If a device or vehicle needs to use deployable tactical jumpers with physical contact connectors (e.g. TFOCA or D38999-III with M29504/4 &/5), then bulkhead assembly must have corresponding physical contact connectors. These connectors have higher requirements as far as handling is concerned, e.g. they require cleaning of contacts on both sides before each connection, because if they are connected while dirty, it will almost always end up in their irreversible damage. On the other side, their main advantage includes features difficult to achieve by expanded beam connectors – lower insertion loss and the possibility of using APC contacts (only for some types of connectors). This type of solutions is necessary in optical fibre systems sensitive to back reflection and requiring return loss at the highest possible level. Physical contact bulkhead assemblies are worth considering in such technologies as WDM networks or transmission of radio waves via optical fibre (RF over Fiber).
Taking into account operating reality of this type of solutions in field conditions, physical contact connectors should rather be recommended only where connecting cycles will occur relatively rarely (e.g. unlocking connectors only for maintenance services) or when we are confident that operations will be performed only by personnel with appropriately high qualifications. The use of this type of connectors in lines disconnected and connected frequently (because of their characteristics) is risky.
Design: Proformat