X-krama's Fiber optic connector is a device for detachable (movable) connection between two optical fibers. It accurately butts the two end faces of the optical fiber, so that the light output from the sending fiber can be coupled to the receiving fiber to the maximum, and the impact on the optical link is minimized. 

Optical fiber connectors affect the reliability and performance of optical transmission systems to a certain extent.

2. Classification of fiber optic connectors

(1). FC fiber optic connector

For FC connectors, the external reinforcement method is a metal sleeve, and the fastening method is a turnbuckle.

This kind of connector has the advantages of simple structure, convenient operation, and easy manufacture, but the end of the fiber is more sensitive to dust and prone to Fresnel reflection, so it is difficult to improve its return loss performance. Later, the new type of connector was improved by adopting the ball butt terminal pin (PC), while the external structure remained unchanged, which greatly improved the insertion loss and return loss performance.

(2). LC fiber optic connector

LC connector, using modular jack (RJ), easy to operate. The pin and sleeve dimensions are half the size of regular SC and FC at 1.25 mm.

This can increase the density of fiber optic connectors in the fiber distribution frame. At present, the LC type connector has occupied a dominant position in single-mode SFF, and its application in multi-mode SFF is also developing rapidly.

(3). SC fiber optic connector

The SC connector has a rectangular shell, and the structural dimensions of the pin and coupling sleeve are exactly the same as the FC type. APC or APC grinding is mostly used for the end face of the pin; the fastening method is a pin type without rotation. This kind of connector has the advantages of low price, convenient operation, small fluctuation of interference loss, high compressive strength, and high installation density.

ST and SC interfaces are two types of fiber optic connectors. For 100base-F connections, the connectors are usually ST type, and for 100Base-FX, the connectors are mostly SC type. The core of the ST connector is exposed, and the core of the SC connector is inside the connector.

3. Performance of fiber optic connector

The performance of fiber optic connectors is first of all the optical performance, in addition to the interchangeability, repeatability, tensile strength, temperature and number of plugging and unplugging of fiber optic connectors.

(1). Optical performance

The requirements for optical performance of fiber optic connectors are mainly the two most basic parameters of insertion loss and return loss.

Insertion loss (InsertionLoss), that is, connection loss, refers to the loss of effective optical power of the link caused by the introduction of the connector. The smaller the insertion loss, the better, and the general requirement should not be greater than 0.5dB.

Return Loss (ReturnLoss, ReflectionLoss) refers to the ability of the connector to suppress the reflection of link optical power, and its typical value should not be less than 25dB. In the actual application of the connector, the surface of the pin has been specially polished, which can make the return loss greater, generally not less than 45dB.

(2). Interchangeability and repeatability

Optical fiber connectors are general-purpose passive components. For the same type of optical fiber connectors, they can generally be used in any combination and can be used repeatedly. The additional loss introduced by this is generally within the range of less than 0.2dB.

(3) Tensile strength 

For a well-made optical fiber connector, it is generally required that its tensile strength should not be lower than 90N.

(4) temperature

As a general requirement, fiber optic connectors must be able to work normally at a temperature of -40oC~+70oC.

(5) Insertion times

The fiber optic connectors currently used can generally be plugged and unplugged more than 1000 times.

4. Market prospect of fiber optic connector

Optical fiber connector is an indispensable device for connecting various devices in optical fiber communication system, and it is also the most widely used optical fiber device at present. Due to the gradual fiberization of local communication networks and the increasing demand for metropolitan area networks and user access networks, the total demand for global fiber optic connectors has continued to expand in recent years.