Introduction
A fibre adaptor enables the precise connection of two connectors and ensures that the maximum optical sources are transmitted with the lowest possible loss. It is mainly used for connecting fibre optic patch cords to fibre optic patch cords or between fibre optic patch cords and other devices. So, do you know what types of fibre optic adaptors are available? What are the factors to consider when choosing a fibre optic adaptor and how to clean it properly after using it? The following will introduce you to the knowledge about fibre optic adaptors and answer your questions above.
What is a Fibre Optic Adaptor?
Fibre adaptor, also known as fibre optic couplers or fibre optic flanges, is one of the most widely used basic components in fibre optic communications, and is commonly seen in fibre optic link connections in telecommunication networks, cable television networks and regional networks. The adaptor plays an important role in the docking of identical or different fibre optic movable connectors with less loss (i.e. minimal impact on the system). It is well known that the key to a fibre optic connection is the precise alignment of the fibre cores, but traditional connection methods have certain drawbacks, such as cracking, porosity, slagging, non-fusion or non-penetration of the solder. Unlike this, the adaptor comes with its own internal alignment sleeve, which can precisely position the fibre optic connector and ensure the accuracy of the connection for high performance connection between fibre optic patch cords.
Common Types of Fibre Adaptor
There are various types of fibre optic adaptors. The following is an introduction to the four common types : LC fibre optic adaptor, FC fibre optic adaptor, SC fibre optic adaptor and bare fibre optic adaptor.
LC Fibre Adaptor
LC fibre adaptor has small square connectors and is divided into single-mode and multi-mode LC fibre adaptor based on the type of fibre, with connectors such as LC-LC, LC-FC, LC-SC, LC-ST and LC-MU. LC fibre adaptor can be mounted on the adaptor panel to connect LC fibre optic patch cables or LC fibre optic connectors etc.
FC Fibre Adaptor
The FC fibre adaptor has a round connector and is similar to the LC fibre adaptor type, with single and multi-mode connectors such as LC-FC, SC-FC and FC-ST. This type of adaptor has a metal housing and a ceramic sleeve, fastened with screws for stability and reliability, and can be used to connect FC fibre optic patch cords or FC connectors.
SC Fibre Adaptor
SC fibre adaptor has a large square connector and are available in various types, such as standard female-female SC fibre adaptor and hybrid SC fibre adaptor (e.g. SC-LC fibre optic adaptor). Most SC adaptors are currently made with ceramic sleeves, but you will also find multi-mode SC adaptor with bronze sleeves. SC adaptor is characterised by high compressive strength, low insertion loss fluctuations, and high installation density, stability and reliability, and can be used to connect SC fibre patch cords or SC connectors.
Bare Fibre Adaptor
As a special type, bare fibre adaptor is used to connect bare fibre cables to optical devices. This type of adaptor allows the cable to be fitted into the connection slot, either into an accessory or into an electronic device.
Consider These when Choosing a Fibre Adaptor
You may not know how to choose a fibre adaptor as there are many different types and different supply with an extremely similar appearance. In general, you should consider the following two factors when choosing a fibre optic adaptor.
Type of Connector and Cable
First, determine the type of fibre optic adaptor based on the type of cable connected and connector. For example:
If the fibre optic adaptor is connected to a single-mode fibre optic patch cable, choose a single-mode fibre optic adaptor. If connected to a multi-mode fibre optic patch cable, you’d better choose a multi-mode fibre optic adaptor.
If the connector type to both ends of the fibre optic adaptor are the same, choose the same connector type of fibre optic adaptor, such as LC-LC fibre optic adaptor. But if the connector type connected is not the same, you need to choose a hybrid fibre optic adaptor, such as LC-SC fibre optic adaptor. The exact choice of connector for the fibre adaptor will depend on the type of connector being connected.
Material of the Alignment Sleeve
Secondly, preference should be given to a fibre optic adaptor made of ceramic alignment sleeves. The alignment sleeve is the most important component of a fibre optic adaptor. Some manufacturers prefer metal as the material for the alignment sleeve, but it has been proven that fibre optic adaptor made from ceramic works far better than those using metal as the alignment sleeve. This is because the crystal structure of ceramic is very hard and doesn’t deform over time as metal does, so it allows for fast alignment while achieving high precision fibre end connections.
How to Clean a Fibre Adaptor
Although the fibre adaptor is relatively small and is a minor component of fibre optic cabling, this does not detract from its importance in fibre optic cabling systems. And just like any other fibre optic device, it needs to be cleaned regularly. There are two main cleaning methods, namely dry cleaning and wet cleaning.
Dry Cleaning: First, a dry cleaning stick is inserted into the fibre optic adaptor and removed after turning and cleaning. Then use another stick to clean the connector inside and check the end face in case of contamination.
Wet Cleaning: First, dip the cleaning stick into the fibre optic cleaning solution, insert it inside the adaptor and rotate the stick while aligning it with the surface. Then take a dry one to clean the connector insider and check the end face of connector for contamination.
Conclusion
For fibre adaptor, fibre alignment is very important. If the fibre is not aligned correctly, then there will be large losses at the connection, and if the losses are too high, the network will not function. In a fibre optic communication system, no matter how simple or small a component is, it plays a vital role in the overall system.