A multi-fiber ferrule for harsh avionic environments

Avionic systems commonly route data and control signals through optical fiber cables for their high bandwidth over longer distances and their immunity to electro-magnetic interference. The commercially available multi-fiber MT ferrule is used in some avionic applications, but its polymer construction restricts its use to non-harsh environments. Harsh environments continue to use single-fiber, size 16,29504 termini in D38999 connectors, and this substantially reduces connection density and increases connector cost. This paper describes a novel, multi-fiber Football Ferrule™ concept under development for harsh environments in avionics. The ferrule is rugged since it is constructed of austenitic stainless steel and aligned using a metal split sleeve. Furthermore, the Football Ferrule™ increases connection density since it is smaller than the MT ferrule. The ferrule's small size allows the connection of 12 optical fibers within a single ST connector, SC connector, or multiples of 12 fibers with multiple ferrules in D38999 connectors. Additionally, the metallic ferrule might be useful as an electrical contact. Finite element analysis was used to evaluate the compliance of the metallic Football Ferrule™ and split sleeve under torsional loads.