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ability to produce a truly diverse range of products, some that are worthy of mentioning are as follows: The Þ rst is the expansion of the capabilities of the industry leading HydraLight connector series, with the release of the APC version of this series. This version enables the Hydra- Light to meet the back reß ection needs as we are seeing for sensing systems. In addition to this we have also released the high Þ ber count HydraLight which provides up to 48 Þ ber op- tic channels within the same basic envelope of the standard HydraLight connector. We have also seen developments in the use of Þ ber optics within the OEM market. SEA CON has recently introduced numerous high speciÞ cation optical, electrical, coaxial and hybrid connectors developed to meet the always expanding technical requirements of OEM manufacturers; one of the main challenges being to provide these capabilities within the smallest possible connector. Over your career, what do you consider to be the leading technological developments that have most impacted your business? I know Þ ber optics have been around in our industry for many years now, but it has only been more recently that I have seen the use of Þ ber optics as the main stream communi- cation system. As a business we feel this trend will continue to grow and with it the technologies. Fiber optics will not just be used as the backbone communication line, but also throughout all elements of subsea control systems.It is with this vision that SEA CON has not only developed new Þ ber optic products, but also looks to Þ ll technology gaps that exist within the market. A good example of this being SEA CON were the Þ rst to provide a multichannel (6 channel) wet-mate down hole Þ ber optic connector, our third genera- tion (G3) connector. With the expansion of use and projected future market, SEA CON has extended its manufacturing reach in Þ ber optics so that all 6 manufacturing locations have the capability and are actively involved in the manufacture of Þ ber optic products. What technology or trend in the way in which your products are used do you feel will most impact your business in coming years? Fiber optics will, without doubt, continue to be one of the technologies that will impact our business in the com- ing years. Particularly for oil, gas and defense, due to all the exciting developments in these sectors we are witnessing. We are also seeing a need for high power connection sys- tems. While initially this need was being driven by the push for subsea processing, in recent years this has also been driven by the growth of renewable energy developments. SEA CON has been involved in a number of important re- newable energy projects utilizing our standard products such as the Sea-Mate connector series as well as the HydraLight underwater mateable Þ ber optic wet-mate. In addition to these connectors, we are also seeing an increase in the need for high power. Many of our competitors have gone with the standard oil and gas connector solution utilizing these connectors for this market, however SEA CON has taken a more pragmatic route, based on reviewing the market needs and predicting fu- ture needs. We have concluded that both the operational and environmental conditions vary considerably from the oil and gas subsea markets and lead us to consider a range of alternate more innovative potential solutions. G3 Wet-Mate, Down Hole, Fiber Optic ConnectorSEA CON®?s High Density MINI-CON Connector Rangewww.seadiscovery.com Marine Technology Reporter 49 MTR #6 (34-49).indd 49MTR #6 (34-49).indd 498/1/2012 12:59:50 PM8/1/2012 12:59:50 PM
