Some Basic Types of Fiber Optic Connector

A variety of fiber optic connectors are used, depending on the cable type and the Ethernet media system. The most commonly used fiber optic connectors as of this writing are the SC and LC connectors. You will aslo find ST connectors used on some older Ethernet equipment, and in older fiber optic cabling systems.

SC Connector

The SC connector is used on a variety of Ethernet transceivers. When higher density is needed to allow more ports within a given space, then the more compact LC connector is a popular choice. The Ethernet systems that operate at 40 and 100 Gb/s require multiple strands of fiber for their short reach media segments. The multiple strand fiber cables, also known as “ribbon trunks,” are terminated in multifiber push-on(MPO) connectors. An MPO connector can provide 12 or 24 fibers, depending on whether you are connecting to a 40 or 100 Gb/s short reach Ethernet inferface. The fiber optic patch cable with SC connector, we often see in the market, it is multimode SC fiber cable. The SC fiber optic cable is used to send multiple light signals at a time throughout gigabit networks. They are usually used in shorter cable runs, and have inner core diameter of 62.5 micron. The 62.5um cables support distances to 275 meters.

ST Connector

The ST (straight tip) connector, was developed by AT&T as a variation on a design used with copper coaxial cables. This connector has a metal connector cap that must be twisted to lock into place. The ST is considered a legacy connector, as it has been around for quite some time and can still be found in mandy installations today.

LC Connector

LC Connectors was developed by Lucent, hence the name (“Lucent connector”). An LC connector uses a retaining tab mechanism, similar to an RJ45 connector, while the connector body has a square shape similar to the SC connector but smaller in size. LC connectors are usually held together in a duplex configuration with a plastic clip. The ferrule of an LC connector is 1.25 mm.

The LC connector provides two fiber optic connections in smaller space. Because the LC connector takes up about half the space required by an SC connector, this allows vendors to provide more ports on a switch front panel or chassis module. Here we can introduce you the LC/LC fiber optic patch cables in applications, 10G LC to LC fiber cable provides 10 gigabit data transfer speeds in high bandwidth applications 5 times faster than standard 50um fiber cable. Works with both VCSEL laser and LED sources. LC/LC fiber optic cables connect two components with fiber optic connectors. A light signal is transmitted so there is no outside electrical interference.

MPO Connectors

As its name implies, the multifiber push-on (MPO) connector provides multiple fibers in a connctor that is both “push to connect” and “push to disconnect.” This connector is defined by IEC-61754-7, “Fiber optic interconnecting devices and passive components,” and TIA-604-5-D, “Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standard, Type MPO”. Both standards specify 12 and 24 fiber versions of the MPO connector.

You will also see the term MTP used for this connector type, which is a registered trademark of US Conec for a connector that is compliant with the MPO standards (meaning that the MTP connector is MPO connector). However, the MTP connector has been enhanced by US Conec to provide several product features, including the aility to change gender or to repolish in the field, a floating ferrule for improved optical performance, and elliptical guide pins to provide for tighter tlerance in alignment. Some of these features are covered under patents.

High quality fiber optic patch cable and assemblies are essential for any high performance optical technologies. Fiberstore ensures its range of fiber optic cables and assemblies are manufactured to the industry’s highest standards for network cabling using the highest quality optical fiber, sheathing and connectors available. Available in 62.5/125, 50/125 and 9/125 fiber types and color coded for convenience. Built to meet the needs of even the most demanding data communications, voice, and video networks, all of our ST to ST, SC to SC and LC to LC fiber optic patch cables are individually tested to ensure reliable performance.