In data transmission using optical fibers, optical signals are transmitted via thin glass threads. This technology uses the principle of light refraction and total internal reflection to transport data at extremely high speeds and over long distances. Special contact technologies are used to ensure a stable and low-loss connection between optical fibers.
Lens systems and physical contact (PC) are two common methods of creating these connections.
In lens systems, the light is scattered by optical lenses and transmitted across an air gap. This enables a robust and tolerant connection against mechanical influences. This makes lens systems particularly suitable for applications where vibrations or mechanical movements are to be expected, such as in mobile military or industrial environments. The lower sensitivity to soiling significantly reduces the maintenance effort for the contact surfaces compared to PC contacts. Ultimately, lens systems score points for their long service life, low maintenance requirements and high dirt tolerance.
PC connections, on the other hand, rely on direct contact between the fiber optic end faces, which results in virtually loss-free transmission. The end faces must be positioned precisely for this and are very susceptible to contamination, which results in a high cleaning effort for each mating cycle. The physical contact of the fiber ends also causes a high level of wear, which results in a short service life for the contacts. In order to benefit from the excellent transmission properties, PC connections are primarily used in permanently installed networks in which precise alignment of the optical fibers can be guaranteed. Each technology has specific strengths and is used depending on the area of application and requirements in terms of signal quality and environmental conditions.
The advanced Expanded Beam Performance (EBP) technology combines contactless transmission with excellent attenuation values, thus combining the strengths of both variants. When using multimode fibers, the system delivers data with an input attenuation of < 0.15 dB. The return loss also noticeably exceeds the values of PC connections with > 45 dB in multi-mode and > 60 dB in single-mode, thus ensuring excellent data transmission without losses. The special ferrules do not require cleaning at fixed intervals, but only when they are exceptionally dirty. The service life of 50,000 mating cycles can thus be achieved under real conditions without any maintenance.
| Lens systems | Physical Contact | Expanded Beam Performance |
|---|---|---|
| ✅High dirt tolerance | ✅Excellent attenuation values | ✅Excellent attenuation values |
| ✅Resistant to vibrations | ✅Cost-effective purchase | ✅High resistance to vibrations |
| ✅Long service life | ❌High maintenance effort | ✅High dirt tolerance |
| ❌Low packing density of the lenses | ❌Susceptible to vibration, shock and dirt | ✅Lowest maintenance effort |
| ❌Poorer attenuation values | ❌Short service life | ✅Long service life |