Newsletter NEWSLETTER JULY In this issue

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1 Newsletter OPTOKON, a.s. Červený Kříž 250, Jihlava, Czech Republic NEWSLETTER JULY 2014 Welcome to the July 2014 OPTOKON newsletter, the first of the OPTOKON fiscal year which also takes us nicely into the summer holiday period here in Europe. This gives us the ideal opportunity to take a look at future company strategy, which is accompanied by a message for the holidays from Jiri Štefl, the General Director and Chairman of OPTOKON. In addition, we also look at the recent visit to OPTOKON from the Romanian Ambassador to the Czech Republic feature an article by Jozef Kabas, the OPTOKON Security Director and Head of ICT Department on the solutions for tactical command and combat units recently on show at key exhibitions along with news of recent and forthcoming exhibitions, plus a taster for the soon to be launched waterproof connector, that adds a practical twist to a long established passive component. Jiri Štefl also provides an article on OPTOKON fiber optic connectors. Don't forget that you can also stay up to date with what's happening at OPTOKON via the news section on our website, which is regularly updated. PRODUCT NEWS LMSW-42 Install network devices in those hard to reach areas. This robust, top quality and economical switch is the perfect solution for ruggedized Ethernet networks LMSB-15 An easily transportable, mobile and compact communication and information module.. Connects unlimited numbers of PC subscribers MCPE-02F This end user termination box is perfect for small and medium sized business premises Perfect for use with blown tube and standard cables MOTB-X48A A rugged and durable termination box designed for small and medium fiber volumes.. Versatile - can be wall or pole mounted In this issue Recent & Forthcoming Exhibitions A message from OPTOKON General Director OPTOKON visit by the Romanian Ambassador Solutions for tactical command and combat units ROWANet Vysočina OPTOKON High Performance Fiber Optic Connectors New Products

2 Recent Exhibitions DSA 2014, , PWTC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia SOFEX, , Jordan IDEB, International Defence Exhibition, Bratislava, Slovakia, Eurosatory 2014, , Paris, France Forthcoming Exhibitions ECOC Cannes, France GITEX Dubai, U.A.E. OPTOKON Newsletter Page 2

3 A message from Jiří Štefl, OPTOKON General Director and Chairman: On behalf of OPTOKON and all of our employees, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my personal thanks and warmest wishes to our customers for the coming holiday season and the new OPTOKON fiscal year. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with you this last fiscal year. As we move into the 24th fiscal year of OPTOKON, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to you for choosing to do business with us and for the confidence you have placed in OPTOKON. We welcome the opportunity to be of service to you, and will continue to work hard to maintain your trust. I have taken this opportunity to remind our customers of the current OPTOKON strategy, as outlined in the diagram below. I am confident this new fiscal year will bring many new developments and successes. We should never let ourselves forget that the basis of this success is where every product begins its life with research and development, a field where OPTOKON is well known and highly commended throughout the world for its innovation and dedication. With this in mind, I am delighted to announce the opening of the new Research, Development and Innovation Centre (RDIC) which will be led by the Director of OPTOKON RDIC, Milan Šnajder in the position of Project Coordinator. The new RDIC will encompass all research and development aspects from concept through to prototype and mass production. I sincerely wish you and your families have a summer of rest, relaxation and return refreshed to face the challenges of the coming months. RESEARCH GROWTH PLAN STRATEGY MARKETING VISION INNOVATION OPTOKON Newsletter Page 3

4 OPTOKON chosen for visit by the Romanian Ambassador OPTOKON was recently identified by the Vysočina Region as one of the three most significant companies in the region. As a result, the company was chosen to host a fact finding visit from the Romanian Ambassador to the Czech Republic. The Ambassador, Daniela Gitman, accompanied by Ion Marcel Vela, visited OPTOKON at the beginning of June where they were shown around the new OPTOKON Research, Development and Innovation Centre along with a presentation of the company, its history, development and its place on today's market. Zdeněk Malý OPTOKON Newsletter Page 4

5 Comprehensive solutions for tactical command and combat units Together with SVOS a.s., OPTOKON exhibited the comprehensive solution for communication and information systems for military armored vehicles at IDEB 2014 (International Defense Exhibition) held in Bratislava, Slovakia in May and EUROSATORY 2014 in Paris middle of June. These exhibitions provided OPTOKON with the platform to present a comprehensive solution for communication and information systems for C4 combat troops and soldiers from across squad and platoon level through to brigade level. To secure communications between vehicles and command posts and to connect our systems for presentation, we selected a radio station from Harris due to their top parameters and high data rates. The system enables VHF and UHF, TacSat, INMARSAT, BVIS communication and fulfills all requirements stemming from peacekeeping operations. The proposed system provides a communication vehicle with the team outside the vehicle using personal radios. The intercom is a solution only used by the commander, weapon station operator and the driver, and connected to the optical data bus. The data bus is composed of OPTOKON components and allows full connectivity with two optical and metallic inputs. For the vehicle company commander, we proposed the LMSB-15 Communication and Information Module to enable a telephone service using C2 ASVŘ installed on both the main and backup servers. The module also enables to back up data in the NAS data storage and to be run at the required time on a backup source. It is designed for use with the vehicle communication system or a separate module with radio communications. OPTOKON offers a comprehensive system as well as individual components for Command and Control of each level of the Command base for Information and Communication Modules LMSB-14, LMSB-15 and the adjacent LAN network consisting of fiber optic cables and the LMSW switches series. Jozef Karbas OPTOKON Newsletter Page 5

6 ROWANet Vysočina OPTOKON is a partner of ROWANet, a regional optical telecommunications backbone network (the rowan tree is the symbol of the Vysočina region, where OPTOKON is headquartered) which is based on a system of fiber optic line routes containing passive CWDM technology produced and supplied by OPTOKON. ROWANet provides network services to public sector organizations (regional and local government, state authorities, schools, rescue systems, hospitals etc.) and non-profit organizations in the Vysočina Region in the Czech Republic. The basic objective of the project is to significantly develop the telecommunications infrastructure and market in mostly rural regions by increasing backbone and transport services and competition between providers with direct benefits for the end customer. The secondary object of the project is to provide broadband services to the public and non-profit sector in an attempt to minimize the influence on free economic competition. In cooperation with the regional government in Telč, OPTOKON and ROWANet recently gave a public presentation in the historic town of Telč, which outlined the benefits of the network and the use of GPON and GEPON technologies. Zdeněk Malý OPTOKON Newsletter Page 6

7 OPTOKON HIGH PERFORMANCE FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS Whether installing a brand new fiber optic network or repairing a legacy system, high quality performance connectors must be used. The description below will enable you to choose the correct connector specifications on your next fiber optic project. Typically, a connector assembly is comprised of an adapter and two connector plugs, where one fiber is inserted into each connector plug. The process of fitting a connector plug to a fiber is more delicate than with most electrical connections. It is better to do such termination assembly work in facilities with suitable technology and stable equipment and preferably in a reasonably clean environment. Although fiber connectors give some protection to the inserted fibers, that protection is not fully complete, e.g. concerning moisture. Therefore, the connectors can be put into protective enclosures and reliably protected against moisture and dirt. A dust cap needs to be used at all times when the connector is not plugged in. The following characteristics are relevant when choosing fiber connectors: A connector must provide reliable low-loss contact when plugged-in, the insertion loss is described in decibels and the measurement is defined by the standard IEC Typical insertion loss values are less than 0.25 db, even less than 0.15 db for premium connectors. When the same connector is repeatedly plugged in and out, the insertion loss can show significant variations less than 0.20 db. For sensitive applications, the reflection loss return loss, i.e. the attenuation for light reflected on the interface, can also be relevant; it should be as high as possible. Values over 45 db are easily achieved with some connector versions (high return loss) values of even more than 60 db can be achieved as defined by the standard IEC Note that the insertion losses are usually substantially higher than what one would expect from the return loss alone particularly for fiber connectors using angled fiber ends, where reflected light does not get back into the fiber. Note also that increased reflections can occur as a result of a tiny air gap between the connectorized fibers (e.g. due to an incorrect angle of the fiber tip): the Fresnel reflections at both interfaces can cancel each other out only if the gap width is much smaller than one wavelength. In principle, one could also suppress reflections with anti-reflection coating on the fiber ends, but this technique is not used very often with commercial connectors due to various practical issues, such as the fragility of the coatings and the substantial effort it takes to produce them. Many fiber connectors are rarely disconnected or reconnected in normal use, but for some applications a higher number of reconnections (mating cycles) must be possible during the connector's lifetime. Thousands of mating cycles are not easily achieved, as the contact between the fiber ends needs to be very precise and clean. It can also matter how easily and reliably fibers can be connectorized. The sensitivity to environmental factors such as cleanliness and vibrations also varies, and the required equipment depends on the connector type. The fiber end is embedded in a 2.5 mm or 1.25 mm ferrule usually made from zirconia ceramic. The tip is then typically polished to produce a rounded surface, called "physical contact" polish. This surface profile means that when the fibers are mated they only touch the cores, allowing transmission with low loss. The fibers are spring-loaded to control the force as the plug is screwed into the receptacle. A key prevents the fiber from rotating while the connectors are mated. OPTOKON offers ultra grades of polish, for example an FC connector designated "FC/UPC" may denote "ultra" polish qualities respectively. Higher grades of polish give less insertion loss and lower backreflection. OPTOKON Newsletter Page 7

8 For applications requiring very low back-reflection, the fiber end-face is polished at an angle to prevent light that reflects from the interface from traveling back up the fiber. Because of the angle, the reflected light does not stay in the fiber core but instead leaks out into the cladding. Angle-polished connectors only mate properly with other angle-polished connectors. Mating to a non-angle polished connector causes very high insertion loss. Generally, angle-polished connectors have a higher insertion loss than those with good quality straight physical contact. "Ultra" quality connectors can achieve comparable back reflection to an angled connector when connected, but an angled connection maintains low back reflection even when the output end of the fiber is unmated. Angle-polished connections are visibly distinguished by the use of a green strain relief boot. The connectors are typically designated "FC/APC" (for Angled Physical Contact). Although FC connectors were originally designed by Japan NTT in 1984, it is still one of the best performance connectors and is highly recommended for use in optical laboratories. The FC floating ferrule provides good mechanical isolation. FC connectors need to be mated more carefully than push-pull type connectors due to the need to align the key, and due to the risk of scratching the fiber endface when inserting the ferrule into the jack. FC connectors have been replaced in many applications by SC and LC connectors. There are four compatible standards for key widths on FC connectors: one for FC/PC, two for FC/APC, and one that can be used for either. FC Connector Key Widths Connector type Plug key width (mm) Receptacle keyway width (mm) FC/PC < 2.14 > 2.15 FC/APC type N FC/APC type R Either The 2.14 mm FC/APC key format is typically called a "wide key", "NTT" or "type N". The narrower 2 mm key format is called "Reduced" or "type R". Type R plugs will mate to any receptacle, but will fail to maintain precise rotation angle unless the receptacle is also type R. Type N plugs will not mate with type R receptacles but will mate with FC/PC receptacles. FC/PC plugs will mate with type N receptacles and may or may not mate with type R receptacles. To avoid mistakes, it is recommended to mark type R keys with a single scribe mark on the key, and type N keys with a double scribe mark. Accurate rotation angle alignment is especially important for polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber, where rotational misalignment between mated fibers decreases the polarization extinction ratio of the connection. PM FC/PC connectors typically use FC/APC keying since the angular alignment tolerance is tighter. Some our OPTOKON connector designs have the key as a separate, indexable component. This can allow for some reduction in insertion losses (depending on the concentricity accuracy of the ferrule) by allowing the ferrule to be rotated to a more fortuitous alignment. Measurements of these parameters in OPTOKON are defined according to IEC standard The standard gives a few grades for insertion loss and return loss Premium class (best) to Standard (slightly worse). OPTOKON offers all the main types of optical fiber connectors, with SC and LC connectors being the most popular types of connectors on the market. Typical connectors are rated for 500 1,000 mating cycles. The main difference between the connector types are the dimensions and methods of mechanical coupling. OPTOKON Newsletter Page 8

9 Generally, organizations will standardize on one kind of connector, depending on which equipment they commonly use. In many data center applications, small (e.g., LC) and multi-fiber (e.g., MTP) connectors are replacing larger, older styles (e.g., SC), allowing more fiber ports per unit of rack space. Features of a good connector design: Low insertion loss High return loss (low amounts of reflection at the interface) Ease of installation Reliability Low environmental sensitivity Ease of use Depending on user requirements, housings for external plant applications may be tested by the manufacturer under various environmental simulations, which can include physical shock and vibration, water spray, water immersion, dust, etc. to ensure the integrity of the optical fiber connections and housing seals. All OPTOKON connectors and pigtails/ patchcords are produced according to our own technical specifications, which contain all the details regarding connector material and mechanical, temperature and optical parameters. Each patchcord/pigtail is produced in accordance with these technical specifications and tested then providing the patchcord/pigtails passes the tests, labeled and the parameters recorded according to the connector serial number. See pictures 1-5. It is important that we can send this report to our customers if they request it. OPTOKON technical specifications for each connector type are periodically revised and updated according to IEC and CENELEC recommendations. OPTOKON is presented in CENELEC through my name I have officially represented the Czech Republic on the European Committee for Standardization - CENELEC in the field of optical connectors and passive components since fiber height offset angle radius 5 to 12 mm offset (apex) < 50 μm fiber height - 70 to 50 nm (undercut, protrusion) angle 8 ± 0.3 radius Picture 1. Endface geometry Allowable undercut (nm) Picture 2. Ferrule endface radius (mm) Allowable undercut versus ferrule endface radius Picture 3. Interferometer test report OPTOKON Newsletter Page 9

10 Insertion loss - IL Measuring instrument RX LD Light source wavelength 1310/1550/1650 nm and master cord MC. Tests results are valid for jumper length within the range 2 10 m : Table 1. Insertion loss range NE2P1 (Premium Class 1) NE2P2 (Premium Class 2) IL typ. (db) N/A 0.15 (80%) IL max. (db) Master Adapter Light Source Master Cord Master Plug P 0 Sample Plug P 1 Optical Power Meter Photo Detector P1 Insertion loss = - 10 log [db] P0 Picture 4. IL test system: IEC Return loss - RL Measuring instrument RX 3000, wavelength 1310/1550/1650 nm. Min value for jumper length within range 2 10 m: > 60 db IEC > 80 db reflectometer method Master Adaptor Return Loss Measurement Set Master Cord Master Plug Sample Plug Measured Cable Matching Gel Picture 5. Return Loss measurement system Measurement method (IEC ) Temperature cycling -40 to 70 C 10 cycles < 0.20 db (change of IL) 3.6 High temperature 80 C, 96 hours < 0.20 db (change of IL) 3.7 Low temperature -40 C, 96 hours < 0.20 db (change of IL) 3.8 High humidity 40 C, 95% RH, 96 hours < 0.20 db (change of IL)) 3.9 Vibration 10 to 55 Hz, 1.5 mm p-p < 0.20 db (change of IL) 3.10 Tensile strength a) Cable diameter 2.8 mm: F = 200 N b) Fibre diameter 0.9 mm: F = 5 N < 0.20 db (change of IL) 3.11 Connection durability more than times < 0.20* db (change of IL) *) Note: < 0.10 Premium class Jiří Štefl OPTOKON Newsletter Page 10

11 New Products Coming Soon! The OPTOKON HE-XX series a waterproof connector specifically designed for use in FTTH projects. The proven design provides a hardened connector for outside plant deployment while the robust design keeps connector intact during installation. Look out for further details in the next newsletter and the company website. LMSW-42 Ruggedized Unmanaged PoE Gigabit Ethernet Switch The LMSW-42 is a low cost ruggedized field switch with 2 fiber optic ports and 4 RJ-45 ports. Network devices such as IP phones, IP surveillance cameras, wireless access points, and other PoE enabled devices in outdoor or remote areas where there are hard-to-reach power sources can easily be installed using the PoE function. This robustly designed switch provides a top quality, economical highbandwidth solution for your ruggedized Ethernet network. LMSB-15 Communication and Information Module The LMSB-15 CIM X COMM ALL is a Communication and Information Module that connects any number of PC subscribers (this depends on the number of LMSW-xx switches used to expand subscriber capacity) and any type of communication equipment or systems (VHF, HF, UHF, SAT, TETRA, GSM, PSTN) from different suppliers. The LMSB-15 is easily transportable modular, mobile, and compact and connects to a higher system via optical and metallic cables, radio relay systems and satellite devices. OPTOKON Newsletter Page 11

12 New Products MCPE-02F End user termination box This ergonomically designed compact termination box provides cable entry from the rear or the base of the unit and is a highly suitable wall mounted unit for both small and large business premises. The unit can hold 2 x SC simplex adaptors or 2 x LC duplex adaptors and can be used for blown tube cable and standard cables. Termination Box MOTB-X48A This rugged and durable termination box is designed for small and medium volumes of fiber optic cables and can be mounted on walls or poles. The MOTB-X48A can accommodate up to 48 drop cables and 54 simplex SC adaptors. All data sheets containing full technical details can be downloaded from or by contacting the OPTOKON Customer Service Department. OPTOKON July 2014 Newsletter prepared by the OPTOKON Marketing Department OPTOKON Newsletter Page 12