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• COTS Fibre Optic Prototype

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COTS Fibre Optic Prototype

Application

A 19” rack is required to house a replacement to an electronic device using a pcb mounted FO convertor using COTS components for a traditional DEF spec marine application.

Key Features

The COTS convertors (2 per pcb) were only available with pre-installed fibre and therefore the design needed to coil the fibre whilst maintaining critical minimum bend radii, so this was established by key tie holes on the pcb. Power was external, and came through the back plane. Because the convertor had pre-determined power connectors the pcb was used as the interlink between the connectors.

Timescales

First working prototype was required within 10 weeks, with follow on production 3 weeks later.

Scenario

The design depended upon 2 stacked pcbs to achieve the maximum space within the rack. 1 pcb aligned with backplane connector supplying the power, the signals picking off the other pcb. Because the physical stacking of the boards was critical, the assembly was jig built to ensure correct alignment.

Actuality

The assembly did depend upon the jigging, which worked well. The only way to hold the convertors was by using stirrup clamps since they contained no suitable fixing holes within the unit.

Summary

The delivery was critical to the Customer and the convertor delivery was not going to meet their targets. Tekdata was able to able to use embodiment loan convertors from the Customer to achieve the prototype expectations whilst the production units met the overall target. The units all fitted and worked.