3M and Advanced Interconnect Inc. (AI) have independently produced the OGI (Optical Gateway Interface) multifiber connection system products developed by 3M. When intermated, products from 3M and AI met all of the optical performance requirements defined by GR-1435-CORE in an abbreviated Telcordia environmental test.

The OGI multifiber system is a patented, high-density panel mount and backplane feed-through system that offers technological improvements over existing parallel optic solutions. The success of intermating OGI products from both companies demonstrates AI's capabilities as a second source of supply for telecommunications, networking and high-speed computing OEMs, high-end industrial controls, test equipment, medical, military and other customers. Test results are available from either company.

Panel mount couplings are available in single and four-port versions. Blind-mate backplane quad couplings hold four OGI connectors, each of which houses eight-fiber or 12-fiber MT ferrules in a half-inch nominal interface. The metal components in the coupling bodies enhance EMI shielding performance, and the independent shutter system in the couplings enhances eye safety. A cleaning system enables customers to clean OGI connectors after they are installed in a backplane or front panel, addressing shortcomings with other commercially available high-density backplane solutions.

3M single-mode OGI multifiber cable assemblies are available in both eight-fiber and 12-fiber cables. Ruggedized fan-out assemblies currently are available with eight-fiber cables. Single-mode OGI standard and ruggedized fan-outs use an OGI connector on one end and discrete connectors (ST brand, LC, SC, FC) on the breakout end. This combination exceeds industry standard pull strength requirements for extensive handling applications.

For more information on the 3M OGI multifiber system, contact the 3M Electronic Solutions Division, A130-3N-52, 6801 River Place Blvd., Austin, Texas 78726-9000, USA, or call 1-800-225-5373.

The 3M Electronic Solutions Division has numerous technologies and provides a wide range of products for the electronics market. It provides fiber and copper connectors, cables, and cable/connector assemblies; static control products; tape and reel transport media for passive, semiconductor and electro-mechanical components; IC transport media; test and burn-in sockets; and flexible and multilayer microinterconnect packaging solutions.

The 3M single-mode OGI multifiber system is a parallel optic, feed-through system with innovative features that provide eye protection, EMI shielding and high-density fiber optic connectivity. It now is being manufactured by 3M and AI.

About Advanced Interconnect, Inc.

Advanced Interconnect Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodhead Industries Inc., providing quality optical and electrical connectivity solutions and contract manufacturing services for the industrial, medical, telecommunications and data communications markets. Woodhead develops, manufactures and markets industrial electrical, electronic and communications products, primarily serving the global automation and control market with connectivity solutions and specialty electrical products. Its Connectivity group, comprising six recognized industry-leading brands: SST, Brad Harrison, mPm, RJ-Lnxx, applicom and Advanced Interconnect, makes Woodhead the premier supplier of application-specific connectivity solutions. More information is available at the company's Web sites: www.woodhead.com and www.ai-global.com or by calling 1-800-989-3627.

About 3M -- A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include icons such as Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Dyneon and O-Cel-O. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 70,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

3M, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Dyneon and O-Cel-O are trademarks of 3M.

SST and Advanced Interconnect are trademarks and Brad Harrison, mPm, RJ-Lnxx and applicom are registered trademarks of Woodhead Industries Inc.

ST is a trademark of Lucent Technologies.

3M Electronic Solutions, AustinMary Kay Knief, 512-984-2146Fax: 512-984-3369