In fast-evolving world of fiber-optic technology, it is crucial to use solutions that combine reliability, high performance, and ease of installation. Designing and building fiber-optic infrastructure requires precise and well considered solutions that meet both technical parameters and installation demands. Proper fiber-optic connector, ensures reliability and efficient network operation.
To satisfy all the requirements, OPTOMER has patented and introduced a divisible LC connector to the market. Thanks to its unique features, it is perfectly suited for modern infrastructures, particularly in microduct-based networks and FTTH (Fiber to the Home) systems. This solution, created with network designers and installers in mind, offers unmatched flexibility during installation, saving time and reducing project costs.
What is a Divisable LC Connector?
LC-type connectors are commonly used in fiber-optic networks due to their compact size and excellent transmission parameters. OPTOMER has developed a divisible version of the LC connector, adapted for installations requiring mounting flexibility, especially in limited space environments, such as microducts or narrow cable conduits.
Construction and Innovation of the Divisable LC Connector
The divisible LC connector by OPTOMER combines an innovative design with high technical performance that meets international quality standards. The most important feature is modular design – the connector is delivered with dismantled outer housing, which significantly reduces the dimensions before installation. The outer housing can be assembled only after the connector were pulled through microducts or other narrow installation spaces. Design like this assures greater flexibility, especially in tight spaces.
Components:
Technical Parameters
Speaking of transmission quality, the divisible LC connector retains the same excellent properties as standard LC connectors. Maximum insertion loss of 0.25 dB and high return loss (RL > 65 dB for the APC version) make it an ideal solution for high-quality data transmission systems. This connector meets global standards, ensuring stable and reliable fiber-optic connections.
| connector type | LC | test conditions | |||||||
| SM PC 0° | SM APC 8° | ||||||||
| maximum insertion loss IL [dB] | 0.25 | IEC 61300-3-4; I=1300/1550 nm | |||||||
| return loss RL [dB] | >55 | >65 | IEC 61300-3-6; I=1300/1550 nm | ||||||
| repeatability of IL [dB] | ±0.1 | over service life | |||||||
| service life | over 1000 mate/demate cycles | ||||||||
| operating temperature [°C] | from -40 to +85 | depending on cable specification | |||||||
| ferrule diameter [mm] | 1.25 | ||||||||
| connector diameter without housing for blowing [mm] | 3 | ||||||||
| average time to complete a connector with a housing [s] | 25 | ||||||||
| min. force of fixing the connector on the cable on the cable 0.9 mm [N/s] | 10/5 | ||||||||
| min. cable clamping force of the connector on the cable 2.0 mm [N/s] | 50/120 | ||||||||
Compact Design and Ease of Installation
One of the main advantages of the divisible LC connector is its compact size before installation. The connector, without the housing, has only a 3 mm diameter. It allows to be easily sliding through narrow ducts and other hard-to-reach spaces. After installation, the outer housing is assembled manually without the need for specialized tools. Quick housing assembly saves time, which is particularly important in larger installation projects.
The connector is equipped with an innovative protective dustcap that protect the ceramic ferrule over the entire installation process. The dustcap can remain on the ferrule during cable pulling or housing installation, minimizing the risk of damage or contamination the connector’s delicate components. Such a solution provides transmission stability, even in challenging conditions.
The protective dustcap is perfectly suited for the blowing installations. The dustcap shape and dimensions are designed to not disturb installation process while still protecting the connector during maneuvres through narrow spaces. This solution guarantees the highest level of connector protection during transportation and installation, significantly increasing its reliability as a result.
Assembly instruction:
1. Prepare housing parts.
3. Retract the cable until the spring with a ferrule are secured inside the housing.
5. Close the housing flap.
7. The front part of the housing must be locked in the catches of the rear part of the housing.
2. Put the cable with green insert inside of the back housing.
4. Face the flat metal flange surface of a ferrule upwards.
6. Connect the front part of the housing with the back part.
WHEN THE DIVISIBLE CONNECTORS MAKE SENSE?
Optimized for Microduct Networks
Divisible LC connector is optimally suited for small diameter microducts networks, where tight spaces can be challenging for installers. Thanks to the connector compact dimensions, it can be blown easily alongside with the optical cable. It is eliminating the need for additional splicing or using mechanical connections. These connectors perform exceptionally well in small-diameter microducts, such as 7×3.5 mm, 7×4 mm, or 10×6 mm. The connector, without the housing, has a diameter of just 3 mm, that’s allowing more subscriber connections to be routed in the same space, which optimizes costs and improves the utilization of network infrastructure.
Application in FTTH Networks
Divisible LC connector is the ideal choice for FTTH (Fiber to the Home) networks, particularly for subscriber connections in single-/multi-family houses. In networks where distances between access points and subscriber connections are relatively short (up to 200 m), divisible LC connectors allows to quick and trouble-free installation. The ability to blow cables easily thru narrow microducts in residential buildings without the need of additional pigtail splicing. It’s significantly speeds up finishing the project by reducing installation costs and time required to launch the service.
Installations in Hard-to-Reach Locations
One of the biggest challenges that network installers have to faced is cable routing through difficult-to-access areas, such as tight cable ducts or small technical rooms. Divisible LC connector offer unique properties in that kind of environment. Possibility to disassemble the connector housing significantly reduce the diameter and allows to efficient cable pulling without the risk of mechanical damage.
Minimizing Installation Time and Costs
Divisible LC connectors offer clear benefits from an installation efficiency point of view. In fiber-optic installations, it is often necessary to use a fusion splicer to splice cables or to use mechanical connection thru adapter. It requires additional equipment and generates higher costs. Divisible LC connectors are ready to use without the need of extra polishing or splicing. Installation time is reduced to a minimum, as well as significantly lower costs associated with installers equipment.
Key Benefits of the Divisible LC Connector by OPTOMER
The divisible LC connector by OPTOMER is an innovative solution distinguished by a range of key advantages, providing flexibility, efficiency, and reliability in fiber-optic installations. Here are the main benefits of it:
Quick and easy installation without requiring special knowledge
Installing the divisible LC connector is extremely easy and does not require advanced tools or specialized skills. Unlike fiber fusion splicing which involves the need for experience and dedicated equipment. The connector housing can be assembled in 25 seconds. It significantly speeds up the installation process as well as reducing operational costs. That is making the connector easy to handle even for less experienced technicians.
Compact size
The connector in its divisible form is extremely small, which greatly facilitates the installation process. As a result, it can be easily pulled thru narrow spaces, ducts, and microducts, making it a deal breaking solution for installations in hard-to-reach locations.
Optimized for microduct networks
The divisible LC connector is specially designed to use in small-diameter microducts. Connector compact size eliminates the need for additional difficult operations, which speeds up the whole installation process and allow for more efficient use of space in the network infrastructure.
Enhanced connector protection
Thanks to the unique protective dustcap, the ceramic ferrule of the connector is effectively protected from any contamination or mechanical damages. This guarantee high transmission quality and durability, even in harsh environment installation.
All mention points make the divisible LC connector not only a technological breakthrough but also a practical and cost-effective solution that meets the needs of modern fiber-optics market.
