IEEE Milestone English
Hirose Electric has Received a Certificate of Gratitude For Its Contribution to the Research and Development of the IEEE Milestone “Physical Contact Push-Pull Technology for Fiber Optic Connectors” from NTT
Hirose Electric received a certificate of gratitude and a commemorative gift in June, 2021 for its significant contribution to the research and development of physical contact connection technology and fiber optic connectors from Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (headquartered in Tokyo, Japan; hereinafter referred to as NTT), whose “Physical Contact Push-Pull Technology for Fiber Optic Connectors” proposal was recognized by IEEE*1 as a globally authorized IEEE Milestone in March, 2021.
●About IEEE Milestones
The IEEE Milestones program was established in 1983 by the IEEE*1 as an awards program to honor historical and groundbreaking technological innovations in fields including engineering, electronics, information technology, and technical communications that have received international acclaim for more than 25 years since their development and have contributed to the development of society and industry. In the past, historical achievements such as Benjamin Franklin's work and Maxwell's equations in the 18th century, and NASA's electronic technologies for space rocket launches in the 19th century have also been recognized.
●About “Physical Contact Push-Pull Technology for Fiber Optic Connectors”
In 1986, NTT and Hirose Electric, together with the cooperation of partners in related fields, jointly researched, developed, and commercialized the IEEE Milestone certified SC connector (Milestone Title: Physical Contact Push-Pull Technology for Fiber Optic Connectors). Physical contact connection technology keeps optical fiber end faces in direct contact to prevent the Fresnel reflection induced by the air gap between connected fibers. By using the push-pull coupling mechanism with physical contact connection technology, Hirose and NTT succeeded in achieving stable connection loss, as well as four times the installation density of a conventional thread coupling connector. Additionally, the push-pull coupling mechanism enables the use of plastic molded housing, resulting in significant cost reduction. The physical contact connection technology has been standardized internationally (IEC 61755-3-1, IEC 61755-3-31, IEC 61755-3-32), and is common practice across the globe. The SC optical connectors are still widely used in optical fiber networks.
【Conventional Contact Technology】
Reflection occurs in the air gap between connected optical fibers.
【Physical Contact Technology】
By standardizing the end face design and applying stress, the optical fibers stay in secure contact with each other, preventing reflection.
▲Hirose Electric SC Connector: The HSC Series
●Comments from Kazunori Ishii, the President of Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.
“It is a great pleasure and honor to have collaborated with NTT on the establishment of physical contact technology, now commonly used in optical interconnect solutions, and to have laid the foundation for enhanced performance and stable quality of optical connectors. Hirose Electric Group is thrilled to have played a role in the spread of SC connectors, now a global standard. We will continue our efforts to develop such connectors that contribute to the betterment of society on a global scale.”
▲Commemorative Gift
（Replica of IEEE Milestone Plaque and Certificate of Gratitude）
●Corporate Profile and Related Information
*1 IEEE：Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity, with more than 400,000 members in over 160 countries. The IEEE activities include the activities of the regional IEEE Sections and Societies.