A fiber optic connector facilitates the connection between fiber optic cables and other systems or tools. During the 1970s, the first commercially available connectors caused a 3db decrease in light intensity. Nowadays, this drop has been reduced to 2db. Even though there are about 100 different types of fiber optic connectors available, only a select few are commonly used in projects. Important providers of fiber optic connectors worldwide include AT&T, NTT, LUCENT, Diamond, Corning, and Siemens.
A significant difference between connectors lies in their methods and techniques of mechanical coupling. Additionally, fiber optic connectors do not incorporate a jack and plug design, setting them apart from other connectors. Instead, they connect to standard inputs and are predominantly spring-loaded.
Types of optical fiber connectors in terms of connection type
Optical fiber connectors are classified into three categories: Simplex, Duplex, and Multiple. Simplex connectors connect to one cable, Duplex models can connect two cables, and Multipole connectors can connect two or more cables.
Types of optical fiber connectors according to TIA standard
The TIA standard categorizes fiber optic connectors into three color-coded groups: beige for MM connectors (multimode fiber optic connector), blue for SM connectors (single mode fiber optic connector), and green for APC angle connectors, which are polished to match the style.
Introducing different types of optical fiber connectors in terms of construction style
In terms of construction style, fiber optic connectors are produced in different types; Here we introduce the models that are used in the telecommunications industry.
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SC fiber optic connector
SC model optical fiber connector is cube-shaped in appearance and has important features as follows:
This type of connector is used in single mode fiber optic and multimode fiber optic.
The ceramic ferrule of the SC connector has a diameter of 2.5 mm.
The SC optical fiber SC connector has a plastic body and its opening and closing mechanism is push and pull type.
For the SC connector, the appropriate loss is 0.25 dB.
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LC fiber optic connector
The size of this type of connector is smaller than SC optical fiber connectors and it is cube-shaped. Among the specifications of the LC fiber optic connector, the following can be mentioned:
LC fiber optic connector is used for single mode fiber and multimode fiber.
The diameter of the ceramic ferrule of this type of connector is 1.25 mm.
The body material of LC optical fiber connector is plastic, and its opening and closing mechanism is done by a locking clip.
0.02dB is the appropriate attenuation for LC fiber optic connector.
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FC fiber optic connector
In terms of appearance, FC optical fiber connector is circular and includes the following features:
Like other optical fiber connectors, this model is also used in single mode and multimode fiber.
The ceramic ferrule of this type of connector also has a diameter of 2.5 mm.
FC fiber optic connector body material is metal and equipped with screw opening and closing mechanism.
The suitable attenuation for FC optical fiber connector is about 0.25dB.
This optical fiber connector is also used to connect to optical transmitters and receivers.
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Optical fiber connector ST
This connector model also has a circular shape like FC fiber optic connector and the following specifications are mentioned for it.
The ST connector is used to connect single-mode optical fiber and multimode fiber.
Its ceramic ferrule has a diameter of 2.5 mm.
The ST fiber optic connector body is made of metal and is equipped with a pressure and rotation opening and closing mechanism.
The average attenuation for ST fiber optic connector is 0.25dB.
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The SMA fiber optic connector is circular in appearance and is the first connector that was used in the fiber optic industry in 1970.
This fiber optic connector includes the following specifications:
SMA fiber optic connector is used for multimode fiber.
This connector has a steel ferrule and a maximum diameter of 22.4 mm.
The body material of the SMA fiber optic connector is metal and has an open and screw mechanism
The most common application of SMA fiber optic connector is in the medical industry
Compared to other optical fiber connectors, it has a high attenuation
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DIN connector
DIN optical fiber connector is the most used in the German telecom industry and has been registered in the Institute of Technology of this country. It is circular in appearance and has the following features.
DIN fiber optic connector is used for multimode fiber and single mode fiber.
The ceramic ferrule of this connector has a diameter of 2.5 mm.
This connector has a metal body and is equipped with an open and screw mechanism.
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E2000 fiber optic connector
In terms of appearance, E2000 optical fiber connector is cube-shaped and it has been registered by Diamond Switzerland. Among its features, the following can be mentioned.
E2000 fiber optic connector is used in multimode and singlemode fiber.
This type of connector has a ceramic ferrule with a diameter of 2.5 mm.
The E2000 optical fiber connector is equipped with a push mechanism with an automatic shutter that provides protection
The connector is protected against dust and environmental factors.
The drop of E2000 optical fiber connector is very low and between 0.1 and 0.02.
Optical fiber connectors are produced in different types, most of which have three main parts including the following:
The ferrule part of the connector where the optical fiber is inside.
The main body of the optical fiber connector, which is made to protect it.
Crimp holder and cover or end boot of optical fiber connector
In some cases, these fiber optic connectors have five distributions, including the ring, the assembled body, the cable, the strain relief base, and the connector sheath. Usually, the material of the ring is made of hard steel or tungsten carbide, and its function is to ensure the tightness of the connection. The ring is held by the body of the connector and the role of the coupling is the male-female connection configuration.
What specifications should a good fiber optic connector have?
In order to buy a fiber optic connector more carefully, you should pay attention to the following points when choosing this tool. On the intensity of the light. The return drop of the connector should be acceptable. A good connector should be able to withstand environmental factors. The cost of buying and using it is low. It has the ability to move between 500 and 1000 times. In order to buy a fiber optic connector more carefully, you should pay attention to the following points when choosing this tool.
on the intensity of the light. The return drop of the connector should be acceptable. A good connector should be able to withstand environmental factors. The cost of buying and using it is low. It has the ability to move between 500 and 1000 times. Easy and simple to install and use. Easy and simple to install and use.
