Fiber Optic Connectors

Basics, Styles, Trends

-Troy Bowen, JFC Solutions

Agenda

History and Market

Standards

Construction and Fiber Types

– Connector typical components

Performance Definitions and Measurement

Connector Types

Applications

– Future

Product Spotlight - Leviton FastCAM Connector

History

1965 - Charles K. Kao and George A. Hockham of the British company

Standard Telephones and Cables demonstrated that optical fiber could be a

practical medium for communication, if the attenuation could be reduced below 20

dB per kilometer

1970 - Researchers Robert D. Maurer, Donald Keck, Peter Schultz, and

Frank Zimar working for American glass maker Corning Glass Works. They

manufactured a fiber with 17 dB optic attenuation per kilometer by doping silica

glass with titanium.

1977 - On April 22, General Telephone and Electronics sent the first live

telephone traffic through fiber optics, at 6 Mbit/s, in Long Beach, California.

1986 - The erbium-doped fiber amplifier, which reduced the cost of long-

distance fiber systems by eliminating the need for optical-electrical-optical

repeaters, was invented by David Payne of the University of Southampton,

and Emmanuel Desurvire at Bell Laboratories.

And the industry and applications have exploded since!!!

The Market

There are 110 design types of Fiber Optic connectors.

Total factory shipments of Fiber Optic connectors were $1.273

billion in 2005 and are projected to reach $1.976 billion by the

year 2010.

Copyright © 2006, Fleck Research, Global Connector Research Group, Inc.

Connector Standards

TIA/EIA-4750000-B

Generic Specification for Fiber Optic Connectors

TIA/EIA-604

Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standards (FOCIS)

www.tiaonline.org

GR-326

Generic Requirements for Single-Mode Optical Fiber

Connectors

GR-1435

Generic Requirements for Multi-fiber Optical Connectors

www.telcordia.com

The Glass

Typical Construction

Example: 8/125μm

•Core 8 micron diameter

•Cladding 125 micron diameter

The Glass

Single-mode – 8/125μm

Fiber supporting only one mode is called single-mode

Default Premises Cable Jacket Color = Yellow

Uses Lasers to transmit signal

The laser can be multiplexed in order to send many

different signals down one fiber.

1310 and 1550nm are the most common wavelengths

Single-mode systems can send a signal much faster and for

longer distance than multimode systems.

The Glass

Multimode - 62.5/125μm and 50/125μm

Fiber with large (greater than 10μm) core diameter is called

multimode fiber

Default Premises Cable Jacket Color = Orange or Aqua (for laser

optimized fibers)

The first multimode fiber size was 100/140μm. These larger sizes are

currently used for instrumentation applications.

Uses LED’s to transmit signal

850nm and 1310nm are the most common wavelengths

LED’s can not be multiplexed

Primarily used in short distance communication (LAN)

Less than 2km

Single-mode – Multimode Comparison

The Connector

Fiber optic connectors have traditionally been the biggest

concern in using fiber optic systems.

Connectors were once unwieldy and difficult to use.

Connector manufacturers have standardized and simplified

connectors greatly.

This increasing user-friendliness has contributed to the

increase in the use of fiber optic systems

The sole purpose of a connector is to mate fiber-optic

cable with minimal loss of light.

Connectors are designed for many different applications

including telecommunications, local area networks, and

harsh environments.

Connector Basics

The Connector Body

Also called the connector housing, the connector body holds

the ferrule.

Usually constructed of metal or plastic and includes one or

more assembled pieces which hold the fiber in place.

Details vary among connectors, but bonding and/or crimping

is commonly used to attach strength members and cable

jackets to the connector body.

The ferrule extends past the connector body to slip into a

coupling device

Connector Basics

The Cable

The cable is attached to the connector body.

Typically, a strain-relief boot is added over the junction

between the cable and the connector body, providing extra

strength to the junction.

Connector Basics

The Ferrule

The fiber is mounted in a long, thin cylinder, the ferrule, which

acts as a fiber alignment mechanism.

The ferrule is bored through the center at a diameter that is

slightly larger than the diameter of the fiber cladding.

The end of the fiber is located at the end of the ferrule.

Ferrules are typically made of metal or ceramic,

but they may also be constructed of plastic.

The most distinct differentiations between

connector types are the diameter of the ferrule,

2.5 mm or 1.25 mm, and the type of polish.

Coupling of Connectors

The Coupling Device

Most fiber optic connectors do not use the male-female

configuration common to electronic connectors.

Instead, a coupling device such as an alignment sleeve is

used to mate the connectors.

Similar devices may be installed in fiber optic transmitters and

receivers to allow these devices to be mated via a connector.

These devices are also known as feed-through bulkhead

adapters.

Performance Measures

Insertion Loss (IL) is the amount of optical power lost as a

result of a connection. Expressed in decibels, it is the ratio of

measured optical power before and after the connector. It

always is tested because it is the most important connector

parameter.

Return Loss (RL) a term applied to the light reflection in the

connector’s interface that return to the source.

– The greater the absolute value, the better:

• Example: -60dB RL is better than -35dB RL.

Performance Measures

Back Reflection represents the total accumulated light

reflected back to the source along a link. This return of the

light is due to different physical phenomena such as multiple

connector back-reflections, bad splicing, etc.

Some effects of back reflection include the following:

– Less light is transmitted

– Causes interference with light source signals

– Creates higher bit error rate (BER) in digital systems

– Reduces signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in analog systems

• CATV systems virtually standardize on APC type connectors

High back reflection can cause bad or harmful consequences such as:

– Causes fluctuations in the light source’s central wavelength

– Causes fluctuations in its output power

– Damages the light source (transmitter) permanently

Connector Loss

Connector loss is caused by a number of factors.

Loss is minimized when the two fiber cores are identical and

perfectly aligned, the connectors are properly finished and no

dirt is present.

Only the light that is coupled into the receiving fiber's core will

propagate, so all the rest of the light becomes the connector

loss.

Types of Polishes

The polish on a fiber connector dictates the amount of back

reflection.

Back reflection is a measure of the light reflected off the

polished end of a fiber connector measured in negative dB.

The physical-contact (PC) polish is a flat finish of the

connecting area

The angled physical contact (APC) is at an 8° angle.

An APC greatly reduces back reflections caused by the

physical interface.

Connector Styles

Anaerobic Adhesives: These connectors use a quick setting

adhesive. They work well if your technique is repeatable, but

often they do not have the wide temperature range of epoxies,

so they are only used indoors. Thus, generally used for

factory terminations only.

Epoxy/Polish: These connectors are the simple

"epoxy/polish" type where the fiber is glued into the connector

with epoxy and the end polished with special polishing film.

These provide a very reliable connection with low losses.

They can be factory or field installed.

Connector Styles

Crimp/Polish: Rather than glue the fiber in the connector,

these connectors use a crimp on the fiber to hold it in. Early

types offered "iffy" performance, but today they are pretty

good, if you practice a lot. Expect to trade higher losses for

the faster termination speed. And they are more costly than

epoxy polish types.

Pre-Polished: Many manufacturers offer connectors that

have a short stub fiber already epoxied into the ferrule and

polished perfectly, so you just cleave a fiber and insert it like a

splice. While it sound like a great idea, it has several

downsides. First it is very costly, 2 to 3 times as much as an

epoxy polish type. Second, you have to make a good cleave

to make them low loss.

Connector Types – Biconic (FOCIS 1)

The Biconic connector was developed by AT&T and became

the de facto standard for long haul telecommunications.

The Biconic connector features a cone-shaped tip, which holds

a single fiber.

It is non-metallic, using polymer and epoxy in its construction.

Telcos have long since adopted other connectors, mainly the

SC due to the drawbacks of the Biconic such as its large size

and the fact that it is mated by screwing it into its coupling.

Screw coupling makes its performance sensitive to rotational

changes.

Connector Types – ST (FOCIS 2)

ST stands for Straight Tip - a quick release style connector

developed by AT&T. ST’s were the predominant connector in

the late 80s and early 90s.

ST Connectors are among the most commonly used fiber optic

connectors in networking applications. They are cylindrical with

twist lock coupling, 2.5mm keyed ferrule.

The ST connector has a bayonet mount and a long cylindrical

ferrule to hold the fiber. Because they are spring-loaded, you

have to make sure they are seated properly. If you experience

high light loss, try reconnecting.

Connector Types – SC (FOCIS 3)

The SC (subscriber connector) was developed by NTT

specifically as a telecom connector.

It features push-pull coupling which eliminates rotation

which can damage fiber end-faces. This design also allows

higher packaging densities.

An important element of the design is an isolated ferrule,

which protects the ferrule and fiber from cable stresses.

The SC is available in the usual simplex configuration and

with duplex adapters as well.

For maximum density, quad and "six-pack“ configurations

are available.

Connector Types – FC (FOCIS 4)

FC stands for Ferrule Connector or Fixed Connection.

The FC connector was developed by NTT as a singlemode

telecom connector.

It uses a combination of thread (screw-on) and keyed design

to provide high repeatability and good fiber endface

protection.

Connector Types – MTP/MPO (FOCIS 5)

The MPO connector family is defined by two different standards.

Internationally the MPO is defined by IEC-61754-7. In the USA,

the MPO is defined by TIA-604-5 (FOCIS 5).

The MTP multi-fiber connector is US Conec’s trademarked

name for their MPO connector.

The MTP connector is fully compliant with both FOCIS 5 and

IEC-61754-7; therefore it is an MPO connector.

The MTP connector design is distinctly different than the MPO.

The MTP connector is a high performance MPO!

The MTP/MPO is a connector manufactured specifically for a

multifiber ribbon cable.

MPO = Multi-fiber Push On

Connector Types – LC (FOCIS 10)

LC The LC is a small form-factor (SFF) fiber optic

connector.

The LC connector uses a 1.25 mm ferrule, half the

size of the ST or SC ferrule. Otherwise, it is a

standard ceramic ferrule connector. The LC has good

performance and is highly favored for singlemode and

LO Multimode and has been gaining the preference of

equipment manufacturers because of its compact size

and performance.

Other Connectors

SMA, D4, Mini-BNC, FDDI, ESCON, SCDC (Corning), Opti-

Jack (Panduit), VF-45 (3M Volition), E2000 / LX.5, ....

Proprietary – No License Available

Old / Never adopted by equipment manufactures

No wide spread acceptance in the market

Leviton Fiber Connector Applications

FastCAM

(pre-polished)

Fast Cure

(adhesive)

ThreadLock

(mechanical)

Enterprise (indoors)

Outside Plant X? X

Harsh Environments (Industrial) X X

Patch Cords X X

Fast Installation Best Slow Medium

Craft Sensitiveness Lowest Medium/High Highest

Connector Types SC, ST, LC SC, ST, LC, FC SC, ST, FC

Fiber Types MM and SM MM and SM MM and SM

Reusable Limited No Virtually

unlimited

Applications / Trends

Private Networks (Enterprise)

– Small to Medium Networks

• ST, SC are predominant

– Large Networks

• ST, SC with LC growing rapidly

– Data Centers

• LC and MTP dominate

Public Networks (Service Providers)

– Telcos

• SC with LC growing due to density

– CATV

• FC, SC

Future

Higher performance

– 10gig, 40gig, 100gig

Greater density (Data Centers)

OSP Capable (FTTH networks)

FTTx Advancements

– Fiber to the Home

– Fiber in the Home

– Fiber to the Wall Plate

– Fiber to the Desk

Demand for ease of use, greater durability and

repeatable performance over time will drive connector

technology!!!

Introducing FastCAM Field Installable Fiber

Optic Connectors

Field Assembly – Simple Technique

Product Spotlight - FastCAM

• Utilizes proven, precise mechanical splice technology.

• Eliminate the need for lengthy training of standard field termination.

• Install virtually anywhere. No epoxy curing. No electrical power.

• Low insertion loss and back reflection. High reliability.

• Can be re-terminated in order to re-position the fiber.

• Meets TIA/EIA 568B performance standards.

Fast CAM Product Benefits

The FASTEST installation.....period!

FastCAM Connectors - features

Designed around proven molded v-groove technology

No polishing – it’s already done!

No epoxy curing- it’s in there!

SM and MM ST, SC, & LC industry standard interfaces

Universal design for 0.25mm & 0.9mm buffer sizes

Pre-stubbed factory polished connectors, with a

unique disposable clip design insures a FAST

termination, low loss & precision alignment. No tool!

ST

SC

LC

FastCAM Details - mechanics

Pre-installed Fiber Front Upper Body Back Upper Body

Matching Gel Mechanical Splice Unit Metal Sleeve

Wedge

Inserted Fiber

FastCAM Details – Wedge Clip

FastCAM Connector Installation Steps

Wedge

2. Engage Wedge then insert prepared fiber

3. Disengage Wedge to lock-in fiber

& remove Wedge Clip

4. Assemble connector

1. Prepare fiber – strip, clean, & cleave

FastCAM Connector Installation Animation Video

FastCAM Connector Performance

FastCAM Connector Performance

FastCAM Connector Performance

FastCAM Connectors- part numbers

FastCAM-SC Connector Part Numbers Fiber Type Housing color Cable size

49991-5SC multimode 50/125 black 250um or 900um

49991-MSC multimode 62.5/125 beige 250um or 900um

49991-LSC LO multimode Aqua 250um or 900um

49991-SSC singlemode blue 250um or 900um

FastCAM-LC Connector Part Numbers Fiber Type Housing color Cable size

49991-5LC multimode 50/125 black 250um or 900um

49991-MLC multimode 62.5/125 beige 250um or 900um

49991-LLC LO multimode Aqua 250um or 900um

49991-SLC singlemode blue 250um or 900um

FastCAM-ST Connector Part Numbers Fiber Type Housing color Cable size

49991-5ST multimode 50/125 black 250um or 900um

49991-MST multimode 62.5/125 beige 250um or 900um

49991-SST singlemode blue 250um or 900um

FastCAM Connector Pricing Guideline

The Competition

Corning Unicam

mm: $8.50 – $10.00

sm: $12.90

Tyco LightCrimp+

mm: $8.00

sm: $12.50 - $14.00

Leviton FastCam

mm: $ 8.50

sm: $ 12.95

FastCAM Connectors

Summary

Leviton’s new FastCAM connector –

Requires no costly proprietary tooling

Eliminates any field curing or polishing concern

Enables a very FAST & reliable fiber termination

Thank You!