The expanded beam technology integrated into our Size 12 expanded beam contact represents a highly specialised form of optical signal transmission. The Size 12 expanded beam connector system was developed for robust, demanding fibre optic applications. These contacts are now an indispensable part of industrial multimode applications, in particular in communications technology and optical data transmission. But what makes them so special and so tough? The secret lies in the expanded beam technology.
Expanded Beam Technology
The light that comes out of the optical fiber is expanded through an optical lens system. The beam now covers a larger area. It passes through a contact-free zone and is bundled back down again on the opposite side. The expanded beam connection is contact-free and the light passes through a small gap between the two lenses.
- This improves reliability and resistance to vibrations.
- It also cuts down on mechanical wear.
- It increases the plug connector's service life.
Advantages
Insensitivity to:
- moisture
- dust
- dirt
- extreme temperatures
- and much more besides
Signal transmission remains stable even in the presence of contamination. This greatly reduces the time and effort involved in cleaning.
Cleaning
With conventional, or more accurately, physical fibre optic connectors, special cleaning tools have to be used. This disadvantage is eliminated with expanded beam connectors. Simple cleaning methods depending on the level of contamination. If the connectors are dirty then water or isopropyl alcohol will do, and compressed air can be used to get rid of dust. This saves time and money and improves efficiency.
Variants
The Size 12 from Rosenberger OSI is configured for circular and rectangular connectors. Thanks to the standardised contact sizes, it is fully compatible with existing circular connectors of type MIL-DTL 38999. In the same way as with conventional plug connectors, a connector and a receptacle are needed to make the connection. Our contacts are therefore available with a pin-and-socket design. They can also be assembled with high-quality connections at fiber optic cables of various diameters.
Fields of applications
- Industry: perfect for networked production systems and real-time communication between robots and the control system.
- Aviation and aerospace: the connections function reliably even in the presence of vibrations and extreme temperatures.
- Rail technology and the transport sector: for use in tough environments which demand stable connections.
- Defence and security: robust enough to be used in critical environments.
- Medical engineering: for precise, hygienic data transmission.
- In the medical engineering field, multimode fibres are used for endoscopies, for example.
- Broadcasting: perfect for rapid installation and removal at live events.
Service life
Our contacts can handle up to 100,000 mating cycles, that is to say four times as many as conventional components.
This means:
- less wear
- fewer replacements
- greater efficiency
- insensitivity to electromagnetic interference
With our Size 12 expanded beam connector contacts, we combine innovation, reliability and versatility in a single solution. Expanded beam technology is opening up new possibilities and will make your multimode connectivity fit for the future.
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