Fiber optic connectors have gradually developed as fiber optic technology continues to mature. Copper wire connectors generally do not have a great impact on AV system signal loss, but fiber optic connections are different. They have a very large impact on each interface in the transmission system.
Let’s take a look at some of the problems caused by fiber optic physical connections. Fiber optic transmission equipment can command connections by itself, but in some cases, most or almost all fiber optic transmission connection selections are made by humans. The amount of signal lost during signal transmission by fiber optic cables is mainly determined by the quality and type of fiber optic cables used, and each connection end will produce a certain amount of signal loss. Depending on the type of fiber optic connector selected by the user, the total amount of signal loss at the connection end may exceed the signal loss generated by the fiber optic cable itself.
Maintaining the normal operation of the system
In the design of fiber optic systems, if the system can operate normally, it will achieve a very good effect. In system design, we need to consider some unexpected problems that may occur in the system and make the system achieve normal operation. In system design, we must consider the worst possible situation of the system and make corresponding plans, looking forward to better operation results. In system design, safe and stable system connections require smooth and square fiber ends. The connection between ends must be accurate and accurate, even to the micron, one millionth of a meter. The diameter of commonly used multimode fiber ranges from 50-62.5 microns, while the diameter of single-mode fiber is only 8-9 microns. Comparing this diameter size with the diameter of a hair (17-180 microns), it can be seen that any slight error can bring catastrophic losses.
Fiber optic connections have very strict requirements on the precision of the equipment, so the connector must be very clean. Fiber optic connectors and accessories are usually installed in a sleeve. A fingerprint or external dust may seriously affect the performance of the connector and even cause transmission failure. Therefore, when the connector is not connected, it should be kept in a clean protective sleeve.
When connecting, we should also wedge the fiber optic connector tightly. In all current fiber optic connector designs, this is done through a “ferrule” to ensure that the connector is accurate when matching. The fiber optic terminal is tightly clamped in the ferrule by gluing or crimping, becoming a permanent component. After the built-in fiber is inserted, the ferrule end is ground smooth to provide a smooth interface for the connector fiber connection. Ferrules are usually made of relatively hard materials such as ceramics, of course, they can also be made of stainless steel, plastic or tungsten carbide. The universal ferrule diameter for SC, ST and FC is 2.5 mm, and the universal ferrule diameter for LC is 1.25 mm. Since the functional characteristics of the ferrule can be produced according to the precision requirements, it has become the first important determining characteristic of the fiber optic connector. Among the many connecting ferrules, the spring-loaded container connecting ferrule ensures the coaxial alignment between the fiber and the LED or laser source.
With the development of technology and the expansion of applications, fiber optic connectors have also developed rapidly. There are about 12 or more types of fiber optic connectors currently used in the market, each of which was born to meet specific needs, of course, there are also certain technical limitations. The current market trend is mainly towards a moderately priced, compact connector model that can support the greater transmission density required by new transmission and distribution systems. As expected, the continued growth of the telecommunications industry has also driven the widespread use of fiber, largely due to the rapidly growing demand for fiber connections for various types of communications and entertainment services.
Termination Considerations
Traditionally, fiber terminations are slow, expensive, and require high equipment and technology requirements. These factors should be considered when considering fiber terminations in single-mode cables. In some cases, we can choose cables that are already terminated for various fiber types.
For tailor-made installation applications, we can only choose specific terminations, but the use of splicing tools can reduce the length of field terminations for single-mode fiber, reducing the amount of equipment required and the use of technology. For multimode fiber cables, new splicing methods use simple fiber cutting methods and assemble the cables into pre-designed connectors/cables. This method is very simple, just fiber-to-fiber joints, and the joints are usually made with a special optical gel to solidify the fiber terminations.
