Furukawa Electric Releases New Model of Multi-use, Compact Optical Fiber Fusion Splicer

Realizing the shortest splicing time in the industry

Furukawa Electric on March 3 releases a new model that partially upgrades the FITEL S199 series of compact optical fiber fusion splicers.

DSL, CATV, and other broadband connections will grow to a subscriber base of more than 7.8 million lines by the end of March 2003. With fiber to the home (FTTH) expected to post firm growth going forward, demand will increase for efficient, low-cost optical fiber splicing.

Furukawa Electric's comprehensive line up of FITEL-brand optical fiber fusion splicers consists of the S121A, a handy-type, ultra-compact FTTH single-core line model that was announced to the media on January 17; the S176 and S182 series of high-performance models that also connect single-core lines at high precision; and the multi-use S199 series, which works with both single-core and multi-core tape cores. A comprehensive line up of products, including related engineering tools, the FITEL brand is sold worldwide.

Sales of the S199 series began in July 1999 in Japan and overseas. It consists of four models: the single-core S199S, the four-core tape core S199M4, the eight-core tape-core S199M8, and the 12-core tape-core S199M12. The upgraded performance of the new versions of all four models shortens connection time, while improved functionality further enhances operability and reliability.

The principal improvements are:

• Standard 25-second splicing time: splicing time has been reduced 17% to 25 seconds, the fastest speed in the industry.
• Clear monitor image definition: Images of optical fibers are easier to view on the large, low-reflection five-inch colour monitor. This enhances the reliability of splicing tasks performed in sunlight.
• Brighter illumination at the point of operation: Switching to a brighter, easier-to-see lamp gives better illumination and facilitates setting of the optical fiber.
• Upgraded self-diagnosis function: It has become possible to automatically confirm machine status in a few seconds.
• Splicing data memory has been increased to 250 splicings.

The S199 series' combination of advanced functionality and a compact body makes it suitable for a broad range of applications, including construction of optical fiber backbone and access networks, the now-beginning full build-out of FTTH, and optical LANs. With the new enhancements, the series offers cutting-edge performance and ease of use to this expanding market.