Molex recently introduced the LC2 metallic optical connectors to provide a ruggedized, all-metal housing version of its LC small form factor (SFF) family. Designed specifically to withstand harsh environments, the new connectors feature the ceramic ferrule-based LumaCore optical termini to resist breakage and achieve superior optical performance, says the company.

With a 1.25-mm LumaCore terminus, the LC2 connectors feature high-performance ceramic ferrules available for singlemode, multimode, and angle-polish applications. They also offer hex register alignment to enable tuning of individual fiber connections. Available in multiple boot styles, including straight, 45 ° , and 90 ° , the LC2 connectors support many cable sizes and applications, including 900-microns and 1.20-, 1.60-, 1.80-, and 2.00-mm.

The LC2 connectors are capable of continuous operating temperatures up to 135 ° C, with short term temperatures of up to 150 ° C when used with high temperature optical fibers. Additionally, with no plastic components, there is little or no out-gassing, allowing these connectors to accommodate space and high-vacuum environments, say Molex representatives.

The LumaCore terminus utilized in the LC2 is also interchangeable with the Molex MXL-38999 circular connector for ease of polishing, testing, inspecting, and troubleshooting across the two connector styles. The removable color coded anodized-aluminum connector housing with a stainless steel latch enables customers to directly inspect fiber bonding areas and replace connector body components without fiber re-termination.

When terminated, the LC2 connectors meet a minimum of all the dimensional and performance requirements of Telecordia GR-326-CORE and TIA/EIA-604-10a (FOCIS-10).