vibrations and mechanical forces, which makes the contacts withstand more mating cycles without frequent cleaning.
The enlarged light minimizes the impact from dust and particles, which makes the expanded beam connectors ideal for harsh environments such as industrial settings or military outdoor applications.
With minimized impact from dust and particles the expanded beam connectors needs less maintenance and can easily be clean with only water and a clean cloth.
The connector doesn’t wear and tear as much though to the no-contact contact. The highest risk of damage is typically during repeated mating cycles, but the non-contact fiber avoids this wear and tear.
One of the biggest advantages of the expanded beam connector is its alignment tolerance. The enlarged beam size allows for more forgiving tolerances during connector mating, simplifying installation processes and reducing the likelihood of signal loss.
The robust design of expanded beam connectors makes them suitable for a wide range of environments, including harsh conditions where traditional connectors might struggle. From military applications to industrial installations, expanded beam technology provides a versatile solution.
The expanded beam connectors were from the beginning mainly used in the defense industry but is today used in several harsh environments such as mining, transportation systems, outside broadcasting, offshore and subsea, and in different types of industries.
Depending on the application for the expanded beam there are different sizes, Junior and Mini. In tight and cramped spaces such in a military vehicle the mini super low profile could be a connector to prefer, or if it´s more important with more channels the Junior size 12 channels would be recommended.
The resilience and durability of expanded beam connectors make them well-suited for military applications. In field deployments where environmental conditions are unpredictable, maintaining a reliable optical connection is critical.
Expanded beam technology finds applications in industrial automation, providing a dependable optical connection in manufacturing environments where dust and debris are common challenges.
In the network sector, where high-speed and reliable data transmission are paramount, expanded beam connectors offer a compelling solution. Their resistance to contamination ensures consistent performance in diverse network environments.
The broadcast industry benefits from the alignment tolerance and durability of expanded beam connectors, ensuring a stable and high-quality optical link for audiovisual applications.
Watch the video to learn more about the technology behind the FALCON Expanded Beam Connector.
All the Micropol Fiberoptic expanded beam connectors, FALCON and PROCON, are according to MIL-DTL-83526/20&21 and Micropol Fiberoptic are the supplier of choice to the Swedish Armed Forces in all environments where reliable field tactical communication is a must.
Both the expanded beam connectors have a range from 2-12 channels and are available in both multi-mode and single-mode. The material is made from hard anodized aluminum but can be made in marine bronze and stainless steel. The expanded beams are tested for operating temperatures between -57 to + 85 Celsius, with 100 degrees Celsius as an option, and are all according to IP67 standard. All are hermaphroditic and are therefore compatible with most of the other brands on the market.
The Falcon expanded beam connectors are the results of decades of development and hard testing to meet the world’s toughest specifications. The patent pending technology developed by Micropol has by far the best optical performance in the world, and are outperforming the NATO standard (<1,2dB. The Falcon expanded beam connector Junior size are the only one on the market with an optional transmission on 40 Gbit/s.
Learn more about the history behind the development of the FALCON Expanded beam connector and the benefits of this high-speed, quality connector. The Falcon Expanded Beam connectors offer the best optical performance on the market, with transfer speeds reaching up to 40 Gbit/s, compared to other brands with an average of 10 Gbit/s.
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The FALCON connector has the best optical performance on the market with transfer speeds all the way up to 40 Gbit/s.
The PROCON connector is based on the proven FALCON design with the same high quality and durability.
Micropol offers low weight ergonomic backpacks for field deployment of optical fiber in any harsh surroundings.