VeEX Optical Connector Protector System

VeEX’s patent-pending Connector Protector system offers a simple, field-replaceable solution to safeguard sensitive optical test ports from contamination and physical damage, without sacrificing performance or calibration.

Also known as the Field-Replaceable Optical Ferrule system, VeEX's patent-pending Optical Connector Protector solution extends instruments' lifespan by preventing calibrated optical test ports from getting damaged and allows test set users to replace the ferrule and end-face type (APC or UPC) in the field. It also offers field-replaceable universal connector types (e.g., SC, FC, LC).

Why is it necessary?

Connector damage has been a common cause of fiber optics test sets being returned to manufacturers’ service centers for repair, especially field equipment used in harsh environments, like OTDRs. Severe and permanent test port damage is a result of repeated mating with dirty, contaminated patch cords, launch reels, accidents or just general wear and tear over time. Damaged optical connector ports affect measurements' accuracy, performance and can damage other ports, so they must be replaced. Traditionally, such repairs required returning the instruments to the factory or authorized service center, to remove the damaged connector, splice a new one, recalibrate the instrument and ship it back, along with the associated approvals, logistics, cost and downtime.

Cracked Connector	Connector Damaged by Debris

Benefits and Highlights

Optical Connector Protector Benefits

Protects optical test ports' internal (calibrated) end-face from the damage associated with repeated mating and contamination.
Avoids costly repairs due to damaged connectors.
Eliminates the costly downtime of having to send test sets to a service center for connector replacement and recalibration.
Adds flexibility to switch between APC and UPC end-faces, as required by individual jobs.
Optimized design, in which only damaged ferrules get replaced, significantly minimizes carbon footprint, material waste and environmental impact.

Optical Connector Protector Highlights

Field-replaceable. No tools, splicing or expertise required.
Low insertion loss.
Ferrules are available in single-mode APC and UPC versions.
Connector Adapters1 available for SC, FC and LC form factors.
Internal (calibrated) APC end-faces are protected to prevent accidental touch and contamination. (Other replaceable optical cassette/module systems use regular SC connectors, which expose their internal end-faces to accidental contact and contamination during the exchange process.)
Cost-effective 4-pack APC or UPC spare ferrule replacement¹.
Available Protective Base Cover and Dust Cap options¹.
Existing test sets² may be retrofitted1 with this new solution, when sent to a service center for regular maintenance, repair or recalibration.
The most compact, robust and fully integrated optical connector protector solution available on the market.
International patent pending.

¹ Options sold separately

² Contact us for further details, product availability and cost

The Connector Protector Solution

This innovative optical ferrule system adds an extra layer of protection to the internal end-face of calibrated optical test ports, preventing contamination and accidental damage. This extends the instrument’s lifespan, reduces downtime and improves productivity.

Components

	The keyed Connector Adapters allow users to change the optical connector body type conveniently and safely whenever needed, keeping the calibrated internal connector protected throughout this simple routine process. Replaceable keyed connectors are available for SC, FC and LC.
	A Locking Ring secures the replaceable ferrule at its optimum position for the best performance.
	The internal Field-replaceable Ferrules allow users to replace a damaged end-face, or switch between APC and UPC end-faces for the optical test ports, adapting to any test application requirement. Its attached ceramic sleeve helps protect the internal end-face from accidental contact and contamination.
	The Optical Connector Protector Base is a fixed panel-mount base made from high-grade stainless steel using a precision CNC machining process, to guarantee proper alignment of the replaceable ferrule, minimizing insertion loss.

Users can order affordable spare ferrules to eliminate delays. In the event of any damage to the external optical end-face, users can quickly replace the cost-effective ferrule without the need for tools, maintaining the integrity of the instrument’s factory calibration. This novel approach eliminates the downtime, logistical hurdles and high cost associated with sending test sets to a service center for repairs and recalibration, or having to place orders for replacement connector cassettes/modules and wait for them to be delivered.