Fiber Optics Connectors : Types, Polishes, Colour, and Nomenclature
Fiber Optics Connectors : Types, Polishes, Colour, and Nomenclature
FC (Ferrule Connector) is a screw-on connector built for environments with high vibration, providing a stable, secure connection. Its design reduces signal loss by applying consistent pressure, making it ideal for long-distance and high-frequency fiber optic applications, especially in telecom and precision fields.
ST (Straight Tip) Connector has a twist-lock design, allowing quick connection and disconnection. Though once popular in networking, its larger size and lower density are causing it to be replaced by smaller options like LC and SC, but it is still favored in test and lab environments.
LC (Lucent Connector) is a small, snap-in connector designed for high-density applications. With its 1.25 mm ferrule, it allows more connections in tight spaces, making it widely used in data centers and telecom rooms where space is at a premium.
SC (Subscriber Connector) features a simple push-pull design, making it easy to handle. Its square shape and durable 2.5 mm ferrule, along with a reliable locking mechanism, make it a common choice for network and data communication applications.
Types of Polishing:
✅ PC (Physical Contact) : PC connectors improve basic flat-surface connectors with a slightly curved fiber end, reducing signal loss by minimizing air gaps, making them suitable for basic data and telecommunication networks with moderate performance needs.
✅ UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) : UPC connectors offer a more precisely polished endface than PC connectors, reducing back reflection to around -50 dB, making them ideal for digital, CATV, and telephony systems where low back reflection is essential.
✅ APC (Angled Physical Contact) : APC connectors feature an 8-degree angled endface that significantly reduces back reflection, achieving a return loss of -60 dB or better, and are commonly used in applications like FTTx, RF-over-fiber, and high-speed internet services where signal integrity is critical.
Connector Colours
Beige : 62.5/125µm OM1 & 50/125µm OM2 Multimode Fiber Types
Black : Older Multimode Fiber Types (Less Standardized)
Aqua : 50/125µm OM3 & OM4 Lazer Optimized Multimode Fiber Types
Lime Green : 50/125µm OM5 Multimode Fiber Type
Blue : Single mode Fiber Type with UPC Connector
Green : Single mode Fiber Type with APC Connector
Finally, ensure the correct use of . For example, SC/PC refers to Subscriber Connector with Physical Contact Polish.
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Source : LinkedIn
Credits: Mr. Ron Michael Johny – RCDD® I DCDC®
