All expanded beam products offered by Micropol Fiberoptic are produced in compliance with the MIL-DTL-83526 20/21 standards. Each connector is supplied with a unique measurement protocol to guarantee exceptional optical performance.
Micropol provides two categories of expanded beam connectors—FALCON and PROCON—both known for their robust construction and reliability. These expanded beam connectors have been field-tested under the MIL-DTL-83526 20/21 standards and are currently utilized across a variety of sectors operating in challenging conditions, including:
- Tactical field communication
- Sensor systems
- Radar technologies
- Mining operations
- Civilian communication networks
Overview of MIL-DTL-83526/20 & 21
MIL-DTL stands for “Military Detail Specification.” These specifications define requirements related to design aspects such as approved materials, the methods for achieving certain criteria, and how an item should be constructed or assembled. They can include both performance-based and detailed design requirements.
MIL-DTL-83526/20 and MIL-DTL-83526/21 are military specifications outlining the standards for fiber optic connectors and termini. These specifications set the design, performance, and testing criteria for fiber optic connectors used in defense and aerospace systems. The 20 and 21 suffixes specify whether the connector is a plug or a chassis-mounted unit.
Connector Design: MIL-DTL-83526/20 & 21
Connectors built to the MIL-DTL-83526/20 and /21 standards feature optical lenses at the fiber ends that expand and collimate the light before it passes into the mating connector.
These expanded beam connectors are suited for harsh operating conditions, as the expanded light beam has a broader transmission area compared to the typical fiber core, which is usually under 50 microns (0.005 mm) in diameter.
This expanded beam design allows for more resilient signal transmission, offering improved resistance to contamination from dust, water, and debris, unlike traditional physical contact connectors.
Benefits of MIL-DTL-83526/20 & 21
Connectors following the MIL-DTL-83526 specification deliver dependable and repeatable optical performance and are engineered for use in demanding military environments.
Given the importance of fiber optic connectors in transmitting high-speed data and communications within aerospace and defense systems, it is essential that these components meet stringent standards for reliability and efficiency. MIL-DTL-83526 20/21 defines the benchmarks that ensure such performance is consistently achieved.
Although originally designed for military use, MIL-DTL-83526 connectors have since been adopted in a wide range of sectors. These include offshore and subsea operations, broadcast communications, industrial and transport-related systems, as well as power generation applications.
