EN 4626-101:2008

Overview

EN 4626-101:2008 is a European standard published by CEN that specifies the product requirements for optical contacts (sub-assemblies) designed for aerospace rectangular multicontact connectors with Quadrax cavities. These connectors incorporate 2.5 mm diameter ferrules and are optimized for operating temperatures ranging from -65 °C to 125 °C, depending on the cable used. This standard particularly defines installed dimension information for the EN 4531-101 fiber optic contact within the EN 4626-003 plug adaptor, including performance and assembly instructions based on EN C2\10\A specifications for 62.5 µm/125 µm fiber optic cables with a 1.8 mm outside diameter.

Key Topics

• Optical Contact Dimensions
  Dimensions align systematically with EN 4531-101 and EN 4626-003 standards to ensure compatibility and interchangeability within aerospace rack and panel connectors.

• Operating Temperature Range
  Designed for harsh aerospace environments, the optical contacts function reliably between -65 °C and 125 °C, dependent on cable type.

• Performance Standards
  Compliance with aerospace-specific test methods (EN 2591-100) includes visual inspections, endurance at elevated temperatures, rapid temperature cycling, salt mist resistance, damp heat, shock, vibration, mechanical endurance (500 cycles), and optical performance such as insertion loss (<1 dB) and return loss (< -21 dB).

• Assembly and Handling Instructions
  The standard provides guidance on cleaning optical end faces, safety margins for spring forces (typical mating force ~9 N), and recommended tooling based on MIL standards and ARINC 600 specifications, ensuring secure assembly and reliable connection performance.

• Test Protocols
  Detailed testing ensures connector durability, environmental resistance, and optical integrity, critical for aerospace communication systems.

Applications

• Aerospace Electrical and Optical Systems
  EN 4626-101:2008 connects critical high-performance fiber optic communication lines within aircraft and spacecraft, facilitating reliable data transmission in extreme environmental conditions.

• Rack and Panel Optical Connectors
  These optical sub-assemblies are integral to rectangular, multicontact rack and panel systems widely used in avionics and aerospace electronic equipment, where space and weight savings are essential.

• Harsh Environment Communication
  The standard’s rigorous environmental qualifications ensure these connectors withstand vibration, shock, temperature extremes, and contamination challenges found in aerospace.

• Fiber Optic Network Integration
  Supports integration of multimode fiber cables (62.5 µm/125 µm) with aerospace-grade contact interfaces, enabling high-bandwidth, low-loss optical signal transmission across modular plug-and-play connections.

Related Standards

• EN 4531-101
  Governs the design and characteristics of circular optical contacts with flush contacts, providing foundational dimension and performance data applicable to EN 4626-101 sub-assemblies.

• EN 4626-003
  Specifies the adaptor dimensions and positioning for optical plugs, directly referenced for optical contact installation and interface requirements.

• EN 4626-001
  Contains technical specifications for the aerospace rectangular multicontact connectors with Quadrax cavities, supporting interoperability and performance requirements for the entire connector assembly.

• EN 2591-100
  Defines general test methods for aerospace electrical and optical connections, ensuring comprehensive conformity testing in performance and environmental resilience.

• ARINC 600
  An aerospace avionics standard used for connector interface requirements, referenced for mating force limits and tooling instructions.

• MIL-I-81969
  US Military standard for installation and removal tooling of electrical contacts, relevant for assembly and maintenance of optical contact sub-assemblies.

Keywords: EN 4626-101, aerospace fiber optic connectors, optical rectangular connectors, Quadrax cavity, 2.5 mm ferrule, operating temperatures, aerospace connector standards, optical contact sub-assembly, fiber optic assembly, connector performance, aerospace communication systems, durability testing, ARINC 600, installation tooling, EN 4531-101, EN 2591-100.