Category: Connectors

Fischer Connectors enhances IIoT connectivity with ultra-rugged solutions using Single Pair Ethernet and USB 3.2 protocols

Fischer Connectors has developed new high-speed data and power connectivity solutions combining Single Pair Ethernet and USB 3.2 Gen 2 high-speed protocols with the rugged, high-density and miniature features of its flagship product lines. They enable space-saving and cost-efficient integration in industrial automation and robotics, chemical plants, food processing, automotive production lines, outdoor sensing and unmanned systems.

Innovating the Path to Terabit Speeds: IEEE, Senko, and US Conec Weigh In

To support emerging technologies and ever-increasing amounts of data, large hyperscale and cloud data centers like AWS, Google Cloud, Meta, Microsoft Azure, and Equinix have quickly migrated to 400 Gigabit speeds for switch-to-switch links and data center interconnects, as well as for switch-to-server breakout configurations. Now these big-name data centers are gearing up to deploy 800 Gig and looking ahead to 1.6 and 3.2 Terabit speeds, while 400 Gig starts making its way into large and even mid-sized hosted and enterprise data centers.

US Conec barks back at Senko in VSFF connector patent scrap

US Conec filed a response to a Senko Advanced Components suit that alleges US Conec violated SENKO patents on very small form factor (VSFF) fiber-optic connectors denying the allegations and contains allegations that Senko violated US Conec patents. SENKO, in a written statement to Lightwave reaffirmed that it expects to triumph in court. Both companies make VSFF connectors and associated adapters – the CS, SN, and SN-MT connectors in SENKO’s case, and the MMC and MDC connectors in US Conec’s.

5 things you need to know about multifiber push-on connector testing –

NTT-Advanced Technology Research cites that 80% of network problems are due to dirty connectors, and the No. 1 cause of network failure is contaminated connectors. For MPOs, inspection and cleaning become even more critical. Given that a single dirty or damaged connector can impact 24 fibers—or more—with MPO connectors, taking critical communications lines out of service for troubleshooting will cause service interruptions for numerous customers.
How can the performance of MPO links be ensured? It all starts with testing. There are the five essential things you need to do: connector inspection, proper cleaning, polarity-type validation, continuity confirmation, and choosing the right referencing method.

Senko’s SN Uniboot connector takes home Platinum ‘Cabling Innovators’ honors

Senko Advanced Components, Inc. announced that its SN Uniboot connector was awarded Platinum Cabling Innovators honors, as presented by Cabling Installation & Maintenance at the at the recent BICSI Fall Conference 2022 (Sep. 25-29) in Las Vegas.
The SN Uniboot is a connector with a revolutionary design that allows four SN duplex connectors to be patched simultaneously in one operation. As noted by Senko, unlike 8-fiber MPO connectors comprising single polymer ferrules, the SN Uniboot’s design utilizes eight ceramic 1.25 mm ferrules that deliver carrier-grade performance and reliability.
Originally designed for use in multi-channel 400G data center transceivers within spine/leaf architectures, Senko reports that “the SN is proving to be much more than just a high data-rate equipment connection. The industry is fast discovering that when deployed as a backbone trunk solution, the SN Uniboot has significant benefits compared with existing legacy solutions,” adds a company statement.

Everything You Need to Know: TIA Standard adds MPO Test Requirements and Procedures

In their latest revision (September 2022), the Telecom Industry Association (TIA) added MPO test requirements and procedures to their optical fiber cabling component standard, ANSI/TIA-568.3-E.
The revision adds MPO-specific requirements referencing TIA-526-28. TIA-526-28 is an adoption of IEC 61280-4-5 and deals with attenuation measurement of MPO-terminated fiber optic cabling plant using test equipment with MPO interfaces.

High-density connectivity packs fiber into data centers

To accommodate modern networks with extreme density, manufacturers of transceivers have developed ways to increase the number of fiber connections in a given footprint. These transceivers require equally dense fiber connectivity. Recent technology developments have shrunken the amount of real estate occupied by dual-fiber connectors, as well as array-style connectors. This article examines some of the latest fiber-optic connector styles that accommodate today’s highest-density networks. Read the full article at: http://www.cablinginstall.com

Hexatronic Buys U.S. harsh electro-optical specialist Rochester Cable from TE Connectivity

Hexatronic Group AB (Gothenburg, Sweden) today announced its signing of a binding asset purchase agreement to acquire all business activities of Rochester Cable, one of the main designers and manufacturers of harsh environment electro-optical cables in the U.S., from global connectors and sensors specialist TE Connectivity (TE) for an enterprise value of USD 55 million.
Rochester Cable is a recognized leader in the design and manufacture of electro-optical cables for operation in harsh environments.

AFL Receives Six Patents Over Past Quarter

AFL, an international manufacturer of fiber optic cable, equipment and accessories, was awarded six new patents over the past quarter for technology and developments in optical connectivity, conductor accessories, specialty cables and test equipment.
The first patent is for “Multiple Cable Size Fiber Optic Transition Assemblies.” The design allows the ability to create furcated AFL TRIDENT® drops, from one to four fibers. Additionally, a patent was received for a “Rack Routing Guide.” This invention allows installers to route fibers exiting the front of panels into a system that takes up the slack when any tray inside the panel is opening.
Two patents were received in AFL’s conductor accessories division. The first patent is for “Cable Support Devices and Assemblies.” This design supports AFL’s FTTx solution, notably the end user’s focus on minimizing pole penetrations when attaching hardware. The multi-drop thimble eye allows up to four drops to be dead ended at a pole using a single bolt as an attachment.
The second patent for conductor accessories is “Galloping Motion Disruptors and Methods for Reducing Conductor Galloping.” The Galloping Motion Disruptor (GMD) changes the cross-sectional profile of a transmission conductor, reducing the wind energy effect that causes large movement of the conductor, which could lead to damage. This patented design allows easier installation and less shipping costs.
The next patent is for “Downhole Strain Sensing Cables.” This cable is designed for installation in oil and gas downhole applications that detect ground movement or strain within the well to assist in efficient well utilization and management.
Lastly, the Test & Inspection division received a patent for “Optical Testing Devices and Related Methods.” The patent allows an OTDR to automatically initiate a test when the OTDR test jumper is connected to a network. After the test jumper has been disconnected from the network, from sensing the unloaded signal, the OTDR will automatically start another test when the test jumper is reconnected to a network.