OceanTec Electronics - SeaCon's Fiber Optic Connectors

FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS

APPLICATIONS PRODUCTS

CONFIGURATIONS SELECTION CRITERIA

APPLICATIONS

As organizations in the underwater community are continuing to develop more applications with fiber optic technology in mind, there has been a dramatic increase in the quantity and complexity of electro-optic connector configurations needed to fit these applications. Multi-channel hybrid connectors are finding increased usuage in sonar and surveillance systems, real time video applications, ROV's/AUV's, and geophysical search equipment.This names a few of the industries taking advantage of the latest fiber optic connection technology. In order to serve the changing needs of its customers, SEA CON ® has developed a range of fiber optic products built to withstand a variety of environmental conditions, including hydrostatic pressure, vibration, thermal and explosive shock. With the absence of any universal specifications for underwater fiber optic connectors, product development has concentrated on adding fiber optic capabilities to existing electrical connector designs. In accordance with these design objectives, SEA CON® has successfully built and delivered several configurations of MINI-CON™ and Metal Shell electro-optic connectors, some of which have been qualification tested and are in operation.

PRODUCTS

As with any underwater connection system, the shells or housing remain a critical feature. The inclusion of fiber optics into a connector design is best achieved with a proven underwater shell design like SEA CON®'s MINI-CON™ line. This series is one of the few underwater connector designs which have been qualification tested to the requirements of military subsea specifications.

Our product design used singlemode or multimode fibers in the multi-channel applications as well as electro-optical hybrid design. These designs can be adapted to withstand hydrostatic pressures in an open face condition. Our design solutions are specific for each customer application and we use proven fiber optic connection techniques to produce reliable, low loss connector interfaces.

Furthermore, reliability and repeatability in electro-optic connectors is accomplished by adapting commercially availabe fiber optic termini into the traditional electrical insert. Aside from providing an optical retro-fit for established systems, this method builds on the successful history of common optical products like ST and FC connectors.

SEA CON® has taken this development a step further by adding open face pressure capability to the list of features in its electro-optic series. This is almost always recommended for the receptable in a connector set, and thus provides an added level of seal security. Our company has also provided plug connectors with similar open face pressure ratings.

These design considerations, along with some other important ones, are summarized in the following table as a means to familiarize customers with some relevant selection criteria.

SELECTION CRITERIA FOR FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS

NUMBER OF CONTACT / CONDUCTORS
Typical range from 1-8, although specialty applications may require as many as 50. Please see MINI-CON™ and Metal Shell sections of catalog for more information.

MATED PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS
Dependent upon underwater shell design, recommended MIL-C-24231, MIL-C-24217, or SEA CON® MINI-CON™ line.

SHELL MATERIALS
Will depend upon choice of shell design (i.e. MINI-CON™, etc.) and material choice. Standard industry specification is 316 SST which will most often mean the least expensive design. Other suitable materials for underwater use and which increase pressure capabilities include Monel™, Titanium, 15-5 ph SST and Inconel™.

RECEPTABLE OPEN FACED PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS
Receptacle connectors are easiest to design for open faced pressure since this side most often includes fixed optic contacts. Pressure ratings of 20,000 psi can be achieved.

MATING CYCLES
Should be as commercially specified connectors. Typical specifications will usually include an added loss factor for 500 to 1000 matings.

OPTICAL ATTENUATION
Standard specification for single mode and multi-mode contacts is:
< 1.0 db @ 1300 nm
< 1.0 db @ 850 nm
< 1.0 db @ 1310,1550 nm
Typical performance is most often 0.5 db

FIELD / LAB TERMINATIONS
Receptacle connectors are typically manufactured with pigtails by the connector manufacturers. It is also preferable to have the plug connector terminated at the factory, although in some instances as with longer bulky cable systems, the termination can be done in the field. The customer should have experience with fiber optic terminations and polyurethane molding procedures. SEA CON® is available for field installations.

FIBER OPTIC CONTACT CONFIGURATIONS

Go To:

SeaCon Brantner i-Ocean Home Page

OCEANTEC ELECTRONICS
1109 PECAN ST.
BASTROP, TX 78602
PHONE TOLL FREE 800/733-0221
FAX 866/861-9732

Updated: 6/29/06
OceanTec Electronics
Webmaster

APPLICATIONS	PRODUCTS
CONFIGURATIONS	SELECTION CRITERIA

NUMBER OF CONTACT / CONDUCTORS	Typical range from 1-8, although specialty applications may require as many as 50. Please see MINI-CON™ and Metal Shell sections of catalog for more information.
MATED PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS	Dependent upon underwater shell design, recommended MIL-C-24231, MIL-C-24217, or SEA CON® MINI-CON™ line.
SHELL MATERIALS	Will depend upon choice of shell design (i.e. MINI-CON™, etc.) and material choice. Standard industry specification is 316 SST which will most often mean the least expensive design. Other suitable materials for underwater use and which increase pressure capabilities include Monel™, Titanium, 15-5 ph SST and Inconel™.
RECEPTABLE OPEN FACED PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS	Receptacle connectors are easiest to design for open faced pressure since this side most often includes fixed optic contacts. Pressure ratings of 20,000 psi can be achieved.
MATING CYCLES	Should be as commercially specified connectors. Typical specifications will usually include an added loss factor for 500 to 1000 matings.
OPTICAL ATTENUATION	Standard specification for single mode and multi-mode contacts is: < 1.0 db @ 1300 nm < 1.0 db @ 850 nm < 1.0 db @ 1310,1550 nm Typical performance is most often 0.5 db
FIELD / LAB TERMINATIONS	Receptacle connectors are typically manufactured with pigtails by the connector manufacturers. It is also preferable to have the plug connector terminated at the factory, although in some instances as with longer bulky cable systems, the termination can be done in the field. The customer should have experience with fiber optic terminations and polyurethane molding procedures. SEA CON® is available for field installations.