The company has launched two new space-saving envelope types: HDSMA (High Density SMA), which is designed to be stackable end-to-end while offering improved board density, and VSMA (Vertical SMA), which offers an even smaller PCB footprint for applications where devices are used individually on a PCB.
The new high-density HDSMA housing has a PCB footprint of 10 mm x 7 mm, offering a potential increase in device density over the traditional SMA (H22) PCB mounting housing of between 22% and 50%, depending on the available edge space on the board. It is designed for systems requiring multiple Tx/Rx channels per PCB and features an all-metal design. OMC's full range of fiber optic emitter and receiver diodes can be supplied aligned and mounted in the new HDSMA receptacle.
The company's new VSMA package has a PCB footprint of just 8 mm x 7 mm, which OMC claims is the world's smallest SMA fiber optic enclosure. Featuring a sleek, modern design and all-metal body, the VSMA device is secured with a single screw and includes a positioning tab that fits into a groove on the PCB edge for secure mounting. The VSMA is designed to allow a fiber optic transmitter or receiver to be integrated into a PCB design while occupying minimal PCB space. It is available with a wide range of visible and infrared emitters and fiber optic receivers, all aligned and mounted internally.
The new housings still allow the use of a standard SMA connector with a secure-locking hex nut. Both have been designed to meet the demand for space-saving fiber optic devices in today's era of miniaturization, where PCB area is a precious resource.
As OMC's Commercial Director, William Heath, explains: "The VSMA device occupies the least possible space if a designer is incorporating individual devices into their PCB, while the HDSMA edge-stacking receptacle allows many more devices to be placed in the same amount of space where multiple channels are required. For example, in 100 mm of board edge, a designer can fit 10 HDSMA receptacles, whereas with the traditional PCB-mount SMA package, they would be restricted to 7 devices.".
"SMA is a secure connection system because once the connector nut is tightened, the fiber locks into place, unlike, for example, spring-loaded connectors. Therefore, even when the connection is made, any tension on the cable will allow the fiber to move and alter the link attenuation as it creates an air gap. Our new designs retain all the benefits of a traditional SMA (H22 style) housing, such as its robust, all-metal design and secure bolt attachment to the PCB, but allow designers to reduce the size of their designs, saving costs and offering an environmental advantage; or include additional channels in the same space for greater functionality, while ensuring safe and reliable long-term performance.".
The new designs are suited to industrial applications where a "fit and forget" approach is desired, or to applications subject to high vibration. As with their standard SMA connector, a small hex key is used to gently tighten the locking nut after installation. In addition to securing the connection, this reduces the possibility of accidental tampering or unintentional disconnection.
Earlier this year, OMC moved to a new manufacturing facility specifically designed and built by the company to meet its complex production and testing requirements. The new factory features dedicated development and assembly departments, as well as specialized testing areas and a machine shop capable of both prototyping and mass production of components. As part of this expansion, the company has invested in new, state-of-the-art CNC machining capabilities to facilitate the cost-effective manufacturing of its new range of advanced fiber optic connector components and systems.
