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- United States, Massachusetts
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- Canada, Ottawa
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What are Fiber Optic Connectors?
Fiber Optic Connectors are an essential component of any fiber optic network that provides a secure and reliable connection between two fiber optic cables. They are small devices that allow the transmission of digital information over a long distance. It consists of two parts: a male connector and a female connector. The male connector fits into the female connector, creating a secure connection between the two cables. They are primarily used in telecommunications, broadband networks, and data centers, but are also found in audio/visual and industrial applications, as well as many other uses.
Fiber optic connectors are designed to be durable and reliable & can last for many years if properly installed and maintained. However, it is important to check them regularly for signs of wear or damage, as any damage to the connectors can affect the signal quality. In addition, it is important to use the correct tools when connecting and disconnecting the connectors, as incorrect tools can damage the connectors. There are different types of fiber optic connectors: Lucent Connectors (LC), Standard Connectors (SC), Straight Tip (ST) Connectors, Ferrule Core (FC) Connectors, Multi-Position Optical (MPO) Connectors, Mechanical Transfer-Registered Jack (MT-RJ) Connectors, etc designed for different applications. Each of these connectors uses a different method to create a secure connection, so it is important to select the right one for different applications.
Lucent Connectors (LC)
A lucent connector is the commonly used fiber optic connector and contains a 1.5 mm ferrule. The LC connector is a more compact version of the SC connector and is suitable for shorter distances or high-speed connections. High-efficiency cabling is achieved with lucent connectors. The lucent connector uses a push-pull latching mechanism for easy insertion and removal, and it is available in both single-mode and multimode versions. It is also compatible with a variety of fiber optic cables, including both tight-buffered and loose-tube designs. They are ideal for data communications and high-density applications due to their tiny size.
Standard Connectors (SC)
A standard connector is also known as a square connector. These connectors have low-cost, durability, and simple installation for both point-to-point and passive optical networking. SC is a push-pull device that delivers extremely precise alignment in a fiber-optic link using a ceramic ferrule. The SC connector is the most popular type of fiber optic connector and requires special tools to assemble and disassemble. The SC connector is also known for its square shape, which makes it easy to install and remove from patch panels and other equipment. They provide good performance for single-mode fiber optic cables. The SC connector typically has a low insertion loss of less than 0.5 dB, which is important for maintaining signal quality in fiber optic networks. It is ideally suited for data communications and telecommunications applications that include point-to-point and passive optical networking.
Straight Tip (ST) Connectors
Straight Tip connector has a straight ferrule, a rigid plastic tube, that holds the fiber for proper alignment for interconnection or termination. A ceramic, spring-loaded 2.5 mm ferrule is secured to the ST optic connector by a half-twist bayonet mount that holds the fiber in place. The ST connector has a higher insertion loss than some other connector types, which can limit its performance in high-speed networks. The ST connector is the oldest type of connector and is frequently employed in both long-distance and short-distance applications, such as those involving multimode fiber on campuses & buildings, in corporate network environments, and in the military.
Ferrule Core (FC) Connectors
The first optical fiber connector to use a ceramic ferrule is the ferrule core connector. The ferrule is a cylindrical sleeve that typically has a diameter of 2.5 mm or 1.25 mm, depending on the connector type. It uses a nickel-plated or stainless steel-made round screw-type fitment. The end face of the FC fiber optic connector requires an alignment key for correct insertion and it is then tightened into the adaptor/jack using a threaded collet. It is mainly used for data communications and telecommunications applications.
Multi-Position Optical (MPO) Connectors
Multi-Position optical connectors are short optical connectors comprising multiple optical fibers. The MPO connector consists of a rectangular ferrule with multiple fiber cores arranged in a linear array. The number of fibers in the ferrule can range from 4 to 72 or more, depending on the application. They enable high-speed interconnects, build redundancy, and connect the fastest links that deliver the most sensitive services and data to customers. While MPO connectors are commonly available with 8, 12, or 24 fibres for common data centre and LAN applications, they are defined as an array connector containing more than 2 fibres. There are other fibre counts available, including 32, 48, 60, and even 72 fibres, but they are normally reserved for very high-density multi-fiber arrays in large-scale optical switches. MPO connectors are available in both single-mode and multimode versions and can be used in a variety of applications, including telecommunications, data centers, and high-speed networking.
Mechanical Transfer-Registered Jack (MT-RJ) Connectors
Mechanical Transfer-Registered Jack connectors are very small in size and used in small-sized devices. They are available in two designs: with mating pins (male), and without (female) and carry two fibers. It is very simple to connect to and disconnect and is somewhat smaller than a regular phone jack. The MT-RJ offers cheaper termination costs and better density for cable management hardware than older types of fiber optic connectors. The MT-RJ connector is commonly used in local area networks (LANs) and is compatible with both single-mode and multimode fibers. It is also used in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) applications and in other situations where space is limited and high-density fiber optic connections are required.
Applications
- They are used in long-distance connections for carrying gigabit-speed connections.
- They are used for digital telephony applications.
- Used by community antenna TV and other telecommunications companies to deliver signals with low loss and higher bandwidth.
- For reliable data transmission lines in security systems.
- To avoid Interference, movement, and tapping into the communications lines in military networks.
