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3M and US Conec Collaborate on Expanded Beam Optical Interconnect Technology for Data Centers

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3M (MMM) and US Conec have announced a strategic licensing agreement for 3M™ Expanded Beam Optical Interconnect technology, aimed at addressing next-generation data center requirements. The collaboration merges 3M's advanced optical technology with US Conec's expertise in high-density connectivity systems.

The technology offers both single-mode and multimode configurations, featuring non-contact optical coupling that reduces maintenance needs and ensures reliable performance. US Conec will manufacture and supply products using this technology, focusing on hyperscale data centers and edge computing environments. The solution aims to minimize wear, reduce sensitivity to contamination, and help lower operational costs while maintaining signal integrity.

3M (MMM) e US Conec hanno annunciato un accordo di licenza strategica per la tecnologia di interconnessione ottica a fascio espanso 3M™, volta a soddisfare le esigenze dei centri dati di nuova generazione. La collaborazione unisce la tecnologia ottica avanzata di 3M con l'esperienza di US Conec nei sistemi di connettività ad alta densità.

La tecnologia offre configurazioni sia monomodali che multimodali, presentando un accoppiamento ottico senza contatto che riduce le necessità di manutenzione e garantisce prestazioni affidabili. US Conec produrrà e fornirà prodotti utilizzando questa tecnologia, concentrandosi sui centri dati iperscalari e sugli ambienti di edge computing. La soluzione mira a ridurre l'usura, diminuire la sensibilità alla contaminazione e contribuire a ridurre i costi operativi mantenendo l'integrità del segnale.

3M (MMM) y US Conec han anunciado un acuerdo de licencia estratégica para la tecnología de interconexión óptica de haz expandido 3M™, destinada a satisfacer los requisitos de los centros de datos de próxima generación. La colaboración combina la avanzada tecnología óptica de 3M con la experiencia de US Conec en sistemas de conectividad de alta densidad.

La tecnología ofrece configuraciones tanto de modo único como multimodo, presentando un acoplamiento óptico sin contacto que reduce las necesidades de mantenimiento y garantiza un rendimiento confiable. US Conec fabricará y suministrará productos utilizando esta tecnología, enfocándose en los centros de datos hiperescalables y en entornos de computación perimetral. La solución tiene como objetivo minimizar el desgaste, reducir la sensibilidad a la contaminación y ayudar a disminuir los costos operativos mientras se mantiene la integridad de la señal.

3M (MMM)과 US Conec가 차세대 데이터 센터 요구를 충족하기 위해 3M™ 확장 빔 광 연결 기술에 대한 전략적 라이센스 계약을 발표했습니다. 이 협업은 3M의 첨단 광 기술과 US Conec의 고밀도 연결 시스템 전문성을 결합합니다.

이 기술은 모드 단일 및 다중 구성 모두를 제공하며, 비접촉 광 결합 기능을 통해 유지보수 필요성을 줄이고 신뢰할 수 있는 성능을 보장합니다. US Conec는 이 기술을 사용하여 고밀도 데이터 센터 및 엣지 컴퓨팅 환경에 중점을 두고 제품을 제조하고 공급합니다. 이 솔루션은 마모를 최소화하고 오염에 대한 민감도를 줄이며, 신호 무결성을 유지하면서 운영 비용을 낮추는 것을 목표로 합니다.

3M (MMM) et US Conec ont annoncé un accord de licence stratégique pour la technologie d'interconnexion optique à faisceau élargi 3M™, visant à répondre aux besoins des centres de données de nouvelle génération. La collaboration allie la technologie optique avancée de 3M à l'expertise de US Conec en systèmes de connectivité haute densité.

La technologie propose des configurations à mode unique et multimode, avec un couplage optique sans contact qui réduit les besoins de maintenance et assure des performances fiables. US Conec fabriquera et fournira des produits utilisant cette technologie, en se concentrant sur les centres de données hyperscale et les environnements de traitement en périphérie. La solution vise à minimiser l'usure, à réduire la sensibilité à la contamination et à aider à diminuer les coûts opérationnels tout en maintenant l'intégrité du signal.

3M (MMM) und US Conec haben eine strategische Lizenzvereinbarung für die 3M™ Expanded Beam Optical Interconnect-Technologie bekannt gegeben, die darauf abzielt, die Anforderungen moderner Rechenzentren zu erfüllen. Die Zusammenarbeit kombiniert die fortschrittliche optische Technologie von 3M mit der Expertise von US Conec in hochdichten Verbindungssystemen.

Die Technologie bietet sowohl Einzelmod- als auch Mehrmod-Konfigurationen und weist eine berührungslose optische Kopplung auf, die den Wartungsbedarf reduziert und zuverlässige Leistungen sicherstellt. US Conec wird Produkte mit dieser Technologie herstellen und bereitstellen, wobei der Fokus auf hyperskalaren Rechenzentren und Edge-Computing-Umgebungen liegt. Die Lösung zielt darauf ab, den Verschleiß zu minimieren, die Empfindlichkeit gegenüber Verunreinigungen zu reduzieren und die Betriebskosten zu senken, während die Signalintegrität gewahrt bleibt.

Positive
  • Strategic licensing agreement expands 3M's market presence in data center solutions
  • Partnership ensures robust supply chain through US Conec's manufacturing capabilities
  • Technology offers potential for reduced maintenance costs and operational downtime
Negative
  • None.

Insights

The collaboration between 3M and US Conec represents a strategic move in the data center connectivity space, though its immediate financial impact appears The expanded beam optical technology addresses critical pain points in hyperscale data centers - notably maintenance costs and system reliability. The non-contact optical coupling design is particularly noteworthy as it could reduce operational expenses by minimizing the need for cleaning and maintenance of fiber connections.

The technical advantages are substantial: reduced sensitivity to contamination, improved durability and maintained signal integrity are important features for high-density data center environments where downtime is extremely costly. However, market penetration will depend heavily on pricing strategy and adoption by major hyperscalers.

For investors, this represents a long-term strategic positioning rather than a near-term revenue catalyst. While the data center interconnect market is growing rapidly, with estimates suggesting a 15-20% CAGR through 2028, this technology will need to compete with established solutions and prove its cost-effectiveness at scale. The agreement primarily strengthens 3M's position in the high-growth data infrastructure segment but is unlikely to materially impact financials in the immediate term.

Licensing agreement combines advanced optical innovations from 3M with US Conec's expertise in high-density connectivity solutions for next-generation networks

ST. PAUL, Minn., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 3M and US Conec Ltd. today announced a strategic licensing agreement for 3M™ Expanded Beam Optical Interconnect technology, a solution to meet the performance and scalability needs of next-generation data centers and advanced network architectures. The collaboration combines advanced optical technology from 3M with US Conec's expertise in high-density connectivity systems, expanded beam optics, and precision manufacturing to help deliver innovative solutions tailored to the evolving demands of modern networks.

3M Expanded Beam Optical Interconnect is a high-performance and scalable solution available in both single-mode and multimode configurations. Its non-contact optical coupling helps minimize wear and sensitivity to contamination, significantly helping reduce maintenance requirements and providing reliable performance in demanding environments.

"We're excited to partner with US Conec to bring the benefits of 3M Expanded Beam Optical Interconnect technology to the market," said Kevin Twomey, global portfolio director for 3M's electronics materials solutions division. "By combining our advanced optical solutions with US Conec's industry-leading connectivity expertise, we are providing customers with reliable, scalable technologies designed for the future of data infrastructure."

Challenging the status quo of optical interconnect to meet hyperscale data center demands

The 3M Expanded Beam Optical Ferrule is optimized for hyperscale data centers and edge computing environments. Its durability, ability to maintain signal integrity, and ease of maintenance help contribute to reduced operational costs and potential downtime.

As part of this agreement, US Conec will manufacture and supply products utilizing 3M Expanded Beam Optical technology, helping to ensure a robust supply chain for future network deployments. This collaboration enables customers to address increasing data demands while maintaining cost efficiency and scalability.

"US Conec is thrilled to integrate the 3M Expanded Beam Optical technology into our portfolio," said Mike Hughes VP, Product Management. "This collaboration supports our continued goal of delivering novel high-performance connectivity solutions that address the challenges of next-generation network deployments and meet the needs of our customers."

For more information, visit Optical Interconnect | 3M™ Fiber Optic Technology and www.USConec.com.

About 3M
3M believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what's possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we're working to improve lives and make what's next at 3M.com/news.

About US CONEC
US Conec is a global leader in the design and development of high-density optical interconnects. With over 30 years of innovative experience, the company provides industry leading components for data center and enterprise structured cabling, public networks, circuit board interconnect, and industrial and military markets worldwide. US Conec is headquartered in Hickory, North Carolina, and is an equity venture of three leading communications technology companies—Corning Optical Communications, Fujikura, and NTT-AT. For more information, please visit www.usconec.com.

Contact: Mike Laninga, mlaninga2@mmm.com

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SOURCE 3M Company

FAQ

What is the purpose of 3M's Expanded Beam Optical Interconnect technology partnership with US Conec?

The partnership aims to deliver high-performance connectivity solutions for next-generation data centers by combining 3M's optical technology with US Conec's expertise in high-density connectivity systems.

How does 3M's Expanded Beam Optical technology reduce maintenance costs?

The technology uses non-contact optical coupling that minimizes wear and sensitivity to contamination, reducing maintenance requirements and ensuring reliable performance in demanding environments.

What types of configurations does 3M's Expanded Beam Optical Interconnect offer?

The technology is available in both single-mode and multimode configurations, designed for hyperscale data centers and edge computing environments.

What role will US Conec play in the 3M Expanded Beam Optical technology partnership?

US Conec will manufacture and supply products utilizing 3M's Expanded Beam Optical technology, helping to ensure a robust supply chain for future network deployments.

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