Optical fiber connectors - types
Optical fiber cables can be equipped with a variety of connectors. The list below provides you with an overview of the commonly used connectors.
LC connector
The LC is a small-form-factor connector system for optical fiber cabling in compliance with the standard DIN EN 61754-20. The new generation of LC Compact connectors has a compact end housing which perfectly protects the fibers and permits reliable strain relief for the various cable types. Versions: Multimode & singlemode, normal and oblique cut. LC connector (PC and APC).
Ferrule: Zirconia-ceramic, Ø 1.25 mm
MPO/MTP® connector
The abbreviation MPO stands for “Multi-fiber Push-on Connector”. It is a push-on connector for multi-fiber cables consisting generally of 6, 8, 12 or 24 fibers. The MPO push-on connector is often referred to as an MTP® connector. MTP® is a registered trademark of US-Conec Ltd.
SC connector
The SC is an optical fiber push-on connector in compliance with DIN standard IEC 61754-15 for applications in the telecommunications sector, datacenters, LAN cabling and for connecting active components. Versions: Multimode & singlemode, normal and oblique cut. SC connector (PC and APC). The SC/APC push-on connector has an oblique, polished ferrule front face (8° or 9°). The light that is reflected here is no longer capable of propagation. Reflections are reduced to a minimum. This makes it possible to achieve a higher return loss. APC connectors are preferentially used for singlemode cables.
Ferrule: Zirconia-ceramic, Ø 2.5 mm
E-2000® connector
The E-2000® connector is an optical fiber push-on connector in compliance with international standard IEC 61754-15. It possesses a push-pull locking mechanism and a self-closing dust protection flap. Design: Multimode & singlemode, normal and oblique cut. E-2000® connector, PC and APC.
Ferrule: Zirconia-ceramic, Ø 2.5 mm
Expanded beam connectors
Due to the optical expansion of the beam, expanded beam connectors are less sensitive to contamination than conventional fiber-optic push-on connectors. In combination with high-quality cables, they are primarily used in harsh environments.
Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) Latch Connector 3M™
The expanded beam ferrule of the Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) Latch Connector 3M™ is currently available in the 12-fiber multimode and singlemode versions and will be available in a 16-fiber multimode and singlemode variant in the future. Depending on the type and size of the connector housing, one or more ferrules can be accommodated in a single connector.
Connector technology for optical fibers (OF):
APC (Angled Polished Contact)
Some fiber-optic connectors are available not only as a PC (Physical Contact) but also as an APC variant (Angled Physical Contact).
Grinding the fiber endface at an angle - usually 8°- means that reflected light is no longer propagated. Reflections are reduced to a minimum.
Duplex vs Simplex
Duplex: Transmission mode in which data can be simultaneously transmitted in both directions. Duplex transmission is therefore also referred to as two-way transmission (as per DIN).
Simplex: Transmission mode in which data can only be transmitted in one direction. There is no return path or return channel. Simplex transmission is therefore also referred to as one-way transmission (as per DIN).
Ferrule
Connector pin (usually ceramic) responsible for ensuring the precise axial guidance of the fiber in the connector.
Multimode fiber (MMF)
Type of fiber in whose core multiple waves (modes) are able to propagate. The number of modes depends on the size of the fiber core. Typical dimensions are 50 / 125 µm and 62.5 / 125 µm. The classes OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4 and OM5 exist for multimode optical fibers.
Singlemode fiber (SMF)
Fiber in whose core only one light wave (mode) is capable of propagation. Usual size: 9 / 125 μm.