Optical fiber connector

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An optical fiber connector terminates the end of an optical fiber, and enables quicker connection and disconnection than splicing. The connector aligns the core of the two fibers so that light can pass, and provides a mechanical coupling to hold it together. A variety of optical fiber connectors are available. The main difference between connectors is in the dimensions and the mechanical coupling.

Common fiber connectors

Short name	Long form	Coupling type
LC	Lucent Connector / Local Connector	Snap
ST	Straight Tip	Twist
SC	Subscriber Connector / Standard Connector	Snap
FC	Ferrule Connector	Screw
Biconic
D4		Screw
ESCON	Enterprise Systems Connection	Screw
FDDI	Fiber distributed data interface	Snap
Opti-Jack		Snap
MT	Multi-Terminus	Snap
MTP		Snap
MT-RJ	Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack	Snap
MU		Snap
SMA		Screw
TOSLINK	Toshiba link	Snap

If the fiber-end is angled to reduce back reflections this is usually described by adding APC (Angled Physical Contact) to the name.

[edit] Analysis

• FC floating ferrule provides good mechanical isolation; However, it is screwed into contact which can induce scratches on the fiber.
• SC connector offers excellent packing density, and its push-pull design resists fiber end face contact damage during connection.
• In general the insertion loss should not exceed 0.75 dB and the return should not be higher than -20 dB. Typical insertion repeatability, the difference in insertion loss between one plugging and another, is 0.2 dB.
• ST connectors have a key which prevents rotation of the ceramic ferrule and bayonet lock similar to a BNC shell.
• On all connectors, cleaning the ceramic ferrule before each connection helps prevent scratches and extends the connector life substantially.

[edit] External links

• Fiber Optic Connectors
• Fiber Optic Connector Reference (with pictures)
• Fiber Optic Connector Identifier (with pictures and more connectors)