Fiber optic technology is an ideal response to these two trends, providing very high data rates and immunity to electromagnetic interference that eliminates the need for any type of shielding, which is often very costly due to its weight and complexity. Furthermore, for a given amount of data to be transmitted, the high data rates of fiber optics allow for fewer contact points than a standard electrical solution, thus requiring less cable assembly and ultimately resulting in even less weight.
Souriau, fully aware of these challenges, and in collaboration with some of the leading manufacturers in the aviation sector, has developed the high-performance ELIO® optical contact for applications in harsh environments such as aviation. This contact has been designed for ease of use in markets where optical technology is unfamiliar or little known compared to more widespread electrical solutions. All of this is combined with excellent optical performance in harsh environments: very low optical signal loss under the strongest vibrations or the most violent shocks.
ELIO® technology is certified to the most stringent aviation and military standards, including ARINC 801 and EN 4531 and 4626. This optical technology has been officially selected by Airbus for its aircraft; it is the only mass-produced optical contact with proven flight performance on board the Airbus A380.
The ELIO® contact can be installed in dedicated high-density inserts for ARINC 600 and MIL-DTL-38999 Series III connectors or in standard electrical inserts using adapters for ARINC 600 #8 Quadrax cavities and, more recently, for MIL-DTL-38999 Series III cavities. This adapter solution offers unparalleled flexibility and options for mixed electrical and optical contacts, leveraging SOURIAU's extensive range of standard MIL-DTL-38999 Series III electrical components.

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