News and New Products

Physical guide routes optical guide

By Bill Schweber -- EDN, 6/3/2005

Even optical fibers, although relatively rugged, may still need some support and protection when designers cram them into today’s tight and crowded boxes and systems. The OFFGS (optical-fiber-flexible-guide system) from Richco Inc provides the needed routing and channeling for 250- and 900-micron fibers. The flexible guide lets designers snake the fiber around the pc board and within the box and provides consistent placement and basic protection. Lugs on the flame-resistant nylon guide secure the fiber, which slides into and through the guide.

According to Cheryl Cummins, marketing manager at Richco, the OFFGS is available in a flat style for mounting directly to the pc board and with support posts that raise it above the pc board, so that it can go over ICs and other obstructions. A standard OFFGS piece measures 6.5 in. (16.5 cm) long and costs about $2.

Richco Inc, www.richco-inc.com.