Plastic Optical Fiber
Cable and Accessories for
Versatile Link
Technical Data
Features
• Compatible with Agilent
Versatile Link Family of
Connectors and Fiber Optic
Components
• 1 mm Diameter Plastic
Optical Fiber (POF) in Two
Grades: Low Cost Standard
POF with 0.22 dB/m Typical
Attenuation, or High
Performance Extra Low Loss
POF with 0.19 dB/m Typical
Attenuation
Applications
• Industrial Data Links for
Factory Automation and
Plant Control
• Intra-System Links; Board-
to-Board, Rack-to-Rack
• Telecommunications
Switching Systems
• Computer-to-Peripheral Data
Links, PC Bus Extension
• Proprietary LANs
• Digitized Video
• Medical Instruments
• Reduction of Lightning and
Voltage Transient
Susceptibility
• High Voltage Isolation
Cable Description
The HFBR-R/EXXYYY series of
plastic fiber optic cables are
constructed of a single step-index
fiber sheathed in a black poly-
ethylene jacket. The duplex fiber
consists of two simplex fibers
joined with a zipcord web.
Standard attenuation and extra
low loss POF cables are identical
except for attenuation
specifications.
Polyethylene jackets on all plastic
fiber cables comply with UL VW-1
flame retardant specification (UL
file # E89328).
Cables are available in
unconnectored or connectored
options. Refer to the Ordering
Guide for part number
information.
HFBR-RXXYYY Series (POF)
HFBR-EXXYYY Series (POF)
Figure 1. Typical POF Attenuation vs.
Wavelength.
α
R
– ATTENUATION – dB/km
620
500
100
λ – WAVELENGTH – nm
660
300
400
680640 700
200
2
Plastic Optical Fiber Specifications: HFBR-R/EXXYYY
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter Symbol Min. Max. Unit Note
Storage and Operating Temperature TS,O -55 +85 °C
Recommended Operating Temperature TO-40 +85 °C
Installation Temperature TI-20 +70 °C1
Short Term Tensile Single Channel FT50 N 2
Dual Channel FT100 N
Short Term Bend Radius r 25 mm 3, 4
Long Term Bend Radius r 35 mm
Long Term Tensile Load FT1N
Flexing 1000 Cycles 4
Mechanical/Optical Characteristics, T
A = -40 to +85°C unless otherwise specified.
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ.[5] Max. Unit Condition
Cable Standard Cable, αO0.15 0.22 0.27 dB/m Source is HFBR-15XX
Attenuation Type "R" (660 mm LED, 0.5 NA)
Extra Low Loss, 0.15 0.19 0.23 = 50 meters
Type "E"
Reference Standard Cable, αR0.12 0.19 0.24 dB/m Source is 650 nm,
Attenuation Type "R" 0.5 NA monochrometer,
Extra Low Loss, 0.12 0.16 0.19 = 50 meters
Type "E" Note 7, Figure 1
Numerical Aperture NA 0.46 0.47 0.50 >2 meters
Diameter, Core and Cladding DC0.94 1.00 1.06 mm
Diameter, Jacket DJ2.13 2.20 2.27 mm Simplex Cable
Propagation Delay Constant l/v 5.0 ns/m Note 6
Mass per Unit Length/Channel 5.3 g/m Without Connectors
Cable Leakage Current IL12 nA 50 kV, = 0.3 meters
Refractive Index Core n 1.492
Cladding 1.417
Notes:
1. Installation temperature is the range over which the cable can be bent and pulled
without damage. Below -20°C the cable becomes brittle and should not be subjected to
mechanical stress.
2. Short Term Tensile Force is for less than 30 minutes.
3. Short Term Bend Radius is for less than 1 hour nonoperating.
4. 90° bend on 25 mm radius mandrel. Bend radius is the radius of the mandrel around
which the cable is bent.
5. Typical data are at 25°C.
6. Propagation delay constant is the reciprocal of the group velocity for propagation delay
of optical power. Group velocity is v=c/n where c is the velocity of light in free space
(3xl08 m/s) and n is the effective core index of refraction.
7. Note that αR rises at the rate of about 0.0067 dB/°C, where the thermal rise refers to
the LED temperature changes above 25°C. Please refer to Figure 1 which shows the
typical plastic optical fiber attenuation versus wavelength at 25°C.
Force
3
HFBR-4503/4513 — Simplex Latching
The simplex latching connector is
designed for rugged applications
requiring a greater retention force
— 80 Newtons ( 18 lb.) — than
provided by a simplex nonlatching
connector. When inserting the
simplex latching connector into a
module, the connector latch
mechanism should be aligned
with the top surface of the
horizontal modules, or with the
tall vertical side of the vertical
modules. Misalignment of an
inserted latching connector into
either module will not result in a
positive latch. The connector is
released by depressing the rear
section of the connector lever,
and then pulling the connector
assembly away from the module
housing.
The simplex latching connector is
available in gray (HFBR-4503) or
blue (HFBR-4513).
DUPLEX CONNECTOR STYLES
HFBR-4506 — Duplex
Duplex connectors provide con-
venient duplex cable termination
and are keyed to prevent incorrect
insertion into duplex configured
modules. The duplex connector is
compatible with dual combina-
tions of horizontal or vertical
Versatile Link components (e.g.,
two horizontal transmitters, two
vertical receivers, a horizontal
transmitter with a horizontal
receiver, etc.). The duplex non-
HFBR-4526
Plastic Fiber Connector
Styles
Connector Description
Four connector styles are available
for termination of plastic optical
fiber: simplex, simplex latching,
duplex and duplex latching. All
connectors provide a snap-in
action when mated to Versatile
Link components. Simplex
connectors are color coded to
facilitate identification of trans-
mitter and receiver connections.
Duplex connectors are keyed so
that proper orientation is ensured
during insertion. If the POF cable/
connector will be used at extreme
operating temperatures or
experience frequent and wide
temperature cycling effects, the
cable/connector attachment can
be strengthened with an RTV
adhesive (see Plastic Connector-
ing Instructions for more detail).
The connectors are made of a
flame retardant VALOX UL94 V-0
material (UL file # E121562).
SIMPLEX CONNECTOR STYLES
HFBR-4501/4511 — Simplex
The simplex connector provides a
quick and stable connection for
applications that require a
component-to-connector retention
force of 8 Newtons (1.8 lb.).
These connectors are available in
gray (HFBR-4501) or blue
(HFBR-4511).
latching connector is available in
parchment, off-white (HFBR-
4506).
HFBR-4516 — Duplex Latching
The duplex latching connector is
designed for rugged applications
requiring greater retention force
than the nonlatching duplex con-
nector. When inserting the duplex
latching connector into a module,
the connector latch mechanism
should be aligned with the top
surface of the dual combination of
horizontal or vertical Versatile
Link components. The duplex
latching connector is available in
gray (HFBR-4516).
Feedthrough/Splice
HFBR-4505/4515 Bulkhead Adapter
The HFBR-4505/4515 adapter
mates two simplex connectors for
panel/bulkhead feedthrough of
HFBR-4501/4511 terminated
plastic fiber cable. Maximum
panel thickness is 4.1 mm (0.16
inch). This adapter can serve as a
cable in-line splice using two
simplex connectors. The adapters
are available in gray (HFBR-
4505) and blue (HFBR-4515).
This adapter is not compatible
with POF duplex, POF simplex
latching, or HCS connectors.
,
HFBR-4526
, HFBR-4525
HFBR-4525
4
Plastic Optical Fiber Connector Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter Symbol Min. Max. Unit Note
Storage and Operating Temperature TS,O -40 85 °C1
Recommended Operating Temperature TO-40 85 °C1
Installation Temperature Tl070 °C1
Nut Torque TN0.7 N-m 2
100 OzF-in.
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 transmitter and receiver modules.
2. Recommended nut torque is 0.57 N-m.
Plastic Optical Fiber Connector Mechanical/Optical Characteristics
T
A = -40 to +85°C, Unless Otherwise Specified.
Parameter Part Number Symbol Min. Typ.[1] Max. Units Temp. °C Note
Retention Force, Simplex, FR-C 7 8 N +25 2
Connector to HFBR-4501/4511 3 -40 to +85
Simplex Latching, 47 80 +25
HFBR-4503/4513 11 -40 to +85
Duplex, 7 12 +25
HFBR-4506 4 -40 to +85
Duplex Latching, 50 80 +25
HFBR-4516 15 -40 to +85
Tensile Force, Simplex, FT8.5 22 N 3
Connector to Cable HFBR-4501/4511
Simplex Latching, 8.5 22
HFBR-4503/4513
Duplex, HFBR-4506 14 35
Duplex Latching, 14 35
HFBR-4516
Adapter Connector HFBR-4505/4515 with αCC 0.7 1.5 2.8 dB 25 4, 5
to Connector Loss HFBR-4501/4511
Retention Force HFBR-4505/4515 with FR-B 78 N
Connector to Adapter HFBR-4501/4511
Insertion Force, Simplex, FI830N 6
HFBR-4501/4511
Simplex Latching, 16 35
HFBR-4503/4513
Duplex, HFBR-4506 13 46
Duplex Latching 22 51
HFBR-4516
Notes:
1. Typical data are at +25°C.
2. No perceivable reduction in retention force was observed after 2000 insertions. Retention force of non-latching connectors is lower at
elevated temperatures. Latching connectors are recommended for applications where a high retention force at high temperatures is
desired.
3. For applications where frequent temperature cycling over temperature extremes is expected, please contact Agilent Technologies for
alternate connectoring techniques.
4. Minimum and maximum limit for αCC for 0°C to +70°C temperature range. Typical value of αCC is at +25°C.
5. Factory polish or field polish per recommended procedure.
6. Destructive insertion force was typically at 178 N (40 lb.).
HFBR-4505/4515 Adapter
Versatile Link
Transmitters and
Receivers
Connector to
Versatile Link
Transmitters and
Receivers
5
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 installation.
Connectors can be easily installed
on cable ends with wire strippers,
cutters and a crimping tool.
Finishing the cable is accom-
plished with the Agilent
HFBR-4593 Polishing Kit, consist-
ing of a Polishing Fixture, 600
grit abrasive paper and 3 µm pink
lapping film (3M Company,
OC3-14). The connector can be
used immediately after polishing.
Materials needed for plastic fiber
termination are:
1. Agilent Plastic Optical Fiber
Cable (Example: HFBR-
RUS500, HFBR-RUD500,
HFBR-EUS500, or HFBR-
EUD500)
2. Industrial Razor Blade or Wire
Cutters
3. 16 Gauge Latching Wire
Strippers (Example: Ideal
StripmasterTM type 45-092).
4. HFBR-4597 Crimping Tool
5. HFBR-4593 Polishing Kit
6. One of the following
connectors:
a) HFBR-4501/4503 Gray
Simplex/Simplex Latching
Connector and HFBR-4525
Simplex Crimp Ring
b) HFBR-4511/4513 Blue
Simplex/Simplex Latching
Connector and HFBR-4525
Simplex Crimp Ring
c) HFBR-4506 Parchment (off-
white) Duplex Connector
and HFBR-4526 Duplex
Crimp Ring
d) HFBR-4516 Gray Latching
Duplex Connector and
HFBR-4526 Duplex Crimp
Ring
Step 1
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
connectoring and polishing.
After cutting the cable to the
desired length, strip off approxi-
mately 7 mm (0.3 in.) of the outer
jacket with the 16 gauge wire
strippers. Excess webbing on the
duplex cable may have to be
trimmed to allow the simplex or
simplex latching connector to
slide over the cable.
When using the duplex connector
and duplex cable, the separated
duplex cable must be stripped to
equal lengths on each cable. This
allows easy and proper seating of
the cable into the duplex
connector.
Step 2
Place the crimp ring and connec-
tor over the end of the cable; the
fiber should protrude about 3 mm
(0.12 in.) through the end of the
connector. Carefully position the
ring so that it is entirely on the
connector with the rim of the
crimp ring flush with the connec-
tor, leaving a small space between
the crimp ring and the flange.
Then crimp the ring in place with
the crimping tool. One crimp tool
is used for all POF connector
crimping requirements.
For applications with extreme
temperature operation or frequent
temperature cycling, improved
connector to cable attachment
can be achieved with the use of an
RTV (GE Company, RTV-128 or
Dow Corning 3145-RTV)
adhesive. The RTV is placed into
the connector prior to insertion of
the fiber and the fiber is crimped
normally. The connector can be
polished after the RTV has cured
and is then ready for use.
Note: By convention, place the
gray connector on the trans-
mitter cable end and the blue
connector on the receiver cable
end to maintain color coding
(different color connectors are
mechanically identical).
Simplex connector crimp rings
cannot be used with duplex con-
nectors and duplex connector
crimp rings cannot be used
with simplex connectors because
of size differences. The simplex
crimp has a dull luster appear-
ance; the duplex ring is glossy
and has a thinner wall.
6
Step 3
Any excess fiber protruding from
the connector end may be cut off;
however, the trimmed fiber
should extend at least 1.5 mm
(0.06 in) from the connector end.
Insert the connector fully into the
polishing fixture with the trimmed
fiber protruding from the bottom
of the fixture. This plastic polish-
ing fixture can be used to polish
two simplex connectors or simplex
latching connectors simultane-
ously, or one duplex connector.
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.
Typically, the polishing fixture
can be used 10 times; 10 duplex
connectors or 20 simplex
connectors, two at a time.
Place the 600 grit abrasive paper
on a flat smooth surface, pressing
down on the connector, polish the
fiber and the connector using a
figure eight pattern of strokes
until the connector is flush with
the bottom of the polishing
fixture. Wipe the connector and
fixture with a clean cloth or
tissue.
Step 4
Place the flush connector and
polishing fixture on the dull side
of the 3 µm pink lapping film and
continue to polish the fiber and
connector for approximately 25
strokes. The fiber end should be
flat, smooth and clean.
This cable is now ready for use.
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 Agilent
factory polish. The fine
polishing step may be omitted
where an extra 2 dB of optical
power is not essential, as with
short link lengths. Proper
polishing of the tip of the fiber/
connector face results in a tip
diameter between 2.5 mm
(0.098 in.) minimum and 3.2
mm (0.126 in.) maximum..
HFBR-4593 Polishing Kit
7
Ordering Guide for POF
Cable
For Example:
HFBR-RUD500 is a Standard
Attenuation, Unconnectored,
Duplex, 500 meter cable.
HFBR-RLS001 is a Standard
Attenuation, Latching Simplex
Connectored, Simplex, 1 meter
cable.
HFBR-RMD010 is a Standard
Attenuation, Standard Duplex
Connectored, Duplex, 10 meter
cable.
HFBR-RMD100 is a Standard
Attenuation, Standard Duplex
Connectored, Duplex, 100 meter
cable.
Connector Code
U = Unconnectored
N = Standard Simplex Connectors
L = Latching Simplex Connectors
M = Standard Duplex Connectors
T = Latching Duplex Connectors
Cable Code
R = Standard Attenuation POF
E = Extra Low Loss POF
HFBR-
Channel Code
S = Simplex Cable
D = Duplex Zipcord Cable
Length Code (measured from tip of
connector to tip of connector)
1-500 meters in 1 meter increments
e.g. 015 = 15 meters
1-10 meters in 1 decimeter increments
e.g. 15D = 1.5 meters
Ordering Guide for POF Connectors and Accessories
Plastic Optical Fiber Connectors
HFBR-4501 Gray Simplex Connector/Crimp Ring
HFBR-4511 Blue Simplex Connector/Crimp Ring
HFBR-4503 Gray Simplex Latching Connector with Crimp Ring
HFBR-4513 Blue Simplex Latching Connector with Crimp Ring
HFBR-4506 Parchment Duplex Connector with Crimp Ring
HFBR-4516 Gray Duplex Latching Connector with Crimp Ring
HFBR-4505 Gray Adapter (Bulkhead/Feedthrough)
HFBR-4515 Blue Adapter (Bulkhead/Feedthrough)
Plastic Optical Fiber Accessories
HFBR-4522 500 HFBR-0500 Products Port Plugs
HFBR-4525 1000 Simplex Crimp Rings
HFBR-4526 500 Duplex Crimp Rings
HFBR-4593 Polishing Kit (one polishing tool, two pieces 600 grit
abrasive paper, and two pieces 3 µm pink lapping film)
HFBR-4597 Plastic Fiber Crimping Tool
Cable Length Tolerances:
The plastic cable length
tolerances are: +10%/-0%.
NOTE: By convention, pre-
connectored simplex POF cables
have gray and blue colored
connectors on the opposite ends
of the same fiber; although
oppositely colored, the
connectors are mechanically
identical. Duplex POF cables with
duplex connectors use color-
coded markings on the duplex
fiber cable to differentiate
between the channel.
Note: Not all possible combinations reflect available part numbers. Please contact
your local Agilent representative for a list of current available cable part numbers.
Bulkhead Feedthrough or Panel Mounting for HFBR-4501/4511 Simplex Connectors
Attachment to Agilent Versatile Link Fiber Optic Components
Connector Applications
Versatile Link Mechanical Dimensions
All dimensions in mm (inches).
All dimensions ±0.25 mm unless otherwise specified.
Fiber Optic Cable Dimensions
Bulkhead Feedthrough with Two HFBR-4501/
4511 Connectors
HFBR-4505 (Gray)/4515 (Blue) Adapters
Panel Mounting – Bulkhead Feedthrough
1.0 POF
(0.039)
0.230
HCS
(0.009)
Versatile Link Mechanical Dimensions, continued
HFBR-4516 (Parchment) Duplex Latching
Connector
HFBR-4503 (Gray)/4513 (Blue) Simplex
Latching Connector
HFBR-4506 (Parchment) Duplex Connector
HFBR-4501 (Gray)/4511 (Blue) Simplex
Connector
10
www.agilent.com/semiconductors
For product information and a complete list of
distributors, please go to our web site.
For technical assistance call:
Americas/Canada: +1 (800) 235-0312 or
(408) 654-8675
Europe: +49 (0) 6441 92460
China: 10800 650 0017
Hong Kong: (+65) 6271 2451
India, Australia, New Zealand: (+65) 6271 2394
Japan: (+81 3) 3335-8152(Domestic/Interna-
tional), or 0120-61-1280(Domestic Only)
Korea: (+65) 6271 2194
Malaysia, Singapore: (+65) 6271 2054
Taiwan: (+65) 6271 2654
Data subject to change.
Copyright © 2002 Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Obsoletes 5963-3711E
April 6, 2002
5988-3625EN