Molex: Molex Launches Expanded Beam Optical Connectors

Molex has introduced its VersaBeam Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) Interconnect Solutions, designed to simplify and enhance connectivity in hyperscale data center, cloud, and edge computing environments. Leveraging innovative 3M EBO Ferrule technology, VersaBeam connectors significantly reduce sensitivity to contamination from dust and debris, greatly minimizing the need for frequent cleaning, inspection, and maintenance. These connectors offer flexible designs capable of integrating 12, 16, or even 144 fibers into a single connector, maximizing fiber density and streamlining cable routing within constrained spaces. Ideal for intra-rack and server connections, the EBO connectors enable plug-and-play deployment, accelerating installations and reducing operational complexity and labor requirements. Field tests demonstrated that VersaBeam EBO connectors can deliver up to 85% faster installation compared to traditional MPO connectors, substantially lowering total cost of ownership (TCO) for data center operators. Molex will showcase its VersaBeam EBO portfolio at OFC 2025, highlighting collaborations with industry leaders such as 3M, CommScope, and Ciena. • Molex introduces VersaBeam Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) connectors featuring 3M EBO Ferrule technology. • Designed for hyperscale data centers, cloud infrastructure, and edge computing environments. • EBO technology reduces connector maintenance by minimizing contamination issues and simplifying deployment. • Offers fiber density options of 12, 16, or up to 144 fibers per connector in a compact form factor. • Achieves 85% time reduction in deployment compared to traditional MPO connectors. "The best designs often are the simplest, which is true with Molex VersaBeam EBO connectors as customers can make reliable connections with one click," said Trevor Smith, general manager, Optical Connectivity, Molex. Expanded Beam Optics (EBO) is an optical interconnect technology designed to enhance the reliability and maintainability of fiber optic connections, particularly in environments prone to contamination and frequent handling, such as data centers, military applications, and industrial settings. Unlike traditional fiber connectors that rely on physical contact between precisely aligned fiber endfaces, EBO utilizes lenses to expand and collimate the optical beam into a larger diameter before transmission across a connector interface. This larger beam diameter significantly reduces sensitivity to dust, debris, and misalignment, thus minimizing insertion loss and improving overall reliability. As a result, EBO connectors require less frequent cleaning and inspection, enabling faster deployment, reduced downtime, and lower operational costs. Additionally, EBO technology simplifies high-density fiber connectivity by providing robust, repeatable performance in densely packed, challenging installation scenarios. Molex Launches Expanded Beam Optical Connectors