Picking the Right Fiber Optic Connector

To meet the requirement of the fiber market, fiber optic patch cables have become more and more diverse which can be used for different applications. When choosing fiber optic patch cables, you might hear descriptions like SC to ST patch cable, LC to SC patch cable, LC to LC single mode fiber patch cable. Have you ever wondered what do LC, SC, ST stand for? Is there any difference between these types? In fact, these words refer to the different types of fiber optic connectors that are distinct from each other. The following will give the explanations for some commonly used fiber optic connectors, so that you can pick the right fiber optic connector for the sake of correct use.

The fiber optic connector is the device terminating the end of a fiber optic cable, which can be engaged and disengaged. In detail, it can connect the fiber optic equipment rigorously and conveniently without splicing, which is designed for maximally sending the light signal from optical transmitter to the receiver and minimizing the bad impact caused by the transmission. With the fast development of optical network, there are about 100 fiber optic connectors developed to meet the market needs, for instance, LC connector, SC connector, FC connector and ST connector which are largely used in different applications.

Different fiber optic connectors vary from the size to the application method. Here are the detail information about the four commonly used connectors for your reference.

LC fiber optic connector can be called Lucent Connector, Little Connector or Local Connector. It was invented by Bell, which makes a significant breakthrough for high density telecommunication. The coupling type of LC fiber optic connector is snap and its ferrule diameter is 1.25 mm. For its RJ-style latch clip design, it is very easy to operate. The size of LC connector is smaller than SC connector's, which attends to improve the density of optical fiber connector. As for its application, it is always used in High-density connections, SFP and SFP + transceivers, XFP transceivers. Along with the development of LC compatible transceivers and active networking components, it will keep growth in the FTTH area.

SC fiber optic connector is rectangular and bigger than LC connector, which was developed by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NNT) in Japan. It can also be called Subscriber Connector, Square Connector or Standard Connector. Its ferrule diameter is 2.5 mm, twice as long as LC fiber optic connector's. As for its application, it is very convenient to plug and pull without any revolve. With the property of high temperature resistance and oxidation resistance, it is usually connected to the lateral interface of the transmission equipment. Compared with other connectors, it is not very expensive and works easily and fast, which would be a good choice for most applications, such as, Datacom and telecom, GPON, EPON and GBIC.

FC fiber optic connector is round and threaded that is also referred to as Ferrule Connector. It was also developed by NNT, with the purpose of being applied for single-mode optic fiber and polarization-maintaining optic fiber. Furthermore, it was the first fiber optic connector with a ceramic ferrule and the ferrule diameter is 2.5mm, as long as of SC fiber optic connector. However, FC connector is becoming less common and mostly replaced by SC and LC connector for its vibration loosening and insertion loss.

ST fiber optic connector was designed by AT amp; T shortly after the arrival of the FC connector. The word ST refers to Straight Tip. It is probably still the most popular connector for multimode networks, like most buildings and campuses, which has a bayonet mount and a long cylindrical 2.5 mm ceramic (usually) or polymer ferrule to hold the fiber. For its spring-loaded structure, you'd better to check whether it is seated properly before use. If there is still high loss, you can try to reconnect it to see if it makes a difference.

It's clear that all of the connectors mentioned in this paper have a place in the market. Except these connectors, there are many other popular types, such as, MPO connector, MU connector and MT-RJ connector. These types of connectors are distinct from each other, designed for different applications. Hence, you should select the right connector for your network, so that there will be no connection problems when installing the complicated fiber equipment.