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Methods for predicting service reliability of passive fiber optic interconnections have not developed to the same extent as they have for fiber. Much progress has been made in the understanding of failure modes, however, it has not been extended to the estimation of mean life or failure rate as a function of time. The most critical need is the development of appropriate life-stress models which include test acceleration factors and statistical analysis methods. In this paper, simple models are proposed for three distinct failure modes: (1) flexural fatigue of a connector bend limiting assembly, (2) static fatigue of a ceramic connector alignment sleeve, and (3) torsional fatigue of fibers in splices. The more general problem is discussed in the context of these examples.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Methods have not yet been developed for predicting the reliability of fiber optic connectors and splices even though they have been installed in increasing numbers over the last decade. There is a need for failure rate prediction methods as these components move into new areas of existing networks and new applications where they will be subjected to a broad range of service environments. These methods must be based on accelerated tests derived in many cases from life-stress models and on statistical models appropriate for the known failure modes. This paper deals with the application of these basic principles to fiber optic connectors and splices. Guidelines are proposed for developing prediction methods.

Although the service reliability of passive optical components has been quite good, methods for predicting reliability have not been developed for them as they have for fiber. There is a growing need for methods of predicting failure rates as these components move into new areas of existing networks and new applications where they will be subjected to a broad range of service environments. The methods will have to be based on accelerated tests derived from life-stress models appropriate for the known failure modes. This paper deals with the application of these basic principles to fiber optic connectors and splices. The common failure modes are reviewed and guidelines are proposed for developing reliability prediction methods.

Fiber optic connectors and splices have been in service for over a decade and now number in the tens of millions. Although the reliability level ascertained from Performance is quite good, there are presently no well defined testing and analytical methods in place for predicting reliability. This is due in large part to the variety of potential failure modes and service environments. As fiber expands in the telecommunications network and into other applications such as private LANs, data links, and control systems, the need for reliability prediction methodologies has become increasingly important. This paper addresses the issues related to this problem.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Based on previous experience with air deployable fiber-optic systems, a ruggedized single- fiber cable has been developed to meet new requirements presented by such applications as robotics and radar remoting. Both multimode and single-mode versions of the cable were developed. They are terminated with a militarized connector whose design built upon previous commercial developments. To minimize the size of the termination, an adaptation of the commercial ST TM connector was inserted into a protective housing that provides mechanical and environmental performance stability dictated by system designers. In addition, the challenging requirement of hermaphrodicity was attained. Assemblies were fully tested in accordance with an approved test plan.

A rugged simplex hermaphroditic connector has been developed for use in tactical fiber-optic applications such as radar and radio remoting, and various robotic systems. The single-terminus connector is intended for use wherever bi-directional transmission is required. It was designed to operate while meeting severe environmental and mechanical conditions experienced in the field. Both multimode and single-mode designs of the connector have been developed. Connectors have insertion loss of less than 1 dB when installed on either 50/125 pm multimode fiber or single-mode fiber. In addition to low loss and ruggedness, connector design features include cable retention hardware which requires neither special tools nor adhesives, waterproofing seals, and ease of cleaning without special kits. The connector was designed to accommodate existing tactical cables whose diameters range from 2.5 to 4.0 mm, and is capable of withstanding tensile loads up to 1335 newtons. Operating temperature range is from -46°C to 71°C; storage temperature extremes are -57°C and 85°C. The new connector is small, being only 1.4 cm in diameter and 8.6 cm long, including bend limiter. It weights less than 30 gm. A complementary bulkhead receptacle is equally rugged and may be mounted on panels up to 6.4 mm thick. EMI shielding has been incorporated in the unit.

A small simplex hermaphroditic connector has been designed for use in tactical fiber-optic communications systems and robotic vehicle applications. The rugged connector is intended for use wherever bi-directional transmission is required. It was designed to operate while meeting environmental and mechanical conditions typically encountered in tactical applications. This single-fiber connector is available in both multimode and single-mode versions. Measurements of prototype connectors show insertion loss of less than 1 dB when installed on either 50/125 im multimode fiber or singlemode fiber. This connector was designed to include some of the features of the TFOCA connector. In particular, these comprise cable retention hardware which requires neither special tools nor adhesives, waterproofing seals, and ease of cleaning without special kits. However, the simplex unit employs ST® connector technology whereas the TFOCA included biconic components. The connector was designed to accommodate cable diameters ranging from 2 to 4 mm, and is capable of withstanding tensile loads up to 1335 newtons. Operating temperature range is from -46° to +71°C. The new connector is 1.4 cm in diameter and 8.6 cm long, including bend limiter, and weighs less than 30 gm. A complementary bulkhead receptacle shares the same hermaphroditic interface and may be mounted on panels up to 6.4 mm thick. EMI shielding has been incorporated in the unit.