What is a fiber optic adapter?

What is a fiber optic adapter?
5 min read
25 January 2022

What is a fiber optic adapter?

Fiber optic adapters (also known as flanges), also known as fiber optic connectors, are the centering and connecting components of fiber optic active connectors. Optical fiber connectors are the most used optical passive components in optical fiber communication systems. Most optical fiber connectors are composed of three parts: two optical fiber connectors and a coupler. Two fiber optic connectors fit into the two fiber ends; the coupler acts as an alignment sleeve. In addition, couplers are mostly equipped with metal or non-metal flanges to facilitate the installation and fixation of connectors.

Both ends of the optical fiber adapter can be inserted into optical fiber connectors of different interface types to realize the conversion between different interfaces such as FC, SC, ST, LC, MTRJ, MPO, E2000, etc. It is widely used in optical fiber distribution frames (ODF), optical fiber communication equipment, Instruments, etc., superior performance, stability, and reliability. Some on the market also called fiber optic adapters fiber optic connectors, but these are actually two different products.

The characteristics of fiber optic adapters

1. Passed 100% optical performance test, the ceramic (zirconia) sleeve is processed by imported high-precision machine tools, the product has high smoothness, accurate axis positioning, and ensures the accuracy factor of product coaxiality and concentricity

2. The integrated internal structure is uniquely designed, the structure is simpler, the use is easier, the assembly is easy, and the efficiency is improved

3. Good stable performance, small insertion loss in continuous plug-in test

What is a fiber optic adapter?

Performance indicators of fiber optic adapters

Insertion loss: ≤0.2dB

Return loss: ≥40dB

Interchangeability: ≤0.2dB

Working temperature (℃): -30—+80

Storage temperature (℃): -40—+85

Vibration test: ≤0.1dB (10-60Hz, 1.5mm amplitude)

Tensile strength test: ≤0.1dB

Repeatability: ≥1000 times

The classification of fiber optic adapters

There are various forms of optical fiber connectors. Generally, the connectors used in EPON networks are APC connectors. The end face of the APC is ground into an 8-degree angle to reduce reflection. The industry standard return loss is -60dB. . APC connectors feature precise, predetermined angles, predetermined radii, and pre-polished ferrules for superior performance and can be used with compact key configurations with or without NTT-FC standards.

According to the different application scope and needs of the fiber optic adapter, in order to be fixed on various panels, the fiber optic adapter is also designed with a variety of fine-fixing flanges. The connection between sections, double or multiple connections can increase the installation density. According to the different shape structures and docking section, fiber optic adapters can be roughly divided into the following common models: FC, SC, ST, LC, FC-SC, FC-ST, ST-SC, in addition to some male-to-female adapters, Connect the fiber optic adapter.

FC fiber optic adapter:

The external strengthening method is the use of metal sleeves, and the fastening method is turnbuckles. FC type connector, using the mating end of ceramic pins. Such connectors are simple in structure, easy to operate, and easy to manufacture, but the fiber ends are more sensitive to dust, and are prone to Fresnel reflections, making it difficult to improve return loss performance. Later, this type of connector was improved, the contact pin (PC) with spherical end face was adopted, and the external structure was not changed, which made the insertion loss and return loss performance greatly improved.

SC fiber optic adapter:

Its shell is rectangular, and the structure and dimensions of the pins and coupling sleeves used are exactly the same as those of the FC type. Among them, the end face of the pin mostly adopts PC or APC grinding method; the fastening method adopts the plug-in latch type, which does not need to be rotated. Equipped with metal shrapnel, it is convenient for concealed installation. This type of connector is inexpensive, easy to plug and unplug, small fluctuation in insertion loss, high compressive strength, and high installation density.

ST Fiber Adapter:

It is a snap-on locking structure with a key to ensure accurate centering during connection, with strong tensile strength, metal key positioning, improve the repeatability and durability of the adapter, and use precise ceramic or copper sleeves to ensure Long-term stable mechanical and optical properties. The rectangular structure, is easy to install and use by tapping and riveting.

LC fiber optic adapter:

Made with an easy-to-operate modular jack (RJ) latch mechanism. The size of the pins and sleeves used is small, and the density of the optical fiber connectors in the optical fiber distribution frame is improved. Precision ceramic sleeves are used to ensure long-term stable mechanical and optical performance.

Learn more on Easybom.

In case you have found a mistake in the text, please send a message to the author by selecting the mistake and pressing Ctrl-Enter.
Cecelia Qiu 546
Joined: 2 years ago
Comments (0)

    No comments yet

You must be logged in to comment.

Sign In / Sign Up