Fiber optic adapter

Fiber optic adapters are small devices that are commonly used to connect optical cables together.

They are also called fiber optic couplers.

Despite their different appearance, they have the same function and enable fiber optic cables to be connected individually or in a large network. This allows many devices to communicate simultaneously.

According to different shapes and structures, we categorize them in different classes:

FC fiber optic adapter
SC fiber optic adapter
Fiber optic adapter ST
LC fiber optic adapter
etc…
Below we introduce these four types of optical fiber adapters:

FC fiber optic adapter
This type of adapter uses a metal sheath to strengthen the outer structure and can be closed by a two-way adjustment screw. Also, a ceramic pin is used in its end. Therefore, the FC fiber optic adapter is able to maintain stable optical and mechanical performance for a long time. It can be divided into square, oval and circular types with single-mode and multi-mode versions. The FC adapter is easy to use and sensitive to dust, and today its performance is increased by using a spherical edge without changing the external structure.

SC fiber optic adapter
This adapter model is covered with a rectangular body, and the configuration and size of its coupling pin is the same as FC fiber optic adapter. Structurally, SC optical fiber adapter is divided into two categories: Simplex and Duplex. Usually, the materials used in this adapter model are metal and plastic. The SC fiber optic adapter enables high-precision tuning and has very little insertion, return loss, and return reflection.

Fiber optic adapter ST
This type of adapter has a snap lock structure to ensure accuracy when connecting the cable with it. The repeatability and durability of ST fiber optic adapter with metal key is improved. With a precise ceramic or copper coating, the ST fiber optic adapter can also have a very good optical and mechanical performance for a long time. This adapter model is divided into simplex and duplex and has a metal and plastic body.

LC fiber optic adapter
This adapter model has a modular jack and lock mechanism for easy use. With a smaller pin and sheath, the LC fiber optic adapter greatly increases the density and capacity of fiber optic connectors. LC fiber optic adapter consists of three types: Simplex, Duplex and Quad.

Suitable connectors
Different fiber optic adapters support different connectors. PC (Physical Contact), UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) and APC (Angled Physical Contact) are the polishing styles used for fiber optic adapters. But except for ST, other fiber optic adapters support all polishing styles. Additionally, the color of fiber optic adapters can be used to define different PCC, UPC and APC connectors. For example, SC and LC fiber optic adapters have cream, blue, and green colors that correspond to PGC, UPC, and APC connectors.

Application
In order to help signal transmission, the fiber optic adapter is widely used in telecommunication systems, cable TV networks, LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), FTTH (Fiber to the Home), video transmission and test tools. There is no doubt that the optical fiber adapter is a great help for communication in the network.

result
Fiber optic adapters make optical connections easier. LC, FC, SC and ST adapters are part of the family of adapters and are widely used. A small device like a fiber optic adapter has various applications in data transmission, therefore, it greatly improves work efficiency.