EN 4639-001:2007

Aerospace series - Connectors, optical, rectangular, modular, multicontact, 1,25 diameter ferrule, with removable alignment sleeve holder - Part 001: Technical specification

This standard specifies the general characteristics, the conditions for qualification, acceptance and quality assurance, as well as the test programs and groups for rectangular multipin fibre optic connectors.

Luft- und Raumfahrt - Optischer Rechtecksteckverbinder, modular, Mehrfachkontakt, Ferrulendurchmesser 1,25 mm, demontierbarer Zentrierhülsenhalter - Teil 001: Technische Lieferbedingungen

Diese Norm legt die allgemeinen Eigenschaften, Bedingungen für Qualifikation, Abnahme und Qualitäts-sicherung, sowie die Prüfprogramme und –gruppen für mehrpolige LWL-Rechtecksteckverbinder fest.

Série aérospatiale — Connecteurs optiques rectangulaires, modulaires multicontacts, férule 1,25, équipés d’un porte sleeve démontable — Partie 001 : Spécification technique

Aeronavtika - Konektorji, optični, pravokotni, modularni, večkontaktni, premer kapice 1,25, s snemljivo centrirno pušo - 001. del: Tehnična specifikacija

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 11-Dec-2007
• Withdrawal Date: 29-Jun-2008
• ICS: 49.060 - Aerospace electric equipment and systems
• Technical Committee: ASD-STAN - Aerospace
• Drafting Committee: ASD-STAN/D 4 - Metallic
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 30-Jun-2017
• Completion Date: 11-Feb-2026
• Ref Project: SIST EN 4639-001:2008 - Aerospace series - Connectors, optical, rectangular, modular, multicontact, 1,25 diameter ferrule, with removable alignment sleeve holder - Part 001: Technical specification

Relations

• Refers: EN 3909:2016 - Aerospace series - Test fluids and test methods for electrical and optical components and sub-assemblies
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 3197:2010 - Aerospace series - Design and installation of aircraft electrical and optical interconnection systems
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 4644-002:2016 - Aerospace series - Connector, electrical and optical, rectangular, modular, rectangular inserts, operating temperature 175 °C (or 125 °C) continuous - Part 002: Specification of performance and contact arrangements
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 4644-001:2017 - Aerospace series - Connector, electrical and optical, rectangular, modular, rectangular inserts, operating temperature 175 °C (or 125 °C) continuous - Part 001: Technical specification
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 9133:2018 - Aerospace series - Quality Management Systems - Qualification Procedure for Aerospace Standard Products
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 4644-003:2016 - Aerospace series - Connector, electrical and optical, rectangular, modular, rectangular inserts, operating temperature 175 °C (or 125 °C) continuous - Part 003: Rectangular inserts - Product standard
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 2591-100:2024 - Aerospace series - Elements of electrical and optical connection - Test methods - Part 100: General
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 4639-005:2007 - Aerospace series - Connectors, optical, rectangular, modular, multicontact, 1,25 diameter ferrule, with removable alignment sleeve holder - Part 005: Removable alignment sleeve holder - Product standard
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 4639-003:2007 - Aerospace series - Connectors, optical, rectangular, modular, multicontact, 1,25 diameter ferrule, with removable alignment sleeve holder - Part 003: Male optical module - Product standard
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 4639-002:2007 - Aerospace series - Connectors, optical, rectangular, modular, multicontact, 1,25 diameter ferrule, with removable alignment sleeve holder - Part 002: List of product standards
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 4639-101:2007 - Aerospace series - Connectors, optical, rectangular, modular, multicontact, 1,25 diameter ferrule, with removable alignment sleeve holder - Part 101: Optical contact for cable EN 4641-100 - Operating temperatures between - 65 °C and 125 °C - Product standard
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 4830-001:2015 - Aerospace series - Connectors, optical, rectangular, modular, operating temperature 125 °C, for EN 4639-10X contacts - Part 001: Technical specification
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 4639-004:2007 - Aerospace series - Connectors, optical, rectangular, modular, multicontact, 1,25 diameter ferrule, with removable alignment sleeve holder - Part 004: Female optical module - Product standard
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 4639-102:2007 - Aerospace series - Connectors, optical, rectangular, modular, multicontact, 1,25 diameter ferrule, with removable alignment sleeve holder - Part 102: Optical contact for cable EN 4641-102 - Operating temperatures between - 55 °C and 100 °C - Product standard
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

Overview

EN 4639-001:2007 is a European standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) that defines technical requirements for aerospace optical connectors. Specifically, it covers rectangular, modular, multicontact fibre optic connectors using 1.25 mm diameter ferrules with removable alignment sleeve holders. This standard details the general characteristics, qualification and acceptance criteria, quality assurance provisions, and test programs essential for ensuring performance and reliability in demanding aerospace environments.

The document provides guidance on design, materials, assembly, marking, and test methods for these fibre optic connectors, facilitating consistent implementation and compliance across the aerospace industry.

Key Topics

• Connector Design and Types

  • Rectangular, modular, multicontact designs for flexibility in aerospace applications
  • Two housing sizes supporting various module configurations
  • Use of rear-removable optical contacts with precise alignment facilitated by removable alignment sleeve holders
  • Keyed modules and connectors to ensure proper mating and prevent mismatching

• Material and Surface Treatment

  • Guidelines for material selection to ensure mechanical robustness and electrical integrity
  • Requirements for corrosion protection when dissimilar metals are used in close proximity
  • Specifications for both metallic and non-metallic materials suitable for harsh operational conditions

• Testing and Quality Assurance

  • Comprehensive qualification and acceptance procedures, including mechanical, environmental, and optical performance tests
  • Reference to relevant test standards, such as EN 2591-100, for consistent assessment methods
  • Ongoing maintenance of qualification and acceptance criteria to assure continued compliance
  • Quality management systems aligned with EN 9133 for tracking and documentation

• Designation and Marking

  • Systematic identification protocols for connector modules and optical contacts
  • Marking requirements for clear traceability and correct installation

Applications

EN 4639-001:2007 is specifically tailored for aerospace applications, where high-performance optical connectivity is critical. Typical use cases include:

• Aircraft and Spacecraft Onboard Systems

  • Communication links requiring high data integrity and reliability
  • Optical harnesses in flight-control, navigation, or sensor networks

• Aerospace Avionics

  • Modular interconnections in avionics suites, utilizing the flexibility of multicontact, fibre-based connectors

• Environmental Resilience

  • Deployments where exposure to temperature variation, vibration, shocks, humidity, and aerospace fluids is anticipated
  • Applications requiring repeated mating/unmating without performance degradation

The modular, multicontact nature of these connectors allows for scalable configurations, making them valuable for both new designs and retrofit projects.

Related Standards

EN 4639-001:2007 references and complements several other international and European standards to ensure robust and interoperable connector solutions:

• EN 2591-100: Aerospace series - Elements of electrical and optical connection - Test methods
• EN 3197: Aerospace series - Installation of aircraft electrical and optical interconnection systems
• EN 3909: Aerospace series - Test fluids for electric components and sub-assemblies
• EN 9133: Aerospace series - Quality management systems - Qualification procedures
• EN 4644-001/002/003: Related modular rectangular connector standards (for both electrical and optical applications)
• MIL-I-81969/14: Installation and removal tools for connector contacts
• Other referenced standards for performance, product details, and tool specifications

Practical Value

Adhering to EN 4639-001:2007 enables aerospace manufacturers, system integrators, and suppliers to:

• Achieve interoperability and consistency across aircraft and spacecraft platforms
• Ensure reliable, maintainable optical interconnections in challenging aerospace conditions
• Streamline qualification and testing, reducing risk and time-to-market for new systems
• Comply with aerospace procurement specifications across Europe and internationally

By following this standard, organizations are positioned to deliver robust, high-quality optical connector solutions that meet stringent aerospace requirements.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Aerospace series - Connectors, optical, rectangular, modular, multicontact, 1,25 diameter ferrule, with removable alignment sleeve holder - Part 001: Technical specificationLILNDFLMDSérie aérospatiale — Connecteurs optiques rectangulaires, modulaires multicontacts, férule 1,25, équipés d’un porte sleeve démontable — Partie 001 : Spécification techniqueLuft- und Raumfahrt - Optischer Rechtecksteckverbinder, modular, Mehrfachkontakt, Ferrulendurchmesser 1,25 mm, demontierbarer Zentrierhülsenhalter - Teil 001: Technische LieferbedingungenTa slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 4639-001:2007SIST EN 4639-001:2008en49.060ICS:SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 4639-001:200801-marec-2008

EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 4639-001December 2007ICS 49.060 English VersionAerospace series - Connectors, optical, rectangular, modular,multicontact, 1,25 diameter ferrule, with removable alignmentsleeve holder - Part 001: Technical specificationSérie aérospatiale - Connecteurs optiques rectangulaires,modulaires multicontacts, férule 1,25, équipés d'un portesleeve démontable - Partie 001 : Spécification techniqueLuft- und Raumfahrt - Optischer Rechtecksteckverbinder,modular, Mehrfachkontakt, Ferrulendurchmesser 1,25 mm,demontierbarer Zentrierhülsenhalter - Teil 001: TechnischeLieferbedingungenThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 21 June 2007.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as theofficial versions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2007 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 4639-001:2007: E

3 Terms and definitions For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 2591-100 apply.
* And all parts quoted in this document. 1) Published as ASD Prestandard at the date of publication of this standard. 2) In preparation at the date of publication of this standard. 3) Published by: Department of Defense (DOD), the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 20301 USA.

 Housing size 1 with 1 module cavity.  Housing size 2 with 2 module cavities. The connectors use rear removable optical contacts with a ferrule diameter of 1,25 mm. The precise alignment of the optical contacts is accomplished by alignment sleeves held in a removable sleeve holder. The receptacles and plugs contain either male or female module. The female module is characterised by its ability to receive the removable sleeve holder. The modules can be installed and removed from the shell by means of a tool as specified in EN 4644-003. The modules are keyed to prevent mismatching (“A” module for connector housing cavity “A” and “B” module for connector housing cavity “B”) as specified in EN 4644-001. The connectors are keyed as specified in EN 4644-001. Connector type designation as specified in EN 4644-001. 4.2 Receptacle Receptacle description as specified EN 4644-001. 4.3 Plug Plug description as specified EN 4644-001. 4.4 Materials and surface treatment 4.4.1 General When dissimilar metals are in close contact, adequate protection against corrosion shall be used for the electromotive force of the cell not to exceed 0,25 V (see EN 3197). 4.4.2 Housings The connector housing description as specified in EN 4644-001. 4.4.3 Optical contacts and alignment sleeves The contacts shall be of suitable materials as specified in the product standard. The optical alignment sleeves shall be of suitable materials as specified in the product standard. The optical contacts are spring-loaded. The spring force is defined in the product standard.

Key 1 Receptacle connector 2 ∅ Pin cavity position A 3 ∅ Pin cavity position A 4 Plug connector 5 Front face of the module 6 Mechanical bottom of receptacle 7 Interfacial seal 8 Sleeve holder 9 Mechanical bottom of plug 10 Interfacial seal Figure 1 6.4.2 Dual rectangular connector interface insert See Figure 2. Receptacle Connector 4 1 2 3 5 10 9 8 7 6 5
0,30 ArPr 0,30 ApPp
Key 1 Receptacle connector 2 Mechanical bottom of plug 3 Front face of the module 4 Interfacial seal 5 Sleeve holder 6 ∅ Pin cavity position A 7 ∅ Pin cavity position A 8 Mechanical bottom of the receptacle 9 Plug connector Figure 2 1 9 2345 6 8 75 4 3
0,30 Ar Pr 0,30 Ap Pp
Key 1 Single rectangular receptacle 2 Single rectangular plug Figure 3 1 2
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