Optical Fiber
To realize the information and communications infrastructure that supports the evolution of IoT (Internet of Things), it is essential to establish an optical communications network that exceeds the existing transmission capacity limits. Optical Fiber will play a central role in this. NTT's IOWN concept has set three target performance targets: low power consumption, high capacity and high quality, and low latency, and is considering the introduction of various new technologies.
As part of Fujikura's efforts to realize the IOWN concept, we have released the world's highest density Fiber Optic Cable, which incorporates our proprietary 12-fiber Intermittently bonded ribbon fibers, "Spider Web Ribbon®." We are further evolving this technology and developing an ultra-high-density Fiber Optic Cable incorporating Optical Fiber with a 200 µm outer diameter that is thinner than the standard coating.
Furthermore, as part of our research and development to achieve even higher densities, we are developing multi-core fibers, in which multiple cores are arranged in a single Optical Fiber cladding. With an eye toward the early practical application of multi-core fibers, we are focusing on multi-core fibers with four cores arranged in a single optical fiber cladding, which has the same diameter (125 µm) as the standard Optical Fiber currently in use and is optically compatible with existing single-mode fibers.
Optical Connector
光コネクタは、光ファイバどうしを精密に軸合わせし、端面を近接または接触させて低損失・高信頼の繰り返し接続を実現する製品です。単心コネクタおよび多心一括コネクタ（図1）に適用され、それぞれに複数の接続方式があります。フジクラは各接続方式におけるコア技術を有しており、お客様の用途に応じた多様なソリューションを提供しています。PC接続は、光ファイバ端面どうしを物理的に接触させる方式です。フジクラは、高精度研磨技術や精密樹脂成形技術などを活用し、光コネクタの低損失化と多心化を進めてきました。また、PC接続に加えて、屈折率整合材や光ファイバ融着接続機を組み合わせた現場組立型光コネクタソリューション（図2）も提供しています。近年、ハイパースケールデータセンター（HSDC）におけるデータトラフィック量の増大にともない、光コネクタや光配線ソリューションの高密度化が注目されています。この課題の解決策として、フジクラは、小型かつ高密度なキーコンポーネントであるMMCフェルール・コネクタ（図3）および配線ソリューションを、この新分野に展開しています。加えて、80 µmクラッド光ファイバ対応製品の開発を進めており、さらなる小型・高密度化を実現します。また、よりいっそうの高密度化を実現するため、1本のファイバに複数のコアを有するマルチコアファイバをアセンブルした多心光コネクタ、MCF-MPOコネクタ（図4）の開発にも取り組んでいます。
Figure 1: Single-fiber connector and multi-fiber bulk connector
Figure 2: Examples of field-assembled connectors (Left: fusion-type MPO connector, Right: refractive index-matched single-fiber connector)
Figure 3: MMC vs MPO connector comparison
Figure 4: Multicore fiber (left) and MCF-MPO connector (right)
Fusion Splicer
Fujikura is currently researching and developing optical Optical Fiber Fusion Splicer. These devices measure the core position of Optical Fiber with high precision and align two Optical Fiber at the submicron level using a precision axis alignment mechanism. Fusion splicing is then performed using either quasi-corona discharge or CO2 lasers. Quasi-corona discharge Fusion Splicer using tungsten electrodes can be made compact and are primarily used to connect Optical Fiber for communication. On the other hand, CO2 laser-based Fusion Splicer are primarily used to process specialty Optical Fiber Optical Fiber The properties of CO2 lasers are utilized not only for splicing, but also for processing tip lenses and fabricating optical couplers. This device, which utilizes mechatronics technology, has established a leading position in the global market.
High-density Fiber Optic Cable
- 1) Increasing the number of laying in existing conduits while still using the existing laying method
- ② Shortening splicing time by using SWR® to splice ribbons together
- 3) Reduction of connection points by laying in a single line from outdoors to inside the premises
Ultra-thin high-density WTC®
Air-blown WTC ® (AB-WTC™)
Ultra-fine coaxials
Micro Coaxial Cable Assembly
In recent years, micro coaxial cables have been used in a variety of applications, including mobile devices, wearable devices, and drones, creating a need for connections with high bending and twisting characteristics in extremely limited spaces, as well as smaller diameters, noise resistance, and high-speed signal transmission.
Therefore, we are developing micro coaxial cables and assemblies for internal wiring of equipment that meet these needs by improving the internal structure of the cables.
The photo below is an example of a highly flexible micro-coaxial cable. By changing the material and configuration of the central conductor, we have achieved bending performance that is more than 10 times greater than that of conventional cables. This cable can be designed and manufacturing to meet the required bending performance.
Sensors
Pressure Sensors
As the name suggests, pressure sensors are sensors used to measure gas pressure. They are used in a wide range of fields, including industrial equipment such as pressure switches, medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors, and consumer products.
Currently, Fujikura is leveraging its development technology for high-precision pressure sensors that combine piezo-resistive pressure sensors with signal processing ICs to achieve high output stability and improved accuracy.
The pressure range is from 2 kPa in the micro-pressure region to 1 MPa in the high-pressure region, and the output is compatible with analog output and digital output (I2C™, SPI), and various package shapes are available.
In 2024, we released a 4x4 mm compact pressure sensor (AT7) to contribute to the miniaturization and thinning of electronic devices.
We will continue to strengthen our product lineup to meet the increasingly diverse needs of the market.
Oxygen Sensors
Oxygen sensors are used to measure oxygen concentration and are used in a wide range of fields, including medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators and incubators, and industrial equipment such as nitrogen generators.
The oxygen sensor is a limiting current type that uses a zirconia solid electrolyte that has oxygen ion conductivity at high temperatures. Fujikura will manufacturing high-precision oxygen sensors by utilizing its ceramic molding technology, packaging technology, assembly technology, and measurement technology.
Millimeter Wave
The introduction of the fifth-generation mobile communications system (5G) is progressing in order to provide high-quality video streaming and various applications utilizing VR/AR. 5G will further increase the speed and capacity of mobile networks, enabling highly reliable, ultra-low latency communications and multiple simultaneous connections. These aspect will not only improve the convenience of everyday life, but also serve as infrastructure that will create new added value, such as increasing the efficiency of industry and society.
As a technology that realizes high-speed, large-capacity, and low-latency communications, 5G has newly introduced millimeter waves (radio waves of approximately 30 GHz or higher). Millimeter waves have an extremely wide bandwidth and can achieve breakthrough high-speed communications. However, compared to conventional microwaves (below a few GHz), they are more likely to be attenuated and deteriorated due to various factors, so the materials, design, and manufacturing of various devices used in communication equipment require completely different ideas and advanced technologies. Fujikura is conducting research and development to improve the performance and cost of millimeter-wave band communication devices. In the 60 GHz band, we have developed a 60 GHz millimeter-wave wireless communication module that integrates a phased array antenna and a signal processing unit, achieving world-class communication speed (more than 1 Gbps) and long-distance transmission (more than 500 m) at the same time (Fujikura This is an example of the performance value in the experimental environment, depending on the surrounding environment). In addition, we have developed a 28 GHz mmWave antenna board of the FutureAccess™ Type-C series that integrates peripheral functions including high-frequency ICs (RF-ICs) and RF-ICs, phased array antennas, and power supply circuits in the 28 GHz band, aiming to application 5G base stations. In addition, we are developing low-loss, high-performance devices in the mmWave band, such as bandpass filters, to comprehensively support the new generation of mmWave communication devices.
60 GHz millimeter wave wireless communication module
28 GHz mmWave Antenna Board