Optical fiber connector

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An optical fiber connector terminates the end of an optical fiber, and enables quicker connection and disconnection than splicing. The connectors mechanically couple and align the cores of fibers so that light can pass. A variety of optical fiber connectors are available. The main differences among types of connectors are dimensions and methods of mechanical coupling. Generally, organizations will standardize on one kind of connector, depending on what equipment they commonly use, or per type of fiber (one for multimode, one for singlemode).

Image:OFC SC.JPG

SC Fiber connector

Image:OFC LC.JPG

LC Fiber connector

Image:ST connector.jpg

ST Fiber connector

Common fiber connectors
Short name	Long form	Coupling type
LC	Lucent Connector / Local Connector	Snap
ST / BFOC	Straight Tip / Bayonet Fiber Optic Connector	Bayonet
SC	Subscriber Connector / Standard Connector	Snap
FC	Ferrule Connector	Screw
Biconic		Screw
D4		Screw
E2000		Snap
ESCON	Enterprise Systems Connection	Screw
FDDI	Fiber Distributed Data Interface	Snap
Opti-Jack		Snap
MIC	Media Interface Connector
MPO	Multi-Fibre Push On	Snap
MT	Mechanical Transfer	Snap
MTP		Snap
MT-RJ	Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack	Snap
MU		Snap
SMA	Sub Miniature A	Screw
SMC	Sub Miniature C	Snap
TOSLINK	Toshiba Link	Snap

If the fiber-end is angled to reduce back reflections this is usually described by adding APC (Angled Physical Contact) to the name.

[edit] Analysis

FC floating ferrule provides good mechanical isolation; however, it is screwed into contact which can induce scratches on the fiber.
SC connector offers excellent packing density, and its push-pull design resists fiber end face contact damage during connection.
In general the insertion loss should not exceed 0.75 dB and the return loss should be higher than 20 dB. Typical insertion repeatability, the difference in insertion loss between one plugging and another, is 0.2 dB.
ST connectors have a key which prevents rotation of the ceramic ferrule and bayonet lock similar to a BNC shell.
LC connectors are replacing SC connectors in corporate networking environment due to its smaller size.
On all connectors, cleaning the ceramic ferrule before each connection helps prevent scratches and extends the connector life substantially.

[edit] Mnemonics

ST connectors have a mnemonic of "Stab and Twist", referring to how it is inserted (the cable is pushed into the receiver, and the outer barrel is twisted to lock it into place).
SC connectors have a mnemonic of "Square Connector", and some people believe that to be the correct name. This refers to the fact the connectors themselves are square. Another term often used for SC connectors is "Stick and Click".
MT-RJ connectors look like a miniature 8P8C connector - commonly (but erroneously) referred to as RJ-45.
LC connectors are sometimes called "Little Connectors".