Published on: 13th June 2023   |   Ellie Hall

What is an Expanded Beam Fibre Optic Connector?

Expanded beam refers to a type of optical connector and mating interface design that is commonly used in harsh or demanding environments, where traditional fibre optic connectors may not be suitable.

In an expanded beam connector, the optical signal is transmitted through an expanded beam of light rather than directly through a small-diameter fibre. The connector design typically includes a lens or prism system that expands the optical signal into a wider beam of light as it exits the transmitting fibre, and then focuses it onto a similar lens or prism at the receiving end. This design helps to reduce the sensitivity of the optical link to physical misalignment or contamination.

Expanded Beam Connector
Expanded Beam Diagram

Expanded beam connectors are often used in military, aerospace, industrial, and other harsh-environment applications where dirt, dust, moisture, and other environmental factors can interfere with optical connections. They can be more expensive than traditional fibre optic connectors, but their ruggedness and reliability make them well-suited for applications where reliable optical communication is critical.

What are the benefits of using Expanded Beam connectors?

The benefits of using expanded beam connectors include:

Cable Retention

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Connectors can mate directly with each other without the need for couplers, enabling a quick and easy extension of the cables. This reduces the system cost and minimises connection insertion losses.

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Increased reliability

Expanded beam connectors are more resistant to physical misalignment, dirt, dust, moisture, and other environmental factors that can interfere with optical connections. This makes them well-suited for use in harsh or demanding environments.

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Reduced maintenance

Due to their resistance to contamination and physical misalignment, expanded beam connectors require less maintenance than traditional fibre optic connectors, which can improve system uptime and reduce maintenance costs.

Improved Performance Icon

Improved performance

Expanded beam connectors can typically exhibit lower optical loss and higher return loss than traditional fibre optic connectors in the long run. This can result in improved signal quality and increased data throughput.

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Flexibility

Expanded beam connectors can be used with a variety of different fibre types and can be easily adapted to different connector styles or interfaces. This makes them a versatile option for a wide range of applications.

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Future-proofing

As data rates continue to increase, expanded beam connectors can help to future-proof fibre optic networks by providing the necessary performance and reliability to support higher data rates and more demanding applications.

Overall, expanded beam connectors offer a reliable, high-performance, and flexible solution for demanding optical connectivity applications.

What applications are Expanded Beam connectors suitable for?

Expanded beam connectors can be used in a variety of applications that require high-reliability and rugged optical connectivity. Some of the most common applications for expanded beam connectors include:

Military & Aerospace

Military & Aerospace

These applications applications often require optical connectivity that can withstand extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration. Expanded beam connectors are ideal for these applications because they are resistant to physical misalignment, dirt, dust, and other environmental factors that can interfere with optical connections.

Broadcast & Entertainment

Broadcast & Entertainment

These applications often require high-bandwidth optical connectivity that can transmit high-quality video and audio signals over long distances. Expanded beam connectors are a good choice for these applications because they offer low optical loss and high return loss, which can improve signal quality and reduce the need for signal amplification.

Oil & Gas

Oil & Gas

The applications for this industry often centre around a requirement for optical connectivity that can withstand challenging, harsh environmental conditions including temperature extremes, high pressure and corrosive chemicals. Expanded beam connectors are well-suited for these applications due to their resistance to contamination and physical misalignment.

What are the features of Expanded Beam Connectors?

Some of the key features of expanded beam connectors include:

  1. Lens or prism system: Expanded beam connectors use a lens or prism system to expand the optical signal into a wider beam of light, which is then transmitted through the connector. This design helps to reduce the sensitivity of the optical link to physical misalignment or contamination.
  2. Ruggedness: Expanded beam connectors are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including dirt, dust, moisture, and other contaminants. They are often used in military, aerospace, and industrial applications where reliable performance is critical.
  3. Resistance to physical misalignment: Expanded beam connectors are less sensitive to physical misalignment than traditional fibre optic connectors. This reduces the risk of damage to the connector or the fibre.
  4. Low optical loss: Expanded beam connectors typically exhibit low optical loss and high return loss, which can improve signal quality and reduce the need for signal amplification.
  5. Flexibility: Expanded beam connectors can be used with a variety of different fibre types and can be easily adapted to different connector styles or interfaces. This makes them a versatile option for a wide range of applications.
  6. Easy maintenance: Due to their resistance to contamination and physical misalignment, expanded beam connectors require less maintenance than traditional fibre optic connectors. This can improve system uptime and reduce maintenance costs.

Overall, expanded beam connectors offer a reliable, high-performance, and flexible solution for demanding optical connectivity applications.

With key features including ruggedness, reliability, and resistance to physical misalignment and contamination, Expanded Beam connectors are well-suited for use in demanding and harsh environments where reliable optical connectivity is critical.

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