OPTIMAL DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR CENTRAL TUBE RIBBON CABLES COMPRISING 864 FIBERS AND BEYOND

摘要

In this paper we present optimal design strategies for extending the fiber counts of central tube ribbon cables to 864 fibers and beyond. We analyze both the geometric and mechanical constraints in terms of the core configuration, the sheath design, and the cable packaging. The influence of fiber counts ranging from 12 to 36 fibers per ribbon is examined with respect to packing density, bending performance, handling, robustness, and low-temperature added loss. New design charts are presented which illustrate the sensitivity of the design optimum to critical decision variables. The optimal design problem is formulated in the continuum domain and is also demonstrated to be amenable to the more general discrete optimization techniques of nonlinear integer programming (NLP). Lastly, we present the design and performance characteristics of a new metallic 864-fiber central tube ribbon cable for use in high capacity networks. The 864 fibers are packaged within a compact 1-inch sheath that incorporates a steel armor layer to assure robust mechanical and environmental performance in the aerial, buried, and underground environments. The design of an even smaller 864-fiber dielectric cable for use in non-rodent prone environments is also presented.