• • • EDITOR’S CHOICE • • •
Cleaning Fiber Optic Connections on PCBAs: Best Practices for
Optimal Performance Fiber connections on PCBAs (printed circuit board assemblies) are essential components that enable high-speed, reliable data transmission using light signals
hey typically consist of a fibre optic connector and a matching receptacle on the PCBA, working together to ensure accurate alignment and optimal signal integrity. These connections offer superior bandwidth and reduced signal loss, making them ideal for applications in telecommunications, data centres and high-frequency electronics. However, maintaining optimal performance requires meticulous cleaning of fibre optic connections to prevent signal degradation due to contamination. This article discusses best practices for cleaning fibre optic connections on PCBAs, ensuring longevity and reliability.
T Understanding the
Importance of Cleaning Fiber optic connectors are highly sensitive to dirt, dust, oil and other contaminants that can accumulate on their surfaces. Contaminants can interfere with light transmission, leading to signal loss, increased attenuation and ultimately, system failure. Cleaning fibre optic connections on PCBAs is essential to maintain the integrity of these connections and ensure high-performance levels.
The Difference Between
PCBA and Fiber Optic Cleaning PCBA cleaning methods are not suitable for fibre optic connections because they lack the precision required to protect the optical integrity of fibre end faces. The PCBA cleaning fluids and methods used in PCBA cleaning can damage the delicate end face of a fibre optic connector causing scratches, residue buildup or surface deformation that disrupts light transmission. Fiber optic cleaning requires specialised, residue-free cleaning fluids and tools like click-to-clean tools and lint-free sticks that target contaminants without abrasive contact.
Types of Fiber Optic
Contaminants The primary contaminants affecting fibre optic connections on PCBAs include:
• Dust and Particles: These can settle on the fibre end faces during installation or maintenance, obstructing the light path.
• Fingerprints: Oils from accidental finger touches can leave residues that degrade signal quality. • Moisture: Humidity can lead to the formation of films on optical surfaces, affecting signal transmission.
• End Cap Oils: Over time, oils extract from the plastic caps used to protect the fibre end faces during storage or transport leaving residues behind. Therefore, it is important to clean all end face connectors, even those that are brand new right out of the bag.
Follow a Systematic Cleaning
Process: Inspect-Clean-Inspect To ensure optimal performance and signal integrity, it’s essential to follow a systematic cleaning process of Inspect-Clean-Inspect when maintaining fibre optic connections.
Best Practices for Cleaning Fiber
Optic Connections on PCBAs When cleaning fibre optic connections, it is crucial to use purpose-built fluids and tools to avoid damaging the delicate surfaces. Recommended tools include:
1. Fiber Optic Cleaning Wipes: Lint-free wipes specifically designed for fibre optics cleaning can effectively remove contaminants without scratching the end face surface. 2. Cleaning Sticks and Click-to-Clean Tools: These clean the entire end face preventing future contamination from migrating due to network vibration to the core region. 3. Engineered Cleaning Fluids: Engineered fibre optic cleaning fluids evaporate quickly ensuring clean connections even in demanding environments.
10 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • NOVEMBER 2024
1. Inspect the Connection: Before cleaning, visually inspect the fibre optic connector for visible contaminants. Use a fibre optic inspection scope for a detailed view. 2. Clean the Connector: Use a specialised cleaning tool (e.g., lint-free optical grade wipe, click-to-clean tools or engineered sticks). Gently press the cleaning wipe or tool onto the end face and swipe, click or rotate it according to the tool’s instructions. If stubborn contaminants are present, apply a small amount of cleaning fluid onto the cleaning tool before cleaning. The fluid will loosen microscopic contaminants and whisk it away with the evaporating fluid. 3. Inspect/Reinspect the Connection: Use the inspection scope to verify the end face is now completely clean and free of any contaminants. If contaminants remain, repeat the inspect- clean-inspect cycle until the end face meets IEC 61300-2-35 cleanliness standards.
Conclusion Regular cleaning of fibre optic connections on PCBAs is crucial for maintaining the high-speed data transmission and reliability that these connections enable. By adhering to best practices—using purpose-built cleaning tools, following an inspect-clean-inspect routine, and applying fibre optic-specific cleaning fluids – technicians can prevent signal degradation and prolong the life of these connections. A proactive approach to fibre optic maintenance safeguards performance, ensuring that PCBA systems meet the demands of today’s advanced communication environments. For more information, visit
www.microcare.com.
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50
