DIAMOND SA: Over 60 Years of Precision in Fibre Optic Technology

DIAMOND SA was founded in 1958 in La Chaux-de-Fonds — originally as a precision engineering company for the watchmaking industry. The transition into optical fibre technology began in 1979, and since then DIAMOND SA has developed into one of the world’s leading specialists in high-precision fibre optic connectors. Fiber Products, as the official production partner of DIAMOND SA, is the exclusive contact for the DACH market.

For IT system integrators in the DACH region, Diamond expertise is particularly relevant: the proven connector systems and splice components meet the highest quality standards with insertion loss below 0.1 dB and return loss above 60 dB. As the official Diamond partner, Fiber Products combines this Swiss precision quality with modular splice systems tailored for the German market.

From Precision Engineering to Fibre Optics: The Early DIAMOND SA Story

The founding of DIAMOND SA in 1958 marked the beginning of specialisation in ultra-hard materials and precision components. The company initially manufactured bearing stones for the watchmaking industry and high-quality turntable styluses — products that even then required tolerances in the micrometre range.

The quartz crisis of the 1970s and the introduction of the compact disc forced DIAMOND SA to undergo strategic repositioning. This crisis became an opportunity: existing expertise in processing the hardest materials and established quality processes provided the perfect foundation for entry into the emerging fibre optic technology sector.

• Core competency in polycrystalline diamond tooling
• Established processes for surface finishes in the nanometre range
• Quality assurance to Swiss precision standards
• Manufacturing capacity from small series to mass production

The Turning Point 1979: Entry into Optical Fibre Technology

The decisive impulse came in 1979 from the Swiss Post, Telephone and Telegraph Authority (PTT). They commissioned DIAMOND SA to develop high-precision components for optical fibre connections. Already by 1980, the company delivered the first series of fibre optic connectors with revolutionary performance specifications.

Year	Milestone	Technical Innovation
1979	PTT Contract	First ferrule prototypes
1980	Series Production	Fibre optic connectors with < 0.5 dB insertion loss
1992	E-2000® Launch	Integrated protective cap, push-pull system
2001	Expansion	1,550 employees worldwide

The E-2000® Revolution: Diamond Switzerland Sets Industry Standards

In 1992, a small engineering team at DIAMOND SA developed the E-2000® connector — an innovation that became an industry standard. Its technical features significantly outperformed all alternatives of that era.

The E-2000 combined for the first time an automatic protective cap with a fail-safe push-pull mechanism. The PC version achieved return loss of ≥50 dB, while the APC version with 8° angled polish delivered even ≥60 dB. These values remain the benchmark for critical applications in data centres and telecommunications networks today.

Fiber Products Quality Promise: As the official Diamond partner and manufacturer, we produce modular splice systems in Europe. Benefit from Swiss precision and 5 years warranty on our systems.

Active Core Alignment: Technology Leadership Through Innovation

DIAMOND SA’s patented Active Core Alignment (ACA) technology fundamentally revolutionised connector quality. Using a two-component ferrule with titanium insert, the fibre core is precisely aligned to the mechanical axis after polymerisation.

• Reduction of core eccentricity to < 0.25 μm
• Insertion loss consistently < 0.1 dB
• Long-term stability per IEC 61753-1 Category C
• Compatibility with singlemode and multimode fibres

This technology enables IT system integrators to build networks with minimal signal loss — a critical advantage for long transmission distances and high data rates of 400G and beyond.

DIAMOND SA Fibre Optics in the DACH Market 2024: Relevance for IT System Integrators

With massive FTTH deployment in Germany — availability exceeded the 40 per cent mark in 2024 — demand for high-quality fibre optic components is rising exponentially. Diamond quality plays a key role in successful installations.

Application	Diamond Solution	Technical Benefit
Data Centres	E-2000® APC	≥60 dB return loss
FTTH Networks	Compact Form Factor	96 fibres in 1U
Industry 4.0	Robust Construction	IP65 protection available
Campus Networks	Modular Systems	Scalable up to 288 fibres

Quality Assurance and Certifications: Swiss Precision Measured

DIAMOND SA operates a testing laboratory certified by the Swiss Accreditation Service SAS. Certification to ISO 9001 since 1994 and ISO 14001 since 1998 documents the company’s long-term quality commitment.

For IT system integrators, this means measurable benefits: every component is tested according to IEC 61754-15 for E-2000 connectors and IEC 61755-3-31 for optical interfaces. Full traceability of every individual ferrule guarantees consistent quality over years.

Integration into Modern Splice Systems: Leveraging Diamond Quality Modularly

The DIAMOND SA story shows: innovation arises from combining proven technology with new requirements. Modern splice systems use Diamond connectors as a central quality component.

• SlimConnect 1U Systems: Up to 96 E-2000 ports in one rack unit
• VarioConnect 3U/4U: Scalable to 288 fibres with Diamond connectors
• Pre-terminated Modules: Installation time reduction of up to 70%
• Hot-swap Capability: Exchange without service interruption

As a Diamond partner, Fiber Products integrates this technology into modular systems purpose-designed for the German market — with 5 years warranty and local availability.

Future Outlook: Diamond Switzerland and Fibre Deployment

The new EU Gigabit Infrastructure Directive mandates fibre connections for new buildings from 2025 onwards. DIAMOND SA fibre optic components already meet all future requirements for VHC networks (Very High Capacity).

IT system integrators who rely on Diamond quality secure their customers with future-proof infrastructure. The combination of Swiss precision and German system integration — available through partnership with Fiber Products — creates optimal conditions for successful FTTH projects.

Frequently Asked Questions on DIAMOND SA and Fibre Optic Technology

Why is the DIAMOND SA story relevant for today’s fibre optic projects?

Over 40 years of fibre optic experience translates into mature products with demonstrably lowest failure rates. Diamond components have proven themselves in millions of installations worldwide.

What technical advantages do E-2000 connectors offer over LC or SC?

E-2000 connectors feature an integrated protective cap that prevents contamination. The APC version achieves ≥60 dB return loss — significantly above LC-APC with typical 55 dB.

How does Diamond quality differ from standard components?

ACA technology guarantees insertion loss below 0.1 dB. Standard connectors often fall in the 0.3–0.5 dB range. Over long distances and many connections, this difference accumulates significantly.

Are Diamond components compatible with other manufacturers?

Yes, all Diamond products comply with international standards such as IEC 61754. Compatibility with components from other manufacturers is assured.

What role does Diamond Switzerland play in German FTTH deployment?

As a supplier of premium components, DIAMOND SA enables the construction of high-performance networks. Through partners like Fiber Products, these solutions are directly available to German IT system integrators.

What is the service life of Diamond fibre optic components?

With proper installation and use, Diamond components exceed 25 years service life. Mechanical stability is specified for over 1,000 mating cycles.

All modular fibre optic components are available directly from the Fiber Products Shop — with 5 years manufacturer warranty.

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