Fiber optic connectors are crucial in establishing reliable, high-performance connections between optical fibers. They facilitate the precise alignment of fiber ends, ensuring maximum light energy coupling and minimizing system disruptions. In this blog, we will explore the different types of fiber optic connectors commonly used in various applications.
FC Fiber Optic Connector
The FC (Ferrule Connector) is one of the earliest connectors developed by Japan’s NTT. It features a metal ferrule for external reinforcement, secured by a screw-on mechanism. Originally, FC connectors had flat-faced ceramic ferrules (FC) for fiber alignment. However, advancements led to adopting PC (Physical Contact) or APC (Angled Physical Contact) polished connectors, significantly improving insertion loss and return loss performances.
SC Fiber Optic Connector
The SC connector, also created by NTT, has a rectangular shell with dimensions identical to the FC connector. It utilizes a push-pull mechanism and often features PC or APC polished end-faces. SC connectors are cost-effective, easy to use, exhibit stable insertion loss, high compression strength, and offer high-density installations.
Biconic Connector
The Biconic Connector, prominently developed by Bell Labs, comprises two precisely molded truncated conical ferrules and an internal coupling component with double conical plastic sleeves. The DIN47256 fiber optic connector, developed in Germany, shares similar dimensions with the FC connector and uses PC polishing for improved performance. The Biconic Connector features internal springs to control pressure, avoiding damage to the end face during insertion.
MT-RJ Fiber Optic Connector
Derived from NTT’s MT connector, the MT-RJ connector incorporates the same latching mechanism as an RJ-45 LAN connector. It aligns dual-core fibers (0.75mm spacing) within small sleeves, making it suitable for high-density data transmission applications.
LC Fiber Optic Connector
The LC connector, developed by Bell Labs, employs a modular RJ latch mechanism. It has half the size of conventional SC and FC connectors, with a ferrule diameter of 1.25mm. LC connectors provide enhanced fiber optic density on patch panels. In the single-mode SFF domain, LC connectors have gained dominance, and their use in multi-mode applications is rapidly increasing.
MU Fiber Optic Connector
BASED ON THE WIDELY-USED SC CONNECTOR, the MU (Miniature unit Coupling) connector is the world’s smallest single-core fiber optic connector, developed by NTT. It features a 1.25mm diameter sleeve and a self-retaining mechanism, enabling high-density installations. NTT has developed a series of MU connectors, including socket-type connectors for cable connections (MU-A series), board connectors with self-retention (MU-B series), and simplified receptacles for LD/PD modules (MU-SR series).
MC Connector
In 2012, a domestic communication company in China independently developed the MC connector, which is smaller and denser than the LC connector. The MC fiber optic active connector is ideal for high-density environments such as large data centers and high-capacity server rooms. The MC connector boasts twice the density of LC connectors in the same space, making it the world’s smallest and most high-density connector.
Conclusion
Fiber optic connectors are critical components that ensure the reliability and performance of optical fiber networks. Various connector types cater to different application needs, from the earliest FC connectors to the compact and high-density LC and MC connectors. Understanding these connectors’ characteristics and advantages helps professionals choose the most suitable options for their specific requirements, paving the way for faster, more efficient, and reliable data transmission in today’s interconnected world.