The document discusses different types of optical fiber connectors used to join optical fibers where connections need to be made and disconnected. It describes ST, SC, LC, FC, MU, MT-RJ, and MTP/MPO connectors and provides details on their construction, applications, performance specifications, and advantages. Key factors in connector design are low insertion loss, high return loss, ease of installation, low cost, reliability, and low environmental sensitivity.
The document discusses different types of optical fiber connectors used to join optical fibers where connections need to be made and disconnected. It describes ST, SC, LC, FC, MU, MT-RJ, and MTP/MPO connectors and provides details on their construction, applications, performance specifications, and advantages. Key factors in connector design are low insertion loss, high return loss, ease of installation, low cost, reliability, and low environmental sensitivity.
The document discusses different types of optical fiber connectors used to join optical fibers where connections need to be made and disconnected. It describes ST, SC, LC, FC, MU, MT-RJ, and MTP/MPO connectors and provides details on their construction, applications, performance specifications, and advantages. Key factors in connector design are low insertion loss, high return loss, ease of installation, low cost, reliability, and low environmental sensitivity.
The document discusses different types of optical fiber connectors used to join optical fibers where connections need to be made and disconnected. It describes ST, SC, LC, FC, MU, MT-RJ, and MTP/MPO connectors and provides details on their construction, applications, performance specifications, and advantages. Key factors in connector design are low insertion loss, high return loss, ease of installation, low cost, reliability, and low environmental sensitivity.
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Optical Fiber
Connectors Assignment Faizan Ashraf 6559 BSTE-8 Submitted to
Engr. Abdur Rehman
Optical Fiber Connectors
Optical fiber connectors are used to join optical fibers where a connect/disconnect capability is required. Due to the polishing and tuning procedures that may be incorporated into optical connector manufacturing, connectors are generally assembled onto optical fiber in a suppliers manufacturing facility. However, the assembly and polishing operations involved can be performed in the field, for example, to make cross-connect jumpers to size. Features of good connector design:
Low insertion loss
High return loss (low amounts of reflection at the interface)
Ease of installation
Low cost
Reliability
Low environmental sensitivity
Ease of use
ST-Connector The ST connector is a keyed bayonet connector and is used for both multimode and single-mode fiber-optic cables. It can be inserted into and removed from a fiber-optic cable both quickly and easily. Method of location is also easy. ST connectors come in two versions: ST and ST-II. These are keyed and spring-loaded. They are push-in and twist types. ST connectors are constructed with a metal housing and are nickel-plated. They have ceramic ferrules and are rated for 500 mating cycles. The typical insertion loss for matched ST connectors is 0.25 dB. From a design perspective, it is recommended to use a loss margin of 0.5 dB or the vendor recommendation for ST connectors.
SC-Connector
SC connectors are used with single-mode and multimode fiber-optic cables.
They offer low cost, simplicity, and durability. SC connectors provide for accurate alignment via their ceramic ferrules. An SC connector is a push-on, pull-off connector with a locking tab. Typical matched SC connectors are rated for 1000 mating cycles and have an insertion loss of 0.25 dB. From a design perspective, it is recommended to use a loss margin of 0.5 dB or the vendor recommendation for SC connectors.
LC Connectors LC connectors are used with single-mode and multimode fiber-optic cables. The LC connectors are constructed with a plastic housing and provide for accurate alignment via their ceramic ferrules. LC connectors have a locking tab. LC connectors are rated for 500 mating cycles. The typical insertion loss for matched LC connectors is 0.25 dB. From a design perspective, it is recommended to use a loss margin of 0.5 dB or the vendor recommendation for LC connectors.
FC-Connector The FC was the first optical fiber connector to use a ceramic ferrule, but unlike the plastic bodied SC and LC, it utilizes a round screw-type fitment made from nickel-plated or stainless steel. The connector end face relies on an alignment key for correct insertion and is then tightened into the adaptor/jack using a threaded collet. Despite the additional complexity both in manufacturing and installation, its still the connector of choice for precise measuring equipment such as OTDRs. Initially intended for data coms and telecoms applications, its use has reduced since the introduction of the SC and LC. These deliver similar performance to the FC but both have less expensive components and are quicker to connect. However, the screw-on collet of the FC does make it particularly effective in high vibration environments, ensuring that the spring-loaded ferrule is firmly mated.
MU- Connectors MU connectors and adapters were developed by NTT, and have push-pull mechanism. They are called mini SC and are more popular in Japan. Applications include high-speed data communications, voice networks, telecommunications, and dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM).
MU connectors are also used in multiple optical connections and as a selfretentive mechanism in backplane applications.
MT-RJ Connectors MT-RJ connectors are used with single-mode and multimode fiber-optic cables. The MT-RJ connectors are constructed with a plastic housing and provide for accurate alignment via their metal guide pins and plastic ferrules. MT-RJ connectors are rated for 1000 mating cycles. The typical insertion loss for matched MT-RJ connectors is 0.25 dB for SMF and 0.35 dB for MMF. From a design perspective, it is recommended to use a loss margin of 0.5 dB or the vendor recommendation for MT-RJ connectors
MTP/MPO Connectors MTP/MPO connectors are used with single-mode and multimode fiber-optic cables. The MTP/MPO is a connector manufactured specifically for a multi fiber ribbon cable. The MTP/MPO single-mode connectors have an angled ferrule allowing for minimal back reflection, whereas the multimode connector ferrule is commonly flat. The ribbon cable is flat and appropriately named due to its flat ribbon-like structure, which houses fibers side by side in a jacket. The typical insertion loss for matched MTP/MPO connectors is 0.25 dB. From a design perspective, it is recommended to use a loss margin of 0.5 dB or the vendor recommendation for MTP/MPO connectors.
