Siemens Licenses VF-45 Interconnect Technology From 3M

The Fiber Optics business unit of Siemens Microelectronics Inc. and 3M Telecom Systems signed a licensing agreement to manufacture and sell VF-45-style fiber optic interconnects. The agreement will give Siemens access to 3M's VF-45 connector products, including 50-µ, 62.5-µ, and forthcoming single-mode connectors.

3M developed the VF-45 as part of its complete Volition brand fiber-optic cabling system. The connector is the same size and has the same feel as a conventional RJ-45 modular jack, but is one-seventh the cost of traditional fiber connectors, doubling the number of available ports in a fiber switch or hub.