In recent years, with the continuous expansion of optical communication applications, particularly to adapt the fiber access network and fiber to the home (FTTH) needs, competing countries developed a variety of models and specific new fiber optic connectors. The performance and cost of these products has been improved greatly. optical fiber technology such as fiber optic connectors, cleavers, optic fibers and optoelectronic devices has been considerable developed. As optical interconnects product family 's core components, the optical fiber connector is the essential part of optical fiber communication system. Now the most common types of connector are SC, LC, FC; there are also some application of other types, such as MPO, MU,ST, MTRJ,E-2000,etc. Here is a simple introduction of the SC, LC and MTP/MPO fiber optic connectors.
LC Fiber Optic Connector
LC fiber optic connectors are sometimes called "Little Connectors", it’s a one popular small form factor connector with its ferrule 1.25mm. The interface of LC fiber connector was developed by Lucent Technologies, which is why it’s called LC connector. It uses a retaining tab mechanism, similar to a phone or RJ45 connector, and the connector body resembles the squarish shape of SC connector. And LC connectors are normally held together in a duplex configuration with a plastic clip. In some conditions, LC connectors have replaced SC connectors in corporate networking environments due to their smaller size, and they are often found on small form-factor pluggable transceivers.
SC Fiber Optic Connector
As the rapid advancing of optical fiber communication, there is a variety of optical fiber connectors on the market, and the SC connectors is one of the most common types of connectors. SC connectors, being square, have a mnemonic of "Square Connector", which some people believe to be the more suitable name, rather than the official name "Subscriber Connector". It’s a snap-in connector that is widely used in single-mode systems for it's excellent performance. SC fiber optic connectors use a push-on/pull-off mating mechanism which is generally easier to use than the twist-style ST connector when in tight spaces. And they are typically applied in data communication and telecommunication.
MTP/MPO Fiber Optic Connector
MPO fiber optic connector, sometimes called MTP which is a commercial name, usually has 12 fibers. 24 fibers, 36 fibers and 72 fibers are also available. It's main use is for preterminated cable assemblies and cabling systems. MPO fiber patch connectors utilize precision molded MT ferrules, with metal guide pins and precise housing dimensions to ensure fiber alignment when mating. MTP/MPO pretermination is useful for saving time and reducing the risk of damage fragile optical connectors, the plug and play system is the perfect solution for today’s optical fiber installations. Because of the high number of fiber strands available in a small connection, MTP assemblies are used for backbone, cross-connect, and breakout applications.
