Lane Electronics introduces Cinch Fibreco Mil-Spec D38999 connectors

Image courtesy Lane Electronics

These rugged connectors feature Fibreco field proven expanded beam technology and share the same housing design as conventional ‘copper’ D38999 connectors providing familiarity and reassurance to equipment users already accustomed to this format when employed elsewhere on the same equipment/installation.

D38999 connectors are designed to meet MIL-DTL-38999 III and can withstand extreme temperatures, vibration and harsh environments, and are an essential component in performance-critical applications such as defence, aerospace and industrial equipment.

The Fibreco  D38999 Series III connector features the generic MIL-DTL-38999 Series III tri-start thread and one-turn self-locking anti-vibration coupling mechanism making it ideal for use in vehicle, aircraft and naval environments. Plug and receptacle connectors are available with straight or 90º back-shell options and a choice of shell materials including Aluminum alloy (Zinc Cobalt, Olive drab), Aluminum alloy (electroless Nickel plated), Nickel Aluminum Bronze (shot blast, non-reflective) and Stainless Steel (passivated). Receptacle connectors are available with jam-nut or square-flange mounting and strain relief for zip-cords or tactical cable. 

The connectors are terminated using an epoxy-polish ferrule termination process with standard fibre optic termination tools and equipment. The terminated ferrules are simply inserted into the expanded beam housing and fixed in place via a spring and cover-plate. Ferrule alignment to the lenses is achieved automatically by the unique optical arrangement developed and patented by Cinch-Fibreco. The D38999 Series III expanded beam connectors offer high performance, flexibility and cost effectiveness, combined with a simple termination process allowing rapid in-field termination and repair.

Cinch Fibreco MIL-DTL-38999 Series III derived Expanded Beam Fibre Optic connectors are available with 1 to 16 optical contacts in shell sizes 11, 13, 15 and 17. 

Cinch Fibreco expanded beam connectors use two matching lenses, one at the end of the transmitting fibre from which the light beam is emerging, and the other at the end of the fibre it is being connected to. The first lens expands the emerging beam and the second lens than refocuses the light, reconstructing a beam in the second fibre of the same size of the original beam. Unlike conventional physical contact technology, the expanded beam connection is contactless, with the expanded light beam passing over a small gap between the two lenses within the connector system once mated. This significantly improves resistance to vibration and mechanical wear and can increase the reliability and lifetime of the connector. 

Franchised Distribution partner, Lane Electronics service existing and new Cinch Fibreco customers throughout the EMEA region using their in-house stock of connectors and UK-made value-added cable assemblies via accredited Fibreco  termination specialist Weald Electronics, and back-to-back supply directly from the Cinch facility where required.