{"id":2905,"date":"2023-08-10T17:49:46","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T17:49:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.inneos.com\/?p=2905"},"modified":"2025-12-04T18:26:36","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T18:26:36","slug":"fiber-optics-unplugged","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.inneos.com\/fiber-optics-unplugged\/","title":{"rendered":"Fiber Optics Unplugged: Understanding the Key Types of Optical Connectors and Their Critical Role"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Optical connectors are the physical interface that links an optical device to a fiber optic cable. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fiber optics are used in many applications, including medical imaging, automotive, military, industrial, and commercial (e.g., telecommunications). Each of these systems has multiple optical connectors. They’re the input and output ports for everyday interfacing with optical modules in telecommunication networks, test instruments, and any other systems that use fiber cables. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many different types of connectors available, each with their own pros and cons, depending on where the fiber is installed and the operating environment it is used in. The right connector depends on your application requirements, and selection will depend on several factors including type of connectors in the systems\u2019 optical modules, environmental requirements of the fiber cable and connectors, size, weight, and cost.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Optical Connectors <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Optical connectors are a critical part of any optical system. They’re the interface between the components, and they need to be reliable. For example, if you have an application where data needs to be transmitted from one place to another over an optical fiber, then you need an optical connector that can handle these signals with minimal loss or distortion. This means selecting a connector with sufficient optical coupling, good mechanical design, materials that can withstand repeated use without failing (e.g., corrosion), while maintaining performance under all anticipated operating conditions. The connectors also need to interface with the connectors and type of fiber, whether that be single mode or multimode fiber, of system\u2019s optical modules<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Connector Types<\/span> <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fiber optic cable connectors generally fall into two categories: physical contact connectors and expanded beam connectors. Physical contact (PC) connectors do just that, physically bring the two fiber facets together to couple the light between the fiber cores. PC connectors are extremely common, low cost, and quite reliable when handled correctly. PC connectors are available in a variety of types, with the most common being SC, LC, ST, FC, and MPO\/MTP<\/span>. Though there are several other connector types and even variations on these more common connectors as well.   <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image credit: https:\/\/www.flukenetworks.com\/blog\/cabling-chronicles\/whats-expanded-beam-fiber-connector<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Expanded beam connectors<\/a> use a lens at the interface with the signal propagating through the air and being coupled back into the mating fiber to couple the light. Expanded beam connectors are more expensive than PC connector and typically have higher coupling loss but do have the advantage of being able to withstand a high number of mating cycles since there is no physical contact between the fiber facets and are less susceptible to dust and contamination since the beam is expanded much, much greater than the size of the fiber core. Therefore, expanded beam connectors are more commonly used in highly rugged environments, such as military, outdoor energy installation, down-hole link, or cases where the fiber must undergo a high number of mating cycles, such as medical environments that undergo frequent cleaning. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Overview of Common Connector Types<\/span> <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are pros and cons for all the common connectors, so let\u2019s look at each of them individually.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n