Molex offers industrial optical components and adapters for harsh environment applications

     Molex will introduce industrial optical components and adapters (receptacles), the first of their kind for demanding applications, using a reinforced metal housing to enable connectivity. The components comply with NEMA 6P and IP67 levels of dust and moisture protection and can be plugged directly into small form-factor pluggable (SFP) active devices from any manufacturer with 3-axis internal LC floating connectors. This product uses industry-standard (ODVA-compliant) plug and socket connectors to ensure extremely high performance and compatibility with other compliant connector systems. In addition to reinforced metal housings for outdoor applications, plastic housings are available for indoor or weight-sensitive applications.

     "Our new industrial optical components and adapters (sockets) feature metal housing and are ideal for aerospace and defense (A&D) applications in harsh environments." Said Mark Matus, global product manager at Molex. "This product is the perfect choice for designers for a wide range of wired and wireless tactical communications equipment, fixed tower links, hardened second-line test equipment, external security systems, and other harsh environment applications." In developing this new interconnect system, Molex has effectively evaluated the evolving needs of equipment designers. Due to the decreasing size of the enclosure, many designers now arrange the transceiver rack at the edge of the board, where the outer cable assembly can be plugged directly into the active device.

     Molex's new industrial optical components and adapters (sockets) meet this design requirement. Combined with the floating design of the internal LC connectors on the X, Y and Z axes, Molex's interconnect system is flexible enough to accommodate multiple device options while maintaining the integrity of the connection. In addition, the Molex industrial optical assemblies and adapter (socket) assemblies with metal housing are tightly sealed in the panel openings and at the plug and socket interfaces, which are reinforced for outdoor conditions.

     The metal connector housing of industrial optical components and adapters (receptacles) has been tested to meet the requirements of the "GR-486: Salt spray Contact under Extreme Conditions" standard to ensure that it can withstand a variety of harsh environments. In addition, the seal panel pass through design version incorporates locking safety nuts on the inside or outside of the housing, simplifying the installation process and providing tamper-proof and environmentally friendly features. Components and adapters (receptacles) can operate in a temperature range from -40° C to +85° C for both outdoor and indoor applications.