1.What is Fiber Optic Adapters
Fiber optic adapter, also known as fiber optic coupler, is a connector that connects two fiber optic cables with high precision.
It consists of two slots that align the ends of two separate fiber optic cables with connectors, minimizing signal loss.
We mainly use fiber optic adapter to mate different types of fiber optic connectors, making them fit cable management and maintaining signal integrity in fiber optic communication systems.
2.Types of Optical Adapter
Fiber optic adapter insert into various types of optical connectors at both ends of the optical fiber adapter,and realize the conversion between different interfaces.
Including FC, SC, ST, LC, MTRJ, MPO and E2000.
① FC Fiber Optic Adapter
Japan’s NTT was the first to design this fiber optic adapter. FC stands for “FERRULE CONNECTOR,”
which denotes that the metal sleeve is used as external reinforcement, opening the way for the buckle.
② SC Fiber Optic Adapter
When casting, plug pins of the type used in the PC or APC grinding methods are used on the pin’s one end.
③ LC Fiber Optic Adapter
The sleeves and pins are 1.25mm in diameter, which is half the size of those used for typical SC, FC, etc.
The density of fiber optic connectors in fiber distribution frames will rise as a result.
④ MTP/MPO Fiber Optic Adapters
An MPO/MTP Precise connection, consisting of two guide holes with a diameter of 0.7mm and a guide pin on the left and right ends of the ferrule, is used to connect an MPO/MTP adapter.
MPO / MTP adapters are frequently used in test equipment, MPO / MTP cassette modules, optical fiber distribution frames (ODFs) in building rooms, and communication system base stations.
3.How to Choose Fiber Optic Adapters
- Before purchasing, determine the type of optical cable to be connected. If you need to connect two different types of fiber optic cables, then you need a hybrid fiber optic adapter.
- Choose a more suitable sleeve material. The main materials of the alignment sleeve are metal and ceramics. Practice has proved that the ceramic sleeve is better than the metal sleeve, because the ceramic structure is more firm and stable, but the metal material is easily deformed. Therefore, fiber optic adapters made of ceramic are more helpful in providing a tight connection.
- Confirm the insertion loss of the optic adapter. The insertion loss of a fiber optic adapter refers to the optical power attenuation caused by the adapter.
Insertion loss
Insertion loss is mainly caused by the misalignment when two optical fibers are connected. If the two fibers are aligned, the misalignment will be zero, so the insertion loss will be very low.
However, in the actual connection process of fiber optic adapters, this ideal insertion loss is unlikely to be realized,
because the ideal fiber optic connection will be affected by many factors, including the physical characteristics of the fiber itself, and the manufacturing accuracy of the fiber optic adapter.
A high-quality adapter should provide the following features:
Low insertion loss. In general, insertion loss needs to be limited to within 0.2dB.
High repeatability. Fiber optic adapters are frequently plugged and pulled out during use, so the durability of the adapter is highly required. Typical standards call for 500 or more insertions and extractions without affecting performance.
Ceramic material sleeve. The crystal structure of ceramics is hard and not easily deformed, so fast and high-precision connections can be achieved. Sockets made of ceramic provide more reliable performance compared to sockets made of metal.
4.How to Use a Bare Fiber Adapter?
Step 1. Fiber stripping
Use an optical fiber stripper to remove the coating layer of the optical fiber. The length is usually 15 to 20mm. Reserve the length based on the actual condition of the bare fiber adapter.After that, clean the fiber with alcohol or dust-free paper.
Step 2.Connect the bare fiber to the bare fiber adapter
Hold down a button with a spring on the bare fiber adapter, press down the switch, and slowly push the optical fiber into the through-hole until the ceramic plug is extended for 3 to 5mm. Loosen the switch and position the optical fiber. Check the optical fiber end face and adjust the optical fiber if necessary.
Step 3.Gently mark the bottom of part of the optical fiber with a fiber pointer and break the fiber.
The connector of the bare fiber adapter can be connected to the connector through the adapter to test the optical parameters.
If the test parameters are very poor, check that the front end of the fiber is cut well, cut again and test. The bare fiber devices that pass the parameter test can be used or fused into the system.
5.How to Cleaning Fiber Optic Adapter?
When cleaning the female connector of the cabinet:
① Clean the SC female connector in the cabinet;
② Remove the cap on the optical fiber cleaning pen and insert the head end of the cleaning pen into the fiber optic adapter;
③When you hear the sound of “kata”, the cleaning work is completed;
When cleaning the fiber optic patchcord connector ferrule:
① Clean the SC connector ferrule on the fiber optic patchcord;
② Open the cover of the cap and insert the cleaning pen into the connector;
③ Push forward when you hear the sound of “kata”, end cleaning is completed. (Same operation for cleaning connectors such as ST and FC)
