This is a collaboration between European universities and the telecommunications sector aimed at developing a field-ready fiber optic connector system. The system will significantly accelerate the deployment of larger fiber optic networks.
High-speed internet access requires fiber optic communication links. Optical fibers must be connected, preferably in a reconfigurable way, to distribute signals across fiber optic networks. Currently, installing connectors on such tiny glass optical fibers in the field requires highly specialized personnel and numerous specialized tools. Dust and dirt make it virtually impossible to achieve field connections with a level of quality comparable to that attainable in a factory or laboratory environment. The current research promises a connector system that guarantees factory-like performance during field installation.
VECTOR leverages the latest advancements in heat-shrink materials, nanomaterials, high-tech gels, microfabrication, and micromechanical alignment systems to achieve optical connections with superior specifications. Partners from across Europe have joined forces to achieve the goals of this project. The project is funded by the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration (FP7) and coordinated by TE Connectivity (through its Belgian subsidiary, Tyco Electronics Raychem BVBA). VECTOR also benefits from significant contributions from DEMCON Advanced Mechatronics BV (Netherlands), Celoplas – Plásticos para a Indústria SA (Portugal), the Free University of Brussels and Ghent University (Belgium), Telecom Italia SpA (Italy), and Telekom Deutschland GmbH (Germany).
Amphenol FSI fiber optic connectors for military and aviation applications
Mouser Electronics, Inc. is distributing fiber optic connectors from Amphenol Fiber Systems International (FSI). Designed for use in harsh environments, Amphenol FSI fiber optic connectors can withstand extreme temperatures and are ideal for aerospace and other applications.
