FprEN 4733-002

Overview

The standard FprEN 4733-002, titled Aerospace series - Rectangular optical connector, modular - Operating temperature 125 °C, for EN 4734-10X: MT contacts - Part 002: Performance specification, is developed by CEN under the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD-STAN). This standard defines the permissible cables and materials for manufacturing modules compliant with prEN 4733-003 and optical MT contacts for EN 4734-10X. It ensures high-performance modular rectangular optical connectors endure harsh aerospace environmental and mechanical conditions, specifically up to 125 °C operating temperatures.

Key Topics

• Scope and Compatibility
  The standard specifies cables, materials, and connector compatibility aligned with EN 4165 (class W, F, J, M, C) for aerospace applications.
• Operating Temperature
  Designed for continuous operation between -55 °C and 125 °C, ensuring reliable optical performance in extreme environments.
• Optical Performance
  Optical parameters refer to prEN 4733-001 and EN 4734-10x standards, targeting optimal data transmission via MT optical contacts.
• Permissible Cables
  Permissible cables conform to EN 4641-501 specifications featuring 50 µm/125 µm fiber diameter and 2.7 mm outer diameter with a semi-loose structure, supporting 12 optical ways.
• Material Specifications
  Connector components employ thermoplastics, silicone elastomers, and metallic crimp bands, chosen for temperature resilience and durability:
  • Male/female modules: thermoplastic/silicone elastomer (-55 °C to 125 °C)
  • Rear clips: thermoplastic (-55 °C to 125 °C)
  • Push springs: thermoplastic (-55 °C to 125 °C)
  • Boots: silicone elastomer (-55 °C to 125 °C)
• Climatic & Mechanical Conditions
  The standard mandates corrosion and fluid resistance appropriate to aerospace connector environmental classes alongside rigorous mechanical endurance tests as detailed in prEN 4733-001.
• Terminus Sub-Assembly and Tooling
  Removable terminus assemblies compatible with diverse connector classes are standardized alongside specific module extraction tooling per EN 4165-022 guidelines.

Applications

FprEN 4733-002 is essential for aerospace industry professionals designing and manufacturing optical interconnect systems that require:

• Modular rectangular optical connectors optimized for high-temperature conditions.
• Reliable, high-performance MT optical contacts used in aircraft and spacecraft onboard equipment.
• Standardized cables and materials that meet stringent durability, corrosion, and climatic resistance for aerospace environments.
• Compatibility with existing EN 4165 modular connector systems, facilitating integration in avionics optical networks.

This standard is critical for developers focused on optical fiber communication systems within aerospace, facilitating robust, modular solutions ensuring signal integrity and mechanical reliability.

Related Standards

• EN 4165 - Electrical rectangular modular connectors operating at up to 175 °C; provides compatibility framework for connectors.
• prEN 4733-001 - Technical specifications for rectangular optical connectors with 125 °C operating temperature, focusing on optical MT contact performance.
• EN 4734-101 & EN 4734-102 - Technical specifications for 12-way MT male and female optical fiber contacts respectively.
• EN 4641-501 - Defines the specifications for optical fiber cables used with these connectors, ensuring matching diameters and structural integrity.
• TR 4684 - Aerospace series terminology for electrical and optical technology definitions, ensuring consistent language across standards.

Understanding and applying these standards collectively supports the implementation of highly reliable optical connectivity solutions tailored for aerospace operational demands.

This document provides comprehensive guidance on performance, materials, and compatibility to engineers and manufacturers designing aerospace optical connectors that meet demanding environmental conditions, ensuring high reliability, durability, and optical efficiency in critical onboard systems.