Clockface-style multiple keyways are used (photo right) and each gets a number on it to aid identification.

For more unique connections, custom keyway positions are also possible on request.

“Originally designed in response to a customer request for a keyed connector for a four-channel installation, the new family of key-coded SMA connectors overcomes installation errors by engineering them out,” said OMC. “Each variation has all the benefits of the SMA connector: robustness, simplicity of installation and a secure locking nut.”

The key system is available on the company’s H22 PCB-mount housing (pictured), as well as its H1 turret-style receptacle and its proprietary VSMA (vertical SMA) housing which occupies only 7 x 8mm of board space.

Made at OMC’s UK facility, the company can also align and house its full range of multimode fibre-optic transmitter and receiver diodes in any of the key-coded housings.

“The multi-key system is machined using CNC sliding-head lathes using an iterative program devised by the company,” said OMC. “This program continually increments the angular separation between the two keyways automatically from one part to the next, then engraves the connector with a channel number unique to that angular separation.”

Founded as The Fibre-Data Group in the mid-1980s OMC is headquartered in Cornwall, UK.  Accredited to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, its FDH1M SMA fibre optic housing won the 2019 Electronics Weekly Elektra Award for Excellence in Product Design for High Reliability Systems.