SIST EN 4640-002:2009

Overview

SIST EN 4640-002:2009 is a European standard published by CEN specifying the product standards for aerospace-grade optical connectors. These connectors are rectangular, multicontact, rack-and-panel type with a 1.25 mm diameter ferrule and removable alignment sleeve holder. The standard builds on ARINC Specification 600, defining performance, contact arrangements, and applicable product types. It supports the harmonization of connector interfaces in aerospace avionics for enhanced reliability and interchangeability.

This standard is part of the aerospace series aimed at ensuring robust and precise optical interconnects in harsh operating environments typical of aerospace applications. It is essential for manufacturers, system integrators, and quality managers working with optical rack and panel connectors in avionics.

Key Topics

• Connector Performance and Contact Arrangements
  Defines the mechanical and optical performance requirements aligned with ARINC 600 standards, ensuring consistent contact arrangements across equipment.

• Product Codification and Types
  Includes a classification system for connector types such as plugs and receptacles, shell sizes (e.g., F12, F17, F20, F36), and optical contact arrays supporting various fiber configurations.

• Operating and Environmental Conditions
  Specifies climatic and mechanical endurance criteria, such as operating temperature ranges between –65 °C and 125 °C depending on cable type, salt mist resistance, and fluid resistance according to EN 4640-001.

• Permissible Cables
  Standardizes compatible cable types featuring 62.5/125 µm multimode optical fibers with different cable jacket diameters (0.9 mm and 1.8 mm), ensuring sealing and performance integrity.

• Materials for Alignment Sleeves
  Recommends zirconia ceramic or equivalent materials for optical alignment sleeves, crucial for maintaining low insertion loss and mechanical stability in singlemode and multimode fibers.

• Contact Configurations
  Illustrates detailed layouts including optic contact numbers and locations, differentiating rear release and front release/removable contacts for plug and receptacle modules.

• Tooling and Assembly
  Specifies tooling requirements for insertion and extraction compliant with MIL-I-81969/14 and sleeve holder manipulation with a 2 mm hex key, facilitating proper assembly and maintenance.

• Cleaning and Maintenance
  References product standards for cleaning to preserve optical performance and connector reliability over operational life cycles.

Applications

SIST EN 4640-002:2009 is critical for aerospace manufacturers and aerospace systems integrators requiring high-reliability optical connectors in:

• Aircraft Avionics Systems
  Enabling high-speed data transmission with low latency and optical signal integrity for communication and control systems.

• Satellite and Spacecraft Equipment
  Providing robust optical interfaces capable of withstanding extreme temperature cycles and mechanical stresses in space environments.

• Military Aerospace Hardware
  Ensuring connectors meet stringent durability and performance requirements under harsh operational conditions, including salt mist and fluid exposure.

• Ruggedized Rack and Panel Systems
  Facilitating modular and maintainable optical I/O configurations in line-replaceable units and avionics racks.

Utilizing standardized connectors reduces integration risk, simplifies maintenance logistics, and supports interoperability across equipment produced by different vendors in the aerospace supply chain.

Related Standards

EN 4640-002 links closely with several complementary aerospace and optical connector standards critical for a complete implementation:

• EN 4640-001:2009 – Technical specifications for the rectangular rack and panel optical connectors.

• EN 4640-003 & EN 4640-004 – Product standards for plug and receptacle optical connectors respectively.

• EN 4639 Series (Parts 101, 102, 003) – Modular optical connector products and optical contact specifications.

• EN 4641 Series – Standards defining compatible optical cables with tight and semi-loose structures.

• ARINC Specification 600 – The overarching avionics connector interface specification that underpins mechanical and environmental requirements.

• MIL-I-81969/14 – Military specification for tooling, ensuring the use of approved insertion and removal tools.

Adhering to this suite of standards ensures full compliance with aerospace industry requirements for optical connector performance, interchangeability, and environmental resilience.

Keywords: EN 4640-002, aerospace optical connectors, ARINC 600, rack and panel connector, 1.25 mm ferrule, removable alignment sleeve, avionics, aerospace fiber optic standards, connector contact arrangements, durable aerospace connectors, optical fiber connectors, aerospace data transmission, optical connector cleaning and assembly, MIL-I-81969/14 tooling.