Expanded Beam

ODU’s Expanded Beam solutions guarantee the fastest data rates and transmission speeds even under harsh conditions. Fiber Optic solutions with Expanded Beam technology are particularly durable connections that maintain their high performance for up to 100,000 mating cycles. By means of beam expansion via a special lens, the light from one contact is transmitted to the lens of the contact in the counterpart without any errors. Expanded Beam technology thus guarantees reliable and interference‐free transmission even under adverse conditions.

Since there is no direct contact between the contact ends, Expanded Beam connections are relatively impervious to soiling and are easy to clean. Under normal conditions, cleaning after every 20,000 mating cycles is sufficient. This will ensure reliable transmission and prevent damage to the system.

Technical data*

Fiber Optic Expanded Beam Performance Expanded Beam Physical Contact Polymer Optical Fiber
Contact Type Expanded Beam Expanded Beam PC / APC PC
Insertion loss <0.7 dB (SM)/<0.3 dB (MM) ≤ 1,5 dB ≤ 0.5 dB ≤ 1.5 dB
Return loss ≥ 55dB (SM)/ ≥35dB (MM) ≥ 32 dB (Multimode) > 40 dB (Singlemode) / > 30 dB (Multimode)
Mating cycles(**) 25,000 100,000 1,000 10,000
Cleaning Every 5,000 mating cycles (***) Every 20,000 mating cycles(***) Before each mating cycle(***) No cleaning required
Temperature range –40 °C to +80 °C –40 °C bis +85 °C –25 °C to +75 °C –40 °C to +85 °C
Fiber types Multimode 50 / 125 μm – Singlemode 9 / 125 μm Multimode 50 / 125 μm Multimode 50 / 125 μm – Singlemode 9 / 125 μm 980 / 1,000 μm

*) Contact transition only, specifics of the connector series may deviate
**) Tested under controlled conditions
***) Cleaning instructions

Features of our Expanded Beam technology

  • Fiber only and hybrid systems
  • High number of mating cycles (up to 100,000)
  • Low loss levels even under harsh conditions
  • Robust and reliable optical connection
  • Fast transmission of high data rates
  • Easy cleaning (only after 20,000 mating cycles)
  • IP68 sealing (in the mated condition)
  • For indoors, outdoors, and harsh environments
  • Available in the ODU MEDI‐SNAP®, ODU MINI‐SNAP®, ODU AMC®, ODU-MAC® series

ODU Fiber Optic – how Expanded Beam technology works

ODU's expanded beam fiber technology is available in these product series:

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We work with you to develop a solution that perfectly meets your requirements. From planning and production to cable assembly: We combine all competencies under one roof and can also implement customized solutions for your project.