PRESS RELEASE

19 March 2015

Contact:
Ashlee Kreiser TE Connectivity 717-986-7054 ashlee.kreiser@te.com

TE Connectivity Announces FullAXS Mini and MXC Connectors Demonstrates New Connectors at OFC 2015

Harrisburg, Pa. – March 19, 2015 – TE Connectivity (TE), a world leader in connectivity, today announced its new FullAXS Mini connector sealing system and cable assemblies, a major step toward reducing the physical footprint and reducing installation costs of wireless outdoor products. In addition, TE is introducing its next-generation MXC optical connector, which increases front panel density by 40 percent. TE will showcase these new connectors at OFC 2015 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California on March 24-26.
 
FullAXS Mini Connector Sealing System Reduces Wireless Installation Costs
 
XTTA connectivity for the wireless market requires small solutions. FullAXS Mini connectors and cable assemblies recognize this need and build on the success of FullAXS by reducing the footprint and outer dimensions of the IP67 FullAXS Mini XTTA connectivity. The FullAXS Mini platform represents a rugged XTTA solution incorporating fiber optic and copper interconnects for both factory-made and field-installable cable assemblies. FullAXS Mini enclosures are scalable and easy to install, making them the perfect solution for wireless outdoor applications, no matter how tough the environment.
 
In a live demonstration at OFC booth 1417, TE will demonstrate the one-hand, foolproof installation of the FullAXS Mini product range. With these features and improved functionality, TE is enabling installers to reduce overall installation costs.
 
High Density Optical Connectivity Solutions
 
TE offers a variety of high-density, multi-fiber interface connections for front & rear panel applications.  In OFC booth 1417, TE will showcase both the emerging MXC and industry standard MTP interfaces in a side-by-side demonstration.
 
MTP connections are common throughout datacenters, network central offices, and optical networks. The MTP cables assemblies can accommodate a variety of cable layouts and designs - multimode and singlemode fiber types, LSZH/OFNP/OFNR cable types, breakout configurations, varying lengths, and fiber counts up to 48 fiber/ferrule.  This versatility has made the MTP a workhorse for high density datacenter optical interconnect.
 
The MXC connector is designed to support the next generation of optical connectivity— offering up to 64 fibers/ferrule.  The MXC is not a conventional physical contact connector but is based upon an expanded beam lensed ferrule, which helps improve dust and dirt immunity.   MXC uses a collimating lens structure to expand the ‘optical beam’ by approximately a factor of 4x relative the fiber core.  MXC also has fewer parts than conventional MTP connectors and implements a simpler latching mechanism.  MXC and expanded beam technology eliminates polishing end face geometry variability, reducing the sources of variability in optical connections.
 
TE is pleased to bring the MXC to market for next gen application, and continues to be go-to partner for all industry standard optical interconnects.
 
“Surer connections, higher density and easier installation are the drivers behind our connector development efforts, and the FullAXS-Mini and MXC connectors exemplify these attributes,” said Erin Byrne, Optics Engineering Director at TE. “These products once again place TE Connectivity at the forefront of optical network connectivity innovation, and we expect them to become standard parts as vendors increasingly adopt them.”