Multi-Contact has released the CombiTac connector system that is suitable for connecting optical fibres. The four pole connectors accept 3mm diameter single or multimode fibre, with the graded index fibre types being 50 and 125µm or 62.5 and 125µm. The sockets and pins can also be pre-assembled with 1m long fibre and are terminated with either ST or SC standard connectors.
Insertion losses are less than 0.5dB at a frequency of 1310nm. The contact pressure is 10N per contact with 3mm spring deflection. The contacts are rated for over 500 mating cycles, with a cleaning interval every 100 cycles. The connectors operate from -30 to +90°C and are suitable for applications such as factory automation, medical equipment and in the rail industry for control and passenger information systems.
In addition to optical fibre contacts, the connector system can be fitted with any combination of high voltage, high current, databus, power, thermocouple, coaxial, pneumatic and fluid connectors. The contact carriers are housed in a compact frame for panel mounting or built into DIN coupler hoods.
