Features
• Compatible with Avago Versatile Link Family of con-
nectors and ber optic components
• 1 mm diameter Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) in two
grades: low cost standard POF with 0.22 dB/m typical
attenuation, or high performance extra low loss POF
with 0.19 dB/m typical attenuation
Applications
• Industrial data links for factory automation and plant
control
• Intra-system links; board-to-board, rack-to-rack
• Telecommunications switching systems
• Computer-to-peripheral data links, PC bus extension
• Proprietary LANs
• Digitized video
• Medical instruments
• Reduction of lightning and voltage transient suscep-
tibility
• High voltage isolation
Figure 1. Typical POF attenuation vs. wavelength.
αR – ATTENUATION – dB/km
620
500
100
λ – WAVELENGTH – nm
660
300
HFBR-RXXYYY fig p2
400
680640 700
200
Cable Description
The HFBR-R/EXXYYY series of plastic ber optic cables
are constructed of a single step-index ber sheathed
in a black polyethylene jacket. The duplex ber consists
of two simplex bers joined with a zipcord web.
Standard attenuation and extra low loss POF cables are
identical except for attenuation specications.
Polyethylene jackets on all plastic ber cables com-
ply with UL VW-1 ame retardant specication (UL le
# E89328).
Cables are available in unconnectored or connectored
options. Refer to the Ordering Guide for part number
information.
HFBR-RXXYYY Series (POF)
HFBR-EXXYYY Series (POF)
Plastic Optical Fiber Cable and Accessories
for Versatile Link
Data Sheet
2
Notes:
1. Installation temperature is the range over which the cable can be bent and pulled without damage. Below -20°C the cable becomes brittle
and should not be subjected to mechanical stress.
2. Short Term Tensile Force is for less than 30 minutes.
3. Short Term Bend Radius is for less than 1 hour nonoperating.
4. 90° bend on 25 mm radius mandrel. Bend radius is the radius of the mandrel around which the cable is bent.
5. Typical data are at 25°C.
6. Propagation delay constant is the reciprocal of the group velocity for propagation delay of optical power. Group velocity is v=c/n where c is
the velocity of light in free space (3xl08 m/s) and n is the eective core index of refraction.
7. Note that αR rises at the rate of about 0.0067 dB/°C, where the thermal rise refers to the LED temperature changes above 25°C. Please refer to
Figure 1 which shows the typical plastic optical ber attenuation versus wavelength at 25°C.
Mechanical/Optical Characteristics, T
A = -40 to +85°C unless otherwise specied.
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ.[5] Max. Unit Condition
Cable Standard Cable, αO 0.15 0.22 0.27 dB/m Source is HFBR-15XX
Attenuation Type "R" (660 mm LED, 0.5 NA)
Extra Low Loss, 0.15 0.19 0.23 = 50 meters
Type "E"
Reference Standard Cable, αR 0.12 0.19 0.24 dB/m Source is 650 nm,
Attenuation Type "R" 0.5 NA monochrometer,
Extra Low Loss, 0.12 0.16 0.19 = 50 meters
Type "E" Note 7, Figure 1
Numerical Aperture NA 0.46 0.47 0.50 >2 meters
Diameter, Core and Cladding DC 0.94 1.00 1.06 mm
Diameter, Jacket DJ 2.13 2.20 2.27 mm Simplex Cable
Propagation Delay Constant l/v 5.0 ns/m Note 6
Mass per Unit Length/Channel 5.3 g/m Without Connectors
Cable Leakage Current IL 12 nA 50 kV, = 0.3 meters
Refractive Index Core n 1.492
Cladding 1.417
Plastic Optical Fiber Specications: HFBR-R/EXXYYY
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter Symbol Min. Max. Unit Note
Storage and Operating Temperature TS,O -55 +85 °C
Recommended Operating Temperature TO -40 +85 °C
Installation Temperature TI -20 +70 °C 1
Short Term Tensile Single Channel FT 50 N 2
Dual Channel FT 100 N
Short Term Bend Radius r 25 mm 3, 4
Long Term Bend Radius r 35 mm
Long Term Tensile Load FT 1 N
Flexing 1000 Cycles 4
Force
3
HFBR-4526
, HFBR-4525
HFBR-4525
Plastic Fiber Connector Styles
Connector Description
Four connector styles are available for termination of plastic
optical ber: simplex, simplex latching, duplex and duplex
latching. All connectors provide a snap-in action when
mated to Versatile Link components. Simplex connectors
are color coded to facilitate identication of transmitter
and receiver connections. Duplex connectors are keyed
so that proper orientation is ensured during insertion. If
the POF cable/connector will be used at extreme operat-
ing temperatures or experience frequent and wide tem-
perature cycling eects, the cable/connector attachment
can be strengthened with an RTV adhesive (see Plastic
Connectoring Instructions for more detail). The connectors
are made of a ame retardant VALOX UL94 V-0 material
(UL le # E121562).
SIMPLEX CONNECTOR STYLES
HFBR-4501/4511 – Simplex
DUPLEX CONNECTOR STYLES
HFBR-4506 – Duplex
The simplex connector provides a quick and stable connec-
tion for applications that require a component-to-connec-
tor retention force of 8 Newtons (1.8 lb.). These connectors
are available in gray (HFBR-4501) or blue (HFBR-4511).
HFBR-4503/4513 – Simplex Latching
The simplex latching connector is designed for rugged
applications requiring a greater retention force — 80 New-
tons ( 18 lb.) — than provided by a simplex nonlatching
connector. When inserting the simplex latching connector
into a module, the connector latch mechanism should be
aligned with the top surface of the horizontal modules,
or with the tall vertical side of the vertical modules. Mis-
alignment of an inserted latching connector into either
module will not result in a positive latch. The connector is
released by depressing the rear section of the connector
lever, and then pulling the connector assembly away from
the module housing.
The simplex latching connector is available in gray (HFBR-
4503) or blue (HFBR-4513).
Duplex connectors provide convenient duplex cable
termination and are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion
into duplex congured modules. The duplex connector is
compatible with dual combinations of horizontal or vertical
Versatile Link components (e.g., two horizontal transmit-
ters, two vertical receivers, a horizontal transmitter with a
horizontal receiver, etc.). The duplex non-latching connec-
tor is available in parchment, o-white (HFBR-4506).
HFBR-4516 – Duplex Latching
The duplex latching connector is designed for rugged
applications requiring greater retention force than the
nonlatching duplex connector. When inserting the duplex
latching connector into a module, the connector latch
mechanism should be aligned with the top surface of the
dual combination of horizontal or vertical Versatile Link
components. The duplex latching connector is available
in gray (HFBR-4516).
Feedthrough/Splice
HFBR-4505/4515 Bulkhead Adapter
The HFBR-4505/4515 adapter mates two simplex connec-
tors for panel/bulkhead feedthrough of HFBR-4501/4511
terminated plastic ber cable. Maximum panel thickness
is 4.1 mm (0.16 inch). This adapter can serve as a cable in-
line splice using two simplex connectors. The adapters are
available in gray (HFBR-4505) and blue (HFBR-4515). This
adapter is not compatible with POF duplex, POF simplex
latching, or HCS connectors.
DUPLEX
CRIMP RING
HFBR-4526
4
Plastic Optical Fiber Connector Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter Symbol Min. Max. Unit Note
Storage and Operating Temperature TS,O -40 85 °C 1
Recommended Operating Temperature TO -40 85 °C 1
Installation Temperature Tl 0 70 °C 1
Nut Torque TN 0.7 N-m 2
100 OzF-in.
Notes:
1. Storage and Operating Temperatures refer to the ranges over which the connectors can be used when not subjected to mechanical stress.
Installation Temperature refers to the ranges over which connectors may be installed onto the ber and over which connectors can be con-
nected and disconnected from transmitter and receiver modules.
2. Recommended nut torque is 0.57 N-m.
HFBR-4505/4515 Adapter
Plastic Optical Fiber Connector Mechanical/Optical Characteristics
T
A = -40 to +85°C, Unless Otherwise Specied.
Parameter Part Number Symbol Min. Typ.[1] Max. Units Temp. °C Note
Retention Force, Simplex, FR-C 7 8 N +25 2
Connector to HFBR-4501/4511 3 -40 to +85
Simplex Latching, 47 80 +25
HFBR-4503/4513 11 -40 to +85
Duplex, 7 12 +25
HFBR-4506 4 -40 to +85
Duplex Latching, 50 80 +25
HFBR-4516 15 -40 to +85
Tensile Force, Simplex, FT 8.5 22 N 3
Connector to Cable HFBR-4501/4511
Simplex Latching, 8.5 22
HFBR-4503/4513
Duplex, HFBR-4506 14 35
Duplex Latching, 14 35
HFBR-4516
Adapter Connector HFBR-4505/4515 with αCC 0.7 1.5 2.8 dB 25 4, 5
to Connector Loss HFBR-4501/4511
Retention Force HFBR-4505/4515 with FR-B 7 8 N
Connector to Adapter HFBR-4501/4511
Insertion Force, Simplex, FI 8 30 N 6
HFBR-4501/4511
Simplex Latching, 16 35
HFBR-4503/4513
Duplex, HFBR-4506 13 46
Duplex Latching 22 51
HFBR-4516
Notes:
1. Typical data are at +25°C.
2. No perceivable reduction in retention force was observed after 2000 insertions. Retention force of non-latching connectors is lower at elevated
temperatures. Latching connectors are recommended for applications where a high retention force at high temperatures is desired.
3. For applications where frequent temperature cycling over temperature extremes is expected, please contact Avago Technologies for alternate
connectoring techniques.
4. Minimum and maximum limit for αCC for 0°C to +70°C temperature range. Typical value of αCC is at +25°C.
5. Factory polish or eld polish per recommended procedure.
6. Destructive insertion force was typically at 178 N (40 lb.).
Versatile Link Transmit-
ters and Receivers
Connector to Versatile
Link Transmitters and
Receivers
5
Step-by-Step Plastic Cable Connectoring Instructions
The following step-by-step guide describes how to termi-
nate plastic ber optic cable. It is ideal for both eld and
factory installation. Connectors can be easily installed
on cable ends with wire strippers, cutters and a crimping
tool.
Finishing the cable is accomplished with the Avago
HFBR-4593 Polishing Kit, consisting of a Polishing Fixture,
600 grit abrasive paper and 3 µm pink lapping lm (3M
Company, OC3-14). The connector can be used immedi-
ately after polishing.
Materials needed for plastic ber termination are:
1. Avago Plastic Optical Fiber Cable (Example: HFBR-
RUS500, HFBR-RUD500, HFBR-EUS500, or HFBR-
EUD500)
2. Industrial Razor Blade or Wire Cutters
3. 16 Gauge Latching Wire Strippers (Example: Ideal
StripmasterTM type 45-092).
4. HFBR-4597 Crimping Tool
5. HFBR-4593 Polishing Kit
6. One of the following connectors:
a) HFBR-4501/4503 Gray Simplex/Simplex Latching
Connector and HFBR-4525 Simplex Crimp Ring
b) HFBR-4511/4513 Blue Simplex/Simplex Latching
Connector and HFBR-4525 Simplex Crimp Ring
c) HFBR-4506 Parchment (o-white) Duplex Connector
and HFBR-4526 Duplex Crimp Ring
d) HFBR-4516 Gray Latching Duplex Connector and
HFBR-4526 Duplex Crimp Ring
Step 1
The zip cord structure of the duplex cable permits easy
separation of the channels. The channels should be sepa-
rated a minimum of 100 mm (4 in) to a maximum of 150
mm (6 in) back from the ends to permit connectoring
and polishing.
After cutting the cable to the desired length, strip o
approximately 7 mm (0.3 in.) of the outer jacket with the
16 gauge wire strippers. Excess webbing on the duplex
cable may have to be trimmed to allow the simplex or
simplex latching connector to slide over the cable.
When using the duplex connector and duplex cable, the
separated duplex cable must be stripped to equal lengths
on each cable. This allows easy and proper seating of the
cable into the duplex connector.
Step 2
Place the crimp ring and connector over the end of the
cable; the ber should protrude about 3 mm (0.12 in.)
through the end of the connector. Carefully position the
ring so that it is entirely on the connector with the rim of
the crimp ring ush with the connector, leaving a small
space between the crimp ring and the ange. Then crimp
the ring in place with the crimping tool. One crimp tool is
used for all POF connector crimping requirements.
For applications with extreme temperature operation
or frequent temperature cycling, improved connector
to cable attachment can be achieved with the use of an
RTV (GE Company, RTV-128 or Dow Corning 3145-RTV)
adhesive. The RTV is placed into the connector prior to
insertion of the ber and the ber is crimped normally.
The connector can be polished after the RTV has cured
and is then ready for use.
Note: By convention, place the gray connector on the trans-
mitter cable end and the blue connector on the receiver cable
end to maintain color coding (dierent color connectors are
mechanically identical).
Simplex connector crimp rings cannot be used with duplex
connectors and duplex connector crimp rings cannot be
used with simplex connectors because of size dierences.
The simplex crimp has a dull luster appearance; the duplex
ring is glossy and has a thinner wall.
6
Step 3
Any excess ber protruding from the connector end may
be cut o; however, the trimmed ber should extend at
least 1.5 mm (0.06 in) from the connector end.
Insert the connector fully into the polishing xture with
the trimmed ber protruding from the bottom of the
xture. This plastic polishing xture can be used to polish
two simplex connectors or simplex latching connectors
simultaneously, or one duplex connector.
Note: The four dots on the bottom of the polishing xture
are wear indicators. Replace the polishing xture when any
dot is no longer visible. Typically, the polishing xture can
be used 10 times; 10 duplex connectors or 20 simplex con-
nectors, two at a time.
Place the 600 grit abrasive paper on a at smooth surface,
pressing down on the connector, polish the ber and the
connector using a gure eight pattern of strokes until the
connector is ush with the bottom of the polishing xture.
Wipe the connector and xture with a clean cloth or tissue.
Step 4
Place the ush connector and polishing xture on the dull
side of the 3 µm pink lapping lm and continue to polish
the ber and connector for approximately 25 strokes. The
ber end should be at, smooth and clean.
This cable is now ready for use.
Note: Use of the pink lapping lm ne polishing step results in
approximately 2 dB improvement in coupling performance
of either a transmitter-receiver link or a bulkhead/splice over
a 600 grit polish alone. This ne polish is comparable to the
Avago factory polish. The ne polishing step may be omitted
where an extra 2 dB of optical power is not essential, as with
short link lengths. Proper polishing of the tip of the ber/con-
nector face results in a tip diameter between 2.5 mm (0.098
in.) minimum and 3.2 mm (0.126 in.) maximum..
HFBR-4593 Polishing Kit
7
Ordering Guide for POF Cable
For Example:
HFBR-RUD500 is a Standard Attenuation, Unconnectored,
Duplex, 500 meter cable.
HFBR-RLS001 is a Standard Attenuation, Latching Simplex
Connectored, Simplex, 1 meter cable.
HFBR-RMD010 is a Standard Attenuation, Standard Duplex
Connectored, Duplex, 10 meter cable.
HFBR-RMD100 is a Standard Attenuation, Standard Duplex
Connectored, Duplex, 100 meter cable.
Ordering Guide for POF Connectors and Accessories
Plastic Optical Fiber Connectors
HFBR-4501 Gray Simplex Connector/Crimp Ring
HFBR-4511 Blue Simplex Connector/Crimp Ring
HFBR-4503 Gray Simplex Latching Connector with Crimp Ring
HFBR-4513 Blue Simplex Latching Connector with Crimp Ring
HFBR-4506 Parchment Duplex Connector with Crimp Ring
HFBR-4516 Gray Duplex Latching Connector with Crimp Ring
HFBR-4505 Gray Adapter (Bulkhead/Feedthrough)
HFBR-4515 Blue Adapter (Bulkhead/Feedthrough)
Plastic Optical Fiber Accessories
HFBR-4522 500 HFBR-0500 Products Port Plugs
HFBR-4525 1000 Simplex Crimp Rings
HFBR-4526 500 Duplex Crimp Rings
HFBR-4593 Polishing Kit (one polishing tool, two pieces 600 grit
abrasive paper, and two pieces 3 µm pink lapping lm)
HFBR-4597 Plastic Fiber Crimping Tool
Cable Length Tolerances:
The plastic cable length tolerances are: +10%/-0%.
NOTE: By convention, pre-connectored simplex POF ca-
bles have gray and blue colored connectors on the op-
posite ends of the same ber; although oppositely col-
ored, the connectors are mechanically identical. Duplex
POF cables with duplex connectors use color- coded
markings on the duplex ber cable to dierentiate be-
tween the channel.
Note: Not all possible combinations reect available part numbers.
Please contact your local Avago representative for a list of current available cable part numbers.
Connector Code
U = Unconnectored
N = Standard Simplex Connectors
L = Latching Simplex Connectors
M = Standard Duplex Connectors
T = Latching Duplex Connectors
Cable Code
R = Standard Attenuation POF
E = Extra Low Loss POF
HFBR-
Channel Code
S = Simplex Cable
D = Duplex Zipcord Cable
Length Code
(measured from tip of connector to tip of
connector)
1-500 meters in 1 meter increments
e.g. 015 = 15 meters
1-10 meters in 1 decimeter increments
e.g. 15D = 1.5 meters
8
Bulkhead Feedthrough or Panel Mounting for HFBR-4501/4511 Simplex Connectors
Attachment to Avago Versatile Link Fiber Optic Components
Connector Applications
9
Versatile Link Mechanical Dimensions
All dimensions in mm (inches).
All dimensions ±0.25 mm unless otherwise specied.
Fiber Optic Cable Dimensions
Bulkhead Feedthrough with Two HFBR-4501/4511 Connectors
HFBR-4505 (Gray)/4515 (Blue) Adapters
Panel Mounting – Bulkhead Feedthrough
1.0 POF
(0.039)
0.230 HCS
(0.009)
Versatile Link Mechanical Dimensions, continued
HFBR-4516 (Parchment) Duplex Latching Connector
HFBR-4503 (Gray)/4513 (Blue) Simplex Latching Connector
HFBR-4506 (Parchment) Duplex Connector
HFBR-4501 (Gray)/4511 (Blue) Simplex Connector
For product information and a complete list of distributors, please go to our website: www.avagotech.com
Avago, Avago Technologies, and the A logo are trademarks of Avago Technologies in the United States and other countries.
Data subject to change. Copyright © 2005-2009 Avago Technologies. All rights reserved. Obsoletes 5988-3625EN
AV02-1848EN - March 31, 2009
All dimensions in mm (inches).
All dimensions ±0.25 mm unless otherwise specied.
