High-density circular MT connector families commonly support up to 48 fibers per MT ferrule, enabling consolidated interconnects of hundreds of fibers in a single rugged shell — a measurable capacity improvement for avionics, ground stations, and rugged telecom racks. This article gives a practical, specs-first breakdown of the AV87-13P2ATN and the datasheet values engineers need to specify, install, and test with confidence.
1 — Product Overview & Design Intent
1.1 — Form factor and target applications
The AV87-13P2ATN adopts a circular high-density shell targeted at rugged military/aerospace, industrial, and telecom markets. Choosing an HD MT connector over individual LC/SC ports consolidates fiber counts, reduces panel real estate, and simplifies ruggedized routing for high-count backbones.
2 — Electrical & Optical Performance
| Parameter | Typical / Requirement |
|---|---|
| Insertion Loss (per fiber) | ≤0.8 dB typical, ≤1.5 dB max |
| Return Loss | ≥55 dB (UPC) / ≥65 dB (APC) |
| Mating cycles | ≥500 cycles |
| Temp range | −55°C to +85°C |
| Ingress Protection | IP67 (Mated condition) |
3 — Mechanical Specs & Termination Options
3.1 — Mounting and Pinning
AV87-series parts typically offer jam-nut or flange mounting. Alignment-pin indexing and keying ensure correct ferrule orientation and prevent mis-mating in complex backplane assemblies. Verify alignment-pin count against chassis drawings before final specification.
3.2 — Termination and Polishing
Use pre-terminated assemblies for lower IL risk. Field termination requires controlled cleave and polish. Ferrule polish type (UPC vs APC) directly affects return loss. Cleanliness and fiber bend-radius control are critical for maintaining low-loss terminations.
Quick-check installation checklist
- Confirm pin/key alignment and shell size match panel cutout.
- Verify IL ≤ datasheet typical + margin; RL meets spec.
- Inspect seals and boot seating; torque mount hardware to spec.
4 — Test & Qualification Checklist
Before installation, confirm mating compatibility and check datasheet IL/RL thresholds. Use an insertion loss kit and reference jumper for IL checks and an optical power meter or OTDR for link verification. Adopt an initial acceptance test followed by periodic maintenance checks.
Summary
- High-density consolidation: AV87-13P2ATN reduces panel footprint while supporting dozens of fibers.
- Key metrics: Focus on insertion loss, return loss, mating cycles, and IP rating.
- Termination: Factory-terminated assemblies are preferred for mission-critical reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What datasheet values should I prioritize for AV87-13P2ATN?
Prioritize insertion loss (typical and max), return loss/polish type, operating temperature, IP rating, and mating cycles. The datasheet is the normative source for mechanical tolerances and torque limits.
Is the AV87-13P2ATN HD MT connector suitable for field termination?
Field termination is possible but higher risk. If required, use qualified MT termination kits and verify IL/RL immediately. For mission-critical links, pre-terminated cables are strongly recommended.
What field tests should be run after installing AV87-13P2ATN?
Perform an insertion loss test with reference jumpers, an OTDR trace for end-to-end diagnostics, and a visual endface inspection. Record baseline values for future maintenance.
What is the fiber capacity of this connector?
The AV87-13P2ATN supports high-density MT ferrules commonly configured for 12, 24, or 48 fibers per ferrule within a single rugged shell.
