Fiber Optical Connector is a flexible device that connects fiber cables requiring a quick connection and disconnection. Optical fibers terminate fiber-optic connections to fiber equipment or join two fiber connections without splicing. Hundreds of fiber optical connector types are available, but the key differentiator is defined by the mechanical coupling techniques and dimensions. Fiber optical connectors ensure stable connections, as they ensure the fiber ends are optically smooth and the end-to-end positions are properly aligned.
Fiber optical connectors were introduced with fiber optic technology in the 1980s. Most fiber connectors are spring loaded.
The main components of a fiber optical connector are a ferrule, sub-assembly body, cable, stress relief boot and connector housing. The ferrule is mostly made of hardened material like stainless steel and tungsten carbide, and it ensures the alignment during connector mating. The connector body holds the ferrule and the coupling device serves the purpose of male-female configuration.
The fiber types for fiber optical connectors are categorized into simplex, duplex and multiple fiber connectors. A simplex connector has one fiber terminated in the connector, whereas duplex has two fibers terminated in the connector. Multiple fiber connectors can have two or more fibers terminated in the connector. Fiber optical connectors are dissimilar to other electronic connectors in that they do not have a jack and plug design. Instead, they make use of the fiber mating sleeve for connection purposes.
Common fiber optical connectors include biconic, D4, ESCON, FC, FDDI, LC and SC.
1. Biconic connectors use precision tapered ends to have low insertion loss.
2. D4 connectors have a keyed body for easy intermateability.
3. ESCON connectors are commonly used to connect from a wall outlet to a device.
4. FC connector (fixed connection connector) is used for single-mode fibers and high-speed communication links.
5. FDDI connector is a duplex connector which makes use of a fixed shroud.
6. LC connector (local connection connector) has the benefit of small-form-factor optical transmitter/receiver assemblies and is largely used in private and public networks.
7. SC connector (subscriber connector) is used in simplex and multiple applications and is best suited for high-density applications.