VITA, OpenVPX & SOSA-Aligned MT Fiber Optic Connectors

VITA 87 circular MT fiber‑optic connectors from Amphenol Fiber Systems International (AFSi), part of Amphenol Military & Aerospace, provide a rugged solution for high‑density optical interconnects in open‑architecture platforms conforming to SOSA and OpenVPX frameworks. These AV87‑series connectors combine MT multi‑fiber ferrule technology with the proven MIL‑DTL‑38999 Series III Tri‑Start mechanical interface to achieve sealed, vibration‑resistant performance in flight and ground electronics.

Mechanical and Optical Configuration

The connectors are available in shell sizes 11, 13, and 15 with plug, jam‑nut, or wall‑mount receptacle options. Each shell accommodates between one and four MT ferrules, supporting up to 48 fibers per ferrule for a maximum of 192 fibers in the largest layout. Three‑level alignment (shell keying, insert registration, and guide pins) ensures repeatable optical mating and low loss even under vibration.

Optical Interface Options

• Physical Contact MT (PC‑MT) for single‑mode or multimode applications requiring minimal insertion loss.
• Expanded Beam MT (EB‑MT) with AR‑coated lenses for dust and debris tolerance in harsh environments.
• Available ferrule options include flat, angled, or lensed interfaces for system‑specific bandwidth and maintenance requirements.

Materials and Environmental Durability

Shells are machined from 6061‑T6 aluminum with durable finishes including nickel, black anodize, black zinc‑nickel, cadmium olive drab, or SnZn. Alternative materials such as stainless steel, marine bronze, or composite variants extend corrosion resistance and weight‑saving benefits for aerospace and naval use. Environmental ruggedness is validated for temperature extremes, vibration, and mechanical shock, supporting use in mission‑critical computing, communication, and sensor systems.

Applications

• Optical backplane and front‑panel connectivity in OpenVPX and SOSA‑aligned modules
• Avionics and airborne electronic warfare systems
• UAVs and air platform sensor payloads
• Ground vehicle and mobile command shelters
• SATCOM and radar subsystems requiring field‑cleanable high‑fiber‑count links

Selection and Integration Guidance

Engineers can specify configurations by shell size, connector style, insert layout, shell material and finish, and key orientation. The standard nomenclature follows the AV87‑15P4AWN example from the datasheet. Connectors are intermateable with legacy VITA 87 compliant products and standard MIL‑DTL‑38999 Series III accessories, enabling upgrade paths within existing platform infrastructure.