ACAL Technology expands Fibre-optic capability with new product ranges

ACAL Technology has extended its Fibre-optic cable assembly service and inventory with the introduction of new fibre-optic connectors from Amphenol and a broader range of fibre-optic connectors from Tyco Electronics. The new products allow ACAL additional flexibility to support customers throughout their fibre-optic design cycle, from consultancy during the initial concept and design, through to fibre-optic connector and cable assembly, product training and on-site termination.

The new Amphenol connectors are the Hermaphroditic Duplex Miniature (HDM) series which feature a square flange receptacle and are available in single- and multi-mode versions. The second Amphenol part to be added to the ACAL range is the HMA Two series of fibre-optic lens connectors which support daisy-chaining of identical connectors and are inter-mateable with equivalent connectors from other manufacturers. Intended for use in harsh environments, both Amphenol connectors simplify assembly by eliminating the need to use in-line adapters, or to polarise fibre-optic assemblies, and include features which enable easy in-situ cleaning.

In total, seven series of Tyco connectors have been added to ACAL Technology’s product range: The low-cost high-density LuxCis optical connect system and MTCT rectangular connectors, Pro-Beam Jr, Mini and Sr. field tactical connectors, expanded beam cable assemblies and sealed industrial ODVA LC connectors.

Steven Randall, fibre-optic specialist at ACAL comments, “Fibre-optic connector systems are increasingly being used in harsh environments such as rail, aviation and transportation, where they provide a lighter alternative to copper cable. However, most electronic engineers are relatively unfamiliar with fibre-optic technology. Our specialist fibre-optic expertise ensures that customer designs are robust and reliable, whilst our in-house manufacturing capability provides a fast design-to-production cycle”.

ACAL Technology’s fibre-optic product range and assembly services cover expanded beam and physical contact connectors and cables from Amphenol, Tyco and Harting, as well as the ability to assemble fibre-optic connectors and cables from other manufacturers.

As one of the first technical distributors to provide specialist support for fibre-optics, ACAL’s fibre-optic team have partnered customers on a number of high-profile projects, including work on custom test rigs for the new Airbus A400M fuel monitoring system, an advanced traffic signaling system, in-flight entertainment systems, messaging systems for the London Underground and medical applications. These high-end applications share a need for enhanced levels of reliability and security combined with tough operating conditions.