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2022 Year in Review: Solutions Developed

Oceanside, CA, December 30, 2022. The end of the year calls for reflection, and 2022 was certainly a busy year for Sumix as we continue to serve all your inspection needs and support the dynamics of the fiber optic market.

Releasing Android software for microscopes was a major announcement in 2022. Overall, we worked on more than 56 custom requests and projects. Here is an overview of some of the solutions added to the Sumix range.

2022

For handheld and bench top microscopes:

  • the tip for testing MDC APC connectors in adapters
  • the long active tip for inspection of MPO/APC connectors in high-density patch panels
  • the tip for inspection of SN and MDC connectors in high-density patch panels and transceivers
  • the adapter for testing Q-ODC-2 connectors, plug and socket type
  • the tip for inspection of MT ferrule in MMC connector with APC polishing
  • the fixture for inspection of GLENAIR SERIES 79 connectors, socket type with a Polaris benchtop microscope
  • the fixture for inspection of Amphenol's MT38999 connectors with a Polaris benchtop microscope
  • the tip for inspection of fibers of MT APC ferrules in adapters of high density and depth (HDD)
  • the tip for inspection of MDC and SN connectors (for viewing two fiber end faces simultaneously)
  • tips for inspection of VITA 87 connectors of PC type, plug and socket
  • tips for inspection of Senko’s SN-MT connectors
  • the tip for inspection of Pushlok™ MT APC connector
  • tips for inspection of ELSFP connectors, plug module (transceiver) and socket module (cage)
  • the tip for inspection of Corning Optitap® connectors inside enclosures
  • single-fiber fixtures for Polaris benchtop microscope.

For interferometers:

  • fixtures for inspection of SN-MT connectors, 8F and 16F
  • the fixture for testing MTCOMPACT® Slim & Short ferrule
  • VSFF fixtures for measuring SN® and MDC connectors (Junior and Senior)
  • the fixture for inspecting 12-24 fiber MMC patch cords of APC type
  • the fixture for inspection of Amphenol’s M29N (NGCON) Series Fiber Optic Termini, APC type
  • the fixture for inspection of Amphenol’s TFOCA-II® MTFP Series Termini, APC type

and more.

2022

We wish you a great start to 2023! Should you need an inspection solution for a custom connector you’re launching, or if you decide to automate inspection, Sumix is here for you.

Sumix presents the most precise field inspection kit for MPO connections

Oceanside, CA, July 1, 2022. Equipped with an Android phone, Sumix Manta HM microscope becomes a handy, portable inspection tool to check single and multi-fiber patch cords, bulkhead, and QSFP modules in the field.

The exceptional resolution and level of detail of the tool ensure the most reliable inspection results. This is especially important for the applications where the cost of an incorrect judgement is high, like fiber-to-the-antenna, data-centers and harsh environment applications.

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Sumix Adds Polarity & Continuity Test

Oceanside, CA, March 1, 2021. Polarity and continuity test - a critical step of MPO patch cord verification in addition to end face check – is now available with Sumix fiber inspection equipment.

Sold as an accessory to Sumix Manta W+ microscopes and interferometers, MPO-Verifier is an automated ultra-compact module that illuminates optical fibers of an MPO connector in a determined order. The software controls the light sequence and automatically checks if a patch cord matches a typical pre-selected type A, B, C, or a configurable custom profile.

Since it uses a totally non-contact method of testing, the solution offered by Sumix removes the risk of contaminating the end face and leaves MPO pins intact.

The inspiration for the MPO polarity tester stemmed from our customer’s need to verify proper fiber order in their custom wired MPO assemblies with a Sumix fiber inspection microscope.

The MPO-Verifier supports 12/24/48-fiber and 16/32-fiber MPO patch cords, both multi-mode and single-mode. Learn more

Sumix Technology of MPO Geometry & Guide Holes Parallelism Inspection Receives High Scores in 2020 Lightwave Innovation Reviews

March 1, 2020. Side+Front View 3D interferometric inspection technology patented by Sumix provides highly accurate measurements of surface parameters and also guide hole angles and parallelism as required by IEC standards for MT ferrules and MPO connectors. Its use can eliminate errors caused by cable strain or incorrect connector insertion.

Read more on   www.lightwaveonline.com

Learn more about   Side+Front View technology

Sumix’ MultiFiber Inspection Microscope Receives Gold in 2019 Cabling Installation & Maintenance Innovators Awards

Oceanside, CA, October 7, 2019 – Sumix Corporation, fiber optic inspection equipment manufacturer, announced today that its Manta W+ fiber microscope for MPO inspection was recognized among the best in the industry by the 2019 Cabling Installation & Maintenance Innovators Awards. The stellar third-party judging panel included cabling and communications system specifiers, designers, integrators and managers with vast professional experience.

Sumix was recognized as a Gold honoree.

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Sumix Develops Inspection Solution for HUBER+SUHNER Outdoor Optical Connectors

ODC and Q-ODC Adapter Tips Now Available for Manta W+ MultiFiber Inspection Microscope to Support Harsh Environment Applications

Oceanside, CA, June 20, 2019 — Sumix Corporation announces the development and introduction of ODC® and Q-ODC® (trademark of HUBER+SUHNER) Inspection tips for the award winning Sumix Manta W+ fiber microscope.

The HUBER+SUHNER Q-ODC® and ODC® outdoor connectors are waterproof, dust proof, corrosion resistant and RoHs compliant for reliable connection in harsh environments. Sumix has developed adapters for both plug and socket (male and female) sides of ODC®-2, ODC®-4, Q-ODC®-2, and Q-ODC®-12 type connectors. Adapters are compatible with Manta W+ and Manta+ microscope probes.

HUBER+SUHNER has introduced Sumix test solutions for its own laboratory and field inspection needs. These new adapter tips are also available for any companies implanting equipment with the new HUBER+SUHNER interfaces.

“The entire ferrule and the individual fibers are visible at a glance, which makes our work much easier”, said Jonas Hanimann, Process Engineer at HUBER+SUHNER. “Manta W+ sets the focus automatically, hence this solution saves us a lot of time and increases our throughput.”

"We are always ready for the latest technological challenges of industry leaders like HUBER+SUHNER," said Farhad Towfiq, Sumix President. "Sumix team delivers the high-quality solutions our customers need with short development cycles. The rapid deployment of 5G and other needs are pushing the technology envelope faster than ever."

The Manta W+ is a revolutionary solution for multi-fiber testing. With its wide field of view, Manta W+ is the only probe on the market capable of inspecting 6 rows of 12 or 16 fiber terminations of an MPO connector in a single scan. Along with Multi-fiber Push On connections, the microscope also supports all standard connector types including LC, SC, SMA, E2000, AVIM, Mini-AVIM, and many more, both patch cord and bulkhead side, with an extensive selection of interchangeable tips available. Sumix' proven, industry standard platform of fiber scopes also includes SMX-Manta, SMX-Manta+, and Scopio series, which can be used for network maintenance, labs and manufacturing.

About Sumix Corporation

Sumix Corporation, a software and manufacturing company, is producer of high-resolution 3D Interferometers and portable 2D inspection probes for testing and verifying fiber optic connectors. Privately-owned, and based in Oceanside, California, Sumix has been designing and manufacturing optical and imaging products since 1999.

About HUBER+SUHNER

The HUBER+SUHNER group is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of components and systems for electrical and optical connectivity. It unites technical and manufacturing expertise in radio frequency, fiber optics and low frequency technologies under one roof. The company's global production network, combined with subsidiaries and partners, ensures that HUBER+SUHNER is close to its customers in over 60 countries.

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Sumix Collaborates with 3M in Support of Introduction of New Expanded Beam Optical Connector

Provider of High-End Optical Inspection Solutions Collaborates with 3M to Enable Rapid and Efficient Implementation of Next Generation Connector

Oceanside, CA, April 15, 2019 — Sumix Corporation announces its collaboration in support of the introduction and implementation of the new 3M™ Expanded Beam Optical Connector. Sumix developed and introduced a new adapter for the industry leading Manta W+ fiber inspection microscope to effectively inspect and test the new connector end face.

The Sumix Manta W+ inspection microscope with the new tip was on display at OFC 2019, the Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibition, in San Diego March 5-7, in both Sumix and 3M’s booths.

3M™ Expanded Beam Optical Connector is based on a revolutionary expanded beam ferrule and connector design that combines high performance with reduced sensitivity to dust compared with PC (Physical Contact) type connectors. But even the best connector must be effectively inspected to confirm that it is clean and not damaged. 3M is developing an ecosystem for its new Expanded Beam Optical Connector System and is announcing its collaboration with Sumix to develop dedicated adapters along with pass or fail criteria for inspection of 3M connectors. The Manta W+ with new adapters and software will help ensure that data center, laboratory, and manufacturing customers can implement the new connector system efficiently and quickly.

“We’ve reimagined fiber optic connectors,” said Nick Stacey, Ph.D., global laboratory manager at 3M. “Working with inspection tool specialist Sumix will help us enable scalable deployment.”

"Sumix is always at forefront of the latest technological advances, rapidly engineering and offering innovative inspection solutions for every available connector type in the industry," said Farhad Towfiq, Sumix President. "We also work with our customers to develop custom solutions, including specialized adapters and developing software with industry standard or customized pass/fail criteria."

The Manta W+, part of Sumix' proven, industry standard platform of fiber scopes including SMX-Manta, SMX-Manta+, and Scopio series, can be used as both a probe and a benchtop microscope, applicable for field use, as well as lab and manufacturing. Manta W+ supports all standard connector ferrule types including MPO, LC, SC, SMA, E2000™, AVIM™, Mini-AVIM™, and many more, both patch cords and bulkhead, with an extensive selection of interchangeable tips available.

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Sumix Simplifies and Speeds Up MultiFiber Connector Inspection

Manta W+ Microscope Captures Image of All Fiber Terminations on MPO/MTP Simultaneously

OCEANSIDE, Calif., Feb. 20, 2019 Sumix Corporation (www.sumix.com), an industry leader in high-resolution 3D Interferometers and 2D fiber optic connector end face inspection probes announces a revolutionary technology for inspecting multi-fiber MPO connectors. The company's Manta W+ fiber inspection microscope is the industry's only solution offering automated inspection of Multi-Fiber Push-On connectors with analysis, and pass/fail testing by capturing all fiber terminations simultaneously.

Multi-Fiber Push-On connectors, MPO and MTP (trademark of US Conec) are increasingly used in telecom central office, data center, FTTH, and test and measurement laboratory applications. Each connector supports multiple fibers on a mating surface that is only 2.5mm x 6.4mm. Dirty or damaged connectors result in errors and expensive network downtime. Inspecting the end face and verifying each individual fiber has proven to be a challenge for operators.

The Manta W+ performs an inspection of the entire end face simultaneously, providing a report on each fiber (up to 72) and with its wider view, can also inspect the guide holes, which can harbor dirt and debris that can easily be overlooked with other devices.

"We listen to our customers and build exactly the reliable, top quality tools they need to get the job done effectively, and we design them to be very easy to use," said Farhad Towfiq, Sumix President. "The Manta W+ represents a significant leap in technology, providing accurate results faster than any competitor, the industry's only probe/microscope that can successfully evaluate an MPO connector with up to 72 fibers simultaneously."

The Manta W+, which can be used as a probe and a benchtop microscope, applicable for field use, as well as lab and manufacturing, represents the next evolution of Sumix' proven, industry standard platform of fiber scopes including SMX-Manta, SMX-Manta+, and Scopio series. Manta W+ supports not just multi-fiber connections but also all standard types including popular LC, SC, SMA, E2000, AVIM, Mini-AVIM, and many more with an extensive selection of interchangeable tips available.

The Manta W+ and the complete Sumix line will be exhibited at OFC, March 5-7, 2019 in San Diego.

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Sumix Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary

Sumix Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary

Oceanside, CA, September 1, 2019. Two decades of innovation, growth and dedication to making best-in-class equipment have led to a special milestone for Sumix as the company celebrates 20 years of delivering state-of-the-art optical and imaging products to the market. Founded back in 1999 as a privately-owned software and manufacturing company, Sumix has become a worldwide supplier of fiber optic inspection equipment and a leader in its field.
“A big thank you to all our valued customers and partners,” says Sumix Founder and President, Farhad Towfiq. “Especially to those who believed in Sumix from the very beginning and made this day happen.”

Sumix Honored in 2019 Lightwave Innovation Reviews Program

March 1, 2019. We are proud to announce that Sumix  Manta W+ fiber inspection microscope  has been recognized as an innovative solution by 2019 LIGHTWAVE INNOVATION REVIEWS PROGRAM. Presented annually by Lightwave, it distinguishes top products and solutions available within the optical networking industry as determined by a panel of judges including executives and experts from a wide variety of service providers, technology developers, industry analysts, and journalists.
Criteria used in the Innovation Reviews rankings include, first and foremost, unique technology or application thereof, innovation, ease of use, efficiency, reliability and contribution to profitability.

Here's how one the judges commented on Sumix Manta W+ fiber inspection microscope:

“Great option for MTP/MPO testing; ability to check up to 96 fibers on one screen is impressive. Broad range of compatible connectors makes it an even more impressive product.”

Your all-in-one solution for controlling quality of fiber-optic connectors

9 March 2018. At OFC 2018 Sumix demonstrates the MAX-Quantum – the new automated high-end interferometer for simultaneous end-face geometry inspection, anomalies detection, guide holes parallelism and angles measurement.

The MAX-Quantum is designed for inspecting all major types of single and multi-fiber connectors, including MT16/32, and it features:

  • large field of view fitting 16+ fibers per row and guide holes;
  • high resolution of 1.4 um enabling anomalies detection per IEC requirements;
  • manual and auto-focus;
  • large imaging sensor (12 MP) for high repeatability and superior image quality;

Check more information at www.sumix.com/interferometers/quantum.html

Sumix special Side+Front view fixture for geometry measurement of MT endface and guide hole parallelism

November 2016. Sumix is pleased to announce a new fixture design for use for geometry measurement of MT endface and guide hole parallelism.

This fixture design allows simultaneous interferometric scanning from two views, Side + Front views.

Sumix

According to IEC optical interface specification standard guide holes parallelism must be better than 0.012mm.

The endface angle with respect to the average of the guide holes must be within tolerance of ±0.15°.

Simultaneous interferometric scanning from two views, Side + Front views

Side+Front View Fixture

Side+Front fixture eliminates any need for firmly handling of guide holes/pins and precise positioning of the ferrule, hence avoiding any deformation which may cause measurement errors.

Sumix MAX-QM interferometer coupled with this special fixture performs geometry inspection based on IEC 61754-7-3 standard and reports guide holes parallelism at the same time.

Sumix Releases Next Generation MAX Interferometers

Fiber Optic Technology Leader Introduces High-Speed USB 3.0 Devices

Oceanside, California, USA - May 8, 2015 — Sumix Corporation today announced the official release of Sumix MAX™ Series Interferometers, the first USB 3.0 Interferometers in the market.

Continuing in the tradition of calibration-free, highly reliable, industry-standard measurement devices for fiber optic connectors, the new MAX devices are the fastest ever released by Sumix. These devices are now available for purchase to the general market.

The MAX series of devices are capable of testing single-fiber patch cords and pigtails, bare ferrules and bare fiber, MT ferrules and MTP/MPO patch cords. These interferometers follow in the footsteps of the highly successful SMX series of devices, and offer improved fixturing for easy connector insertion. MAX also delivers the inherent speed advantages of USB 3.0, while still offering the high-resolution and high-contrast optics that made SMX a popular choice by the fiber optic industry. Coupled with Sumix MaxInspect™ Software, Sumix MAX Interferometers promise to take fiber optic connector measurement to new levels of ease and accuracy.

Sumix has always been focused on providing innovative solutions to the fiber optic industry,” said Dr. Farhad Towfiq, President and CEO of Sumix Corporation. “MAX devices continue this legacy with the highest measurement quality, ease of use and industry-leading testing speeds.”

The MAX series embodies the Sumix philosophy that using a high-tech device does not need to be a time-consuming job performed only by engineers. Sumix strives to make this technology accessible and simple to use, while retaining the technical complexity inherent in the function of such a device.

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