Providing Reliable Fibre Optic Solutions for Harsh Environments with Expanded Beam Cable Assemblies

Warren & Brown Technologies (WBT) is a telecommunications network infrastructure designer and manufacturer based in Australia. WBT specialises in creating solutions for harsh environments, providing reliable fibre optic networks for their customers. Their expanded beam fibre optic cable assemblies are designed to withstand challenging environments such as Mining, Oil & Gas, and Defence, where optical performance can be difficult to achieve. These connectors are also commonly used for broadcast applications and networking applications that require a higher bandwidth and ruggedised form factor with plug-and-play connectivity.

The expanded beam cable assembly design eliminates physical contact between connectors, using a precision lens to expand and parallel the light from the optical fibre. This results in a much larger active area that is less sensitive to contaminants, making it ideal for tactical or harsh environments. These non-contact connectors can provide high-accuracy connections over thousands of mating cycles without affecting optical performance.

WBT’s expanded beam cable assemblies are designed to withstand harsh conditions, including dirt, dust, mud, water, oil and other contaminants. Their ruggedised construction minimises the effects of shock, mechanical vibration, and environmental issues, making them resistant to damage even if run over by a truck.

WBT’s expanded beam cable assemblies are available in three connector sizes including WBT11, 13 and 15, which all have a protective window that makes them easy to clean without special servicing or cleaning equipment, making them ideal for field use in severe conditions. They also use a hermaphroditic design rather than traditional male and female connectors, allowing for simple and flexible connections without adaptors. Each cable can withstand up to 3000 mating cycles and offers two to six Optical Channels for Single or Multi-mode, or a combination of both.

Compared to traditional optical fibre cable, WBT’s expanded beam cable assemblies require minimal maintenance and have constant optical performance throughout their product life. Traditional connectors require regular cleaning and maintenance, which can only be performed by specially trained technicians. Even with regular maintenance, traditional connectors’ performance will degrade over time, leading to signal failure.

In conclusion, WBT’s expanded beam fibre optic cable assemblies have revolutionised the telecommunications network infrastructure industry in Australia. By developing a solution that can withstand tactical or harsh environments and requires minimal maintenance, WBT has provided customers with a reliable and cost-effective solution that meets their needs. The connectors’ unique features, such as their hermaphroditic design and protective window, have made them a popular choice for customers who require ruggedised, high-bandwidth connectivity. WBT’s continued commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction ensures that it will remain a leader in the telecommunications network infrastructure industry in Australia and beyond.

For more information, visit: https://wbnetworks.com.au/harsh-environments.