LISLE, IL, Mar 25, 2025 – Molex has unveiled its VersaBeam Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) Interconnect Solutions, an innovative family of high-density fiber connectors optimized for hyperscale data center, cloud, and edge computing environments. This product lineup features the 3M EBO Ferrule, designed to expand the light beam between connectors. Widening the beam minimizes dust and debris’s impact, reducing the need for constant cleaning, inspections, and maintenance.
VersaBeam EBO technology achieves faster deployment speeds because fewer connections are required, reducing installation time and complexity. “The best designs often are the simplest, which is true with Molex VersaBeam EBO connectors as customers can make reliable connections with one click,” said Trevor Smith, general manager, Optical Connectivity, Molex. “No special skillsets are needed to install these connectors, empowering organizations to rapidly reap the performance and cost benefits of resilient, scalable fiber connectivity..”
Next-Gen Connectors for Tomorrow’s Data Centers
As AI-related capacity demands grow, data center providers need to increase bandwidth with minimal infrastructure adjustments. Molex’s VersaBeam EBO technology is designed for intra-rack and server connections, using a very small form factor (VSFF) to support higher fiber density and efficient use of rack space.
“Expanded Beam Optical connectors are the future of high-speed, resilient data center infrastructure,” said Kevin Twomey, global portfolio director, electronics materials solution division, 3M. “We are excited to collaborate with Molex to transform multi-fiber connectivity in data centers. This technology is a game-changer compared to traditional connectors — significantly reducing contamination risks while boosting deployment speed and performance.”
Molex’s VersaBeam EBO connectors provide high-fiber density without being limited by spring force, ensuring precise alignment and easy assembly. They are available in both single-mode and multi-mode options, including 12- and 16-fiber configurations. Connectors supporting up to 144 fibers per unit are offered for higher capacity needs. The designs allow for adaptable system layouts, simplify cable management in tight spaces, and help speed up the setup of data centers.
Faster, Easier Deployment Leads to Reduced TCO
VersaBeam EBO connectors require minimal effort and knowledge to install and maintain. This helps address concerns about the shortage of skilled data center technicians. Additionally, they reduce both termination times and the number of components needed. This minimizes operational costs, simplifies the supply chain, and speeds up deployment, ultimately lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO).
“Molex’s VersaBeam EBO brings tremendous value by removing the struggle of connecting our data center infrastructure while simplifying cleaning and inspecting every connection at a lower power density,” said Dave Boertjes, senior director, Advanced Photonic Networks R&D, Ciena. “By utilizing VersaBeam EBO, we achieved a 6X time reduction in inspection cleaning, which is critical to speeding deployments and keeping pace with the current landscape.”
In a 3M customer field test involving EBO connectors at a hyperscale data center, time savings were observed compared to using conventional MPO connectors. Removinghavewill cleaning and inspection steps contributed to an overall deployment time reduction of 85%, or over six hours.
Source: Molex Inc.
About Molex
Molex, established in 1938 and headquartered in Lisle, Illinois, is a global leader in electronic, electrical, and fiber optic connectivity systems. The company offers over 100,000 products, including electrical connectors, optical fiber connectors, and switches, serving industries such as data communications, medical, industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics. Molex pioneered the widely adopted Molex connector in personal computing. As of 2023, Molex reported annual revenues of $3.6 billion and employed approximately 45,000 people worldwide.