Network Systems

The many desirable features of wireless networks have ensured their growth from an interesting concept to a widely applied technology. They are, however, limited in range and bandwidth and subject to concerns about security. Security concerns, of course, can be addressed by encryption, but that can slow things down. The greater bandwidth needed for truly high-speed networks means that fixed-glass fiber is still the method of choice - but in the absence of pure optical computing and data management, these fiber systems need both opto-electronic and mechanical components. In this area, high performance polymers from Ticona play a critical role.

Special grades of Vectra® liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and Fortron® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), designed for optical fiber connections (ferrules), offer an excellent way to meet the close tolerances needed to minimize data loss. Key to the value in use of Vectra LCP is its good mechanical properties, delivered even in thin-walled applications, and the extremely high precision with which ferrules can be manufactured. For example, an aperture for a 125-micrometer glass fiber can be injection molded with a tolerance of 1-to-2 micrometers, something that is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve with other non-LCP thermoplastics.

Carbon-filled Fortron PPS grades can significantly reduce irregularities in the charge build-up in molded parts, thereby avoiding adverse effects on sensitive electronic components. Fortron PPS is also amenable to Physical Vapor Deposition techniques, where the PVD process deposits a thin, hard coating of metal suitable to provide shielding or microwave beam management surfaces.

For further information on communications, please visit: www.ticonafocus.com/communications.