H
Crimpless Connectors for Plastic
Optical Fiber and Versatile Link
Technical Data
HFBR-4531
HFBR-4532
Features
Requires No Crimp Ring or
Crimping Tool
• Durable ULTEM® Plastic
Material (UL File #E121562)
• Same Low Cost as
HFBR-4501/4503 Series
Connectors
• Excellent Retention Force
• Symmetry in Nonlatching
Connector Gives
Simplex/Duplex
Functionality with the Same
Part
Applications
These connectors can be used for
any application in which plastic
optical fiber is used including:
• Industrial Control and
Voltage Isolation
• Automotive Networks
• Proprietary System
Interconnects
• Gaming Equipment
• Medical Equipment
• Telecommunications
• Datacommunications
Description
The HFBR-453X series connec-
tors are an enhanced version of
the HFBR-4501 and HFBR-4503
low-cost connectors for plastic
optical fiber, which are compat-
ible with HP’s versatile link series
transmitters and receivers. The
innovative design uses a simple,
snap-together concept which
eliminates the need for crimping.
This connector not only saves the
user labor and tool cost, but
reduces the yield loss due to
installation error.
The HFBR-453X series connectors
are available in two styles:
latching and non-latching. For a
duplex connector, two nonlatch-
ing simplex connectors can be
snapped together. The connec-
tors are made of a rugged, flame
retardant plastic which is good
for industrial and other harsh
environments. The HFBR-453X
series connectors are for use with
Plastic Optical Fiber only.
ULTEM® is a registered trademark of the General Electric Corporation.
2
Termination Guide
Step-by-Step Plastic Cable
Connectoring Instructions
The following step-by-step guide
describes how to terminate plastic
fiber optic cable. It is ideal for
both field and factory installa-
tions. Connectors can be easily
installed on cable ends with
standard tools such as wire
strippers and cutters.
Finishing the cable is accom-
plished with the Hewlett-Packard
HFBR-4593 Polishing Kit,
consisting of a polishing fixture,
600 grid abrasive paper and 3 µm
pink lapping film (3M Company,
OC3-14). The connector can be
used immediately after polishing.
The following materials are
needed for plastic fiber
termination:
1. Plastic optical fiber cable
(Example: HFBR-RUD500)
2. Wire cutters or scissors
3. 16 gauge wire stripper
(Example: Ideal Stripmaster
type 45-092)
4. HFBR-4593 polishing kit
(optional)
5. Crimpless connectors
Step 1: Stripping the Fiber
The zip cord structure of the
duplex cable permits easy
separation of the channels. The
channels should be separated a
minimum of 100 mm (4 in) to a
maximum of 150 mm (6 in) back
from the ends to permit connec-
toring, polishing and cable end
flexibility.
After cutting the cable to the
desired length, strip off
approximately 7 mm (0.3 in) of
the outer jacket with the 16
gauge wire strippers.
When using the duplex connector
arrangement, the separated
duplex cable should be stripped
to roughly equal lengths on each
cable end.
For the non-latching version
(HFBR-4531), the same
connector is used for simplex and
duplex arrangement. No crimping
is necessary. The top half of the
connector will snap into the
ferrule half to secure the fiber.
Step 2: Putting on the
Connector
Place the connector on each end
of the fiber, and slide the
connector down until the fiber
jacket stops it. The fiber should
protrude no less than 1.5 mm
(0.06 in) from the end of the
connector.
To install simplex connectors flip
the top half of the connector over
and snap it into the ferrule half
(with your fingers). When the top
half latches inside the body of the
ferrule half, proper connector-to-
cable attachment is achieved.
For duplex connector installation
place one connector on top of the
other, so that the top half of each
connector is over the ferrule half
of the opposite connector.
Manually press connectors
together in the center of the
arrangement. Then latch by
pressing on the sides of each
connector. As with the simplex
version, connectors are secured
when top halves latch into the
ferrule halves.
Step 3: Trimming and
Polishing
Any fiber in excess of 1.5 mm
(0.06 in) protruding from the
connector end should be cut off
with wire cutters or scissors.
Insert the connector fully into the
polishing fixture with the
trimmed fiber protruding from
the bottom of the fixture. This
plastic polishing fixture can be
used to polish two simplex
connectors simultaneously or one
duplex connector.
3
Note: The four dots on the
bottom of the polishing fixture
are wear indicators. Replace
the polishing fixture when any
dot is no longer visible.
Press the polishing tool down on
the 600 grit abrasive paper.
Polish the fiber using a figure
eight pattern until the connector
is flush with the bottom of the
polishing fixture. Wipe the
connector and fixture with a
clean cloth or tissue.
HFBR-4593 Polishing Kit
Note: Use of the pink lapping
film fine polishing step results
in approximately 2 dB
improvement in coupling
performance of either a
transmitter-receiver link or a
bulkhead/splice over a 600 grit
polish alone. This fine polish is
comparable to the Hewlett-
Packard factory polish. The
fine polishing step may be
omitted for short link lengths.
Step 4: Finishing
Place the flush connector and
polishing fixture on the dull side
of the 3 µm pink lapping film and
continue to polish the fiber in the
same figure eight pattern for
approximately 25 strokes. The
fiber end should be flat, smooth
and clean.
4
Connector Mechanical Characteristics
Parameter Part Number Symbol Min. Typ. Units Temp (°C)
Retention Force to HFBR-0501 Series HFBR- 4531 FR-C 3 8 N +25
HFBR-4532 47 80
Retention Force to HFBR-0508 Series HFBR- 4531 8 12
Tensile Force, Connector to Cable HFBR- 4531 FT40 50 -40 to +85
HFBR-4532
Notes:
1. Storage and operating temperatures refer to the ranges over which the connectors can be used when not subjected to mechanical
stress. Installation temperature refers to the ranges over which connectors may be installed onto the fiber and over which
connectors can be connected and disconnected from the transmitter and receiver modules.
HFBR-4531/4532
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter Symbol Min. Max. Unit Note
Storage Temperature TS-40 85 °C1
Operating Temperature TO-40 85 °C1
Installation Temperature TI070°C1
Mechanical Dimensions
All dimensions are in inches and (millimeters)
HFBR-4531 (Nonlatching):
5
HFBR-4531 in Duplex Configuration
HFBR-4532 (Latching):
6
H
For technical assistance or the location of
your nearest Hewlett-Packard sales office,
distributor or representative call:
Americas/Canada: 1-800-235-0312 or
408-654-8675
Far East/Australasia: (65) 290-6305
Japan: (81 3) 3331-6111
Europe: Call your local HP sales office
listed in your telephone directory. Ask for
a Components representative.
Data subject to change.
Copyright © 1996 Hewlett-Packard Co.
Printed in U.S.A. 5965-1659E (9/96)