June 24, 2008 -- Corning Cable Systems (www.corning.com/cablesystems) has introduced its OptiSnap connector, billed as a "field-installable, no-epoxy, no-polish" connector that enables quick and cost-effective termination of fiber-optic cables in CATV deployments.
The connector is designed to install in less than one minute through the use of the company's patented, high-precision mechanical splice technology. It is especially aimed at singlemode applications, such as fiber-to-the-business (FTTB), where installation set-up and teardown time is critical, says the company.
The OptiSnap connector is available in singlemode SC, ST, and LC connector styles and features a typical insertion loss of 0.2 dB for UPC versions and 0.4 dB for APC versions. According to the company, the connector's factory-polished ceramic ferrule provides superior end-face geometry, ensuring consistently low insertion loss and high-performance return loss.
The installation system features an on-tool patented go/no-go feedback signal to confirm installation is performed correctly every time. When the fiber is inserted and the cam activated, a pass/fail light on the installation tool signals that the installation was successful.
Also available from Corning, the OptiSnap connector installation tool kit contains everything needed for installation of the different connector styles. The company notes that, with the kit, no epoxy, polishing film, or other consumables are required, and there is no need for electrical power for ovens or lights.
The tool kit requires virtually no set-up or teardown time, says the company, allowing installers to get in and out of installation sites quickly. It is available with either a high-precision flat or angled cleaver to provide the connector reflectance performance for a variety of applications.
The OptiSnap connector will be demonstrated in Corning Cable Systems' booth #1617 at the 2008 SCTE Cable-Tec Expo, June 25-27, in Philadelphia.