Huber+Suhner’s new fiber-optic connector doubles fiber density

Swiss company Huber+Suhner AG says its new fiber-optic connector will double the density of optical fibers per rack and improve fiber handling in central offices and data centers. Launched at the FTTH Conference 2013 in London, the new connector is designed to significantly reduce space requirements, helping to control costs and improve efficiency.

The LC-XD fiber-optic connector, available in both simplex and duplex (uniboot) versions, handles up to 4032 fibers in one rack, double the density handled by previous components. The connector is equipped with a rigid, extended lever that employs an proprietary push/pull mechanism (patent pending), at the same time allowing greater density and more efficient handling. For both installation and ongoing handling, vertical space and finger access at the connection are supported; the LC-XD connector, due to its rigid lever, also allows mating and unmating from a distance.

Space is always an issue for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) applications, with their high fiber density requirements, says Patrick Zaina, product manager at Huber+Suhner. The two most important factors that determine the cost of the passive infrastructure in a central office or data center are space and handling, and focusing on either one of these can lead to increased costs. The key is to achieve a balance between packing density and good handling. With performance continuing to increase, costs per unit are falling and this also puts greater pressure on the issue of the density.

“The availability of infrastructure space is always challenging,” said Zaina, “both in urban networks and rural locations, and this has significant cost implications for the running of central offices for FTTH services. Packing density is a critical factor in the FTTH business and is the background to the development of our new LC-XD fiber optic connector. Our exciting new product combines extreme density with excellent handling.”

The simplex version of the LC-XD connector is aimed at FTTH networks, where a single optical fiber is generally required per household. The connectors can be strung together in two directions and are pluggable even with indirect contact. Huber+Suhner developed the LC-XD uniboot duplex connector for use primarily in data center applications. This connector allows polarity flipping without the need for additional tools.

LC-XD connectors are compatible with standard adaptors, mini LC adaptors, and optical transceivers, the company says.

For more information on fiber-optic connectors and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyers Guide.