Factors that cause fiber connectors insertion

Fiber connectors are used to join two fibers together in a reliable and efficient manner. They are a critical component of optical fiber communication systems and are used in a wide range of applications, including telecommunications, data centers, and military and aerospace. Insertion loss, which is the loss of signal power resulting from the insertion of a connector into a fiber optic link, is an important factor to consider when choosing a fiber connector. In this article, we will discuss the factors that can cause insertion loss in fiber connectors.

Connector Type

One of the most important factors that can cause insertion loss in fiber connectors is the type of connector being used. There are many different types of fiber connectors, including SC, ST, LC, and MPO, and each type has its own unique characteristics that can affect insertion loss.

For example, the SC connector is a snap-in connector that has a square shape, while the ST connector has a round shape and a twist-lock mechanism. The LC connector is a small form-factor connector that uses a push-pull mechanism, and the MPO connector is a high-density connector that can support up to 12 fibers in a single connector.

The type of connector used can affect insertion loss due to differences in the geometry and design of the connector, which can affect the alignment and mating of the fibers. For example, some connectors may have a higher tolerance for misalignment than others, which can result in higher insertion loss.

Fiber Type

The type of fiber being used can also affect insertion loss in fiber connectors. There are many different types of fiber, including single-mode and multimode fiber, and each type has its own unique characteristics that can affect insertion loss.

Single-mode fiber is designed to carry a single mode of light, while multimode fiber is designed to carry multiple modes of light. Single-mode fiber has a smaller core diameter than multimode fiber, which means that it can support longer distances and higher bandwidths. However, single-mode fiber can be more sensitive to misalignment and other factors that can cause insertion loss.

Fiber Quality

The quality of the fiber being used can also affect insertion loss in fiber connectors. Factors such as core diameter, cladding thickness, and numerical aperture can all affect the performance of the fiber and the resulting insertion loss.

For example, fibers with a larger core diameter may be more forgiving of misalignment and other factors that can cause insertion loss. Similarly, fibers with a higher numerical aperture may be more sensitive to misalignment and other factors that can cause insertion loss.

Connector Polish Quality

The quality of the connector polish can also affect insertion loss in fiber connectors. The connector polish is the process of polishing the end of the fiber to a smooth, flat surface, which is critical for achieving low insertion loss.

The quality of the connector polish can affect insertion loss due to differences in the surface roughness and flatness of the polished surface. A rough or uneven polished surface can cause light to scatter or reflect, which can result in higher insertion loss.

Connector Contamination

Contamination on the connector end face can also cause insertion loss in fiber connectors. Contamination can come from a variety of sources, including dust, dirt, oil, and fingerprints.

Contamination can affect insertion loss by causing light to scatter or reflect, which can result in higher insertion loss. In some cases, contamination can also cause damage to the connector end face, which can further increase insertion loss.

Connector Wear and Tear

Wear and tear on the connector can also cause insertion loss in fiber connectors. Over time, connectors can become damaged or worn, which can affect the alignment and mating of the fibers.