HFCL’s Intermittently Bonded Ribbon (IBR) microcables consist of multiple optical fibers bonded into a ribbon structure by an intermittent adhesive pattern. The typical fiber count for IBR is 12, but customization allows for various fiber counts. The intermittent pattern of the IBR adhesive allows the ribbons to bend and flex laterally to fill all available space inside a cable, a feature absent in rigid, traditional, flat ribbons. IBR’s flexibility makes these cables much smaller than conventional flat ribbon cables with the exact fiber count. HFCL’s product line offers 288 ribbon fibers for installation in a 12mm ID microduct, 432 ribbon fibers for installation in a 14mm ID microduct, and 576 ribbon fibers for installation in a 16mm ID microduct. The company plans to expand the product line with lower fiber counts, including a 144-fiber cable tailored for installation in 10mm ID microduct.
Judge’s Comment: “This product offers definite benefits in fiber cable size and accessibility for splicing.”