Objectif The overall objective of the project is to develop - on a European scale - low-cost optimised optical passive components that will build the infrastructure of an evolutionary optical network. In addition to these components - ie connectors, splices and branching devices - low-cost cable termination equipment is being built. The overall objective of the project is to develop low cost optimized optical passive components that will build the infrastucture of an evolutionary optical network. The project addresses 3 main aspects:nonpermanent interconnections;automated mounting;branching devices.Technologies for all products and for the automated mounting process have been assessed. Prototypes of nearly all the components have been produced. Very low cost, but high performance reenterable splices have been produced using moulded plastics. These may be rapidly installed in the field and show an average insertion loss of less than 0.15 dB. 2 complementary multiway products have been developed, 1 using a new connector concept, the other being based on the reenterable splice solution. These components will be used for 2-way to 8-way fibre ribbons or bundles. The single way connector developed within the project and dubbed the EC Connector, has already been introduced to most of the major European telecommunication operators and equipment manufactureres. It is also under standardization within International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and European Electrotechnical Standardisation Organisation Electronic Components Committee (CECC). This low cost push-pull operating connector provides 0.2 dB mean insertion loss and -60 dB maximum reflection features. It may be rapidly installed in the field and is already commercially available. A prototype of an automated connector mounting machine for factory use has also been produced within the project. The EC Connector interfaced active devices have already shoen a reflection free 30% coupling for distributed feedback (DFB) lasers with a far better repeatability than any commercially available solution. The transition from multiway to single way connections is being achieved by the fan-out connector produced within LOOP which can be equipped with optionalmonitoring functions. The fibre based radiating coupler developed is the optimum solution fo r high port count (eg, 64) branching devices. Medium port count (eg, 16) devices are being achieved using integrated optic technology, since this offers the potential of lower losses and costs.Technical Approach To achieve these objectives, a thorough investigation of low-cost, but high-precision technologies is being made. The project addresses three main aspects: . non-permanent interconnections: eg development of low cost re-enterable splices; connectors; direct fibre connections to active devices; fan-out connectors . automated mounting: termination cost reduction is addressed through the development of automated mounting equipment . branching devices: development of low cost wavelength independent optical branching components with medium and high port counts. Key Issues . Realisation of passive components at a viable cost level for inclusion in flexible and transparent networks. . Minimisation of termination costs. Achievements Technologies for all products and for the automated mounting process have been assessed. Prototypes of nearly all the components have now been produced. In a joint activity with R1030 ACCESS, very low-cost, but high performance re-enterable splices have been produced using moulded plastics. These may be rapidly installed in the field and show an average insertion loss of less than 0.15 dB. Two complementary multiway products have been developed, one using a new connector concept, the other being based on the re-enterable splice solution. These components will be used for two to eight-way fibre ribbons or bundles. The single way connector developed within the project and dubbed the EC Connector, has already been introduced to most of the major European telecommunication operators and equipment manufacturers. It is also under standardisation within international IEC and European CEN/ CENELEC/ CECC. This low-cost push-pull operating connector provides 0.2 dB mean insertion loss and -60 dB maximum reflection features; may be rapidly installed in the field and is already commercially available. A prototype of an automated connector mounting machine for factory use has also been produced within the project. The EC interfaced active devices developed in close cooperation with R1031/LoCO have already shown a reflection free 30% coupling for DFB lasers with a far better repeatability than any commercially available solution. The transition from multiway to single-way connections is being achieved by the fan-out connector produced within LOOP which can be equipped with optional monitoring functions. The fibre-based radiating coupler developed is the optimum solution for high port count (eg 64) branching devices. Medium port count (eg 16) devices are being achieved using the integrated optic technology, developed in R1008, since this offers the potential of lower losses and costs. Expected Impact The impact of the project will be apparent through the availability of cost effective interconnect and branching devices and termination techniques for the implementation of flexible and transparent networks. The components will facilitate the earliest implementation of optical communication on a large scale throughout Europe. Being high performance, reliable and wavelength independent, these components provide a transparent network element that will allow future systems to evolve from single- to multiple- wavelength, and ultimately to coherent transmission. Champ scientifique engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationstelecommunications networksoptical networksnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticslaser physics Programme(s) FP2-RACE 1 - Community programme (EEC) in the field of telecommunications technologies (RACE), 1987-1992 Thème(s) Data not available Appel à propositions Data not available Régime de financement Data not available Coordinateur Radiall SA Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 81 boulevard Denfert Rochereau 38509 Voirin France Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Participants (3) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire Kabelmetal Electro GmbH Allemagne Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse Sieboldstraße 10 90411 Nürnberg Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Sirti SpA Italie Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse Via G.B. Pirelli, 20 20124 Milano Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Souriau et Cie SA France Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée
