Miniature Robust Hybrid Connector Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Topic No.: N08-090 Topic Title: Miniature Robust Hybrid Connector Proposal No.: N081-090-0714 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation Applied Technologies Division 20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg.100 Torrance, California 90501-1821 Contact: Kang-Bin Chua Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: To address the Navy's need for a miniaturize hybrid fiber optic/copper circular connector for use in the Buoyant Cable Antenna (BCA) System, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Miniature Robust Hybrid Connector (MiRHyC). This proposed hybrid connector is based on proprietary non-imaging optics and an advanced mechanical package. The innovative connector design will enable the MiRHyC to offer robustness, making it insensitive to mechanical shock and vibration and relaxing alignment requirements. Use of innovative modular inserts and a miniature fiber connector assembly offers increased contact density while providing the BCA designers flexibility in using different combinations of electrical and fiber optic contacts. This connector will have a rigid section outer diameter (OD) of <0.625 in. and mated length (excluding strain relief) of <1.25 in. and will be waterproof to a pressure of 1,050 psi, and have mated tensile strength of 350 lb. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the MiRHyC by designing and testing a Technology Readiness Level (TRL 4) prototype. Finite element modeling (FEM) and solid modeling will be used to validate this design. In Phase II, this prototype will be optimized and upgraded to achieve a high TRL of 6. Benefits: Military applications of the MiRHyC technology will include fiber optic connection for use on aircraft platforms that have high vibration frequencies and magnitudes. The MiRHyC can be incorporated by the Navy into the jet fighters and rotary aircrafts, which will benefit from this propose technology. There are numerous commercial applications for MiRHyC. These include telecommunications industry, off-shore oil industry, marine research and development, aerospace industry, etc. This connector addresses a large potential world circular military connector market which had a market value of $916.7M and $1.010B in 2005 and 2006, respectively, with an estimated average annual growth rate of 10.2%. Return