Expanded Beam Fiber Optic Connectors Market Size, Share Report, Analysis, Trends, Growth, Forecast, 2030

Expanded Beam Fiber Optic Connectors Industry Prospective:

The global expanded beam fiber optic connectors market size was worth around USD 1784.52 million in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around USD 4123.65 million by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 11.23% between 2023 and 2030.

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Expanded Beam Fiber Optic Connectors Market: Overview

Expanded beam fiber optic connectors belong to the group of fiber optic connectors that do not require a physical connection between two connectors to achieve coupling. Traditionally used fiber connectors are also known as physical contact connectors since they require physical alignment to conduct signal transfer using techniques such as fusion splicing, index matching gel, epoxy/polish, and other means. However, with expanded beam fiber optic connectors, fiber cores can be mated using contactless techniques. It means that when the light signal transverses through a small gap between the connectors and uses lenses for expanding and collimating light signals. Once the light is transferred from a smaller fiber core to the one with a larger diameter, the light signals run parallel to each other. In ideal conditions, the expanded beam can sometimes be around 150 times larger than the original or initial fiber core. A second lens is used to refocus the light signal into the connecting fiber and bring the signal back to the small core diameter.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global expanded beam fiber optic connectors market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 11.23% over the forecast period (2023-2030)
• In terms of revenue, the global expanded beam fiber optic connectors market size was valued at around USD 1784.52 million in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around USD 4123.65 million, by 2030.
• The expanded beam fiber optic connectors market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the growing offshore activities in the oil & gas sector
• Based on application segmentation, aerospace & defense was predicted to show maximum market share in the year 2022
• Based on connector type segmentation, the receptacle was the leading type in 2022
• On the basis of region, Asia-Pacific was the leading revenue generator in 2022

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Expanded Beam Fiber Optic Connectors Market: Growth Drivers

Growing offshore activities in the oil & gas sector to drive market growth

The global expanded beam fiber optic connectors market is expected to grow owing to the increasing offshore activities in the oil & gas sector. Expanded beam fiber optic connectors are used extensively in harsh environments as they are specifically designed to meet the demand of extreme environmental conditions where traditionally used fiber optic connectors may fail to deliver. They easily survive in dust, moisture, or dirt and hence do not respond to contaminants. Unlike physical connectors, they function even when there is slight misalignment between the connectors since they work on expanded beam technique to couple. With the growth in the number of offshore activities observed globally, the demand for efficient expanded beam fiber optic connectors is likely to continue growing.

In May 2023, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), a state-run oil exploration and production company in India, announced its plan to invest INR 1 trillion by 2030. The funds will be used to create a balance between green energy with oil & gas exploration or production. Factors such as rising end-user demand for oil & gas, the impact of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war on oil prices and supply, and the growing interest of the regional government to reduce dependency on Middle Eastern countries for oil supply are expected to create better expansion prospects for offshore projects thus impacting the global market size in turn.

Expanded Beam Fiber Optic Connectors Market: Restraints

High insertion loss and restricted support for certain wavelengths to restrict market expansion

Expanded beam fiber optic connectors are prone to insertion loss like every other fiber system. This value is indicative of the optical power that is lost when a light signal is under transmission from one point to another. However, the issue with the expanded beam variant is related to the higher rate of insertion loss as compared to conventionally used fiber optic connectors. For instance, in a standard Lucent Connector (LC), the insertion loss is around 0.15 db. However, with expanded beam fiber optic connectors, the loss may be close to 2db. In addition to this, there may be limitations in terms of supported wavelengths since the expanded beam version works with lenses. This is the main reason why these fiber optic connectors are not recommended to be used for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) applications. These attributes may impact the expanded beam fiber optic connectors industry growth trend.

Expanded Beam Fiber Optic Connectors Market: Opportunities

Surging launches of new and innovative expanded beam fiber optic connectors to create expansion possibilities

Since these fiber optic connectors have extensive application in several end-user verticals, the global expanded beam fiber optic connectors market players have focused on research and innovation leading to the launch of several new products with higher performance indexes. For instance, in September 2022, Neutrik, a leading manufacturer of audio receptacles and connectors, announced the launch of FIBERFOX Expanded Beam Fiber Optic Connectors. These products are compatible with all MIL-DTL-83526 connectors used by the military and can withstand extremely harsh environments. Moreover, integration with information technology (IT) systems is extremely easy with FIBERFOX. A similar move was made by 3M in 2019 when the company launched the 3M™ Expanded Beam Ferrule and Connector System targeting the next-generation data centers.

Expanded Beam Fiber Optic Connectors Market: Challenges

Cost concerns along with interoperability challenges to restrict market growth

The cost of manufacturing expanded beam fiber optic connectors is higher than conventionally used connectors. The price is affected by the technology used for making the connectors functional. Moreover, there are severe challenges in terms of interpolation as aligning existing systems and expanded beam fiber optic connectors can prove to be tedious causing additional challenges in the global market.

Expanded Beam Fiber Optic Connectors Market: Segmentation

The global expanded beam fiber optic connectors market is segmented based on application, product type, connector, mounting, and region.

Based on application, the global market segments are telecommunications, industrial, healthcare, data centers, aerospace & defense, and others. The industry witnessed the highest growth in the aerospace & defense segment driven by the increasing need for effective telecommunication tools and accessories that can not only survive but stay functional in harsh conditions. Moreover, manufacturers of the connectors are focusing on developing solutions targeting the defense industry. During the forecast period, the global medical device industry which currently stands at USD 64 billion in terms of value, may emerge as a crucial revenue generator.

Based on product type, the expanded beam fiber optic connectors industry divisions are single-mode and multimode.

Based on connector type, the global market is divided into receptacle and plug. The former segment was the highest revenue generator in 2022. These connectors are placed on an otherwise stationary stand or equipment. Receptacles provide the necessary interface required to insert the plug. Since receptacles play a core role in the functioning of the optic connectors, the demand and supply are higher as compared to plugs. Typically, the expanded beam variants are designed to operate in a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

Based on mounting, the expanded beam fiber optic connectors industry is segmented into free mounting and board mount.

Expanded Beam Fiber Optic Connectors Market: Report Scope

Expanded Beam Fiber Optic Connectors Market: Regional Analysis

Growth in Asia-Pacific to be driven by Japan and China

The global expanded beam fiber optic connectors market is expected to witness the highest growth in Asia-Pacific as it is home to two of the largest consumers and markets for fiber optics. Japan and China produce expanded beam fiber optics connectors on a large scale. They also have high domestic applications. South Korea is one of the leading nations in terms of fiber optic application and production. Rising military and aerospace requirements could lead to further demand during the forecast period. In March 2023, China was reported to have increased its defense budget by 7.2%. It is known to spend around USD 300 billion on military and defense every year.

North America is a regional market for the expanded beam fiber optic connectors industry due to the presence of a large number of players and the rise in offshore investments. For the fiscal year 2024, the US government is expected to deploy around 30 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity. The country plans to reach this goal by 2030. In 2021, around 15% of the US crude oil production was from offshore gas production in the Gulf of Mexico

Expanded Beam Fiber Optic Connectors Market: Competitive Analysis

The global expanded beam fiber optic connectors market is led by players like:

• TE Connectivity
• Radiall
• Fiber Systems International
• Amphenol
• Glenair Inc.
• Diamond SA
• Phoenix Contact
• Molex
• Fischer Connectors
• Rosenberger

The global expanded beam fiber optic connectors market is segmented as follows:

By Application

• Telecommunications
• Industrial
• Healthcare
• Data Centers
• Aerospace & Defense
• Others

By Product Type

• Single-mode
• Multimode

By Connector Type

• Receptacle
• Plug

By Mounting

• Free Hanging
• Board Mount

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa