Multi-body modular repeater system and articulated housing for use therewith

摘要

A multi-body modular repeater system is capable of accommodating an increased number of fibers in an undersea fiber optic system. The system includes at least two repeater bodies connected in tandem with fiber optic cables coupled to the ends of the series of repeater bodies. A first plurality of optical fibers is amplified in one of the repeater bodies and a second plurality of fibers is amplified in the other repeater body connected in tandem. When the number of fibers in the fiber optic cable system is further increased, another repeater body may be added to accommodate the circuitry needed to amplify the additional fibers. In one embodiment, the repeater body housings are coupled together using an articulating joint that allows angular deflection of the repeater body housings while substantially preventing circumferential rotation of the repeater body housings with respect to one another. The articulating joint preferably allows angular deflection about at least two axes. One preferred type of articulating joint includes a connecting member coupled to each of the repeater body housings using a gimbal connection.