Design of optical connectors with ID modules

Abstract

AbstractTo improve the present conventional management system for further expansion of line facilities, a new system which has an automated, real‐time updating capability of system data has been proposed. The design principle and the result of SC2‐ (in‐house single wire) and MT‐type (outside, single∼multiwires) optical connectors with ID modules, which are the key components for this proposed system are presented in this paper. For the design of those connectors, the requirement for the ID module memory device is clarified and a serial‐type electrically‐erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) is demonstrated to be the most suitable as a memory element.For further designing an integrated structure with connectors to avoid the degradation of the operationality, the packaging is discussed. As a result, the SIP‐type ID modules are located at one side of a connector. To minimize the contact‐loss fluctuation, the design for the structural and mechanical characteristics is discussed where a lateral force or electrode insertion force required to attain a desirable electrical resistance is evaluated. A prototype connector has been fabricated, which exhibits a contact loss change of ‐0.01 dB (SC2) and +0.02 dB (MT) and also a dynamic loss fluctuation level of less than 0.1 dB at the time of a connector insertion. Further, a contact resistance of less than 4 mμ (target: less than 40 mω), the package density of 1.5 to 1.8, and the connector loading time of 1.0 to 1.08 were obtained, which are comparable to the conventional case.