Hello, everyone!
In this article, I will not describe the method of connector production, the method of polishing the ferrule and the analysis of reflection and attenuation. I will describe this in one of the following articles. Today I will just show different types of optical connectors.
We can connect optical fibers in 3 ways:
fusion splice,
mechanical splice and
optical connectors.
Which method to use depends on several factors. There are three important factors: low loss, min reflectance and high reliability. The application is also an important factor.
Optical connectors are mainly used in headends and networks – patch pannels, optical splitters, routers, switches, OLTs, EDFAs, optical transmitters, etc. There are different types of optical connectors. Which connector we need to use depends on the application but also on the space.
1. ST optical connectors
This is one of the first optical connectors. It was very popular a long time ago, while today it is very rarely used. It is usually used with measuring instruments. It is a bayonet connector.
There are two versions of this optical connector:
ST and
ST-II.
Both optical connectors use a “push-in and twist” process. We can see this optical connector in the next picture.
Fig.1. ST optical connector
(https://www.ad-net.com.tw/16-types-fiber-optic-connectors-choose/)
2. SC optical connectors
This is one of the most popular optical connectors. SC is an abbreviation from Standard Connector or Square Connector. It is very simple and low cost, but the disadvantage is its size. This optical connector uses a 2.5mm ferrule. SC optical connectors have a locking tab and it enables the push and pulls process.
There are 3 versions of SC optical connectors:
SM SC/APC,
SM SC/UPC, and
MM SC/UPC.
We use these optical connectors in many applications: patch panels, optical splitters, routers, switches, OLTs, EDFAs, optical transmitters, etc. In the next picture, we can see this optical connector.
Fig.1. SC optical connector
(https://www.ad-net.com.tw/16-types-fiber-optic-connectors-choose/)
3. LC optical connectors
This is one of the most popular optical connectors. LC is an abbreviation from Lucent Connector. Widely used. Its biggest advantage is its size. It is twice smaller than SC optical connectors and is therefore used whenever space is an issue. LC optical connectors use a 1.25mm ferrule.
There are 3 versions of LC optical connectors:
SM LC/APC,
SM LC/UPC, and
MM LC/UPC.
The problem can occur when we have a large number of connected connectors and when we need to remove some of them. They are used in patch panels, routers, switches, EDFA, optical transmitters, etc.
Fig.1. LC optical connector
(https://www.ad-net.com.tw/16-types-fiber-optic-connectors-choose/)
I will continue in the next article.
Thank you!
