Technical Paper I
opticalCON QUAD®

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Content12345678
9Vibration....................................................................................................................................... 3Dust............................................................................................................................................... 6
Change of Temperature............................................................................................................... 8
Cable Retention............................................................................................................................ 9Impact.......................................................................................................................................... 10Flexing......................................................................................................................................... 12
Mating Durability....................................................................................................................... 13
Advanced Durability Test........................................................................................................... 18
Cable Drum................................................................................................................................. 19

Technical Paper – opticalCON QUAD
Title: NTP05© NEUTRIK® AG. All rights reserved.

Subject:
Mechanical and optical tests applied to the opticalCON® transmission
system for Pro Audio / Video industry purposes with main focus onchanges in attenuation.
Optical performance is being examined with regard to attenuationand its variation vs. environmental and mechanical conditions.
This documentation describes the results of the test series conductedat Neutrik AG and University of Applied Sciences of TechnologyBuchs NTB.

2The tests were carried out in accordance with the IEC-Standard
main groups IEC 60794 and IEC 61300 as well as to Neutrik internalspecifications.

NEUTRIK AG is not to be held liable for statements and declarations
given in this technical paper.
NEUTRIK AG explicitly exonerates itself from all liability for mistakes
in this white paper.

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1

Optical AttenuationObject:Examination of following components, receptacle NO4FDW-A, opticalCON QUAD NKO4* cable connector.
The intention of the test was to determine their attenuation in a fiber optic system and the performance
before, during and after the vibration test.
The test was carried out by an independent laboratory: NTB, “Interstaatliche Hochschule für Technik
Buchs” division “Labor Mess- und Simulationstechnik” located in Buchs / Switzerland.
Test Set-Up:
For the vibration test six receptacles NO4FDW-A were mounted. The front side was mated with a NKO4M*
opticalCON QUAD cable. The rear end was connected with the test instrument via precision measuringcables (fig. 2.a).
The applied test set-up complies with IEC 61300-2-1:2004.
Shaker:Floor cloth:
Software:
Interface:
Light source (1310 nm):Light source (850 nm):Power Monitor:
Power Meter:
Wavelength:		
Frequency range:
Amplitude displacement:
Sweep rate:
Number of sweeps:
Axis:

Technical Paper – opticalCON QUAD

Tira TV56263/LS-340 (Serial Nr. 001/09)
Dytran 3136A (Serial Nr. 1313)
Labworks Inc. Vibe Lab Pro (Version VL144x-4.0)
VL144x-R02
09451106
09260003#59451312
FOMD-FM-MM
1.310 nmsingle-mode
850 nmmultimode
10 – 55 Hz sinusoidal
1.52 mm (3.04 mm p-p)
2 min/cycle
15X, Y, Z

3

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After 15 cycles the receptacles were changed to the next axis without disconnecting the pugs to avoid
any mismatching.
Results:
Measurement during vibrations showed no variation in attenuation. The locking mechanism withstands
this extreme vibration without any problems, i. e. no separation or functional deteriorization occurred.

figure 1.afigure 1.b

Figure 1.a and 1.b exhibit the test setup for vibration test and figure 1.c the measuring equipment(power monitor, power meter) to monitor theattenuation during test procedure.

figure 1.c4Technical Paper – opticalCON QUAD

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Object:Examination of the sealing dust cover SCNO-FDW-A to analyze the performance and mechanical durability
during defined vibration cycles.
The applied test set-up complies with IEC 61300-2-1:2004.

figure 1.d: Test Setup

Vibration Severity:
Shaker:Frequency range:
Amplitude displacement:
Test components:		
Axis:

Brüel&Kjaer Mini Shaker Type 4810 and Neutrik Frequency Generator
10 Hz – 18 kHz
1.75 mm (3.5 mm peak-peak) @ 40Hz
NO4FDW-A (opticalCON QUAD chassis)
SCNO-FDW-A (sealing dust cover)
X, Y, Z

Test Results:
No reasonable mechanical degradation of the sealing dust cover during and after vibration test.

figure 1.eTechnical Paper – opticalCON QUAD

figure 1.f5

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2Dust

Object:Variations of attenuation due to massive dust penetration. The test was accomplished with single mode
cables where pollution on the fiber is much more critical as on multimode fibers.
The test was carried out by an independent laboratory: Electrosuisse, test laboratory PQ/PIK in 8320
Fehraltorf, Switzerland.
Test Set-Up:
The OpticalCON QUAD connector was exposed to dust from both sides in wired condition for 60 minutes.
The built-in sealing shutters protected the optical conductor at the front side, the plugged-in LC-Duplex
connectors shielded the rear side.
Test procedure according IEC 61753-1-1 Tab. A5 Test No.16 and IEC 61300-3-4
Receptacle:
Particle size:
Dust type:
Temperature:
Relative humidity:
Duration of penetration:
Launch cables:
Wavelength:
Test Instruments:		

NO4FDW-A
d < 150 μm
talcum powder
22.5 °C
50%
1h
LC/LC patch cables (single-mode)
1.550 nm
EXFO FLS-600
light source
EXFO FPM-600
power meter

Results:
RECEPTACLE

BLUE

GREEN

CONNECTION

INITIAL [dB]

AFTER DUST TEST [dB]

DIFFERENCE [dB]

WAVELENGTH [nm]

AàB

0.19

0.27

0.08

1.550

BàA

0.47

0.60

0.13

1.550

aàb

0.27

0.29

0.02

1.550

bàa

0.35

0.40

0.05

1.550

AàB

0.07

0.12

0.05

1.550

BàA

0.27

0.37

0.10

1.550

aàb

0.14

0.14

0.00

1.550

bàa

0.33

0.38

0.05

1.550

The maximum difference between initial and after dust measuring of the insertion loss at 1.550 nm is 0.13 dB.
Additional visual inspection of the ferrule surface couldn’t indicate essential soil remains.

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The measurement cables (figure 2.b) are covered witha plastic bag to avoid pollution on powermeter.

< figure 2.b

Figure 2.c exhibit two opticalCON chassis
NO4FDW-A with silicon gaskets SCDP*. On therear side there are standard single-mode LC/LC
patch cables plugged (figure 2.d.). To avoid dust on
the ferrules, the unconnected LCs are sealed with aplastic bag.

< figure 2.cfigure 2.dfigure 2.eAfter dust test: The opticalCON QUAD chassis NO4FDW-A are completely covered with talcum particle
on the front and rear side (fig. 2.d and 2.e). The measured attenuation (figure 2.a) establishes only small
variation of the attenuation values after dust test.

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3

Change of Temperature

Object:Variations in attenuation due to temperature changes.
The test was arranged with a single mode cable drum which is more critical than multimode fibers.
Test Set-Up:
Test procedure according to IEC 61300-2-22.
The test was realized in a temperature testing chamber type WEISS WK11-180/40.
Test cycles:
Profile of temperature:
Light source:
Power meter
Launching cables:
Measuring wave lengths:
Cable length:

24 h-45 °C to +80 °C
EXFO FLS-600
EXFO FPM-600
0.9 mm precision fibres, assembled by H&S
1.310 nmsingle mode
15 mon drum

Test Results:
TIME [h]ATTENTUATION[dB]

RETURN LOSS [dB]

TIME [h]ATTENTUATION[dB]

RETURN LOSS [dB]

Start

0.11

54.8

140.18

62.2

20.16

61.1

16

0.18

61.7

4

0.18

61.6

18

0.16

61.1

6

0.18

62.0

20

0.15

61.1

8

0.17

61.5

22

0.18

61.5

10

0.18

62.2

24

0.19

61.6

120.1962.2

figure 3.a

The attenuation varied from 0.11 dB to maximum 0.19 dB within 24 hours. The values are in the Neutrik’s
attenuation and return loss limits and so for field application with temperature variations suitable.
Temperature Profile:
Temperature [°C]7550250-250123
LIMITS OF TEMPERATURE: +75 °C / -25 °C

45Temperatur

6Time [h]figure 3.a: Increase of the IL due to temperature change

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4

Cable Retention

Object:
Test of the cable retention efficiency. The opticalCON QUAD cables NKO4* were exposed to tractive forces
until the cable started to move.
Test Set-Up:
The applied test procedure is referred to IEC 61300-2-4.
Tension test device:
Force tester:
Cable type:Versa Test Mecmesin 0 – 1.000 N
AFG-R 1.000 N Mecmesin
NKO4S-A-0-5

Results:
The opticalCON QUAD cable is tested and approved for > 500 N without any quality and function adverseeffects.

Full automatic cable retention test according IEC
61300-2-4
The pulling force went over > 500 N

The opticalCON QUAD cable is tested andapproved for > 500 N without any quality andfunction adverse effects.
figure 4.aTechnical Paper – opticalCON QUAD

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5Impact

Object:
The impact test is performed to show possible deformations or plug malfunction of the internal mechanism
due to heavy mechanical exposure.
Test Set-Up:
The applied test procedure is referred to the IEC 61300-2-12 Method A pendulum drop.
Test cable:
1st part of test:		
2nd part of test :NKO4S-A-0-5
front side of connector protected by a dirt protection (SCNO-FDW-A)(protection cap is supplied with each assembled opticalCON cable)
no additional connector protection

Parameters of Test:
Distance from centre of rotation:
Number of drops:
Height of falling:
Ground:Plug fixation:

2.25 m5
1.0 – 1.9 m
steel plate, thickness 25 mm
small wire

figure 5.a

Impact test with different heights (1.0 m - 1.9 m) and steel plate.

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Results:
TEST #with cap

drop heigh [m]drops

result

1

yes

1.0

5

no visible abrasion; full function

2

yes

1.9

5

no visible abrasion; full function

3

yes

1.0

5

no visible abrasion; full function

4

yes

1.5

5

no visible abrasion; full function

figure 5.bAfter several impact tests on different heights (1.0 - 1.9 m) the opticalCON QUAD connector doesn‘t indicate any visual abrasion or mechanical damages.

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6Flexing

Object:Variations of attenuation and mechanical damage of fiber optic cable due to a defined flexing procedure.
Test Set-Up:
Measurement of attenuation before, during and after flexing cycles.
Test procedure according to IEC 61300-2-44 in combination with IEC 61300-3-4

Test cycles:
Mass of weight:
Flexing angle:
Flexing speed:Light source:
Power meter:
Launching cables:
Wavelength:
Test cable:

1.000 / 5.000
10 N or 20 N depending on cable type± 90°
ca. 12 cycles / min
EXFO FLS-600
EXFO FPM-600
0.9 mm precision fibers, assembled by H&S
1.310 nmNKO4S-A-0-5Results			a) Change in attenuation:				 Single mode 0.05 dB to 0.20 dB			b) Mechanical cable damage:				 1.000 cycles: no damage				 5.000 cycles: no significant damage

figure 6.a

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7Mating Durability

Object:
The mating durability test was carried out to show variations in attenuation (optical) and of electricalcontact resistance after lifetime.
Test parameter:
NKO4S-A-0-1 (single mode 4 fibres)
Test Set-Up:
Test procedure according to IEC 61300-2-2 in combination with IEC 61300-3-4 figure 4 with mode filter
as defined in table 3 for multimode, no mode filter for single-mode.
Contact resistance measurement according to IEC 60512-2.
Mating cycles:		
Launching:		
Microscope:
Measuring cables:
Measuring wave lengths:
DUT cable length:

500 (durability test)
5.000 (lifetime test)
EXFO FLS-600
light source
EXFO FPM-600
power meter
enlarged x 200
0.9 mm precision fibres, assembled by H&S
1.310 nmsingle-mode
1msingle-mode

Results:
500 cycles (durability test):
The microscopic assay didn’t show any reasonable degradation. The attenuation values still fulfill Neutrik’s
internal requirements of < 0,45 dB/connection.
Single-mode: 0.32 dB degradation without cleaning, 0.25 dB degradation after cleaning
5.000 cycles (lifetime test):
The visual inspection didn’t show any reasonable degradation from the condition of the fiber (scratches,soil remains, outbreaks, etc.).
The functionality from the shutters as well as the locking mechanism is warranted.
During measuring procedure there are no significant variations.

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MEASURING

BEFOREE LIFETIME TEST [dB]

AFTER LIFETIME TEST [dB]

Return Loss

57.6

56.2

Insertion Loss

0.21

0.39

500 cycles - Lifetime test

figure 7.a: measuring setup for durability and lifetime test

figure 7.b: fixture for 500 and 5.000 mating cycles

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Fiber condition

figure 7.cfigure 7.dfigure 7.efigure 7.f- no visual degradation on all channels.
- no recenable soil remains or scratches.

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5.000 cycles - Lifetime test

figure 7.g

figure 7.hfigure 7.ifigure 7.j

All channels didn‘t indicate a significant degradation. Partly some soil remains around the core which has
no reasonable influence of the measurement parameters.

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No mechanical degradations on the opticalCON
QUAD cable connector.

figure 7.k

Proper functionality of the shutter and locking
mechanism

figure 7.l

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8Advanced Durability Test

Object:
The advanced durability test is performed to show possible deformations or plug malfunction of theinternal mechanism due to heavy mechanical exposure after conditioning cabinet.
Test parameter:
opticalCON chassis: NO4FDW-A
Test Set-Up:
The opticalCON chassis NO4FDW-A stays 24 hours in the conditioning cabinet with defined temperature
variations. After the temperature test procedure the opticalCON chassis starts a 5.000 mating cycle test.
Mating cycles:
Fixture:Cable
Conditioning cabinet:
Test temperatures:
Humidity:
Duration:

5.000internal mating cycle test fixture (see section 7)
NKO4S-A-0-10
WEISS WK11-180/40-20 °C / +75 °C
10 %24 hResults:
After 5.000 mating cycles and temperature test the opticalCON chassis NO4FDW-A (figure 14) didn’t show
any significant deformations or mechanical malfunction. The greased O-ring didn’t indicate any cracks orrough areas (figure 15).

figure 8: Test chassis NO4FDW-A

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figure 9: O-ring after 5.000 mating cycles

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9Cable DrumObject:Variations of attenuation and optical return loss (ORL) due to winding quality on cable drums.
First part of the test:
Second part of test:
Third part of the test:		

attenuation measurement of perfectly wounded drum
attenuation measurement of unwinded cablespooling of the cable drum in a typical on stage manner,i. e. with a lot of crossed cable windings; attenuation measurement

Test Set-Up:
NKO4S-A-0-1

figure 10

Parameters:
Drum assembly:
Cable length:
Wave length:

NKO4S-A-3-300
300 m
1.310 nmResults:
First test (spooled cable drum):
CHANNELSINSERTION LOSS [dBm]

OPTICAL RETURN LOSS [dB]

A0.22

57.3

B0.36

56.4

a0.28

59.6

b0.35

59.8

Second test (unwinded cable drum): change in attenuation - 0.06 dB to - 0.09 dB
Third test (spooled cable drum): increase of initial attenuation + 0.03 dB to + 0.1 dB.

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USA
Neutrik USA Inc., 4115 Taggart Creek Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28208
T +1 704 972 30 50, info@neutrikusa.com
Japan
Neutrik Limited, Yusen-Higashinihonbashi-Ekimae Bldg., 3-7-19
Higashinihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103
T +81 3 3663 47 33, mail@neutrik.co.jp
Hong KongNeutrik Hong Kong LTD., Suite 18, 7th Floor Shatin Galleria
Fotan, Shatin
T +852 2687 6055, neutrik@neutrik.com.hk
China
Ningbo Neutrik Trading Co., Ltd., Shiqi Street, Yinxian Road West
Fengjia Villiage, Yinzhou Area, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315153
T +86 574 88250488 800, neutrik@neutrik.com.cn
India
Neutrik India Pvt. Ltd., Level 3, Neo Vikram, New Link Road,
Above Audi Show Room, Andheri West, Mumbai, 400058
T +91 982 05 43 424, anklesaria@neutrik.com
Associated companies
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Steinackerstrasse 35, 8902 Urdorf, Switzerland
T +41 44 736 50 10, contrik@contrik.ch
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Felix-Wankel-Straße 1, 85221 Dachau, Germany
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www.neutrik.com®

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T +33 1 41 31 67 50, info@neutrik.fr®

Great Britain
Neutrik (UK) Ltd., Westridge Business Park, Cothey Way
Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 1 QT
T +44 1983 811 441, sales@neutrik.co.uk

opticalCON QUAD Technical Paper 2016/06 V1 - NTP05 - Data subject to change without prior notice. © 2016 NEUTRIK . NEUTRIK are registered trademarks of NEUTRIK AG. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Germany / Netherlands / Denmark / Austria
Neutrik Vertriebs GmbH, Felix-Wankel-Strasse 1, 85221 Dachau, Germany
T +49 8131 28 08 90, info@neutrik.de

opticalCON QUAD TECHNICAL PAPER

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NEUTRIK AG, Im alten Riet 143, 9494 Schaan
T +423 237 24 24, F +423 232 53 93, neutrik@neutrik.com