The Classfication of Fiber Optic Patch Cord

Optical communication industry is a rapidly growing field with the growth of the economy and people’s daily life. Fiber optic patch cords can be one of the most typical optical components that witnesses the growth of this industry, which is increasingly becoming popular around the world. But You may get confused about the classifications of fiber optic patch cords, I will help you to have a clear understanding of it.

What Is Fiber Optic Patch Cord?

Fiber optic patch cords are the most commonly used components in fiber optic network, capped at either end with connectors that allow it to be rapidly and conveniently connected to CATV, an optical switch or other telecommunication equipment. Its thick layer of protection is used to connect the optical transmitter, receiver, and the terminal box. Sometimes fiber optic patch cords are also called fiber optic jumpers or fiber patch cords. They are the backbone of the fiber optics industry. These fiber patch cords are strands of optically pure glass as thin as human hair. And these cables carrying information is via mode of transmission of light.

Classification

In general, fiber optic patch cord can be divided by transmission medium (long or short distance), by connector structure and by construction of the connector's inserted core cover.

Transmission Medium

Fiber optic patch cord can be divided to single-mode and multimode patch cord according to different transmission medium. Single-mode fiber patch cable is generally yellow with a blue connector, and a longer transmission distance, which has a small core and only one pathway of light. Multi-mode fiber patch cable is generally orange or grey, with a cream or black connector and a shorter transmission distance.

Inserted Core Cover

The connector's inserted core cover conforms to APC, UPC, or PC configuration. A UPC inserted core cover is flat and is used in SARFT and early CATV. An APC connector's inserted core cover is oblique (about 30, ±5 ). To reduce the back reflection of a connector, UPC polish. Industry standard is a minimum of –40dB for PC back reflection measurement and –50dB for UPC back reflection measurement. If even less back reflection is required, an APC might be necessary. An APC connector has an 8ºangle cut into the ferrule. These connectors are identifiable by their green color. An APC polished connector has an Industry Standard Minimum of –60dB measurement. APC fiber ends have low back reflection even when disconnected.

Connector Construction

Fiber optic connectors were introduced with fiber optic technology in the 1980s. A fiber optic connector is a flexible device that connects fiber cables requiring a quick connection and disconnection. There are many types of connectors—FC, SC, ST, LC, MT, MU, E2000, DIN4, etc.

According to these connectors, fiber optic patch cords can be divided into SC patch cord, FC patch cord, ST patch cord, MT-RJ patch cord and LC patch cord, etc. The main differences among them are dimensions and methods of mechanical coupling. Organizations will standardize on one kind of connector, depending on what equipment they usually use.

Conclusion

Fiberstore offers various types of fiber optic patch cords including single-mode patch cords, multimode patch cords, as well as the SC patch cord, FC patch cord, ST patch cord, MT-RJ patch cord and LC patch cord, etc. In addition, for all the fiber optic patch connectors, They also have APC/UPC polish in stock.