Fibre optic connections in the latest military systems

25th June 2020

Staff Reporter

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In recent years, the military and aerospace sectors have become major adopters of fibre optic technology across a wide variety of land based, shipborne and airborne communications systems. According to Nick Wheeler at Lane Electronics, the use of fibre optic cable and connector systems is an obvious choice where the demand is for very high data speeds coupled with security and stability in what can often be harsh environments.

When compared to using copper to transfer large volumes of data, fibre optic technology has several significant advantages, namely, weight reduction, volume reduction, natural immunity to electromagnetic emissions, and higher bandwidth and throughput.

“As an assembling distributor for the leading specialist connector manufacturer Souriau-Sunbank by Eaton, we are able to satisfy practically every fibre application using a connector system called ELIO®.” Says Nick Wheeler. “Its clever design allows it to be embedded in several types of connector shell including the established 8D Series/MIL- DTL -38999 circular connector and the rectangular ARINC format that is widely used in aeronautic applications.” He adds.

The 8D Series/MIL-DTL-38999 circular connector is a versatile platform available with many options available for both materials and finishes. The Souriau ELIO system also features an optical performance capable of dealing with data speeds up to several Gbit/s. Lane Electronics can supply these 8D Series / MIL-DTL-38999 connector platforms with 1 to 24 contacts in aluminium, composite, stainless steel & bronze shells. Plating finishes include RoHS Compliant Zinc Nickel & Zinc Cobalt.

To further increase the range of applications for the ELIO system, Lane Electronics can provide a custom assembly service offering simplex or duplex cables terminated with Elio to Elio, Elio to LC or SC contacts - or any combination. These are then mated with 8D Series / MIL-DTL-38999 style connectors, back shells and heat shrink boots.