ODU broadens low-loss optical fibre connector range

ODU has added its EBP (expanded beam performance) optical connection technology into its Mini-Snap Series K, Medi-Snap, ODU-Mac product ranges.

“As a non-contact lens technology, EBP achieves low attenuation, virtually no cleaning or maintenance requirements and a long service life,” claimed the company, which explained: “Under normal conditions no maintenance is required – cleaning the ferrule is only necessary in the case of extreme soiling – and the maximum service life can be achieved without a single cleaning process. Contactless transmission means there is no wear on the contact elements, so that at least 50,000 mating cycles can be achieved.”

Losses	fibre mode	typical (dB)	max/min (dB)
Insertion	single	<0.35	<0.7 max
Insertion	multi	<0.15	<0.3 max
Return	single	>60	≥55 min
Return	multi	>45	≥35 min

Mini-Snap Series K (second right) is a classic circular metal connector with push-pull locking system, IP68 protection class and “the smallest 12-lens plug solution on the market”, claimed the company.

Medi-Snap (left) are sterilisable push-pull locking connectors for medical and industrial use.

Modules for ODU-Mac (right) have two optical connections and are designed to clip into ODU-Mac frames – which can combine optical, electrical, air and fluid connections into a single super-connector. There are only compatible with White-Line (manual docking) and Silver-Line (automated docking) ODU-Mac types.

Prior to the connectors above, EBP was only available in the company’s AMC Series T format (second left).