Optical Fiber Information
Fiber Optic Connectors
| Fiber Optic Connectors | Name | Insertion Loss* | Description and Applications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | Average | |||
 |
ST | 0.3 dB (MM) 0.3 dB (SM) |
0.2 dB (MM) 0.2 dB (SM) |
Bayonet coupling type with 2.5 mm ferrule. Used in multimode networks. |
 |
SC | 0.3 dB (MM) 0.15 dB (SM) |
0.2 dB (MM) 0.25 dB (SM) |
Snap-in connector with 2.5 mm ferrule. Used in single-mode systems. |
 |
FC | 0.3 dB (MM) 0.15 dB (SM) |
0.2 dB (MM) 0.25 dB (SM) |
Key and screw connector with 2.5 mm ferrule. Typically used in single-mode systems. |
 |
LC | 0.3 dB (MM) 0.15 dB (SM) |
0.2 dB (MM) 0.25 dB (SM) |
Small form factor (SFF) connecter with snap-in coupling type and 1.25 mm ferrule. Used where space is limited. |
 |
MU | 0.3 dB (MM) 0.15 dB (SM) |
0.2 dB (MM) 0.25 dB (SM) |
Snap-in coupling type with 1.25 mm ferrule. Popular in Japan. |
 |
FC/APC** | 0.3 dB | 0.1 dB | Standard FC connector with angle polish. |
* Insertion Loss data from Alliance Fiber Optic Products (AFOP).
** Angle Polished Connectors (APC) are connectors where the ferrule is angled to prevent reflections at the fiber-air interface from being captured by the fiber core. APC connectors have a green sleeve to differentiate between flat angled finish connectors.
FC Connector Diagram
Fiber Patch Cords
Yellow: Single-mode
Orange: Multimode
Blue: Polarization Maintaining (PM)
Orange: Multimode
Blue: Polarization Maintaining (PM)