Fiber Optic Connector Types

Fiber optic connector is a mechanical device mounted on the end of a fiber optic cable, light source, receiver, or housing, the connector allows these devices to be mated to a similar device. Of the many different connector types, connectors for both glass fiber cable and plastic fiber optic cable are available. The terminal ends of all fiber cable strands shall be field connectorized. It is IST’s practice to terminate both ends of all fibers within a fiber cable with ST, epoxy and polish style connectors. Termination of older cables may be of several types including mechanical or fusion spliced pigtails.

There are a number of connector styles on the market including LC, FC, MT-RJ, ST and SC, belong them the SC Connector is the most popular connectors. Manufacturers and distributors are more likely to have equipment to accommodate SC and ST style connectors than any other connector style. That should be a consideration when making product selections.

LC connectors are used with single-mode and multimode fiber-optic cables. The LC connectors are constructed with a plastic housing and provide for accurate alignment via their ceramic ferrules.LC connectors have a locking tab. LC connectors are rated for 500 mating cycles. The typical insertion loss for matched LC connectors is 0.25 dB. From a design perspective, it is recommended to use a loss margin of 0.5 dB or the vendor recommendation for LC connectors.

SC connectors are used with single-mode and multimode fiber-optic cables. They offer low cost, simplicity, and durability.SC connectors provide for accurate alignment via their ceramic ferrules. An SC connector is a push-on, pull-off connector with a locking tab. Typical matched SC connectors are rated for 1000 mating cycles and have an insertion loss of 0.25 dB. From a design perspective, it is recommended to use a loss margin of 0.5 dB or the vendor recommendation for SC connectors.Other Type are The SC duplex fiber optic connector and SC Secure Lockable Connector

These connectors are used for single-mode and multimode fiber-optic cables. FC connectors offer extremely precise positioning of the fiber-optic cable with respect to the transmitter’s optical source emitter and the receiver’s optical detector. FC connectors feature a position locatable notch and a threaded receptacle.FC connectors are constructed with a metal housing and are nickel-plated. They have ceramic ferrules and are rated for 500 mating cycles. The insertion loss for matched FC connectors is 0.25 dB. From a design perspective, it is recommended to use a loss margin of 0.5 dB or the vendor recommendation for FC connectors.

The ST Connector is a keyed bayonet connector and is used for both multimode and single-mode fiber-optic cables. It can be inserted into and removed from a fiber-optic cable both quickly and easily. Method of location is also easy.ST connectors come in two versions: ST and ST-II. These are keyed and spring-loaded. They are push-in and twist types. ST connectors are constructed with a metal housing and are nickel-plated. They have ceramic ferrules and are rated for 500 mating cycles. The typical insertion loss for matched ST connectors is 0.25 dB. From a design perspective, it is recommended to use a loss margin of 0.5 dB or the vendor recommendation for ST connectors.

MT-RJ connectors are used with single-mode and multimode fiber-optic cables. The MT-RJ connectors are constructed with a plastic housing and provide for accurate alignment via their metal guide pins and plastic ferrules. MT-RJ connectors are rated for 1000 mating cycles. The typical insertion loss for matched MT-RJ connectors is 0.25 dB for SMF and 0.35 dB for MMF. From a design perspective, it is recommended to use a loss margin of 0.5 dB or the vendor recommendation for MT-RJ connectors.

MTP/MPO connectors are used with single-mode and multimode fiber-optic cables. The MTP/MPO is a connector manufactured specifically for a multifiber ribbon cable.The MTP/MPO single-mode connectors have an angled ferrule allowing for minimal back reflection, whereas the multimode connector ferrule is commonly flat. The ribbon cable is flat and appropriately named due to its flat ribbon-like structure, which houses fibers side by side in a jacket. The typical insertion loss for matched MTP/MPO connectors is 0.25 dB. From a design perspective, it is recommended to use a loss margin of 0.5 dB or the vendor recommendation for MTP/MPO connectors.

E2000 fiber optic connector Kit and E2000 products are more and more used in the communication filed because its good performance. E2000 is a trademark of Diamond company and E2000 series include a wide range of different styles. Although E2000 is rather expensive than most of the other types fiber connectors, it indeed incorporate much innovative technology to improve the products performance, one of them is the E2000 featured Spring-loaded protective cap which provide increased safety protection.E2000 fiber optic connectors and related products include both single mode and multimode types. There are single mode E2000 UPC connector, single mode E2000 APC connector and multimode E2000 UPC connectors, and there are adapters to use with them accordingly. E2000 products include simplex and duplex versions.

The NEC D4 was probably the first connector to use ceramic or hybrid ceramic/stainless steel ferrules. It uses a smaller ferrule than SCs or FCs.It was widely used in telecom networks in the 80s to early 90s and some may still be in use.D4 connectors are made from a 2.5mm diameter ceramic (zirconia) ferrule for durability. They have a high-performance threading mounting system and a keyed body for repeatability and intermateability. D4 connector is one of the older generation connectors which is keyed, and spring loaded and has a 2mm diameter ferrule. Connector body is nickel plated brass for enhanced durability.

This unique DIN fiber optic connector gives high performance in a small, DIN 47256 compatible design suitable for a wide range of applications. The DIN connectors are made of precision screw machined nickel plated brass for consistent performance and durability.The DIN connector is half the size of the FC or ST connector and doubles the port density compared to conventional fiber optic connectors.Selected ceramic ferrule, professional grinding technology, precise docking of fiber end face; lower insertion loss ≤0.15dB, making transmission more stable and connection more efficient.

SMA Fiber Optic Connector has two types: the SMA-905 has a straight ferrule, whereas the SMA-906 has a stepped ferrule design. The SMA-905 is a non-contact connector typically used in medical, industrial, and military applications.When two SMA 906 are mated together the stepped ferrule design allows an alignment sleeve to be used and therefore the connection has lower insertion loss. The SMA 905 does not have an alignment sleeve therefore the Insertion Loss of the 905 is higher than that of the 906.

MU Optical Fiber Connector An optical fiber connector terminates the end of an optical fiber, and enables quicker connection and disconnection than splicing.MU Optical Fiber Connector An optical fiber connector terminates the end of an optical fiber, and enables quicker connection and disconnection than splicing. The connectors mechanically couple and align the cores of fibers so light can pass. Better connectors lose very little light due to reflection or misalignment of the fibers.MU is a small form factor SC. It has the SAME push/pull style, but can fit 2 channels in the same Footprint of a single SC. MU was developed by NTT.The MU Connector looks a miniature SC with a 1.25 mm ferrule. It is a popular connector type in Japan.

A LC Push-Pull Uniboot that come with a Push-Pull tab, which can be used in a high density environment. Comparing to the conventional duplex connector, the design is more compact, as well as just one cable was used, which help to improve the hot air flow in a high density and a crowed environment.Comparing to the conventional duplex connector, the design is more compact, as well as just one cable was used,which help to improve the hot air flow in a high density and a crowed environment.

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