Flex Circuits Offer High-Density Capability

Stratos Optical Technologies now offers increased packaging density as a custom manufacturing option for its optical flex circuit products (see figure). The new optical flex circuit design is called the Shuffle because fiber channels can criss-cross each other for optimum routing paths. The high-density option allows OEMs to further miniaturize their circuits and lower assembly costs for in-device and between-device fiber management.

For fiber management between optical-electrical-optical (OEO) devices on a single rack, Shuffle flex circuits come with custom over-molding, which provides improved strain relief, custom mounting flexibility, and superior aesthetics. Custom over-molding also eliminates the need for additional cable management equipment or straps. For OEO devices operating in harsh environments, Stratos backplane flex circuits come with a chemical-resistant coating.

The flex circuit's design accommodates all fiber types, including single-mode, multimode, plastic, and radiation-hardened. The company can deliver 100% compatibility with all types of optical connectors. Standard features include controlled radii to eliminate fiber-optic bend loss, 3D fiber management, multifiber bus creation, and precision-match lengths. Operating temperature ranges from –40°C to 85°C.

Stratos Optical Technologies
www.stratosoptical.com

Optoelectronics Briefs
The latest optical isolators from TT electronics Optek Technology transfer data through a flexible plastic cable, using a visible red LED and either a phototransistor or Photologic sensor. The OPI1270, OPI1280, and OPI1290 employ a heavy-duty opaque housing to shield the optical signal, suiting them well for dusty environments. Isolation voltage is more than 20 kV with 0.5-in. lead spacing. Power dissipation is rated at 100 mW, with an operating range of –40°C to 100°C. Pricing starts at $3.45 each in quantities of 1000. Availability is stock to six to eight weeks. Check out www.optekinc.com.

The Series 60A multifunction control integrates an optical encoder, joystick, and pushbutton onto one shaft. The device replicates the functionality of a stationary mouse or four-way keypad often used with a visual display. The encoder's optically coupled, 2-bit digital output is more durable than traditional position-sensing products. The device is rated for 1 million rotational cycles and one-half-million joystick actuations in each direction. The 60A is terminated with a cable-connector assembly and is available with 18 or 20 detent positions per rotation. Average pricing is $26.96 each in lots of 1000. For details, go to www.grayhill.com.

Leveraging its proprietary nXLT technology, nLight has introduced a line of high-brightness, single-emitter diode lasers that output 1.5 W of optical power from a 150-µm wide emitter at 665, 680, and 690 nm. Available in C-mount or high-heat-load (HHL) packages, the devices target a wide variety of applications, including consumer, machine vision, photodynamic therapy, and DNA sequencing. Specific combinations of wavelength, power, and emitter width can be customized. Typical operating currents are about 2.1 A, with a compliance voltage of 2.2 V and a wall-plug efficiency of over 30%. For more information, go to www.nLight.net.

Focus on Optoelectronics (see table)