SIST EN 4701-002:2017

Overview

SIST EN 4701-002:2017 is a European Standard published by CEN that specifies the performance requirements for aerospace optical rectangular modular connectors designed for an operating temperature of 125 °C. This standard focuses on the materials and performance characteristics of optical modules used in connectors compliant with EN 4531-101 contacts. It is part of the aerospace series ensuring reliable electrical and optical interconnections in demanding aerospace environments.

This standard is essential for manufacturers, designers, and quality engineers engaged in the production and application of optical connectors in aerospace and defense industries, guaranteeing high performance, durability, and compliance within strict operational conditions.

Key Topics

• Material Specifications: Defines the materials used in optical connector modules, such as thermoplastic bodies, zirconia ceramic sleeves, and silicone elastomer sealing devices. These materials are chosen to support operating temperatures from -55 °C to 125 °C and provide required resistance to environmental factors like corrosion and fluid exposure.
• Connectors and Compatibility: Describes the classification and codification of compatible rectangular modular connectors according to EN 4165, including different housing finishes like olive drab cadmium plating and black nickel plating tailored for specific environmental protection and temperature resistance.
• Optical Performance and Cable Compatibility: Specifies optical performance standards linked to various cable types such as EN 4641 series cables with fiber core diameters of 50 µm or 62.5 µm and outer diameters ranging from 0.9 mm to over 5 mm. These details ensure optimal signal transmission performance within aerospace optical networks.
• Mechanical and Climatic Conditions: Establishes rigorous testing conditions for mechanical endurance (up to 500 mating cycles), ferrule withdrawal forces (1.9 N to 3.5 N), corrosion resistance, and operating temperature ranges, ensuring connectors perform reliably under harsh aerospace environmental conditions.
• Sub-Assemblies and Tooling: Includes definitions for removable terminus sub-assemblies compatible with different connector classes and references tooling standards (EN 4165-022) for module insertion and extraction. This supports efficient assembly and maintenance of aerospace optical connectors.

Applications

SIST EN 4701-002:2017 optical connectors are widely applied in aerospace and defense industries where robust, high-performance fiber optic connectivity is critical. Typical usage includes:

• Avionics systems requiring modular and reliable optical data transmission under wide temperature ranges and demanding environmental conditions.
• Military aircraft and space vehicles where operational reliability, corrosion resistance, and mechanical endurance are mandatory.
• Ground support equipment and aerospace test benches needing high-quality optical interconnections compliant with international standards.
• Integration in multi-modal fiber optic networks in aerospace systems facilitating high-speed data and signal transmissions.

By adhering to SIST EN 4701-002:2017, aerospace manufacturers ensure their optical connectors meet stringent European safety, quality, and performance criteria, enhancing operational safety and durability.

Related Standards

Several interconnected standards complement and support the implementation of SIST EN 4701-002:2017:

• EN 4701-001: Technical specifications for optical rectangular modular connectors operating at 125 °C-provides foundational design and technical details.
• EN 4531-101: Defines optical contacts for EN 4641 multimode cables, specifying flush contact design for aerospace optical connectors.
• EN 4531-901: Standard for filler plugs used to seal unpopulated cavities in optical connector shells to maintain environmental protection.
• EN 4641 Series: A suite of product standards detailing aerospace-grade optical fiber cables with various fiber types and constructions suitable for use with EN 4701 series connectors.
• EN 4165-022: Specifies tools for insertion and extraction of modules from modular electrical and optical connectors, facilitating connector maintenance and assembly.
• IEC 61300-3-33: International measurement procedure detailing the ferrule withdrawal force to ensure reliable mechanical retention of optical fibers.

These standards collectively deliver comprehensive guidance for the design, manufacture, use, and maintenance of optical connectors in aerospace applications.

Keywords: SIST EN 4701-002:2017, aerospace optical connectors, rectangular modular connectors, operating temperature 125 °C, optical fiber cable, aerospace standards, EN 4531-101, EN 4641, optical connector performance, aerospace fiber optics, connector materials, mechanical endurance, corrosion resistance, aerospace connector tooling.