When it becomes necessary to use optical fibre connectors from the “civilian world” in the equipment, but still ensure environmental resistance, optical fibre harnesses with “ruggedized” connectors will be an excellent choice. These types of connectors combine simplicity and functionality of standard and easily accessible IT solutions (such as LC or MPO connectors) with the strength of products intended for operation under harsh conditions. Initially, they were developed for connection of cell phone stations, however due to increasing popularity of optical fibres, they were quickly customized to industrial networks and mobile solutions.
The biggest advantage of using “ruggedized” connectors is simplicity of maintenance by the user – for most of them, it does not require any special expensive tools, and damaged cable can be replaced with a simple patch cord (of appropriate type) from any producer. Furthermore, hardened connectors in the case based on D38999-III have a thread, that is self-locking under vibration with so-called „ ratchet”. Their metal case enables maintaining of the equipment shielding continuity which protects from electromagnetic interference. Several keying variants are also available which eliminates the possibility of incorrect connection of the harness when several panel connectors of the same type exist on the panel.
The most interesting “ruggedized” solutions include harnesses with LC-Field connectors, using well known LC duplex, the most popular connector for two-way transmission.
Also worthy of note is the new product in our portfolio, MPO-Field, based on a multi-channel MPO connector. It provides an unprecedented density of fibre optic transmission in environmentally resistant harnesses - up to 12, 24 or even 48 channels can be accommodated in a D38999-III size 13 housing. Compatibility with adapters for D38999-III connectors allows better anchoring of cable and customizing it to a truly military variant, also in the angular version.
However, when choosing connecting harnesses with “ruggedized” connectors, you should remember about their limitations resulting from their simplified design. These types of solutions are not able to fully meet the requirements of operation under extreme conditions, that military or broadcasting optical fibre harnesses fulfil, they are only intermediate solutions between those and telecommunication products. Standard products made of plastic are very delicate and anchoring of „ruggedized” connectors to external coating of the cable does not ensure sufficient mechanical resistance. For the heaviest operating conditions, we recommend Deployable tactical jumpers..
Simple design has another important advantage – our clients can make an optical fibre harness with „ ruggedized” connector on their own. All they need to do is prepare an appropriate standard patch cord, as the „ruggedized” connectors for self-assembly are also available in our portfolio!
Design: Proformat