EN 4830-002:2015

Overview

EN 4830-002:2015 is a European Standard issued by CEN that specifies performance criteria for aerospace optical connectors. This standard is part of a series dedicated to aerospace rectangular modular optical connectors designed for operating temperatures up to 125 °C, compatible with EN 4639-10X contacts. It primarily defines the material requirements and performance characteristics of the optical modules used in these connectors.

Developed under the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD-STAN), EN 4830-002 ensures consistent quality and reliability for critical aerospace applications, enabling interoperability across European member states while supporting stringent aerospace electrical connector demands.

Key Topics

• Material Specifications: Establishes the types of thermoplastic, silicone elastomer, stainless steel (AISI 304L), and zirconia ceramic used in connector components, optimized for:

  • Thermal resistance: Operating temperature range from -55 °C to 125 °C.
  • Mechanical endurance: Designed for at least 500 mating/unmating cycles.
  • Corrosion resistance: Minimum 500 hours resistance to salt mist, vital for aerospace environments.

• Optical Performance: Specifies that optical characteristics are tied to cable standards like EN 4641-100 and EN 4641-101, addressing compatibility with 62.5/125 µm diameter fibers and maintaining data integrity under operational stresses.

• Environmental Classes: Defines multiple connector housing finishes, including olive drab cadmium plated aluminum alloy, black nickel plated aluminum alloy, and various composite materials-all tested for salt mist resistance and continuous 125 °C operation.

• Connector Components: Includes details on:

  • Contacts sub-assemblies: Removable optical contacts compatible with different cable specifications.
  • Sealing plugs: Usage of plugs per EN 4529-003 to ensure sealed, unpopulated cavities.
  • Extraction tools: Reference to EN 4830-004 for the standardized tools used to safely extract modules.

• Standard References: Cross-references related standards ensure comprehensive coverage of connector design, cable specifications, sealing components, and testing methods such as IEC 61300-3-33 for sleeve force measurement.

Applications

EN 4830-002 optical connectors are critical in aerospace sectors where reliable, high-performance optical data transmission is required under harsh environmental conditions. Typical applications include:

• Avionics Systems: High-speed data communication within aircraft systems and subsystems.
• Space Equipment: Reliable optical connections in satellites and spacecraft exposed to extreme temperature ranges.
• Defense Electronics: Ruggedized optical links for secure and high-integrity data transfer in military aircraft.
• Aerospace Cabling: Integration with EN 4641 specified cables to maintain performance across fiber optic networks.

By adhering to this standard, manufacturers and aerospace system integrators ensure that connectors meet rigorous temperature tolerance, corrosion resistance, and mechanical durability requirements, supporting mission-critical operations.

Related Standards

To fully implement EN 4830-002 in aerospace optical connector design and testing, the following standards are essential complements:

• EN 4830-001 – Technical specifications for the aerospace optical connectors modular series.
• EN 4639-10X series – Definitions and product standards for optical contacts compatible with EN 4830 connectors.
• EN 4529-003 – Standards for sealing plugs used in aerospace electrical and optical connectors.
• EN 4830-004 – Specifications for extraction tool modules to facilitate connector maintenance.
• IEC 61300-3-33 – International standard detailing test methods for optical connector components, including sleeve force measurements.
• EN 4641 series – Aerospace optical cable standards defining fiber specifications and construction.

Adopting EN 4830-002 along with these related standards ensures a comprehensive framework for developing and qualifying aerospace optical connectors optimized for durability, performance, and safety.

Keywords: EN 4830-002, aerospace optical connectors, rectangular modular connectors, 125 °C operating temperature, EN 4639 contacts, aerospace fiber optic connectors, optical connector materials, aerospace connector standards, optical sealing plugs, aerospace cable specifications, European aerospace connector standard.