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FA1000-62-85A1-0024A Datasheet, PDF (2/18 Pages) Glenair, Inc. – The Glenair Eye-Beam™ Fiber Optic Revolution
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The Glenair Eye-Beam™ Fiber Optic Revolution
Fiber optic systems carrying digitized video,
voice and data continue to multiply. High-
speed fiber optic interconnect technologies enable
specialized applications in avionics, robotics, weapon
systems, sensors, space and other high performance
environments. Precision-engineered fiber optic
contacts, or termini, are the key to delivering low data
loss and reliable, repeatable performance in fiber optic
connection systems.
The advantages of a connection system that can
transmit the equivalent of 24,000 telephone calls
simultaneously through fibers thinner than a human hair
go beyond this mind-boggling data transmission rate.
Fiber optic systems save size and weight, are immune
to EMI interference, are electrically isolated for spark-
free performance, and transmit signals that are nearly
impossible to intercept for enhanced security.
The challenge for many fiber optic applications is
environmental. With data transmitting through a fiber
core only 9.3 microns in diameter, a single speck of dust
on a conventional butt-joint contact terminus could
completely disrupt transmission. This might not be
a problem in a controlled, sealed environment—but
a military communication shelter rapidly deployed
in a windy desert, or a metropolitan commuter train
speeding down a gritty, snow-covered track present less
than ideal environments for fiber optic operation.
The revolutionary Glenair Eye Beam™ Expanded
Beam Fiber Optic Terminus addresses these
environmental challenges and delivers enhanced
performance to fiber optic interconnect systems. Join
us as we explore the use of the Eye-Beam™ fiber optic
termini in exciting and emerging fields.
The Eye-Beam™ Lens Terminus
Advantage
The Glenair Eye-Beam™ fiber optic terminus is
a graded index lens-equipped, expanded-beam
optical transmission system. It delivers outstanding
performance in challenging environments and
eliminates maintenance cycles. The low insertion loss
Eye-Beam™ offers comparable performance to standard
butt joint termini in a package that’s built to withstand
rugged use and frequent mating/de-mating in field
conditions.
The Glenair Eye-Beam™ contact utilizes an
innovative free-floating expanded beam lens and
ultra-high precision ceramic alignment sleeves as well
as custom designed nickel alloy terminus bodies to
ensure perfect axial alignment and optimal optical
performance. Best of all, the Eye-Beam™ can be
integrated into virtually any circular or rectangular
connector package.
Tactical Field Deployment
Mobile Tactical Shelters are an integral part
of Army and Marine battlefield communication
systems. These mobile, rapidly deployable shelters
provide a vital communication capability. Voice over
IP (VoIP) technology allows voice, video and data to
be consolidated into one fiber cable system, greatly
simplifying deployment. The fiber optic interconnect
system for these shelters must be reliable in extreme
environments, and able to stand up to rapid mating and
de-mating in the field.
Butt-Joint Fiber Optic Terminus
Eye-Beam™ Expanded Fiber Optic Terminus
• 9.3 micron fiber core
• Fiber surfaces exposed and susceptible to damage
• Must be cleaned prior to mating
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• 9.3 micron core is expanded 27X
• Fiber surfaces protected and do not touch
• Easy cleaning of lens surface
QwikConnect n January 2011
Main Photo: Command and control specialists work inside a Mobile Air Reporting Communications shelter at Camp Marmal, Afghanistan. The
MARC is an air-deployable mobile tactical shelter that provides CRW Airmen with the ability to communicate with aircraft as well as schedule
and track cargo movements worldwide. Inset Photos: Mobile tactical shelter specialists installing rooftop antennae, working inside a shelter, and
checking communications equipment.
Rapid “Daisy-Chaining” of Tactical Fiber Cables
Tactical military applications rely on rapid, trouble-
free deployment of interconnect cabling. Glenair
GFOCA hermaphroditic expanded beam connectors
and cables are the perfect solution for frequent mating
and unmating of fiber optic cabling in harsh application
environments. The sealed Eye-Beam™ expanded beam
interface prevents contamination of the optical path,
while the hermaphroditic coupling provides operational
flexibility and cost savings. Glenair offers both discrete
connectors as well custom cable assemblies and field-
ready spooled cable sets.
mating and unmating is required, or when cables are
routed through exposed intercar or undercar locations.
To ensure rapid and accurate car linking and cabin
reconfigurations, interconnects must be easy to couple
and keyed to avoid mis-mating. Vibration, shock and
connector decoupling problems are also common in
rail applications, and require focused attention when
selecting shell materials and mating technologies.
As passenger and crew safety is paramount,
interconnection systems must not compound
flammability, smoke or toxicity risks.
Extreme Harsh Environments
Rail system interconnect design presents
many challenges. Reducing weight is a
critical issue in high-speed and Maglev
rail systems. Shielding electromagnetic
interference is also important, especially
in sensitive electronic systems such as
engine monitoring and diagnostic sensors.
Basic mechanical protection of interconnect
cables, conductors and contacts is a standard
requirement especially when frequent
Eye-Beam™ fiber optics in a ruggedized, reverse-bayonet connector package meet the
environmental challenges of rail systems
QwikConnect n January 2011
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