Fiber Optic Reference Guide: A Practical Guide to Communications Technology, Third Edition
This guide is an ideal primer for newcomers to the fiber optics industry as well as a useful reference guide for seasoned fiber optics veterans.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Fiber Optic Reference Guide: A Practical Guide to Communications Technology, Third Edition
Chapter 8: Interconnection Devices
OVERVIEW
Interconnection devices refer to any mechanism or technique used to join an optical fiber to another fiber or to a fiber optic component. The most common interconnection device is the connector. Connectors were once the most difficult aspect of the commercialization of fiber optics. Today, nothing could be further from the truth. Fiber optic connectors have gone through several development generations in a few years and are now mature and highly reliable devices. The only drawback at this time is the almost bewildering number of connectors to choose from. Table 8.1 summarizes the evolution of fiber optic connectors.
| Parameter/Feature | 1st Generation | 2nd Generation | 3rd Generation | 4th Generation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coupling Method | Threaded | Bayonet | Push-Pull | Push-Pull |
| Ferrule Material | Steel, Brass | Steel, Ceramic | Ceramic, Plastic | Ceramic, Plastic |
| Alignment Sleeve | Often Loose | Captive | Captive | Captive |
| Sleeve Material | Plastic | Beryllium, Copper | Beryllium, Copper, Ceramic | Beryllium, Copper, Ceramic |
| Body Material | Metal | Metal, Plastic | Metal, Plastic | Plastic |
| Size | Large | Large | Moderate | Small |
| Rotation Prevention | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Repeatability | Poor | Good | Very Good | Excellent |
| Installation Ease | Poor | Good | Very Good | Excellent |
| Insertion Loss | High | Moderate | Low | Low |
| Backreflection | Not Addressed | Moderate | Low | Low |
| Cost | High | Moderate | Low | Low |
| Multimode Use | Very Good | Very Good | Very Good | Excellent |
| Single-mode Use | Unusable | Good | Very Good | Excellent |
| Example | SMA 906 | ST | SC | LC |
OPTICAL CONNECTOR BASICS
Fiber optic connector types are as various as the applications in which they are used. Different connector types have different characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and performance parameters. But all connectors...
Copyright Force, Incorporated 2002 under license agreement with Books24x7
