MIL-DTL-38999 Circular Connectors Fiber Optic Connectors WIDE RANGE Physical contact (PC) and expanded beam (EB) interface styles Suitable for use across multiple applications and markets, including as military ground, military and commercial aerospace, C5ISR and marine EASE OF USE Rear-removable optical termini PC Connector EB Connector Removable front inserts for ease of access to optical terminihelping to support simple, effective cleaning 38999 Series III Style and maintenance of termini As a trusted leader in optical technology with over 40 years of experience in supplying optical solutions for harsh environments, Lens protected EB inserts and TE offers high-performance 38999-style connector solutions termini help protect the fiber core that are also easy to maintain in the field. Our products behind the lens and help optimize are designed to operate reliably in harsh and challenging the performance of the optical link environments, and the companys technical specialists have an in-depth understanding of application requirements. PRECISION CONNECTIONS MC801 Connectors: Industry-standard 1.25-mm ARINC 801 termini Dowel pin alignment Up to 32 fibers MC3 Mk II Connectors: DEUTSCH 2.5-mm termini Standard and tight-tolerance keying 5, 8, 12 fibers RUGGEDNESS MC4 Connectors: DEUTSCH 2.5-mm termini 2 fibers in a size 9 shell Environmental sealing MC5 Connectors: DEUTSCH 1.25-mm termini 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 18, 24, 30 fibers Anti-vibration coupling mechanisms MC6 Connectors: Single MT ferrule in size 11 shell 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 channels AviMT Connectors: Four MT ferrules in size 21 shell Up to 96 fibers Qualified Connectors: MIL-T- 29504/4 and /5 termini Fit standard size 16 cavities PRO BEAM Connectors: Use PRO BEAM EB inserts 1, 2, 4, 8 fibers in size 11 or 15 shell EB16 Termini: EB termini Fit standard size 16 cavities AEROSPACE, DEFENSE & MARINE /// MIL-DTL-38999 CIRCULAR CONNECTORS PAGE 193MIL-DTL-38999 Circular Connectors Physical Contact (PC) Connectors Expanded Beam (EB) Connectors A PC connection uses optical ferrules that are EB connectors expand and re-focus light at the mated within an alignment sleeve and holder to fiber end faces and allow an air gap in the optical help ensure minimal optical losses and repeatable pathway. The EB concept uses optical lenses alignment. The termini can be incorporated (typically a 3-mm ball lens for dedicated inserts into standard circular and rectangular or 1.25-mm lens for EB16 termini) to expand and connector to offer multi-channel solutions. collimate the beam emitted from the launch fiber. PC connections offer The expanded beam remains collimated across Low insertion loss the mechanical interface until the receiving lens focuses the beam onto the receiving fiber. Low reflection Standard channel counts for EB-specific High density connectors are 1, 2, 4 and 8. Since these While most PC connectors use a ceramic ferrule connectors are used in rugged and tactical for a single fiber, the MT ferrule is a multifiber environments, they are usually terminated on variation typically holding 12 or 24 fibers. robust ruggedized, metal-tubed, and avionics/ PC solutions offer a higher optical density flight-grade cable. (Number of channels) and can be used in Transmit Fiber Receive FiberThe EB16 optical termini employs the same conjunction with EB interconnects to minimize technology from the well-established dedicated system losses. inserts into a termini that can be used in 38999 The majority of termini solutions available from Series III size 16 cavities to allow for flexibility and TE are spring loaded to help prevent optical higher fiber counts. Ball Lens Expanded Beam discontinuities under shock and vibration. The absence of physical fiber contact makes EB connectors very useful in demanding Zirconia Ferrule environments. They offer: Sealed optical interface High vibration and shock resistance High mating-cycle durability Transmit Fiber Ceramic Alignment Sleeve Receive Fiber Tolerance to dirt and debris Easy cleaning Transmit Fiber Receive Fiber Ball Lens Expanded Beam Zirconia Ferrule Comparison of PC and EB Connector Technologies Transmit Fiber Ceramic Alignment Sleeve Receive Fiber Performance Criteria PC EB Performance Criteria PC EB Insertion Loss Dust Exposure Return Loss (SM) Vibration Susceptibility Return Loss (SM)Unmated Repair Lateral Connector Misalignment Cleanability Connector Angular Tilt Wear Mating Durability Wavelength Range Water Exposure AEROSPACE, DEFENSE & MARINE /// MIL-DTL-38999 CIRCULAR CONNECTORS PAGE 194