PRIZM® LightTurn®
www.wave-2-wave.com
+1 408 586 8800
What is the REVOL(TM) PRIZM® LightTurn® Connector
• Miniature multi-fiber connector interface for parallel optic VCSEL / PD arrays
• Monolithic ferrule accepts up to 12-fibers
• Incorporates a molded photonic turn TIR lens array
• Simple, low-cost fiber termination with no polishing required
• Integrated posts provide passive alignment to the optical module
• Precision connector housing latches provide multiple re-matings into the board level optical module
• Hardware options are available for terminating bare ribbon fiber and jacketed cable
The Value of PRIZM® LightTurn® Technology
• Small form factor enables increased board component densities
• Facilitates increased card edge densities
• Lowers termination cost
• TIR lenses redirect the light path at approximately 90° to the fiber axis improving board level
optical cable routing
• Housing accommodates stacked ribbons for dense tiling of optical modules
• Reliable, consistent, and repeatable mating interface to the optical module
Ferrule & Termination
Low Cost Termination Process
• A low-cost no-polish termination
• Cleave only fiber array inserted into PRIZM® LightTurn® ferrule
• UV or Thermal cure epoxy added
• One piece connector housing installed
• Assembly complete and ready for testing
PC Board Configuration
PRIZM® LT Housing provides protection for the
ferrule lenses and multiple matings into the MOI
PRIZM® LT ferrule for fiber termination
and light coupling between the fiber and
MOI (one part for Tx & Rx operation)
Mechanical Optical Interface (MOI) provides
the mechanical coupling of the PRIZM to the
VCSEL/PD array and facilitates light transfer
between the PRIZM ferrule and VCSEL/PD array
(one part for Tx & Rx operation)
Side View
Multiple Applications
Use of common TxRx components allow for one
optical engine to be employed in numerous
applications
Embedded TxRx
AOC
Pluggable TxRx
Lensed Ferrule Technology
• Same outer footprint as traditional MT ferrule
• Compatible with MTP® connectors and other MT based connector platforms
• Connectors using PRIZM MT™ are backwards compatible to use traditional ferrules for low-loss
applications
• Lower mating force required ~2.5N vs. 10-20N
• Rows up 16F wide – collimating lenses & microholes for precision alignment
• Row count up to 4F
• Hermaphroditic, molded ~550 micron alignment posts
• No polishing required – laser cleave only (same equipment as PRIZM® LightTurn®)
• No endface geometry control or metrology required
• Performance is stable with low spring load at high fiber counts
Lensed Ferrule Technology
• Collimating lenses
• Micro-holes for precision alignment
• Same termination procedure as PRIZM® LightTurn ferrule
• Traditional pins or hermaphroditic, molded guide post
Expanded Beam Interconnects
Fiber to Fiber
• Air gap in traditional connector results in multiple loss mechanisms
• Loss penalty due to NA and divergent beam & core size
• Fresnel reflections due to index of refraction mismatch
Expanded Beam
• Larger signal area means less impact of debris
• Collimated light results in forgiving alignment in z-axis
• Less spring force required
• Endface separation losses due to fiber NA are eliminated
• Stable return loss (≤ -23dB) governed by lens geometry & termination
quality
Effect of Debris
PRIZM MT™ Vs. Standard MT Interconnects
Why Prizm MT™ Ferrules
1. Lower cost
- No polish
- No end face geometry to maintain, measure
- Lower spring force paves they way for simplified connectors
- No precision guide pins necessary
- All things being equal (volume, supply chain structure, etc.), Prizm MT™ is a lower cost interconnect
solution
2. Debris Insensitivity
• Expanded beam interconnects are less susceptible to signal occlusion due to debris.
• PRIZM MT™ is less susceptible to Z-axis alignment/ physical contact issues caused by debris.
3. Z-axis stability
• Lower spring forces necessary for proper ferrule mating
• Stable IL and RL results can be achieved for high fiber counts with very low mating forces
PRIZM MT™ Vs. Standard MT Interconnects
Why Traditional MT Ferrules?
1. Higher performance
- Physical contact ferrules offer lowest possible insertion loss for up to 24 fibers per ferrule.
- Minimum return losses when physical contact is achieved
- Ideal for structured cabling or applications with long fiber runs, multiple connection points, etc.
2. Mature supply chain
• MT Ferrules and MPO connectors are standardized with multiple global suppliers of components
and cable assemblies
517 Fairview Way, Milpitas, CA
www.wave-2-wave.com