OptiMod is designed to handle the rigours of the cellular telephone industry. It is a robust yet agile system of interconnecting fibre and DC power passive transmission media. OptiMod delivers high-performance connections for hybrid, separate (DC and fibre) or mixed cabling layout requirements in even the harshest cellular telecom environments.
Hughes Electronics says the key to the product’s agility is its modular connector concept, H-Mod, designed to protect fragile glass fibre cores during handling and installation. H-Mod connections do not need special skills or equipment; they feature a unique positive lock latching system that enables error-free connections every time.
Hybrid H-Mod connectors are formed by combining LC fibre and high-performance DC connection modules in the same robust cast aluminium IP68 housing. One connection can transmit DC power and fibre to radio equipment. Hughes Electronics says this can save hundreds of man-hours in deployment.
The cables use corrugated aluminium tubing and spiral steel armouring to provide protection against impact, bird, vermin and other hazards. UV and corrosion resistance is then provided by over sheathing with resilient HDPE. The H-Mod connectors can also house discrete fibre or DC connection modules for use with separate power and fibre cables to support up to 8 RRUs per power or fibre connection.
The company has also launched its OneBox cabling distribution unit. This uses H-Mod IP68 external connectors to reduce installation times. OneBox adapts to hybrid, separate, or mixed cable layouts, providing networks with endless system design possibilities. OneBox can handle up to 400A of power and 48 cores of fibre input to support up to 10 RRUs.
OneBox and the OptiMod system also incorporate a separate functional Earth and shielding continuity. These features address issues that can arise when earthing DC power to the structure. OptiMod also provides a path for return current; this to prevent corrosion and depletion of environmental protective coatings. In addition, OneBox incorporates an external Earth to bring functional Earth serviceability to legacy equipment where no functional Earth exists.