Multi-fiber, in-line attenuator module and assembly for optoelectronic networks

A multi-fiber in-line attenuator assembly, comprising:

• a multi-fiber, in-line attenuator module having a predetermined value of attenuation, said multi-fiber, in-line attenuator module including
• first and second multi-channel interface members each having a mating face, an interconnect face, and alignment holes and n-optical channels formed therethrough,
• a multi-fiber ribbon cable having one end thereof terminated in the interconnect face of each multi-channel interface member with the optical fibers thereof disposed in the n-optical channels,
• alignment pins disposed in the alignment holes of the first and second multi-channel interface members so that the n-optical channels of the first and second multi-channel interface members are aligned,
• means for retaining the first and second multi-channel interface members in mated combination, and
• an NDF film adhered to at least one of the mating faces of the first and second the multi-channel interface members,
• the adhered NDF film having a predetermined composition and thickness to provide the predetermined value of attenuation for the multi-fiber in-line attenuator module;
• complementary housing members structurally configured to house the multi-fiber, in-line attenuator module;
• first and second MT connectors having the other ends of the multi-fiber ribbon cables terminated therein, respectively;
• and
• a strain relief member associated with each MT connector disposed in combination with the corresponding multi-fiber ribbon cable.