Abstract: A multi-pin connector with a small envelop and low insertion loss capable of operating while submerged is described within. This configuration avoids the tolerance stack up troubles that has plagued other similar designs thereby allowing it to achieve a low insertion loss without the typical cost drivers of tighter tolerances. In addition this invention incorporates as relatively simple method of tuning each pair of connectors thereby further reducing the insertion loss for each matched pair.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a housing and a locking member. The housing has a longitudinal passage extending between a first opening at a first end of the housing and a second opening at a second end of the housing, the housing sized to fit within a fiber optic receptacle. The locking member is a separate part from the housing and is sized to fit within a retaining notch in the fiber optic receptacle. The locking member, when secured to the housing and located in the retaining notch, interfaces with the retaining notch to prevent separation of the housing from the receptacle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an optical module includes a light emitting device, a driver IC, a first lead, a ground lead, a second lead, an input lead, and a power supply voltage lead. A second electrode of the light emitting device is supplied with a voltage on a ground side from a second pad through the first lead. A first electrode is supplied with a voltage on a power supply side from the power supply voltage lead or from a first pad through the second lead.

Abstract: Fiberoptic connector and adapter assembly includes a fiberoptic connector received within an adapter. The connector has a cover on the connector housing. The cover pivots between open and closed positions to expose or cover, respectively, a optical fiber contained within the connector. Longitudinal guides of the connector are received cooperating with longitudinal guides of the adapter to direct the connector into the adapter in a prescribed alignment. A cam pin is carried on the adapter to engage a cam pin receiving slot on the cover to urge the cover to the open position as the connector is inserted into the adapter.

Abstract: An optical interconnection module (100) for connecting to a media converter module (20) as part of a hybrid electrical-optical network (10) is disclosed. The optical interconnection module includes a transmitter connector (136T) having transmit ports (POT(i)) and a receiver connector having receive ports (POR(i)). The optical interconnection module also has transmit/receive ports (POF(i)) that are optically connected via a set (F) of fibers (142) to the transmit and receive ports of the transmitter and receiver connectors using one of two port configurations. Hybrid electrical-optical networks that utilize a trunk cable (60) to connect the media converter module to the optical interconnection module are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber optic adapter is disclosed. The fiber optic adapter includes a main body configured to receive a first fiber optic connector through a first end and a second fiber optic connector through a second end for mating with the first fiber optic connector. The adapter includes a ferrule alignment structure located within an axial cavity of the main body, the ferrule alignment structure including a sleeve mount and a ferrule sleeve, the sleeve mount including an axial bore and at least one latching hook extending from a center portion of the sleeve mount toward the first end of the main body and at least one latching hook extending from the center portion toward the second end of the main body, the latching hooks configured to flex for releasably latching the first and second fiber optic connectors to the fiber optic adapter.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided and includes a housing, a block formed to define an array of holes corresponding to an array of plugs into which connectors with spring loaded sleeves are pluggable such that the block engages with a respective sleeve of each connector, the block being supportively disposed within the housing to be movable with respect to the housing between first and second block positions at which the sleeves are extended and retracted, respectively and a cam lever supported on the housing and coupled to the block, which selectively occupies first and second lever positions at which the cam lever causes the block to assume the first and second block positions, respectively.

Abstract: An optical connector reduced in size and capable of reducing optical coupling losses when optical waveguides are connected to each other, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The optical connector comprises: an optical waveguide including cores for transmitting light, an under cladding layer provided under the cores, and an over cladding layer provided over the cores; and a ferrule section for optical connection provided in each end portion of the optical waveguide. Part of at least one of the over cladding layer and the under cladding layer lying in a location corresponding to each end portion of the optical waveguide is thick-walled to become the ferrule section for optical connection. A thin-walled part of the optical connector lying between the ferrule sections is an optical waveguide section. The optical connector requires no additional component as a ferrule, and is made small in size.

Abstract: An optical fiber assembly includes a housing with a mating face, a ferrule having a plurality of optical fibers, and a beam expanding element generally aligned with each optical fiber. A cover is slidably mounted on the housing adjacent the mating face. One of the housing and the cover includes a retention member. Another of the housing and the cover includes a guide and retention member. The guide and retention member interacts with the retention member to retain the cover to the housing and permit sliding movement of the housing relative to the cover. An assembly of connectors, a method of mating and a tool for mating are also provided.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector arranged to be releasably connected to a fiber optic adaptor. The fiber optic connector includes a body configured to receive and terminate two optical fibers, and a latch mechanism provided on the body. The latch mechanism is configured for releasable engagement with each of two sockets of the fiber optic adaptor. The latch mechanism of the fiber optic connector is configured for actuation in a direction laterally across the body.

Abstract: A submarine optical connector (1), comprising: a first support element (11) for supporting a first optical fiber, said first support element including at least one alignment pin (31, 31?), a second support element (12) for supporting a second optical fiber, said second support element including at least one through hole intended to receive respectively said at least one alignment pin to guide the first and second support elements towards a contact position in which the first and second fibers are connected, and sealing means (41, 42, 43) to protect the first and second fibers from the external environment at least when the first and second support elements are in the contact position.

Abstract: An optical fiber adapter according to the present disclosure includes a main body, an inner housing, a cover plate and an elastic shutter member. The optical fiber adapter of the present disclosure may obstruct the light beams emitted from an accommodation room of the main body thereby preventing the eyes from exposure to the light beams.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical module and an optical system that can form a two-way optical transmitting and receiving line with the same optical wiring configuration without using any special parts. The optical module includes a plurality of single-fiber optical adapters, a multi-fiber optical adapter, a plurality of single-fiber optical connectors mating with the respective single-fiber optical adapters, a multi-fiber optical connector mating with the multi-fiber optical adapter, and a plurality of optical fibers connecting the respective single-fiber optical connectors and the multi-fiber optical connector. Wiring of the optical fibers is configured to connect two single-fiber optical connectors inserted into adjacent single-fiber optical adapters and fiber holes in the upper tier and the lower tier in the same row of the multi-fiber optical connector.

Abstract: An adapter housing for receiving a plurality of multi-fiber connectors includes a rectangular, box-like housing structure having opposing side walls and a back wall that to adapted to mount in a 2-U space in an equipment rack, wherein the housing structure has a width of no greater than about 17.75 inches and a height of no greater than about 3.50 inches. A bank of adapters is provided for receiving multi-fiber connectors. The bank of adapters includes individual connector-adapter-connector locations that together receive at least 200 multi-fiber connector pairs within the housing structure.

Abstract: A multiport optical connector assembly (MOCA) includes an insertion optical fiber assembly having an insertion assembly housing and a connector disk that includes a first connector element having a first ferrule and a first optical fiber. The MOCA further includes a coupling optical fiber assembly having a second connector element including a second ferrule and a second optical fiber. The MOCA further includes an adapter assembly that includes an adapter assembly housing a docking unit for docking the first connector element and the second connector element when the MOCA is assembled. When the first connector element and the second connector element are docked, a tip of the first optical fiber and a tip of the second optical fiber abut one another and the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber form an optical path.

Abstract: An optical-fiber connection apparatus and method for connection of an optical-fiber cable having a plurality of optical fibers to a transmit/receive unit having a plurality of interface transceivers. Some embodiments include a housing having a base portion and a latch actuator, an optical-fiber cable connection that holds the optical-fiber cable to the housing, a plurality of optical-fiber termination interfaces coupled to the housing, and a lever mechanism that is coupled to the base portion and to the latch actuator, and that moves the latch actuator relative to the base portion, wherein the lever mechanism operates to latch the optical-fiber connection apparatus to the transmit/receive unit such that the plurality of the optical-fiber termination interfaces couples light signals between the plurality of optical fibers and the plurality of interface transceivers of the transmit/receive unit.

Abstract: A receptacle for optically coupling with a plug from a set of plugs, each of the plugs in the set of plugs having a plug housing with a unique front face geometry and a ferrule disposed within the plug housing, the receptacle comprising: a tub having a plurality of walls that define an interior for receiving a plug, said tub interior having a tub interior geometry corresponding to one and only one unique front face geometry and defining by a ferrule guiding portion in the tub, wherein said ferrule guiding portion projects from one or more of the plurality of walls into the tub interior and includes a keying element in a predefined position within said receptacle interior, the keying element preventing mating engagement between the receptacle and the plugs of the set of plugs except for the plug having said corresponding unique front face geometry.

Abstract: An optical fiber coupling assembly includes a first optical fiber connector, a second optical fiber connector, and a cable. The first optical fiber connector defines a number of first blind holes receiving first focus lenses, and first through holes respectively communicating with the first blind holes. The second optical fiber connector defines a number of second blind holes receiving second focus lenses, and second through holes respectively communicating with the second blind holes. The cable includes a number of optical fibers. Each optical fiber includes a first end and a second end, and the first end is received in a corresponding one of the first through holes and aligned with the a corresponding one of the first focus lenses, and the second end is received in a corresponding one of the second through holes and aligned with a corresponding one of the second focus lenses.

Abstract: An enclosure that includes an outer housing, a sealant assembly that defines a cable port for routing a cable into the outer housing and a port plug that passes through the cable port. The port plug includes a retention feature that is moveable between an expanded configuration and a radially compressed configuration. The retention feature has an elastic construction that allows the retention feature to move to the radially compressed configuration as the retention feature passes through the cable port and causes the retention feature to automatically expand to the expanded configuration after the retention feature passes through the cable port.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that enable a first bank, or array, of multi-optical fiber connector modules disposed in a plug that is mounted on a first structure to be simultaneously blind mated with a second bank of multi-optical fiber connector modules disposed on a receptacle that is mounted on a second structure. As the first and second structures are brought into engagement with one another, passive coarse alignment features on the plug and on the receptacle coarsely align the respective connector modules with one another. Then, as the respective connector modules begin to come into contact with one another, passive fine alignment features on the respective connector modules engage one another to finely align the respective connector modules such that their optical pathways are brought into precise optical alignment with one another.

Abstract: An optical connecting member realizes an optical connecting between a multi-core fiber and a plurality of single-core fibers by a waveguide part which connects a first end face and a second end face. With the optical connecting member, a connected end which is connected to the first end face is a straight-line portion that is orthogonal to the first end face in each of the plurality of waveguide parts. In addition, a diverged end which is diverged to the second end face is a straight-line portion that is orthogonal to the second end face. Consequently, light that has passed through the waveguide parts is emitted from the first end face and the second end face substantially perpendicularly to the faces, thereby enabling optical connecting loss to be favorably inhibited.

Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.

Abstract: An optical cross-connect assembly and method are provided that are suitable for use in both small-scale and large-scale applications. The optical cross-connect assembly comprises first and second stacks of multi-optical fiber connector modules that are configured to orthogonally mechanically couple with one another such that the optical ports of each of the connector modules of the first stack are optically aligned with respective optical ports of all of the connector modules of the second stack, and such that the optical ports of each of the connector modules of the second stack are optically aligned with respective optical ports of all of the connector modules of the first stack.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include a fiber optic connection with an alignment chamber. In the alignment chamber is a first fiber optic terminal and a second fiber optic terminal coupled to the first fiber optic terminal. In addition, a securing mechanism is placed within the alignment chamber and forces the first fiber optic terminal and second fiber optic terminal together. Also in this embodiment an ejection mechanism is disclosed that ejects the first fiber optic terminal upon the removal of the securing mechanism.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for connecting optical fibers. In one aspect, a connector includes a transfer tube for equalizing the pressure between two chambers within the two connectors when the connectors are mated. The chambers may house biasing elements coupled to optical fiber holders to provide a pressure independent force against optical fiber terminals. The optical fiber holders may include side openings for receiving optical fibers.

Abstract: A receptacle for optically coupling with a plug from a set of plugs, each of the plugs in the set of plugs having a plug housing with a unique front face geometry and a ferrule disposed within the plug housing, the receptacle comprising: a tub having a plurality of walls that define an interior for receiving a plug, said tub interior having a tub interior geometry corresponding to one and only one unique front face geometry and defining by a ferrule guiding portion in the tub, wherein said ferrule guiding portion projects from one or more of the plurality of walls into the tub interior and includes a keying element in a predefined position within said receptacle interior, the keying element preventing mating engagement between the receptacle and the plugs of the set of plugs except for the plug having said corresponding unique front face geometry.

Abstract: An optical connector for optically connecting a first optical waveguide and second optical waveguide, includes a first connector module including a first fixing portion attached to a first board in such a manner that a fixed position is adjustable, a first connecting portion, a first ferrule to which the first optical waveguide is connected, and a guide pin attached to the first ferrule and provided with a tapered portion at a front end; and a second connector module including a second fixing portion fixed to a second board, a second connecting portion connectable to the first connecting portion of the first connector module, a second ferrule to which the second optical waveguide is connected and provided with a fitting hole that fits the guide pin, and a holding unit that movably holds the second ferrule.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly includes first and second sets of ferrules. The first set of ferrules includes a first ferrule supporting a first plurality of optical fibers including first and second groups of optical fibers, a second ferrule supporting a second plurality of optical fibers including third and fourth groups of optical fibers, and a third ferrule supporting a third plurality of optical fibers including fifth and sixth groups of optical fibers. The second set of ferrules includes a fourth ferrule and a fifth ferrule. The fourth ferrule supports optical fibers of the first, second, third, and fourth groups of optical fibers, and the fifth ferrule supports optical fibers of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth groups of optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical connecting member realizes an optical connecting between a multi-core fiber and a plurality of single-core fibers by a waveguide part which connects a first end face and a second end face. With the optical connecting member, a connected end which is connected to the first end face is a straight-line portion that is orthogonal to the first end face in each of the plurality of waveguide parts. In addition, a diverged end which is diverged to the second end face is a straight-line portion that is orthogonal to the second end face. Consequently, light that has passed through the waveguide parts is emitted from the first end face and the second end face substantially perpendicularly to the faces, thereby enabling optical connecting loss to be favorably inhibited.

Abstract: An MPO connector adapter to connect a first female MPO connector to a second female MPO connector includes a housing. An adapter ferrule is retained within the housing. First and second alignment pin sections extend from a first face of the adapter ferrule to mate with guide holes of the first female MPO connector. Third and fourth alignment pin sections extend from an opposite face of the adapter ferrule to mate with guide holes of the second female MPO connector. Optical fibers within the adapter ferrule couple optical signals from the first female MPO connector to the second female MPO connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical module 10) comprising a guiding element (30) adapted to guide optical radiation (P); a converting element (50, 200) adapted to convert received electrical energy into optical radiation or to convert received optical radiation into electrical energy; a mirror (70) arranged in the beam path (40) between the optical guiding element and the converting element and configured to optically connect the guiding element and the converting element; and a carrier (20) having a first surface section (22) for carrying the mirror and a second surface (23) section for carrying the converting element. The carrier is made of polymer material.

Abstract: A terminus assembly is provided for terminating an optical cable that includes a plastic optical fiber (POF) having a tip segment that includes a tip surface. The terminus assembly includes a shell that includes a cable passage. The cable passage is configured to receive at least a portion of a length of the optical cable therein such that the tip segment of the POF extends within the cable passage. A POF stub is held by the shell. The POF stub extends a length from a mating end to a fiber end. The mating end of the POF stub is configured to optically couple with a mating POF of a mating connector. The fiber end of the POF stub includes a coupling surface. The POF stub is held by the shell such that the fiber end extends within the cable passage of the shell. The coupling surface of the fiber end is configured to be aligned with the tip surface of the POF within the cable passage of the shell such that the POF stub is optically coupled to the POF.

Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.

Abstract: A connector comprising a base formed using a base material with an obverse face, a reverse face, and at least one wall member that defines the perimeter of the base; a multiplicity of inserts each having a first end and a second end, which extend through the base; wherein the inserts are of a different material than the base material, and the inserts are generally parallel to one another, wherein a single hole extends longitudinally through each of at least a subset of the inserts, and wherein each hole is configured to receive a single optical fiber; and a method of making the connector.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an optical Input/Output (I/O) connector, which has a central axis that is mounted in a plane and which is configured to connect to external optical fibers for transferring input optical signals to the apparatus and output optical signals from the apparatus. A first optical ferrule is mounted perpendicularly to the optical I/O connector in the plane, and is configured to transfer the input optical signals from the optical I/O connector to respective optical detectors. A second optical ferrule is mounted perpendicularly to the optical I/O connector in the plane, and is configured to transfer the output optical signals from respective optical emitters to the optical connector. A light rotation module is configured to bend and transfer the input and output optical signals between the optical I/O connector and the perpendicularly-mounted first and second optical ferrules.

Abstract: A reconfigurable polarity detachable connector assembly includes a housing defining two accommodation channels and providing a springy protruding member at a top side, two mating simplex connectors respectively detachably mounted in the accommodation channels of the housing, a fiber optic cable fastened to the housing with two optical fiber cores thereof respectively inserted into respective calibration support rods of the mating simplex connectors, and a sliding cap slidably coupled to the housing. The sliding cap is unlocked and can be moved backwardly relative to the housing to expose the optical fiber cores of the fiber optic cable to the outside of the housing for allowing position exchange between the two mating simplex connectors after the user presses the springy protruding member.

Abstract: In an optical connector, end faces of a pair of ferrules that hold multiple optical fibers are positioned with two guide pins and butted against each other to connect the optical fibers in the pair of ferrules. The optical connector is provided with an urging member for pushing the end faces against each other. The end faces are ground at an angle. The gap between the guide pins and guide holes, which open at the end faces and into which the guide pins are fitted, is larger than 0.004 mm and smaller than or equal to 0.008 mm. Powder caused by the friction generated when the guide pins are inserted and fitted into the guide holes is greatly reduced. Connection loss does not increase even when frequent connection and disconnection are performed, and cleaning the connector becomes unnecessary.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that enable a first bank, or array, of multi-optical fiber connector modules disposed in a plug that is mounted on a first structure to be simultaneously blind mated with a second bank of multi-optical fiber connector modules disposed on a receptacle that is mounted on a second structure. As the first and second structures are brought into engagement with one another, passive coarse alignment features on the plug and on the receptacle coarsely align the respective connector modules with one another. Then, as the respective connector modules begin to come into contact with one another, passive fine alignment features on the respective connector modules engage one another to finely align the respective connector modules such that their optical pathways are brought into precise optical alignment with one another.

Abstract: A photonic assembly includes a midplane connector having connector channels extending therethrough. Fiber optic connectors are positioned within the connector channels of the midplane connector. The fiber optic connectors retain ferrules of midplane optical fibers and aligning the ferrules of the midplane optical fibers within the midplane connector. A midplane substrate is provided having an opening extending therethrough. The midplane connector is positioned within the opening of the midplane substrate. The midplane connector floats within the opening of the midplane substrate to position the ferrules of the midplane optical fibers.

Abstract: Device for the coaxial connection of fiber-optic cables, comprising a single-piece coupling housing (10) and a single-piece sleeve mount (20), the sleeve mount (20) being designed with at least one latching nose (21) and the coupling housing (10) being designed with at least one latching mount which complements the at least one latching nose (21), wherein the latching mount is designed with at least one latching hook (14) and at least one stop (15).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical cable including plural waveguides each including plural optical channels and each of the waveguides and the optical channels having a first end and a second end. A central portion of each of the waveguides is displaced along a central longitudinal axis of the waveguides which traverses a central bifurcation line of the first and second connectors. A first optical channel connection pattern is formed on the first connector by the first ends of the optical channels of the waveguides connected thereto; and a second optical channel connection pattern formed on the second connector by the second ends of the optical channels of the waveguides connect to the second connector. The first optical channel connection pattern is a different pattern than the second optical channel connection pattern in relation to a connection hole pattern which is the same for both the first and second connectors.

Abstract: A multi-fiber fiber optic connector is configured to include a switchable polarity key that can be used to define first and second polarity configurations for the connector. The connector has a multi-fiber ferrule surrounded by an inner housing. The inner housing has top and bottom recesses sized to accommodate the polarity key. The polarity key is removably secured in either a top or bottom recess using a latching feature. The polarity of the connector can be switched by moving the polarity key from one position in the connector to the other rather than having to disassemble the connector.

Abstract: An optical cable including connectors includes a plurality of waveguide layers each including a plurality of optical channels each having a first end and a second end. First and second connectors each include a plurality of electrically conductive pins, and each of the plurality of optical channels of each of the waveguides, at their first and second ends, are connected to a specified pin on each of the first and second connectors, respectively. A first optical channel connection pattern on the first connector, and a second optical channel connection pattern on the second connector. The first optical channel connection pattern on the first connector is a different pattern than the second optical channel connection pattern on the second connector in relation to a connection hole pattern which is the same for both the first and second connectors.

Abstract: A male optical connector includes a connector body, a hollow pusher, a number of lenses, and two elastic shielding plates. The connector body defines a receiving hole with an opening and includes a connection surface in the receiving hole. The connection surface faces the opening. The pusher extends from the connector body and surrounds the receiving hole. The lenses are received in the receiving hole. The two elastic shielding plates have two fixed ends fixed to opposite sides of the pusher, and opposite free ends overlappable to cover the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a connector that connects to optical fibers for connecting first and second optical signals to the apparatus. A first optical ferrule is mounted perpendicularly to the connector, and transfers the first optical signals between the connector and first optical transducers mounted on a first substrate, via first holes formed in the first substrate. A second optical ferrule is mounted perpendicularly to the connector, and transfers the second optical signals between the connector and second optical transducers mounted on a second substrate, via second holes formed in the second substrate. A light rotation module bends and transfers the first and second optical signals between the connector and the first and second ferrules. One or more lenses are mounted between the first ferrule and the first holes, so as to couple the first optical signals via the first holes between the first ferrule and the first optical transducers.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a front housing and a rear housing movably coupled to the front housing between retracted and advanced positions. A drive mechanism is coupled to the rear housing that moves the rear housing from the retracted position to the advanced position. Fiber optic connectors are fixedly coupled to the rear housing with a mating end driven with respect to the front housing in a mating direction when the rear housing is moved from the retracted position to the advanced position. Optionally, the fiber optic connector assembly may be side-loaded into position with respect to a fixed connector assembly, and then the fiber optic connector is driven to the advanced position in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of loading.

Abstract: An optical connector system having a first optical connector, a plurality of second optical connectors, and a mounting system hosting the first optical connector and the second optical connectors. The mounting system can be formed integrally with at least one pluggable optical device. The system also has a mechanism arranged to connect the first optical connector to the second optical connectors. The system also includes at least one further pluggable optical device having at least one optical interface optically coupled to the first optical connector of the at least one pluggable optical device. In one example, the pluggable optical device is a CFP device, and the further pluggable optical device is a QSFP+. With this configuration, the QSFP+ can accommodate at least one of a 40 G and 10 G interface capability. Also provided is a connector system and an apparatus (e.g., pluggable optical device) that enable such a capability.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a ferrule for aligning optical transports within an optical connector for coupling to a mating optical connector for purposes of aligning the optical transports in the first connector with optical transports in the mating connector. The ferrule comprises a main body portion defining a longitudinal cavity running between a front face and the rear face of the main ferrule body. The cavity has an opening to a lateral side of the ferrule main body that permits the installation of optical transports into the cavity from a lateral direction (as well as still permitting longitudinal installation, if desired). A cover may be provided for closing off the lateral opening after the optical transports are installed in the cavity.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-fiber connector and a method of providing a secure fiber network, where the multi-fiber connector includes a housing; a multi-position ferrule disposed within the housing, the multi-position ferrule including a plurality of fiber holes arranged in a predetermined pattern; and at least one fiber. Each of the plurality of fiber holes is configured to receive one of the at least one fiber and each fiber is selectively inserted within one of the plurality of fiber holes at a selected position among the plurality of fiber holes. Additionally, only a portion of the plurality of fiber holes are populated with the at least one fiber and a remaining portion of the plurality of fiber holes are not populated with fibers.

Abstract: A fiber optic link connection system facilitates connection between two arrays of optical fibers. Two female-type connector plugs, each attached to a respective end of two fiber optic arrays, are inserted into the open ends of a connector guide sleeve. Two guide pins are captured by intrusions within the guide sleeve in order to mate with and align the two plugs. Guide capture pins and associated springs are disposed within the guide pin intrusions to capture the guide pins. Such an arrangement not only protects the guide pins from damage, but also promotes connector compatibility.