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Rugged, environmentally sealed, embedded fibre optic connector technology from Deutsch UK
:: 09 July, 2007
Deutsch UK, a leading interconnect solution provider, is to introduce new cost-saving, patent pending technology, under the name EMPIRE. This technology allows designers to reliably connect embedded optical fibres to external monitoring equipment, eliminating the problems of fixed ‘flying lead’ connections to the structure.
Connection to embedded fibres with Deutsch EMPIRE connectors enables real-time ‘health monitoring’ of structures. This can be undertaken from the initial cure cycle right through to final service, even in harshest of environments. It also gives the ability to detect damage to a structure which enables early remedial action to be taken. As a result the structure is more frequently inspected and the time required for this process is dramatically reduced. It follows that there are significant improvements in safety and service life of the structure. Additionally, sensor data enables designers to optimise components for performance and cost. These benefits can be extended to existing non-composite structures by retro-fitting the connector as a patch to its surface.
News Inside News:
Structure surface and edge connection to both Single and Multimode optical fibre is possible.
Additional benefits include:
EMPIRE connectors are based on Deutsch’s existing proven high performance fibre optic connectors for harsh environments.
Connectors are simple to embed and improve fibre handling.
Reduces risk of fibre damage during manufacture.
Designed to withstand the conditions of the composite manufacturing process.
Small embedded volume and materials compatible with structure.
Reliable and high performance re-mateable optical connection.
Combining EMPIRE connectors with a rugged solid state Fibre Sensor Interrogator unit and PC software allows an integrated system to be retro-fitted or designed-in to a wide range of composite structures.
The EMPIRE connector technology has a wide range of applications including:
Connection to embedded fibre sensors for health, usage and damage monitoring
Connection to embedded fibres for communications
Aerospace – load-bearing structure strain monitoring - fixed wing and rotor blade
Marine - hull, masts, rudders and rigging
Wind Energy – real-time turbine blade strain monitoring for improved efficiency
Offshore – downhole monitoring
Survey - foundation and ground displacement
Research and development tool
Retro-fit to non-composite applications
About The company in Fibre optics-
Deutsch have over 40 years of experience manufacturing high performance, single and multi-way fibre optic connectors and cable assemblies for harsh environments.
Applications range from sub-sea systems through ground and sea based platforms to leading edge aerospace technology.
In the field of civil aviation, Deutsch fibre optic connectors and harnesses have been qualified by both Boeing and Airbus for use on various systems as diverse as In-Flight Entertainment (IFE), external camera systems, flight control and engine monitoring systems.
Military aircraft currently using Deutsch fibre optic connectors include Harrier, Eurofighter, Tornado, Nimrod, AWACS, F15, F16, FA-18 and B1-B. Other applications include industrial machinery, autosport, rail and naval systems, together with ground-based military communications networks.
Deutsch UK offers harsh environment connectors, cable harnesses, termination kits and fibre optic training courses.
"Fibre optics is the key growth industry in connector technology and has significant advantages of comparable copper systems. Fibre optic technology has been proved in harsh environments through extensive test programmes and is now being widely adopted in our key military and aerospace markets."
Dave Carman, Product Manager
Contact for product-
Deutsch UK
Registered in England No. 1399905
Registered address:
Castleham Industrial Estate
4 Stanier Road
St Leonards on Sea
East Sussex
TN38 9RF
UK
Tel: +44 (0)1424 852721
Fax: +44 (0)1424 851532
Email: deutsch@deutsch.net
Release link: http://www.deutschuk.com
