Seiko Instruments Introduces SMUA Angle Connector Series with Self-Retentive Mechanism for CATV and Broadband Applications

Business Wire, March 11, 2002

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 11, 2002

Designed specifically to meet the angled backplane technology requirements for CATV and broadband applications, Seiko Instruments USA Inc. Fiber Optics Group has developed the SMUA Angle Optical Connector Series to add to its extensive fiber optic product offering.

The new SMU/APC (angle physical contact) connectors feature a self-retentive mechanism, which allows for a wide variety of panel adapters and interconnections.

Designed with a Singlemode grade pre-angled eight-degree ferrule, the new SMUA connectors improve back reflection by approximately -70 dB. The connectors also feature an insertion loss rate as low as 0.25 dB to improve transmission capabilities over standard connector types and can accommodate fiber cordage diameters of 2 mm, 1.6 mm, and 0.9 mm.

The fiber cord is retained via a heat shrinking tube fixed to the kevlar, enabling easy assembly and mass production.

Just half the size of standard fiber optic connectors, the SMUA connectors reduce the number of component pieces required from seven to five, offering significant cost savings in both piece cost and assembly time for large installations.

The new series are available in three standard formats all offering high-density capabilities while providing the widest variety of connectors for a multitude of applications.

The Backplane Series feature adapters which can be plugged into mother/daughter card applications for new or existing applications; the MU Simplified Series utilizes a receptacle adapter and is ideally suited for board level applications, and the MU Connector/Adapter Series is designed for cable management applications.

The new connectors are available in simplex, duplex, 8-way and 16-way connector adapters to further complement tight backplane-type situations. And, the 1.25 mm diameter ferrule allows additional miniaturization benefits over typical 2.5 diameter ferrules.

The SMUA connectors are manufactured using a high-impact resistant, non-flammable polymer and meet flammability test standard UL94 V-0 for high performance and reliability. Color-coded for easy identification, the housing body comes standard in green to signify Angle PC applications.

Designed to comply with JIS C5983 and IEC 61754-6 performance standards, they are also certified to Telcordia Compliance Assembly and Testing and meet Fiber Channel specifications. The SMUA Optical Connectors start at $4.50 in 1,000-piece quantities, with typical two-week delivery.

"Seiko Instruments' SMUA Optical Connectors offer designers a new solution for broadband and CATV applications where space constraints are at a premium," said Steve Baldo, general manager for Seiko Fiber Optic Products Group.

For more information on the new angle connectors or Seiko Instruments' entire line of fiber optic products, contact Seiko Instruments USA Inc., 2990 Lomita Boulevard, Torrance, 90505; 310/517-8113; Fax: 310/517-7792; or visit the company's Web Site at www.seikofiber.com.

About Seiko Instruments

Seiko Instruments uses its well-recognized expertise in precision engineering, design miniaturization and quality manufacturing to develop and market more than 100 industrial high-technology and consumer electronic products in the United States and around the world.

The company's Electronic Components Division offers fiber optic components, liquid crystal displays, semiconductors, quartz crystals and batteries.

Note to Editors: SII is a registered trademark of Seiko Instruments Inc.

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