Technical Paper I
opticalCON DUO®

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Content
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Optical Attenuation...................................................................................................................... 3
Vibration........................................................................................................................................ 5
Cable Retention.......................................................................................................................... 10
Locking Mechanism.................................................................................................................... 11
Impact.......................................................................................................................................... 12
Mating Durability....................................................................................................................... 14
Advanced Durability Test........................................................................................................... 17
Change of Temperature............................................................................................................. 18
Flexing......................................................................................................................................... 19
Dust.............................................................................................................................................. 21
Sealing Gasket............................................................................................................................ 23
Cable Drum................................................................................................................................. 24
Contact Resistance...................................................................................................................... 25
Dielectric Strength...................................................................................................................... 26
Insulation Resistance.................................................................................................................. 27
Current Capacity......................................................................................................................... 28

Technical Paper – opticalCON DUO
Title: NTP04© 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 Technology
Buchs NTB.

2

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

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 Attenuation

Object:Examination of the receptacle NO2-4FDW-A in combination with the opticalCON® cable connector todetermine the attenuation in a fiber optic system.
For the test of the cable connector a completely assembled opticalCON cable was used. See fig. 1.

Test Set-Up:
Test specimens:
Single-mode:
Multimode:

NKO2SA-0-2 (2 m length)
NKO2M-0-1 (1 m length)

Test procedure according to IEC 61300-3-4 figure 4 with mode filter described in table 3 for multimode,for single-mode no mode filter was used.
Test equipment:		
Launching cables:
Reference complex:
Measuring wave lengths:		Comment

EXFO FLS-600
light source			EXFO FPM-600
power meter
0.9 mm precision fibres
precision adapter FLC-FLC
1.310 nmsingle-mode
850 nmMultimode
Short cable lengths do not affect attenuation remark ably and are
therefore not considered.

NO2-4FDW-A

figure 1.a: Simplified measuring arrangement

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NO2-4FDW-A

figure 1.b: Simplified measuring arrangement

Limit Values (per mating pair):Single-mode:			 0.25 dB
Multimode:			 0.45 dB
Results:
Basis of test series: 50 sets of cable assemblies
Single-mode:			 0.10 – 0.44 dB
Multimode:			 0.35 – 0.75 dB

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2

Vibration

Object:Examination of the two components, receptacle NO2-4FDW-A and the opticalCON cable connector. The
intention of the test was to determine their attenuation in a fiber optic system before, during and after
the vibration test.
In addition the test presents the change in contact resistance of the electrical contacts as well as thefunction of the mechanical locking system and the wear.
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 two receptacles NO2-4FDW-A per axis were mounted. The front side was mated witha NKO2M-H1-0-1 opticalCON cable. The rear end was connected with the test instrument via precision
measuring cables (see fig. 3 a/b).
The applied test set-up complies with IEC 61300-2-1 table 1.
Shaker:		
Test instruments:		
Launching cables:
Measuring wave lengths:		
DUT cable length:		Comment:		Technical Paper – opticalCON DUOTIRAVIB Model 5200, controlled by an external
power amplifier and a PC with software VibeLab-Pro (fig. 3 a/b).
EXFO FLS-600
light source
EXFO FPM-600
power meter
0.9 mm precision fibres, assembled by H&S
1.310 nmsingle-mode
850 nmmultimode2m
single-mode
1m
multimode
Short cable lengths do not affect attenuation remarkably and to be
therefore not considered.

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Vibration Severity:
Frequency range:
Amplitude displacement:
Acceleration:
Sweep rate:
Number of sweeps:
Axis:		

10 – 55 Hz
1.52 mm (3.04 mm p-p)
up to 20 g (200 m/s2)
2 min/cycle
15
X, Y, Z

After 15 cycles the receptacles were changed to the next axis without disconnecting the pugs to avoid any
mismatching.

Results:
Attenuation before, during and after vibration test:
Changes in attenuation:
Single-mode:
Multimode:- 0.08 dB to - 0.03 dB- 0.03 dB to + 0.13 dB

The reason for the attenuation improvement compared to the initial values may result from new positioned
ferrules as a result of vibration.
Measurement during vibrations showed no variation in attenuation.
Electrical Contact ResistanceThe contact resistance has changed from 4.6 mΩ average to 4.7 mΩ per contact.
MechanicalThe locking mechanism withstands this extreme vibration without any problems, i. e. no separation orfunctional deterioration occurred.

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Technical Paper – opticalCON DUO

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figure 2.a: Vibration equipment and test cable arrangement

figure 2.b: : Vibration equipment and test cable arrangement

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Objekt:Examination of the sealing dust cover SCNO-FDW-A to analyse 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:

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Brüel&Kjaer Mini Shaker Type 4810 and Neutrik Frequency Generator
10 Hz – 18 kHZ
1.75 mm (3.5 mm peak-peak) @ 40 Hz
NO2-4FDW-A (opticalCON DUO chassis)
SCNO-FDW-A (sealing dust cover)
X, Y, ZTechnical Paper – opticalCON DUO

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

figure 2.efigure 2.f

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3

Cable Retention

Object:
Test of the cable retention efficiency. The opticalCON cables NKO* 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-Tester:
Measuring Instruments:
Assembled cable types:
		
		
		

Versa Test Mecmesin 0 – 1.000 N
AFG-R 1000N Mecmesin
NKO2M-A-0-1 (multimode 2 fibers)
NKO2M-H1-0-1 (multimode 2 fibers and 4 copper wires)NKO2SA-A-0-1 (single-mode 2 fibers)
NKO2SA-S1-0-1 (SMPTE single-mode 2 fibers and 4 copper wires)

Results:
NKO2M-A-0-1
NKO2M-H1-0-1
NKO2SA-A-0-1
NKO2SA-S1-0-1> 500 N
> 500 N
> 500 N> 350 Nfigure 3.a: Equipment for examination of cable retention

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4

Locking Mechanism

Object:Tensile strength measurement of the locking mechanism.
Test Set-Up:
Same test set-up as used in clause 3. Cable Retention. Instead of the cable a mechanical adapter was used
to fix the plug.
Results:
Tensile strength> 1.000 N

At a force of 1.000 N the test was stopped without any damages of the locking device.

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5

ImpactObject:
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 (fig. 5).
Test item:
First part of test:		
Second part of test:

opticalCON cable connector
front side of connector protected by a protection cap ofEPDM (protection cap is supplied with each cable drum)
no 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

Results:
Tests 1 – 3:
Test 4:
		

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No visible abrasions, no functional problems
Minimal abrasions at the edge of the plug, but no functional
problems

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figure 5.a: Test set-up “Impact”

TEST #

with cap

drop heigh [m]dropscomment

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

4

no

1.5

5

extremely manual acceeleration no visible abrasion full function
valuation after each drop

minimum abrasion full function

Table 5.a: Impact test IEC 61300-2-12 method A

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6

Mating Durability

Object:
The mating durability test was carried out to show variations in attenuation (optical) and of electricalcontact resistance after lifetime.
Test parameter:NKO2S-A-0-1 (single mode 2 fibres)
NKO2S-S1-0-1 (SMPTE; single-mode 2 fibres and 4 copper wires)
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. The test was realized with the equipment shown in fig. 6.
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 fibers, assembled by H&S
1.310 nmsingle-mode
1m

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: 0.30 dB degradation without cleaning, 0.25 dB degradation after cleaning.
The test results of the electrical contacts are handled in chapter 11.
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 iswarranted. During measuring procedure there are no significant variations.

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MEASURING

BEFOREE LIFETIME TEST [dB]

AFTER LIFETIME TEST [dB]

Return Loss

58.3

56.8

Insertion Loss

0.16

0.25

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500 cycles - Durability test

figure 6.a: measuring setup for durability and lifetime test

figure 6.b: fixture for 500 and 5.000 mating cycles

Fiber condition

figure 6.c: Ch1 / sm: - no visual degradation (scratches, soil, etc.)

Technical Paper – opticalCON DUO

figure 6.d: Ch2 / sm: no visual degradation (scratches, soil, etc.)

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5.000 cycles - Lifetime test

figure 6.efigure 6.f

CH1 and CH2 didn’t indicate a significant degradation. Partly some soil remains around the core which has
no reasonable influence of the measurement parameters (see table on the top).

No mechanical degradations on the opticalCON
DUO cable connector.

figure 6.g

Proper functionality of the shutter and locking
mechanism

figure 6.h

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7

Asvanced 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: NO2-4FDW-A
Test Set-Up:
The opticalCON chassis NO2-4FDW-A stays 24 hours in the conditioning cabinet with defined temperature
cycles. After the temperature test procedure the opticalCON chassis starts a 5.000 mating lifetime test.
Mating cycles:
Fixture:Cable
Conditioning cabinet:
Test temperatures:
Humidity:
Duration:

5.000
internal mating cycle test fixture (see section 6)
NKO2S-A-0-5
WEISS WK11-180/40-20 °C / +75 °C
10 %
24 h

Results:
After 5.000 mating cycles and temperature test the opticalCON chassis NO2-4FDW-A (Fig. 7.a) didn’t show
any significant deformations or mechanical malfunction. The greased O-ring didn’t indicate any cracks orrough areas (Fig. 7.b).

figure 7.a: Test chassis NO2-4FDW-A

Technical Paper – opticalCON DUO

figure 7.b: O-ring after 5000 mating cycles

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8

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.
Test Set-Up:
Test procedure according to IEC 61300-2-22 in combination with IEC 61300-3-4 (Fig 8.a).
The test was realized in a temperature testing chamber type WEISS WK11-180/40.
Test cycles:
Profile of temperature:
Test instruments:		
Launching cables:		Measuring wave lengths:
Cable length:
Test specimen:

16 (96 h)-40 °C to +75 °C (fig. 6)
EXFO FLS-600
light source
EXFO FPM-600
power meter
0.9 mm precision fibers, constantly connected with the DUT(device under test) through a hole in the test chamber.
1.310 nmsingle-mode		
300 m
NKO2SA-A-3-300

Results:
Maximum increase in attenuation 0.2 dB over the whole temperature range.

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Flexing

Object:Variations of attenuation and mechanical damage of fiber optic cable due to a defined flexing procedure.
Assembled cable types:
NKO2M-A-0-1 (Multimode 2 fibres)
NKO2SA-A-0-1 (single-mode 2 fibres)
NKO2SA-S1-0-1 (SMPTE; single-mode 2 fibres and 4 copper wires)
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 Fig. 9.a with mode filter
as defined in table 3 for multimode, no mode filter for single-mode.
Test equipment:
Test cycles:
Mass of weight:
Flexing angle:
Flexing speed:
Test Instruments:		
Launching cables:
Measuring wave lengths:		
DUT cable length:		fig. 7 and 8
1.000 / 5.000
10 N or 20 N depending on cable type± 90°
ca. 12 cycles/min
EXFO FLS-600
light source			EXFO FPM-600
power meter
0.9 mm precision fibers, assembled by H&S
1.310 nmsingle-mode
850 nmmultimode
1m
single-mode
1m
multimode

Results:a) Change in attenuation:
Single-mode
Multimode

0.05 dB to 0.20 dB
0.00 dB to 0.03 dBb) Mechanical cable damage:
1.000 cycles:
5.000 cycles:

Technical Paper – opticalCON DUO

no damageno significant damage, single strands (AWG 16) of SMPTE cable partly broken

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NO2-4FDW-A
NKO2*-*

figure 9.a: Principle of Test according to IEC 61300-2-44 (IEC 61300-3-4)

figure 9.b: Test Equipment and Fixture for flexing test

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Dust

Object:Variations of attenuation due to massive dust penetration. The test was carried out with single-mode cables
where soiling of the connecting surface effects much more attenuation than at multimode cables.
The test was carried out by an independent laboratory: Electrosuisse, test laboratory PQ/PIK in 8320
Fehraltorf, Switzerland.
Test Set-Up:
The opticalCON 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 to IEC 61300-2-27 in combination with IEC 61753-1-1 Tab. A5 Test No.16 andIEC 61300-3-4 figure 4.
Test specimen:
Particle size:
Dust type:
Temperature
Relative humidity:
Duration of penetration:
Test Instruments:		
Launching cables:
Measuring wave lengths:
DUT cable length:

NO2-4FDW-A – Receptacled < 150 µm
talcum powder
19 °C
54 %
1h
EXFO FLS-600
EXFO FPM-600
0.9 mm precision fibers
1.310 nm2m

light source
power meter
single-mode
single-mode

Results:
MEASURING
NO2-4FDW-A

INITIAL

Attenuation [dB]

AFTER CONTAMINATION

A

0.31

0.34

B

0.36

0.38

Table 10.a: Dust test

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Channel A was defined as for the front side of the receptacle
The corresponding power level was calibrated at 4.91 dBm @ 1.310nm ( = 0.00dB)
Maximum increase in attenuation:

0.03 dBThe IP rating can be defined with IP 5x.

figure 10.b: Dust sediment on the rear side of the receptacle after 60 min.

figure 10.c: Dust sediment on the front side of the receptacle after 60 min.

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Sealing Gasket

Object:Durability test of the sealing cover surface. Long-term load of the closed sealing cover by a constant laser
beam.
The intention is to find out if the silicon layer alters or a deposition is formed on the fiber surface of theconnector.
Test Set-Up:
An interconnection was inserted into a chassis connector type NO2-4FDW-A from the rear. The fiber
surface of the interconnection had direct contact to the cover surface.
The second end of the interconnection was connected to a light source.

Light source:
Power meter:
Test parameter:
Output power:
Duration:

EXFO FLS-600
EXFO FPM-600
Wavelength:
4.6 dBm (referenced 0 dB)
12 h1.310 nmResults:
No difference between referencing and measuring after the duration of test: ± 0 dB.
The surfaces of the fiber and the gasket as well showed no mechanical variation in the area of the fibercontact (checked by microscope).

figure 11.a: Test Set-Up

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Cable DrumObject:Variations of attenuation due to winding quality on cable drums.
First part of the test:

attenuationn measurement of perfectly wounded drum

Second part of test:

attenuation measurement of unwinded cableThird part of the test:		spooling of the cable drum in a typical on stage manner,i. e. with a lot of crossed cable windings; attenuation measurement

Test Set-Up:
Test procedure according to chapter 1 Attenuation.
Parameters:
Drum assembly:
Cable length:
Wave length:

NKO2SA-A-3-100
1.000 m
1.310 nmResults:
First test (spooled cable drum):channel A:
channel B:

0.34 dB
0.37 dB

Second test (unwinded cable drum): change in attenuation – 0.04 dB to - 0.07 dB
Third test (spooled cable drum):24

increase of initial attenuation + 0.01 dB to + 0.08 dB

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Contact ResistanceObject:Initial value and variation of contact resistance.
opticalCON cable connector mated with the receptacle NO2-4FDW-A before and after 1.000 mating cycles.
Test Set-Up:
Test procedure according to IEC 60512-2 test 2a
Measuring Instrument: HIOKI – 3540 Millivoltmeter
Results:

CONTACT RESISTANCE [mW]measured average value

conditional value

initial

4.6

6.0

after 1.000 cycles

5.7

7.0

Table 13.a: contact resistanceTechnical Paper – opticalCON DUO

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Dielectric Strength

Object:Same test set-up as used in clause 11 Contact Resistance. It was checked in completely mated, half matedand unmated condition. Each combination of contact to contact and contact to shell was judged.
Test Set-Up:
Test procedure according to IEC 60512-2 test 4a
Measuring Instrument:
GOR-1 Dielectrometer
Test Parameter:0 – 6 kVThe conditional value of dielectric strength was defined with > 1.5 kV.
Results:
Minimum dielectric strength:26

2.0 kV

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Insulation ResistanceObject:Same test set-up as used in clause 11 Contact Resistance.
Test Set-Up:
Test procedure according to IEC 60512-2 Test 3a
Measuring Instrument:
METRISO C					
maximum measurable isolation resistance
Test Parameter:
test voltage 500 V DC
The insulation resistance was defined with > 10 GΩ.

100 GΩ

Results:
Minimum insulation resistance:

Technical Paper – opticalCON DUO

64.7 GΩ

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Current Capacity

Object:Temperature rise of contacts as a result of electrical current.
Test Set-Up:
Test procedure according to IEC 60512-5-1 test 5a
Current source:
Measuring Instrument:
Temperature:

VAREG, 3 V 0-50 A rms
TESTO 935 Thermometer, 2 channels-50 – +350 °C

The maximum temperature rise was defined generally with < 40 K.
The measurements were realized for the following wires and currents:
12
3
4contacts 1-4
contacts 1+4
contacts 1+4
contacts 2+3

wired with 0.22 mm2
wired with 1.5 mm2
wired with 1.5 mm2
wired with 0.22 mm2

6 Amps through all contacts
10 Amps through both contacts in case of SMPTE application
10 Amps through both contacts
1 Amp through both contacts in case of SMPTE application

Results:
Ad 1:
Ad 2:
Ad 3:

26.7 K
23.1 K
28.6 KA rated current of 6 A (10 A for the SMPTE cable) can be defined.

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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 Kong
Neutrik 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
Contrik AG
Steinackerstrasse 35, 8902 Urdorf, Switzerland
T +41 44 736 50 10, contrik@contrik.ch
H. Adam GmbH
Felix-Wankel-Straße 1, 85221 Dachau, Germany
T +49 08131 28 08-0, info@adam-gmbh.de

www.neutrik.com®

FranceNeutrik France SARL, Rue du Parchamp 13, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt
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 DUO Technical Paper 2016/06 V1 - NTP04 - 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 DUO TECHNICAL PAPER

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