FIBER OPTIC ADAPTERS

Cable to Cable Connection
Connecting Fiber Optic Cable with High Precision

Adapters must be able to connect fiber to fiber and also fiber to equipment. Fiber optic adapters are also known as couplers or mating sleeves. High precision is first and foremost as they must connect fiber cable with minimal signal loss. Because of this, these adapters or couplers are designed with fiber optic alignment as the top priority. In many instances ceramic sleeves are used to get a precise alignment of the fiber connectors. However, phosphorous bronze sleeves are used when precision is not quite as critical. They also cost less than ceramic. Performance is dictated by how accurate the fibers are aligned. The adapter design is quite simple. Both ends of the fiber to be connected have connectors at each end. The adapter is designed to mate these two fibers by having the connectors slide into the two slots on either side of the adapter.

There are many different types of adapters. They include multimode and single mode and quad. By far the most common are LC, SC, ST, and FC. Standard configurations of fiber optic adapters are simplex, duplex and quad structure and are female to female type orientation.

Types of Fiber Optic Adapters

FC Adapters -This type of fiber adapter has precision ceramic sleeves to aid in alignment. The FC is easy to use but certain designs can be susceptible to dust and debris - a fiber optic enemy. Shapes available are round, and square flanged. They can be found in single and multimode versions.

SC Adapters -Highlights of this type of adapter is that it has great alignment and a simple push/pull design. They are available single mode and Multimode. Single mode usually has ceramic sleeve and multimode may have phosphorous bronze or ceramic.

LC Adapters -This connector uses a latch to lock the connector in place. Due to the use of a smaller ferrule, this adapter is smaller than other types making it easier to work with in high density areas. Due to its size the LC is very popular.

ST Adapters -Because of its metal construction this adapter is very precise and very durable.

Why is ceramic so important?

It’s all about fiber alignment. Ceramic has proven to be the best material as it is extremely ridged and will not warp over time. Even after being plugged in repeatedly. This means it is much better than metal as metal can get deformed after repeated use, causing power loss in the network.