Types of Fiber Optic Connectors

One comes across several occasions when it is necessary to connect a fibre optic cable to another item. It may be that the fibre optic cable needs to be connected to another cable, or to an electronic interface device where the optical signal is converted to an electrical signal or to a light source

Fiber optic cables can be terminated in two ways. The first is with fiber optic cable connectors, which connect two fibers through a temporary joint. Fibre optic cable connectors also can connect the fiber to network gear. The second way to connect fiber optic cable is with splices that create a permanent joint between the fibers.

It is necessary that the fibre optic cable is correctly interfaced so that the minimum amount of light is lost. To achieve this it is necessary to use the correct form of fibre optic connector. In these cases fibre optic connectors are required. There are many different types of fiber optic connectors, and there are also various ways to install them. There are a few types that are used most frequently. Different connectors and splice termination procedures are used for single mode and multi-mode connectors.

While fibre optic connectors offer a very convenient method of connecting fibre optic cables, they should only be used where necessary. They introduce a loss at each connection. Generally the value is between 10 and 20 percent.

Lucent Connector (LC)

The Lucent Connector, sometimes referred to as the Little Connector, is a small form factor FOC that uses a 1.25 mm ferrule. There are three different types of LC connectors:

• Single Mode LC APC
• Single Mode LC UPC
• Multi-Mode LC UPC

Plastic Fiber Optic Cable Connectors

There are relatively fewer plastic connectors available when compared to glass fiber. These connectors are cheaper and are primarily designed for easy application. Polished and epoxy options are generally not available for plastic connectors.

Plastic FOC connectors are available in both standard and proprietary designs. Although SMA or ST connectors are mainly designed for use with glass, they can also be used with plastic FOC.

Fiber Distributed Data Interface Connector (FDDI)

FDDI provides data transmission at 100 Mbps in a dual ring token local area network within a 200-kilometer range. The FDDI connector connects network equipment to a wall plug. The connector contains a 2.5mm ferrule that can mate onto ST and SC connectors by making use of adapters.

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