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FiberQA Blog

AVIT-DT Interchangeable Fixtures Inspect & Clean a Wide Variety of Fiber Optic Connector Types

Posted by Rachael Cates on Nov 1, 2017 1:06:53 PM

At FiberQA, we strive to strike a balance between standardization and customization, offering both off-the-shelf fixtures and full customization. Our software even comes pre-loaded with IEC specifications, while giving operators the freedom to adjust each setting to meet the more or less stringent needs of their own standards. 

As a result, all of our systems, especially our line of patented AVIT models, can accommodate a wide variety of connector types. The inspection window is covered by a fixture that easily locks in place and hold connectors stable for inspection and cleaning. The interchangeability makes it easy to switch from an off-the-shelf fixture to a fully customized fixture, and back again in seconds.

The 5”x5” window is large enough to fit any polishing plate, large volume of connectors, or modules, and the long working-distance optics eliminate the need for any invasive probes. These AVIT systems can be seamlessly incorporated into any quality control process, providing reliable test results that will eliminate supply chain friction and greatly increase productivity.

We currently have 4 types off-the-shelf fixtures for the AVIT-DT system: MTP, LC, Mil-Circular, and EPX. We can also engineer fully customized fixtures to meet the specific and unique needs of our customers. 
 
1. MTP Fixture
The MTP Fixture can hold up to 72 connectors in either horizontal or vertical (seen left) arrangements. We also developed both horizontal and vertical style cleaner cartridges so only one type is needed for all systems. Founder & CTO Doug Wilson says, “We’re willing to work with our customers. We really care about and think about how they’re 
going to use the system, and try to minimize the stocking requirement they have."
 
2. Single Ferrule
We currently have an 80 position LC Duplex fixture available (above, right), and an SC version in development.
 
 
3. Mil-Circular
There are several different fixtures for different shell sizes that have openings for 2 plugs and 2 receptacles per part, which are universally keyed.
 
4. EPX
FiberQA has also developed a 5-slot EPX fixture for use in both commercial and military aerospace application. You can see the EPX fixture installed on the AVIT-DT to the right, along with fixtures with a variety of shell size openings displayed next to it. 
 
5. Fully Customized
The sizable 5”x5” inspection window allows for any configuration of connector types. In theory, there could be one of every connector type on the fixture. The operator would simply have to define the fixture rules in the software and select the setting to initiate a test. The only limitation with having multiple ferrule types on the same fixture isthe cleaning capability. You are limited to a single cartridge type at any given time, so while the cartridge could clean MT ferrules with different numbers of fibers, it couldn’t also clean LC duplex connectors. If cleaning is not the priority, this is not an issue, but we do recommend fixtures be fairly homogenous to avoid this issue. If we determine that the customized fixture could be used by more customers, we will include it in our standard fixtures and remove the additional costs of engineering a one-off custom fixture. 
 
FiberQA’s main goal with the AVIT-DT system is to make it accessible for any customer, in any setting, only requiring an interchangeable fixture to adapt the system for their needs. We recognize that needs change, but the system as a whole does not have to. Updating how an operator uses the system should only be as difficult as unscrewing two hand-screws and attaching a new fixture. 
 
Have higher throughput needs? We also offer a large, floor standing AVIT-2020 system with a 20”x20” inspection window. Have a unique inspection requirement? We can meet it. We also offer a single-ferrule, inspection-only system, the FastMT
 

 
Contact our sales team today to discuss how we can help you increase your productivity while significantly lowering labor costs. Contact us at sales@fiberqa.com or call us at (860) 510-6581. 

Want to demo an AVIT system? We will be showing off our probe-style AVIT-BP and AVIT-RH systems at AVFOP next week in New Orleans. Charles DiSaverio from Lockheed Martin will be presenting a study we conducted with Lockheed and Cinch Connectivity during the conference. Subscribe to our blog so you can download the paper after it has been presented.
 

 

Upcoming Events:

AVFOP 7-9 November 2017 (New Orleans) 

  • 9 Nov @ 11:30 AM: Presentation of "Measuring Fiber End Face Inspection Microscope Reproducibility using Chrome on Glass Artifacts"

OFC Booth #2422 13-15 March 2018 (San Diego)

ECOC Booth #269 24-26 Sept 2018 (Rome, Italy)

 


 

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Topics: fiberoptic inspection, avit-dt