LC Fiber Connector, Adapter and Cable Assemblies
by Fiber-MART.COM
LC fiber connectors, as the most well-known representative of SFF(Small Form Factor) connector, are widely adopted in today’s LAN and data center cabling. LC connector, LC fiber adapter and cable assemblies meet the growing demand for small form factor, high-density fiber optic connectivity with simplex, duplex, single mode and multimode options. In this blog, we are going to explore the world of LC solutions.
LC Fiber Connector Types
Standard LC Connector
Standard LC connector was firstly licensed by Lucent Technologies and incorporated a push-and-latch design providing pull-proof stability in system rack mounts. Externally LC fiber connector with a retaining tab mechanism resembles a standard RJ45 telephone jack. Internally LC connector resembles a miniature version of the SC connector. LC fiber connectors use a 1.25mm ceramic (zirconia) ferrule. LC simplex and duplex connector is highly favored for single mode applications.
Besides the standard LC connectors, there are mini-LC duplex connectors, uniboot LC connectors, LC HD connectors, keyed LC connectors that are developed to meet the various application requirements.
Mini-LC Duplex Connectors
Mini-LC duplex connector has a reduced centerline pitch of 5.25mm instead of a standard LC pitch of 6.25mm. Mini-LC fiber connectors minimize the footprint and offer higher-density port mount for data center network equipment, which are perfect match for mini SFP(mSFP) optical transceivers. The black color duplex latch clips and boots in mini-LC duplex connector (seen in the below picture) are used to distinguish from standard LC duplex connectors.
LC-HD Duplex High Density Connectors
LC-HD duplex high density connectors, as the name implies, are specially designed for high-density cabling applications. Together with a flexible “pull-tab” or “push-pull tab”, LC-HD duplex connectors can be easily disengaged from densely loaded patch panels without using the special tools. Thus, in high-density fiber cabling, LC-HD duplex connectors allow users smooth and easy accessibility in tight areas and avoid fiber loss from manual operation.
LC Fiber Optic Adapters & Fiber Attenuators
Fiber optic adapters, or fiber couplers are designed to connect two optic cables together. The optical fiber adapter can be inserted into different fiber connectors types at both ends to realize the conversion between interfaces such as FC, SC, ST, LC, MTRJ, MPO and LSH. LC fiber adapter features a self-adjusting mechanism designed to accommodate patch panels of thickness between 1.55 to 1.75 mm. It is available in single mode, multimode, simplex and duplex options. LC simplex adapter connects one LC connector pair in one module space. While LC duplex adapter connects two LC connector pairs in one module space.
LC fiber attenuators is another commonly used LC-related devices. An LC optical attenuator is a passive device used to reduce the power level of an optical signal in optical network where erbium doped amplifiers are being used. There are fixed and varied fiber attenuators available in different fiber connectors types and attenuation level. LC 5dB fiber attenuator means this optical attenuator uses LC fiber connector and it can reduce the fiber power level by 5dB. For more detailed information about fiber attenuator, please visit: Guideline for Fixed Fiber Optic Attenuator
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