Molex partners with 3M for expanded beam optical connector

Molex has introduced an innovative solution for AI datacentre fibre links by utilizing the Expanded Beam Optics (EB) ferrule from 3M in its Versabeam EBO optical connector. The EBO technology expands the beam between connectors, reducing sensitivity to dust and debris. This advancement eliminates the need for springs to maintain fibre alignment, significantly decreasing the frequency of cleaning, inspection, and maintenance requirements.

One of the key benefits of the EBO optical connector is its ability to expedite deployment processes. With fewer connections required, installation time and complexity are reduced, allowing data centre providers to enhance efficiency and streamline operations. As the demand for higher bandwidth in data centres continues to grow, solutions like the EBO connector play a crucial role in meeting these evolving needs.

The EBO optical connector is specifically designed for intra-rack and server connections, enabling the integration of 12, 16, or 144 fibres into a single connector with a very small form factor (VSFF). This compact design maximizes rack-unit usage and minimizes space requirements, simplifying cable routing and contributing to faster data center deployments while lowering the total cost of ownership.

During a field test conducted by 3M with a hyperscale data center customer, the EBO connectors demonstrated significant time savings compared to traditional MPO connectors. The elimination of cleaning and inspection procedures resulted in an impressive 85% reduction in deployment time, equating to more than six hours saved. These findings underscore the efficiency and practicality of the EBO optical connector in real-world applications.

The EBO connectors boast impressive technical specifications, with an insertion loss of under 0.3dB for single-mode fibre and 0.7dB for multimode. Additionally, they offer a return loss of over 55dB for single-mode and 25dB for multimode, determining the maximum distance the cables can span. These performance metrics ensure reliable and high-quality connectivity for data centre applications.

According to Trevor Smith, the general manager of Optical Connectivity at Molex, the simplicity and reliability of the VersaBeam EBO connectors make them a preferred choice for customers. Smith highlights that no specialized skills are required to install these connectors, enabling organizations to quickly leverage the performance and cost benefits of resilient and scalable fibre connectivity. The collaboration between Molex and 3M represents a significant step forward in transforming multi-fiber connectivity within data centres.