5

3.0 Mechanical Tests (Group 1)

3.1 Impact

Procedure:

The connector is placed in the impact test fixture. The connector is raised to the horizontal position and released

in a manner so that it strikes a concrete block. This is repeated 8 times, then cleaned and measured for loss and

return loss. The connector is also inspected for any physical damage.

Sample Size: 10

Results:

Loss (dB)

Return Loss (dB)

Wavelength

Mean

Std. Dev.

Mean

Std. Dev.

850

0.15

0.07

-23.8

1.37

1310

0.11

0.06

-25.9

1.74

3.2 Flex

Procedure:

Testing was performed on samples subjected to the Impact Test. The connector - coupling is mounted onto the

swingarm of the 3M Flex Tester. A 0.5 kg load is attached to the cable 25 cm from the pivot point. The

connector is then cycled through 0

°, +90°, 0°, -90°, 0°, about the center axis of the connector for 100 cycles. At

the completion of the test, the connector is measured for Insertion Loss and Return Loss.

Sample Size: 10

Results:

Loss (dB)

Return Loss (dB)

Wavelength

Mean

Std. Dev.

Mean

Std. Dev.

850

0.16

0.06

-23.6

1.02

1310

0.12

0.06

-26.1

1.50

3.3 Twist

Procedure:

Testing was performed on samples subjected to the Flex Test. The connector - coupling is mounted onto the

swingarm of the 3M Flex Tester and the swingarm is locked in the 0

° position. A 15 N (3.3 lbs.) load is attached

to the cable 25 cm from the pivot point. The weight is rotated about the cable axis 2.5 revolutions in one

direction, reversed for 5 revolutions, and reversed for 5 more revolutions for a total of 10 cycles. At the

completion of the test, the connector is measured for Insertion Loss and Return Loss.

Sample Size: 10

Results:

Loss (dB)

Return Loss (dB)

Wavelength

Mean

Std. Dev.

Mean

Std. Dev.

850

0.15

0.08

-23.8

0.96

1310

0.11

0.05

-26.2

1.46