Background
US Conec started in 1992 as an equity venture of three leading communications technology companies. Corning Cable Systems is the leading U.S. manufacturer of fiber optic cables and connection hardware for telecommunications and premises SAN/LAN. Fujikura Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of electrical, fiber optic, and specialty materials products in Japan. NTT Advanced Technology Corp., a subsidiary of NTT Corp., provides leading edge communications and information technology products and services for global business development.
Almost 25 years ago NTT saw the value of multifiber technology and patented the first multifiber ferrules. NTT went on to install over 25 million MT connectors in their network, and to pioneer the first multifiber push-on connector, the first multifiber backplane connector, and a ferrule alignment system using guide pins. With the formation of US Conec in 1992, the MT multifiber technology was introduced to North America. Since that time, US Conec has continued to improve the multifiber technology and adapt it for higher density and lower cost communications links.
Events Timeline
1992 - US Conec factory and headquarters opened in Hickory, NC
1993 - Factory qualified to supply 4 and 8 fiber ferrules for NTT network use
1996 - Introduced MTP® Connector family – 4, 8, 12 fiber MPO-style snap-on connector for data center, central office, and indoor LAN cabling
1998 - Introduced small 2 fiber ferrule as part of the MTRJ connector consortium
1999 - Introduced first 0.35 dB low-loss single-mode ferrule and MTP Elite® connector for high bandwidth digital switch and cross connect systems
2000 - Introduced Concours® flexible optical circuit design and fabrication service for emerging optical backplanes and compact fiber management solutions
2001 - Started contract molding service providing precision molded array module parts incorporating pins and lenses for SNAP12 and POP4 Source Agreements
2002 - Major advance to thermoplastic (injection) molding from thermoset molding to prepare for higher volume at lower cost
2003 - Start distribution of NTTAT and Fujikura connector cleaners to provide latest technology needed to maintain reliable 10Gb (and higher) optical links
2004 - Introduced 24 fiber and first 72 fiber ferrule and MTP® connector for high bandwidth routers and computing clusters
2005 - Introduced the compact ribbon fan-out based on Concours® technology to provide a more reliable method to terminate ribbon cable
2006 - All products meet the new global RoHS (hazardous substance) directive
2008 - Expansion of Development and Manufacturing space at Hickory location
2010 - Introduced PRIZM™ LightTurn™ minature EO transceiver connector for very dense on-card (12 x 10GBs array) transceivers. In conjunction introduced higher density card edge MTP® adapters and MTP® connectors with Push-Pull tab.
Looking Ahead
US Conec invests in product design, development and manufacturing to grow as a leading company in high-density optical interconnections. We continue to improve MT ferrules and the MTP® connector family. New connector system designs promise continued sales growth. We are developing emerging applications in array module packaging, medical, industrial, and outdoor systems. Our strategy is to combine investment in our people talent with leading edge technology to build a foundation for growth. A long history of quality products, satisfied customers, and focused staff points to a bright future.
Press Careers to see opportunities for you to join the US Conec team!
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