LC Connector Vs. SC Connector
Fiber patch cable plays an important role in optical links. It is a fiber optic cable terminated with one fiber optic connector on both ends. Among the various types of fiber patch cables, LC to LC patch cable and SC fiber optic cable are two of the most commonly used fiber patch cables. It is not difficult to understand that the difference between LC and SC fiber patch cable lies in LC connector and SC connector. So, learning about LC connector and SC connector will help you know more about LC and SC fiber patch cable.
Overview of LC Connector And SC Connector
LC connector has a push and latch structure, with plastic shell and accurate 1.25mm ceramic ferrule. It is in small size and has good performance. Standing for Subscriber Connector or Square Connector or Standard Connector, SC connector is a kind of push and pull connector. It has a locking tab which can make accurate alignment through ceramic ferrule. The following figure shows LC connector and SC connector.
Comparison Between LC Connector And SC Connector
This part will make comparison between LC connector and SC connector from three aspects: size, handing and application.
Size: LC connector is half the size of SC connector. The ceramic ferrule of LC connector is 1.25mm, while SC connector’s ceramic ferrule is 2.5mm.
Handing: LC is a push and latch connector while SC is a push and pull connector. You can have better understanding of this from the above figure.
Application: Structured with half the footprint of the SC connector gives LC connector huge popularity in data communication and other high-density patch applications. In addition, the combination of small size and latch feature makes LC connector very popular and widely used for dense installation. While SC connector features low cost, simplicity as well as good durability, and it remains the second most common connector for polarization maintaining applications. The SC connector is ideally suited for data communication and telecommunication applications including point to point and passive optical networking.
Another Fiber Patch Cable
As LC connector and SC connector have their own advantages, both LC patch cable and SC patch cable are widely used in optical network deployment. But, is there a kind of fiber patch cable that combines LC connector and SC connector? The answer is “Yes”. There is a kind of SC to LC patch cable on the market. As the figure below shows, it is a high quality 50/125μm OM4 multimode fiber patch cable. This LC to SC cable is housed in a PVC (OFNR) retardant jacket, with UPC polish. It support 850/1300nm wavelength. It’s a great option for high-speed, high bandwidth transmissions over Gigabit Ethernet/fiber channel networks.
Conclusion
As the demand for higher bandwidth is increasing, fiber patch cable is commonly used in network deployment. Both LC patch cable and SC patch cable are designed to achieve such a kind of transmission, and they have their own advantages. What’s more, LC to SC fiber patch cable is also available to realize the transmission between devices terminated with LC and SC connector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between LC and SC fiber connectors?
LC and SC connectors differ in size, ferrule diameter, and usage. LC connectors have a 1.25 mm ferrule and a compact latch design, ideal for high‑density data centers. SC connectors use a 2.5 mm ferrule and a push‑pull square interface, common in patch panels and ODFs.
Which connector is smaller, LC or SC?
The LC connector is smaller, approximately half the size of the SC connector, making it suitable for small form‑factor (SFF) transceivers and high‑density fiber applications.
Are LC and SC connectors compatible with each other?
LC and SC connectors are not directly compatible due to the difference in ferrule size and interface type. However, LC‑to‑SC hybrid adapters or patch cords can be used to connect them.
Which connector provides better performance, LC or SC?
Both LC and SC connectors offer similar optical performance, with insertion loss typically ≤ 0.3 dB and return loss ≥ 50 dB, provided they are manufactured to industry standards like IEC 61754.
Where is the LC connector commonly used?
LC connectors are widely used in data centers, high‑density patch panels, and optical transceivers such as SFP, SFP+, QSFP, and XFP modules.
Where is the SC connector commonly used?
SC connectors are typically used in ODFs, wall outlets, test equipment, and telecommunication rooms, offering reliable push‑pull connections and easy maintenance.
Do LC and SC connectors support both single-mode and multimode fibers?
Yes, both LC and SC connectors are available for single-mode and multimode fibers, using zirconia ceramic ferrules for precise alignment and minimal signal loss.
Which standards define LC and SC connectors?
The LC connector is defined by IEC 61754‑20, and the SC connector by IEC 61754‑4. Both meet Telcordia GR‑326‑CORE requirements for durability and optical performance.
