FEBRUARY 1, 2007 -- Stratos International (search for Stratos International), developer of RF and fiber-optic equipment for telecom, enterprise, military, and broadcast video markets, has been issued a U.S. patent for a new technology that utilizes RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) for on-device storage of performance test information for fiber-optic connectors and components.
The newly patented (U.S. Patent No. 7,165,728) technology involves the integration of an RFID reader/writer into fiber-optic test equipment, which will enable the upload of measured test information to a transponder chip that is embedded in or attached to the connector, explain Stratos representatives. The performance data then resides with the transponder for the product lifetime and can be retrieved by any Stratos RFID-enabled patch panel system or Stratos RFID reader. Data envisioned for this feature could include validated test data of performance parameters such as insertion loss, back reflection, and end-face geometry, as well as product traceability information, including measurement date, operator, and test station identification.
Stratos International, which markets products under the brand names of Stratos Optical Technologies, Trompeter Electronics, and Semflex, has more than 150 U.S. patents issued or pending for developments in the areas of optoelectronics, optical interconnects, RFID products, and RF/Microwave products.
"This latest patent issue is timely; it will be the catalyst for a number of new initiatives both with partners and other manufacturers," contends Richard Durrant, executive vice president. "Stratos is well positioned to offer this innovation across a number of high-end networking configurations in the U.S. as well as Europe," he adds.
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