There is a wide range of optical connectors for use in harsh environments. These connectors have been developed over time to serve specific needs and have distinct areas of usage. Three commonly used types are TFOCA, MFOCA, and Expanded Beam connectors, each with unique characteristics suited to different applications.
TFOCA connectors, stands for Tactical Fiber Optic Cable Assembly. It’s a Military connector developed in the late eighties in the USA. The connector has in have a hermaphroditic configuration with physical connection between the fiber ends. They generally support a low channel capacity (usually 2–4 fibers) and are designed for straightforward, robust, point-to-point connections in tactical and military environments. With durability as a priority, TFOCA connectors are designed to be used in harsh conditions, but due to the physical connection between the fiber ends there is a risk that dirt and debris can damage the connector is not properly cleaned.
MFOCA connectors, stands for Mixed Fiber Optic Cable Assembly. It´s a hermaphroditic configuration that are designed to accommodate a higher channel capacity, making them well-suited for applications that require multiple data lines and high data throughput. The Term MFOCA is commonly used in the US Market which often refers to an Expanded Beam connector with 4 fibers, 2 single mode and 2 Multi mode fibers for increased flexibility.
Expanded Beam connectors or sometimes referred to as HMA connectors distinguish themselves with a hermaphroditic design, allowing connection in any orientation without the need for male or female ends. 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.
This makes them ideal for harsh environments requiring frequent setup, extension, or reconfiguration, as cables can be easily daisy-chained or reconnected. Often used in both military and industrial applications, such as telecommunications and broadcasting, Expanded Beam connectors support multiple channels and provide high adaptability. Their design also allows for easy maintenance and reassembly in the field, making them highly practical for dynamic, modular setups. One of the most common standards for Expanded Beam Connectors are MIL-M83526 / 20&21 and sizes are typically defined as Mini, Junior and Senior sizes.
In summary, the TFOCA connectors are the oldest type of tactical fiber optic connectors they are suitable for low-channel, tactical applications with low requirement on transfer speeds. MFOCA connectors excel in flexibility allowing to use Single and Multi-mode in the same connector.
Expanded beam connectors using expanded beam technology is the most recent type of connector and offer the greatest flexibility with their hermaphroditic design, making them suited for reconfigurable, high-performance applications across both military and industrial sectors. Micropol has been using Expanded beam connectors for many years according to MIL-DTL-83526 20/21. Our FALCON connector has the best optical performance in the market with transfer speeds all the way up to 40 Gbit/s.
TFOCA (Tactical Fiber Optic Cable Assembly) connectors are robust fiber optic connectors primarily used in military and tactical applications. Designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, TFOCA connectors are suitable for applications that demand high durability, reliability under challenging conditions.
Durability
The TFOCA shell is built to endure extreme weather, rough handling, and contamination from dust, dirt, or water. They meet military standards for environmental resistance. Since the connector is dependent on physical connection between the fiber ends cleaning is essential for a working link.
Multi-Channel Capability
TFOCA connectors can support multiple channels within a single connector, allowing simultaneous data transmission over several fibers. This multi-channel design is useful in military operations where numerous communication lines may be needed. The TFOCA connector typically has either Single or Multi-mode fibers.
Field Deployability
Their quick-connect and quick-disconnect functionality makes TFOCA connectors suitable for temporary or field deployments, where they can be connected or disconnected easily and securely without specialized tools.
Standards Compliance
TFOCA connectors often comply with U.S. military standards (such as MIL-C-83526/12) for tactical fiber optic assemblies. This ensures interoperability across different equipment and systems.
TFOCA connectors come in various versions, like TFOCA-II and TFOCA-III, each with advancements in design, durability, and optical performance.
MFOCA (Mix-Channel Fiber Optic Connector Assembly) and TFOCA (Tactical Fiber Optic Cable Assembly) are both rugged fiber optic connector systems used in challenging environments, especially military and tactical applications. However, there are distinct differences between the two in terms of channel capacity, design features, and specific applications.
High Channel Capacity
MFOCA connectors are designed to support multiple fiber channels within a single connector, allowing for high data throughput and the ability to carry multiple communication lines in one assembly. Typically a connector consist of 4 fibers, 2 single mode and 2 Multi mode fibers for increased flexibility This is useful in applications requiring simultaneous data transmission across several channels.
Ruggedized Design
MFOCA connectors are engineered to withstand harsh environments. They are resistant to extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, and physical impacts, making them ideal for military, tactical, and other outdoor applications where durability is essential.
Compliance with Military Standards
MFOCA connectors often meet military standards, such as MIL-DTL-83526, ensuring their reliability and interoperability with other military-grade systems. This compliance guarantees performance in critical and challenging environments.
Secure and Reliable Connections
MFOCA connectors have secure locking mechanisms to prevent accidental disconnections and signal interruptions. This makes them highly reliable in applications where stable and secure connections are required, such as in defense or field-deployed systems.
These features make MFOCA connectors an excellent choice for high-stakes, data-intensive applications in environments that demand both performance and resilience.
Expanded Beam is a non-contact fiber technology. Expanded Beam connectors 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.
Also sometimes referred to as HMA (Hermaphroditic Multi-Channel Assembly) connector the Expanded Beam are fiber optic connectors designed for harsh environments. However, they have distinct features and are suited for different applications, particularly in terms of design, usability, and interoperability. All the Micropol Fiberoptic Expanded Beam connectors, FALCON and PROCON, are according to MIL-DTL-83526/20&21
Hermaphroditic Design
Expanded beam connectors have a genderless design, allowing them to connect in any orientation. This simplifies setup, as there are no male or female ends, making field deployment and reconfiguration much faster and more flexible.
Multi-Channel Capacity
Expanded beam connectors support multiple fiber channels within a single connector, enabling high data throughput and the ability to carry several communication lines. This is beneficial for applications requiring simultaneous, multi-line data transmission. Micropol can offer Expanded beam connectors with up to 12 channels in Junior Size in both Single or Multi-mode.
Ruggedized Construction
Built to withstand harsh conditions, Expanded Beam connectors are designed to resist dust, moisture, extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration. This makes them ideal for both military and industrial environments where durability is essential. The expanded beam connection 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.
Ease of Maintenance
Expanded beam connectors are designed for easy cleaning and maintenance in the field. The connector can be cleaned in the field by just using water this simplifies the usage and reducing downtime to a minimum during field operations.
Modular and Extendable
Due to their hermaphroditic design, Expanded beam connectors can be daisy-chained and easily extended, offering a high degree of modularity. This is especially valuable for applications where cable extensions or complex configurations are frequently needed.
Secure Locking Mechanism
Expanded beam connectors have robust locking mechanisms that ensure secure connections and prevent accidental disconnection. This reliability is essential for critical applications in telecommunications, broadcasting, and military operations.
Low Signal Loss
Expanded Beam connectors are designed to provide stable, low-loss connections, ensuring data integrity over long distances and in complex network setups.
Micropol´s FALCON connector has the best optical performance in the market with maximum insertion loss at -1,2dB (1310 nm).
Versatile Applications
With their durability and ease of reconfiguration, Expanded beam connectors are used across various sectors, including defense, telecommunications, broadcasting, and industrial environments. Their flexibility and high performance make them suitable for a wide range of data-intensive, high-demand applications.
These features makes the Expanded Beam connectors particularly valuable in scenarios that demand reliable, high-capacity connections that can be rapidly deployed, reconfigured, and maintained in challenging conditions.
The need for a fiber optic connector that could withstand harsh environments was first developed for the defence industry and was the beginning of the expanded beam connector that we see today. But how does the technology work and where can the connectors be used?
All the Micropol expanded beam connectors are according to the military detail specification MIL-DTL-83526 20 & 21 to be reliable in harsh environments and in crucial situations. We have since the start been supplier of choice regarding passive fiber optic to the Swedish Armed Forces, but what does the specification mean and in which application are the standard needed?
Fiber optic have a long history and Micropol was early adopters to the technology, and has delivered high quality fiber optic products and solutions for more than 30 years. Read more about the history of fiber optic, the benefits of the technology and how it works.
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