TE Connectivity meets needs of next-gen LTE FTTA designs

BERWYN, USA: To meet the requirements of next-generation WiMax and Long Term Evolution (LTE) Fiber To The Antenna (FTTA) connectivity designs for rugged outdoor use, TE Connectivity (TE) has released the FullAXS connector system that provides the SFP connection between the remote radio and base station for telecommunications applications.

This new product offering accommodates the broadest range of SFP transceivers in the market, allowing end-users to select the transceiver that meets their specific system requirements.

Rugged cable assemblies used in WiMax and LTE FTTA applications establish their direct connection by plugging directly into optical transceivers through a bulkhead. Such connections require a connector that can accommodate a large tolerance in Z-direction. The TE FullAXS connector system meets this requirement by allowing for a large Z-direction tolerance while also offering the benefit of one-hand installation of the connector shell.

With this new product offering, users can also conveniently remove and replace transceivers through a cutout in the bulkhead that completely eliminates the need to open the entire remote radio box and expose its contents to hazardous weather conditions.

For the optical connection, the connector system includes an industry-standard duplex LC interface for fast mating with all LC duplex SFP transceivers. The FullAXS connector can be designed for either single mode or multimode optical transmission applications.

Designed to offer a versatile platform, the new product has the capacity to expand to RJ45 and powerconnectors and is available in a field-installable version with splice to suit any cable. Additional product features/benefits of the system include:

- Positive mechanical feedback to inform the operator when the connector is fully mated.

- No cable buckling during or after installation.

- Robust bayonet locking for easy, fast and secure mating.

- A water-proof, dust-proof and corrosion-resistant design that utilizes metal die cast bulkhead.

- Cost savings through the elimination of fiber management in the radio unit.