Abstract: A multi-fiber receptacle that aligns and mates an MT or similar multi-fiber ferrule of a connector to an active device or to a lightguide means. The receptacle contains a lower chamber that houses a lightguide means that may be provided on a circuit board containing electronic components needing connection to the outside world via optical means. Above the lower chamber, the receptacle has an upper chamber which receives a connector employing a multi-fiber ferrule. The receptacle and connector are designed such that when the connector is received by the upper chamber, the ferrule fits into the lower chamber and is automatically aligned and mated with the lightguide means. Further, the receptacle and connector can be keyed in a manner that limits reception of a transmitter connector in a transmitter receptacle and a receiver connector in a receiver receptacle. The transmitter and receiver receptacles are preferably identical except for the keying feature.

Abstract: A connector using an multi-fiber ferrule, such as the MT ferrule or similar ferrule, that can be plugged into and received by an optical receptacle. Multiple alignment features help align and mate the connector to another multi-fiber object. The connector has a guide prong or forward extension beneath which is mounted the ferrule. The prong provides a reference surface that functions as a precise pre-alignment mechanism for the ferrule. Also, the prong has a groove that mates with a corresponding rail of the receptacle when the connector is plugged into the receptacle ensuring that the connector is properly seated within the receptacle. Further, the ferrule has apertures that align with and receive guide pins of the lightguide means or active device.

Abstract: A round, compact, optical fiber cable comprises an outer protective jacket of insulating material having a plurality of individual bundles of optical fibers within the outer jacket. Each bundle includes an anti-buckling rod of electrically non-conductive material and encapsulated by a low modulus material. A plurality of optical fibers encapsulated also in a low modulus material is wound on and about the low modulus material encapsulating the rod in a manner that retards contraction and microbending of the optical fibers. Each of the bundles includes one or more protective jackets of electrically, non-conductive material enclosing the plurality of fibers, anti-buckling rod and encapsulating material. Also, means are provided for identifying individual bundles and fibers.