Fiber optic connectors are used to the mechanical and optical means for cross connecting fibers. Fiber optic connectors can also be used to join fiber cables to transmitters or receivers. There have been many types of connectors developed for fiber cable. Single mode networks have used FC or SC connectors in about the same proportion as ST and SC in multimode installations. But LC connector with smaller size and higher performance has become popular and the connector choice for optical transceivers for systems operating at gigabit speeds. The following text gives a detailed introduction of LC connector.
History of LC Connector
LC stands for Lucent Connector, as the LC connector was developed by Lucent Technologies as a response to the need by their primary customers, the telcos, for a small, low insertion loss connector. Then the LC design was standardized in EIA/TIA-604-10 and is offered by other manufacturers.
Ventajas del conector LC
There are solid reasons that the LC is the preferred connector for high-performance network. From the appearance, LC connect is like a mini size of SC connector. LC connector borrows split-sleeve construction and a cylindrical ferrule (usually ceramic) from SC connector. LC connector has a push-and-latch design providing pull-proof stability in system rack mounts. The picture on the right shows the appearance of SC connector and LC connector.
El tamaño de la férula del conector LC es de 1,25 mm, que es la mitad del tamaño de la férula del conector SC: 2,5 mm. El conector LC está clasificado para 500 ciclos de acoplamiento y su pérdida de inserción típica es de 0,25 dB. Una característica interesante del LC es que, en algunos diseños, la férula se puede “afinar” o rotar con una herramienta especial después de haber sido ensamblada. Esto ofrece una ventaja de rendimiento considerable. El diseño y el rendimiento del conector LC abordan la necesidad de alta densidad y baja pérdida de inserción.
Aplicación del conector LC
LC connector can be found in many places for termination and connection, especially SFP transceivers for gigabit transmission. For example, the optic interfaces of Cisco SFP transceivers are all LC connectors. Some other applications are as following:
- Telecommunication networks
- Local area networks
- Data processing networks
- Cable television
- Fiber-to-the-home
- Premises distribution
Guía de selección de conectores LC
To meet the needs of market, there are various types of LC connectors provided now. During the selection of LC connector, transmission media should be the first factor to consider. LC connector favors single mode fiber optic cable. But it can also be used with multimode fiber optic cable. Signals sometimes are transferred over simplex fiber optic cable and sometime duplex fiber optic cable. Thus, LC connector has both simplex and duplex design. The picture above shows an APC simplex LC connector on the left and a UPC duplex LC connector on the right. Some other factors like polishing style (APC or UPC), hole size and cable diameter should not be ignored.
LC está cubierto por el estándar de compatibilidad de conectores TIA FOCIS-10 (TIA-604-10).
The LC connector is a small form factor (SFF) connector, which is designed to join LC fibers where a connection or disconnection is required. The LC connector was first developed by Lucent Technology for TelCo environment uses. Hence, LC stands for Lucent Connector mostly. In addition, LC can also stand for Little Connector and Local Connector. These LC connectors utilize traditional components of the standard connector but with a 1.25mm ceramic ferrule.
Nowadays, LC fiber optic connectors are very popular in the market. The following are several advantages of LC connector:
With LC connector, the cost of the system can be reduced. LC connector is half the size of the traditional SC connector. Therefore it can doubles fiber density in shelves and outlets.
The polarized feature of LC connector helps maintain the transmitting or receiving direction and assures high repeatability.
LC connector has an anti-snag latch, which can improve durability and reduce the rearrangement work caused by the cross connection.
It is time-saving for installation, because there is no need to install the field mountable connectors.
LC connectors have single mode and multimode tolerances. The polishing types of the LC connector are available in UPC and APC. LC APC fiber connector has an eight-degree angle to minimize back reflection and can be recognized by its green colored housing and strain relief boot. While LC UPC fiber connector can be easily recognized by blue color. Generally, two versions of LC connectors are available: jumper connector and BTW connector.
The jumper connector can be used to terminate simplex and duplex 1.6 to 2.0 mm cordage. It is convenient to engage and disengage because of a trigger and the standard latch. What’s more, jumper connector is intended for use in LAN, central offices, and in patch cords for premise distribution systems.
The BTW (behind-the-wall) connector is a shorter version of the LC intended for mounting on 0.9 mm fiber. It is typically utilized on the back side of equipment. Besides, BTW connector usually uses finger catch and extended latch, which makes the BTW connector engage and disengage easily.
LC Uniboot Connector can be used in a high density environment. Comparing to the conventional duplex connector, the design is more compact, as well as just one cable was used, which help to improve the hot air flow in a high density and a crowed environment.
LC Secure Lockable Fiber Optic Connector LC stands for Lucent Connector, as the LC connector was developed by Lucent Technologies as a response to the need by their primary customers, the telcos, for a small, low insertion loss connector. Then the LC design was standardized in EIA/TIA-604-10 and is offered by other manufacturers.
LC Push-Pull Uniboot Connector connector that come with a Push-Pull tab, which can be used in a high density environment. Comparing to the conventional duplex connector, the design is more compact, as well as just one cable was used, which help to improve the hot air flow in a high density and a crowed environment. an unique and a patented design to reach in a highest density in the industry.
LC Duplex SLL Connector is specially designed to provide low insertion loss and back reflection or misalignment of the fibers. along with high precision and mechanical stability. Its insertion loss is less than 0.3dB .APC return loss is up to 65dB .UPC return loss is up to 55dB .
Fiber optic connector is a flexible device that can connect and disconnect fiber optic cable quickly. A large variety of fiber connector types are available, including LC fiber connector, SC fiber connector, FC fiber connector, ST fiber connector and so on. Among them, LC fiber optic connector is one of the most common types of fiber optic connectors. This article will give a clear explanation to LC fiber connector and how to use it.
Breve introducción a la familia de conectores de fibra LC
The LC connector family consists of adapters, attenuator, Jumpers, an assortment of connector modules and panels, etc. They are generally applied in telecommunications networks, LANs, data processing networks, device terminations, premises distributions, etc. There are several major LC-related devices:
El adaptador LC está diseñado para funcionar junto con la familia completa de fibra óptica LC para ofrecer una solución óptima de alta densidad para la red. Cuenta con un mecanismo de autoajuste, que admite paneles de parcheo de espesor entre 1,55 y 1,75 mm. Y está disponible en las opciones monomodo, multimodo, simplex y dúplex. El adaptador LC simplex conecta un par de conectores LC en un espacio de módulo. Mientras que el adaptador LC dúplex conecta dos pares de conectores LC en un espacio de módulo.
El cable de fibra LC con dos conectores LC terminados en ambos extremos, es el tipo de cable de fibra óptica más utilizado. El conector LC utilizado en el cable de fibra LC tiene un mecanismo de activación, que permite que el conector se conecte y desconecte fácilmente.
El atenuador LC utiliza un conector LC, que también es un dispositivo relacionado con LC de uso común. Se utiliza en comunicaciones de fibra óptica para reducir la potencia de la fibra óptica en un cierto nivel. Por lo general, tiene un conector macho en un lado y un adaptador de fibra óptica hembra en el otro lado. Además, sus valores de atenuación típicos se encuentran entre 1 y 30 dB.
Fiber Optic LC Connector – Definition and Types (FAQ)
What is an LC fiber optic connector?
An LC (Lucent Connector) is a small form factor fiber optic connector featuring a 1.25 mm ceramic ferrule and RJ‑style latch. It is widely used for single‑mode and multimode connections in SFP, SFP+, and QSFP transceivers due to its compact size and low loss.
What are the main types of LC connectors?
The main LC connector types include LC/UPC and LC/APC, available in simplex or duplex formats. LC/UPC provides a flat polish for digital and data transmission, while LC/APC features an 8‑degree angled polish that minimizes back reflection for high‑frequency or CATV applications.
How does LC compare to SC connectors?
LC connectors are half the size of SC connectors, use a 1.25 mm ferrule instead of 2.5 mm, and employ a push‑latch mechanism for secure connection. They are preferred in high‑density environments like data centers and transceiver modules.
What standards define the LC connector?
LC connectors comply with IEC 61754‑20 and TIA/EIA‑604‑10 (FOCIS‑10), and meet the interconnect and reliability requirements of Telcordia GR‑326‑CORE. These standards ensure consistent optical performance and long‑term durability.
Which LC connector type should I choose?
Select LC/UPC connectors for standard data transmission and equipment interconnects. For RF, CATV, or high‑power optical links where reflection must be minimized, choose LC/APC. Use LC duplex for bi‑directional communication and LC simplex for single‑fiber links.
Muy clara y útil la explicación sobre los conectores LC, gracias por compartirla.