Fiber Optic Connectors Information

Fiber optic connectors are used to align and join two or more fibers together to provide a means for attaching to, or decoupling from, a transmitter, receiver, or any other fiber optic equipment. A connector is a mechanical device used to align and join two or more fibers together to provide a means for attaching to and decoupling from a transmitter, receiver, or any other fiber optic equipment or devices.  An adapter is a mechanical device used to align and join two or more fibers with different connection types.

Common types of fiber optic connectors include biconic, D4, ESCON, FC, FDDI, LC, loopback, MTP, MT-RJ, MU, SC, SMA, and ST.  Biconic connectors have precision tapered ends for low insertion loss.  D4 connectors are made from a composite zirconia ceramic ferrule for durability. They have a high-performance threading mounting system and a keyed body for repeatability and intermateability.  ESCON’s name derives from its application in IBM's ESCON channel interface.  It is similar to the FDDI connector-a duplex connector using 2.5-mm ferrules.  The main difference is its retractable shroud as opposed to a fixed shroud.  An FC connector is constructed of an all-zirconia ceramic ferrule for durability.  They have a high-performance threading mounting system, and a keyed body for repeatability and intermateability. They are primarily used with single mode fibers and used in telephone, instruments and high-speed communication links.  FDDI connectors are designed by ANSI for use in FDDI networks.  This connector is a duplex connector using two 2.5-mm ferrules.  This connector has a fixed shroud that protects the ferrules from damage.  LC connectors are precision PC polished Zirconia ceramic ferrule. They have an RJ45 push-pull style housing and latching. They are half the size of standard connectors and are used in private and public networks.  Loopback connectors are used in testing transceiver systems.  MTP connectors are a threaded type fiber optic connector.  They are ideal for high-density applications.  The MT-RJ uses a ferrule smaller than the standard MT to hold two fibers.  It also uses a press to release latch quite similar to that found on the modular jack to make its operation familiar.  An MU connectors is a 1.25mm diameter ferrule for compact multiple optical connectors and self-retentive mechanism for backplane applications. They are utilized in high-speed data communications, voice networks, telecommunications and high-density DWDM applications.  SC connectors are high-precision ceramic ferrules. They feature a snap-in locking mechanism for positive latching. They have a keyed body for repeatability and intermateability and are ideal for high-density applications.  SMA connectors have a low cost multimode coupling with approval for military applications.  ST connectors are composed of a precise zirconia ceramic ferrule. They have an easy-to-assemble, one-piece bayonet mounting system. For both single mode and multimode fibers using in communication applications.

Fiber applications for fiber optic connectors can be single mode or multimode.  Single mode describes an optical fiber that will allow only one mode to propagate. The fiber has a very small core diameter of approximately 8 µm. It permits signal transmission at extremely high bandwidth and allows very long transmission distances.  Multimode describes a fiber optic cable, which supports the propagation of multiple modes. Multimode fiber may have a typical core diameter of 50 to 100 µm with a refractive index that is graded or stepped. It allows the use of inexpensive LED light sources and connector alignment and coupling is less critical than single mode fiber. Distances of transmission and transmission bandwidth are less than with single mode fiber due to dispersion. 

Fiber types for fiber optic connectors can include simplex, duplex, and multifiber.  Maximum cable diameter and insertion loss are also important to consider.  Insertion loss is a measure of the attenuation of a device by determining the output of a system before and after the device is inserted into the system. For example, a connector causes insertion loss across the interconnection (in comparison to a continuous cable with no interconnection).  The connector or adapter ferrule can be constructed from ceramic, polymer, or stainless steel.  An important environmental parameter to consider is the operating temperature.

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