TE Connectivity Achieves First Ever Global Standard For Rugged Fiber Optics

TE’s PRO BEAM Jr. Product Line Achieves Qualification to MIL-DTL-83526/20 and /21 Expanded Beam Tactical Fiber Optic Connector 

TE Connectivity (TE) announces their PRO BEAM Jr. expanded-beam tactical fiber optic connectors have achieved qualification to U.S. government standard MIL-DTL-83526/20 and /21. This interface is a derivative of TE’s PRO BEAM Jr. connector. This achievement, coupled with the VG 95319-100 and -101 specification will provide the first global tactical fiber optic specification for the rugged market.

The PRO BEAM Jr. line is a rugged fiber optic interconnect system that protects the core of the fiber behind “safety glasses” and is engineered to survive the most extreme operating conditions in harsh environments. The interconnect system is easy to use and deploy, and cuts back the cost of ownership by eliminating up to 95 percent of Maintenance Repair and Overhaul activity.

“The tactical market has been struggling with significant maintenance and service issues with physical contact based interfaces in a tactical environment. That’s why we are very excited by the completion of this effort,” said Earle Olson, Business Development Manager, TE Aerospace, Defense & Marine. “TE is proud to have been the baseline for this standard and also the gold standard for the ratification of other companies that will follow for the Qualified Product Listing (QPL). Moreover, we have worked with the VG standards body to create the first global standard for this rugged fiber optic interconnect solution.”

The MIL-DTL-83526/20 and /21 provide a QPL resource for assured high performance within rugged field-deployed, cross-field communications links.

“TE Connectivity is dedicated to the improvement of reliability and ease of use for fiber optics employed in harsh environments requiring ruggedized connector applications,” said Olson. “This product embodies our intent to improve the ability of the high-bandwidth solutions industry to employ fiber optics with the confidence that, once in place, our designs are built to survive.”

For more information on TE's PRO BEAM Jr. Product Line, visit www.te.com/catalog/cable-assemblies/fiber-optic/rugged/menu/en/22559?BML=10576,26435.

About TE Connectivity
TE Connectivity is a global, $14B company that designs and manufactures approximately 500,000 products that connect and protect the flow of power and data inside the products that touch every aspect of our lives. Our nearly 100,000 employees partner with customers in virtually every industry—from consumer electronics, energy and healthcare, to automotive, aerospace and communication networks—enabling smarter, faster, better technologies to connect products to possibilities. For more information, visit www.te.com.