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Fiber Optic Connector Specifications you need to know

Introduction

Today there’re varieties of documents about fiber optic connectors, whereas the overview of typical connector specifications is difficult to come across. As we know, different manufactures produce the same type of connectors to nuanced specifications. Despite of this, there always is a common denominator among these subtle specifications. Therefore, we’d like to do our best to summarize the typical specifications of the commonly seen types of fiber connector, including FC, ST, SC, LC, E2000, and MPO connectors.

FC Connector

Features

  • Complies with IEC 61754-13 and TIA 604-4-B, FOCIS-4 for intermateability
  • Low insertion loss and back reflection capability
  • Precision anti rotation key for mechanical stability
  • Nickel plated metal body corrosion resistant
  • Zirconia ceramic ferrule available in several performance grades RoHS materials, REACH SvHC compliant
  • Individual parts packed in bulk package

Applications

  • Telecommunication networks
  • Local area networks
  • Data processing networks
  • Distribution application
  • Premises distribution
  • Test and laboratory equipment

Typical FC Connector Specifications

Typical FC Connector Specifications
  Singlemode Multimode
Insertion Loss ≤0.20 dB ≤0.25 dB
Return Loss ≥55 dB UPC; ≥60 dB APC
Ferrule Tolerance 126 ± 0.5 μm internal 127 ± 0.5 μm internal
Fiber Compatibility  9/125 µm 62.5/125 µm and 50/125 µm
Coupling Mechanism Screw-on nut
Operating Temperature            -40 °C to +85 °C
Finish Pre-radiused PC end, radius 10 to 25 mm
Ferrule type Zirconia ceramic, pre-radiused
Ferrule Diameter 2.5 mm ± 0.001
Mating Cycles 500
Standards IEC 61754-13; TIA-604-4 (FOCIS-4)
Strain relief 200 N
Vibration ∆IL< 0.2 dB; ∆RL< 5 dB
FC APC Premium Connectors
FC APC Premium Connectors

ST Connector

Features

  • Complies with IEC 61754-2 and TIA 604-2-B, FOCIS-2
  • Low insertion loss and back reflection capability
  • Bayonet style (stick and twist) housing for easy connection
  • Nickel plated metal body
  • Zirconia ceramic ferrule available in several performance grades
  • RoHS materials, REACH SvHC compliant
  • Individual parts packed in bulk package

Applications

  • LAN
  • Data processing networks
  • Distribution application
  • Premises distribution

Typical ST Connector Specifications

Typical ST Connector Specifications
 SinglemodeMultimode
Insertion Loss≤0.20 dB≤0.15 dB
Return Loss≥35 dB PC;≥45 dB SPC;≥55 dB UPC
Ferrule Tolerance126 ± 0.5 μm internal127 ± 0.5 μm internal
Fiber Compatibility 9/125 µm62.5/125 µm and 50/125 µm
Coupling Mechanismbayonet mount
Operating Temperature– 40 °C to + 85 °C
FinishPre-radiused PC end, radius 10 to 25 mm
Ferrule typeZirconia ceramic, pre-radiused
Ferrule Diameter2.5 mm
Mating Cycles500
StandardsIEC 61754-2; TIA-604-2 (FOCIS-2)
Strain relief100 N
ST connector
ST connector

SC Connector

Features

  • Complies with IEC 61754-4 and TIA 604-3-B, FOCIS-3
  • Low insertion loss and back reflection capability
  • A push-pull coupling mechanism for easy insertion and consistent connection
  • Connector housing and duplex clip available in different colours for easy identification
  • Zirconia ceramic ferrule available in several performance grades
  • RoHS materials, REACH SvHC compliant
  • Individual parts packed in bulk package

Applications

  • Telecommunications networks
  • CATV – Cable television
  • Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH)
  • LAN, MAN and WAN application
  • Data processing networks
  • Premises distribution

Typical SC Connector Specifications

Typical SC Connector Specifications
 SinglemodeMultimode
Insertion LossTypical 0.15 dBTypical 0.15 dB
Return Loss≥55 dB UPC  ≥25 dB Typical
Fiber Compatibility 9/125 µm62.5/125 µm and 50/125 µm
Coupling Mechanismsnap-in push/pull
Operating Temperature– 40 °C to + 85 °C
Ferrule typeZirconia ceramic ferrule
Ferrule Diameter2.5 mm
Mating Cycles1000
StandardsIEC 61754-4; TIA-604-3(FOCIS 3)
SC Duplex Connector
SC Duplex Connector

LC Connector

Features

  • Complies with IEC 61754-20 and TIA 604-10-B, FOCIS-10 for intermateability
  • Low insertion loss and back reflection capability
  • Compact SFF design with snag free latch for easy insertion and consistent connection
  • Connector housing and duplex clip available in different colors for easy identification
  • Zirconia ceramic ferrule available in several performance grades
  • RoHS materials, REACH SvHC compliant
  • Individual parts packed in bulk package

Applications

  • Datacentre applications
  • Telecommunication networks
  • LAN, MAN and WAN application
  • Data processing networks
  • CATV – Cable television
  • Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH)
  • Premises distribution

Typical LC Connector Specifications

Typical LC Connector Specifications
 SinglemodeMultimode
Insertion Loss0.10 dB average
Return Loss≥ 55 dB UPC;≥ 70 dB APC25 dB Typical
Fiber Compatibility9/125 µm50/125 µm 62.5/125 µm
Coupling Mechanismpush/pull with a latch
Operating Temperature-40 °C to +85 °C
Ferrule typeZirconia ceramic
Ferrule Diameter1.25 mm
Mating Cycles500
StandardsIEC 61754-20; TIA-604-10 (FOCIS-10)
Strain relief70 N
The LC Connectors
The LC Connectors

E2000 Connector

Features

  • Secure transmission of high bit-rate protocols
  • Zirconia ceramic ferrule fully protected by spring
  • loaded shutter
  • Push-pull locking mechanism for easy installation
  • Color coded release levers
  • Compliant with European (EN 186270) and International (IEC 61754-15) standards
  • Tested and approved by Swisscom

Applications

  • WANs, LANs, CATV
  • Metrology, Railway, Industry

Typical E2000 Connector Specifications

Typical E2000 Connector Specifications
 SinglemodeMultimode
Insertion LossTypical 0.20 dB≤0.25 dB
Return Loss≥ 55 dB UPC; ≥ 60 dB APC≥23 dB Typical
Coupling MechanismSnap, with light and dust-cap
Operating Temperature-25 °C to +70 °C, conditioned by type of cable
Ferrule typeZirconia ceramic
Ferrule Diameter2.5 mm
Mating Cycles500
StandardsIEC 61754-15; TIA/EIA-604-16(FOCIS 16)
Strain relief100 N
E2000 Fiber Optic Connector
E2000 Fiber Optic Connector

MPO Connector

Features

  • Terminates ribbon fiber or loose individual fibers
  • Designed for low loss and standard loss SM and MM applications
  • Ruggedized round cable, oval cable and bare ribbon options available
  • Color coded housings available to differentiate fiber type, polish type and/or connector grade
  • Housing is removable for quick change of pin clamps and easy ferrule cleaning / re-polishing
  • Alignment achieved with high precision guide pins

Applications

  • Front panel and backplane multi-fiber point to point links
  • High performance computing
  • Switching/routing fabrics
  • Switch to server interconnects
  • Parallel Optics
    • 40G and 100G IEEE 802.3
    • Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) Compliant
    • QSFP
    • CXP
    • CFP
    • PSM4

Typical MPO Connector Specifications

Typical MPO Connector Specifications
 SinglemodeMultimode
Insertion LossTypical 0.20 dBTypical 0.15 dB
Return Loss≥ 60 dB APC≥25 dB Typical
Coupling MechanismSnap (multiplex push/pull coupling)
Operating Temperature-40 °C to +75 °C
Ferrule typeZirconia ceramic
Ferrule Diameter2.5*6.4 mm
Mating Cycles1000
StandardsIEC 61754-7; TIA-604-5(FOCIS 5)
MPO Connector
MPO Connector

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