What is VeEX's Replaceable Optical Connector Protector?

Connector damage has been a common cause of fiber optics test sets being returned to manufacturers’ service centers for repair, especially those field equipment used in harsh environments, like OTDRs. Severe and permanent test port damage are a result from repeated mating with dirty, contaminated patch cords, launch reels, accidents or just general wear and tear over time. Damaged optical connector ports affect measurements' accuracy, performance and can damage other ports, so they must be replaced. Traditionally, such repairs required returning the instruments to the factory or authorized service center, to remove the damaged connector, splice a new one, recalibrate the instrument and ship it back, along with the associated approvals, logistics, cost and downtime.

Always Clean and Inspect optical connectors and patch cords before using them, keeping their end-faces clean and un-blemished to prevent damage, excessive insertion and return losses.

VeEX's Field-Replaceable Optical Connector Protector

This innovative patent pending field-replaceable optical ferrule system adds an extra layer of protection to the internal end-face of calibrated optical test ports, preventing contamination and accidental damage. This extends the instrument’s lifespan, reduces downtime and improves productivity. It is available as a factory-installed option for many of VeEX's fiber optics test sets.

The keyed Universal Connector Adapters allow users to change the optical connector body type conveniently and safely whenever needed, keeping the calibrated internal connector protected throughout this simple routine process. Replaceable keyed connectors are available for SC, FC and LC.

Users can order affordable spare ferrules to eliminate delays. In the event of any damage to the external optical end-face, users can quickly replace the cost-effective ferrule without the need for tools, maintaining the integrity of the instrument’s factory calibration. This novel approach eliminates the downtime, logistical hurdles and high cost associated with sending test sets to a service center for repairs and recalibration, or having to place orders for replacement connector cassettes/modules and wait for them to be delivered.

A Locking Ring secures the replaceable ferrule at its optimum position for the best performance.

The internal Field-replaceable Ferrules allow users to replace a damaged end-face, or switch between APC and UPC end-faces for the optical test ports, adapting to any test application requirement. Its attached ceramic sleeve helps protect the internal end-face from accidental contact and contamination.

the Optical Connector Protector Base is a fixed panel-mount base made from high-grade stainless steel using precision CNC machining, to guarantee proper alignment of the replaceable ferrule, minimizing insertion loss.

A plastic Base Cover and Dust Cap are also available, to help prevent water (liquids) and dust intrusion.

Most fiber optics test sets in VeEX's FX-Series, PX-Series and the RXT-4xxx family can be ordered with this factory-installed Optical Connector Protector option and some existing test sets may be retrofitted. The Optical Connector Protector is available for fiber optics test ports requiring physical contact, such as OTDR, Fiber Fault Locator, Spectrum Analyzer, WDM Channel Monitor, Laser Source, OLTS and Selective Optical Power Meter. It is not available for non-contact optical ports like broadband OPM or visual fault locators. Check individual products' webpages and datasheets for details.

Optical Connector Protector Benefits

Protects optical test ports' internal (calibrated) end-face from the damage associated with repeated mating and contamination.
Avoids costly repairs due to damaged connectors.
Eliminates the costly downtime of having to send test sets to a service center for connector replacement and recalibration.
Adds flexibility to switch between APC and UPC end-faces, as required by individual jobs.
Optimized design, in which only damaged ferrules are replaced, significantly minimize carbon footprint, material waste and environmental impact.
The protected internal end-faces are still easily accessible for any required cleaning.

Optical Connector Protector Highlights

Field-replaceable. No tools, splicing or expertise required. Just follow a simple ferrule replacement procedure.
Low insertion loss.
Ferrules available in single-mode APC and UPC versions.
Universal Connector Adapters¹ available for SC, FC and LC form factors. Change the connector type without exposing the internal end-faces.
Internal (calibrated) APC end-faces are protected to prevent accidental touch and contamination. (Other replaceable optical cassette/module systems use regular plastic SC connectors for their internal connection, which expose their internal end-faces to accidental contact and contamination during the exchange process.)
Cost-effective 4-pack APC or UPC spare ferrule replacement¹.
Available Protective Base Cover and Dust Cap options¹.
Existing test sets² may be retrofitted¹ with this new solution, when sent to a service center for regular maintenance, repair or recalibration.
Sturdy mechanical assembly - It is the most compact, robust and fully integrated optical connector protector solution available on the market, offering significant advantages over other competitive products.
International patent pending.

¹Options sold separately.

²Contact us for further details and products' availability.

Product Examples

V90-series test set with the Optical Connector Protector option

V90-series test set with Optical Connector Protector and Dust Cap options

Installing a "Dragonfly" field-replaceable ferrule on a V90-series test set

Simple Ferrule Replacement Procedure

Refer to the How to Replace the Optical Connector Protector's Ferrule procedure.