EN 4645-005:2009

Overview

EN 4645-005:2009 is a European Standard defining the product requirements for optical circular plug connectors used in aerospace applications. The standard covers mounted plug receptacles in the family of circular connectors featuring a triple start threaded ring coupling mechanism with self-locking functionality. These connectors utilize a 1.25 mm diameter ferrule and include a removable alignment sleeve holder for precise optical fiber connection. Developed under the auspices of CEN and ASD-STAN, this standard ensures interoperability, quality, and reliability of optical connectors critical to aerospace electrical and optical systems.

Key Topics

• Connector Design and Dimensions
  EN 4645-005 specifies detailed physical characteristics such as dimensions, masses, and tolerances to ensure mechanical compatibility with corresponding receptacles. It covers shell sizes ranging from 11 to 25 mm diameter with precise dimension tables, supporting various configurations and multipin arrangements.

• Material and Surface Treatment
  The standard references EN 4645-002:2009 for material specification and surface treatments, guaranteeing durability and corrosion resistance suitable for harsh aerospace environments.

• Optical and Mechanical Performance
  Optical, mechanical, and climatic properties required are aligned with EN 4645-002 for consistent performance in extreme conditions, including vibration, temperature variations, and atmospheric pressures typical of aerospace operations.

• Self-locking Threaded Coupling
  The plug features a triple start threaded ring that provides secure, self-locking connection to the counterpart receptacle, ensuring signal integrity and resistance to disconnection from vibration or mechanical shock.

• Marking and Traceability
  Marking requirements include connector identification, manufacturer’s name or trademark, and date of manufacture coded by year and week, as per EN 2424:2008. This supports full traceability in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance processes.

Applications

EN 4645-005 compliant connectors are essential components in aerospace systems where reliable optical communication and signal transmission are critical. Typical applications include:

• Aircraft communication systems
  Facilitating lightweight, high-speed data transfer between avionics modules while withstanding aerospace environmental conditions.

• Satellite and space vehicles
  Providing robust optical interconnects designed to survive temperature extremes, mechanical stress, and radiation.

• Military aerospace platforms
  Used in demanding defense environments requiring secure and durable optical connections for radar, navigation, and communication systems.

• Civil aviation electronics
  Supporting next-generation aircraft optical networking and sensor interfaces with standardized, qualified components.

Related Standards

EN 4645-005 is part of the broader EN 4645 series focusing on aerospace optical circular connectors and aligns closely with:

• EN 4645-001:2009 – Technical specification for optical circular connectors
• EN 4645-002:2009 – Performance specifications and contact arrangements
• EN 4639-101 & EN 4639-102 – Product standards for optical rectangular contacts with removable alignment sleeves
• EN 2424:2008 – Aerospace product marking requirements
• EN 3645-003 – Aerospace electrical circular connectors with triple start threaded coupling
• EN 9133 – Aerospace quality management and qualification procedures for standard parts

This suite of standards ensures comprehensive coverage of quality, mechanical, electrical, and optical performance criteria for aerospace connectors, facilitating interoperability and regulatory compliance.

Keywords: aerospace optical connectors, circular plug connector, triple start threaded coupling, self-locking optical connector, 1.25 mm ferrule, removable alignment sleeve holder, EN 4645-005 standard, aerospace connector dimensions, optical fiber aerospace connectors, aerospace product traceability.