US Conec and 3M recently announced a licensing agreement for 3M’s Expanded Beam Optical Interconnect technology (EBO), which 3M describes as “a solution to meet the performance and scalability needs of next-generation data centers and advanced network architectures.” A joint announcement by the two companies explained the collaboration combines optical technology from 3M with US Conec’s expertise in high-density connectivity systems, expanded beam optics, and precision manufacturing expertise “to help deliver innovative solutions tailored to the evolving demands of modern networks.” As part of the agreement, US Conec will manufacture and supply products using 3M EBO technology, “helping to ensure a robust supply chain for future network deployments,” the announcement adds. “This collaboration enables customers to address increasing data demands while maintaining cost efficiency and scalability.”
3M’s EBO technology is available in singlemode and multimode configurations. The company explains, “Its non-contact optical coupling helps minimize wear and sensitivity to contamination, significantly helping reduce maintenance requirements and providing reliable performance in demanding environments.”
The optical ferrule is optimized for hyperscale data centers and edge computing environments, the companies state, adding, “Its durability, ability to maintain signal integrity, and ease of maintenance help contribute to reduced operational costs and potential downtime.”
3M introduced its Expanded Beam Optical Connector System in 2019. It explained at the time that the singlemode (1310 nm) option’s insertion-loss performance is <0.70 dB, with return loss of >55 dB. The multimode version’s insertion-loss performance is <0.30 dB, with return loss of >25 dB. “The configurable and scalable connector design can accommodate anywhere from 12 to 192 fibers,” 3M said in 2019. “The simple but robust hermaphroditic component geometry design, with low part count, can be mated and re-mated reliabley with a simple LC-style latch.”
The image of 3M EBO connectors on this page comes from a 3M web page dedicated to its Expanded Beam Optical Interconnect technology.
“US Conec is thrilled to integrated the 3M Expanded Beam Optical technology into our portfolio,” said Mike Hughes, vice president of product management. “This collaboration supports our continued goal of delivering novel high-performance connectivity solutions that address the challenges of next-generation network deployments and meet the needs of our customers.”
“We’re excited to partner with US Conec to bring the benefits of 3M Expanded Beam Optical Interconnect technology to the market,” added Kevin Twomey, global portfolio director. “By combining our advanced optical solutions with US Conec’s industry-leading connectivity expertise, we are providing customers with reliable, scalable technologies designed for the future of data infrastructure.”
