Detailed introduction and comparison of LC SC FC and ST connectors
Optical fiber jumpers are important components in optical fiber communication systems because they connect various optical fiber equipment and devices to provide efficient optical signal transmission. Different types of fiber optic connectors are appropriate for various application scenarios and requirements. The four most popular fiber optic connector types are LC, SC, FC, and ST, and they differ significantly in design, application, and performance.
LC fiber optic connector
Definition and design
LC (Lucent Connector) is a small optical fiber connector developed by Lucent Technologies and belongs to the SFF (Small Form Factor) connector type. This connector uses a 1.25mm diameter ceramic ferrule and is one of the smallest standard fiber optic connectors.
LC connectors have a compact design, a push-pull plug-in mechanism for easy connection and unlocking, and perform well in high-density wiring.
Main features
Compact size: The LC connector is only half the size of the traditional SC connector, making it ideal for applications requiring high-density wiring, such as data centers and telecommunications equipment rooms.
High performance: LC connector has lower insertion loss and higher return loss, and is suitable for high-bandwidth, long-distance optical fiber communications.
Easy Operation: The push-pull design makes the LC connector easy to install and maintain, especially when operating in crowded cabinets.
Application scenarios
LC fiber optic patch cords are widely used in data centers, fiber to the home (FTTH), telecommunications networks, local area networks (LAN) and fiber optic sensor networks, and are particularly suitable for high-density connection requirements with limited space.
SC fiber optic connector
Definition and design
SC (Subscriber Connector)** is a standardized optical fiber connector developed by Japan’s NTT. The SC connector uses a 2.5mm diameter ceramic ferrule, and the plug-in and pull-out mechanism is push-pull.
SC connector is one of the most common fiber optic connectors in the industry, with good mechanical properties and high optical performance.
Main features
Easy to operate: SC connector adopts a standardized push-pull design, which is simple to connect and has good repeatability, making it widely used in various fiber optic cabling environments.
High reliability: SC connector has stable optical signal transmission performance, and its low insertion loss and high return loss make it suitable for communication networks with high performance requirements.
Economy: Due to the wide production and application of SC connectors, the cost is low and the price-performance ratio is high.
Application scenarios
SC optical fiber jumpers are commonly used in telecommunications equipment rooms, fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and cable television networks (CATV), and are suitable for medium-density and long-distance optical fiber cabling applications.
FC fiber optic connector
Definition and design
FC (Ferrule Connector or Fiber Channel)connector is an early optical fiber connector developed by Japan’s NTT and is widely used in single-mode optical fiber communication systems. The FC connector uses a 2.5mm ceramic ferrule and is fixed with a thread locking mechanism. %This threaded design provides extremely high stability and reliability, and is suitable for occasions that require a tighter connection.
Main features
Thread locking mechanism: Compared with other connectors, the FC connector adopts a threaded locking design, which can provide stronger mechanical fixing force and avoid accidental loosening. It is especially suitable for environments with large vibration.
High-precision optical fiber docking: FC connectors are suitable for high-precision single-mode optical fiber connections, especially in situations where insertion loss and return loss need to be strictly controlled.
Longer installation time: Compared to the push-pull design of the SC and LC, the thread locking mechanism of the FC is more time-consuming to install and remove.
Application scenarios
FC fiber optic patch cords are commonly used for single-mode fiber optic communications over long distances, especially in telecommunications networks, fiber optic sensing systems, and data transmission links. In addition, FC connectors are also widely used in laboratory environments and instruments and equipment that require high-precision connections.
ST fiber optic connector
Definition and design
ST (Straight Tip) connector was developed by AT&T Bell Labs. It uses a 2.5mm diameter ceramic ferrule, the termination design is round, and uses a half-turn locking mechanism (Bayonet).
ST connectors are an earlier type of fiber optic connector and their locking method is similar to BNC connectors.
Main features
Semi-twist locking design: ST connectors use a twist-lock mechanism similar to that commonly seen in military equipment. This design makes the connection quick and secure. When installing, simply insert and turn half a turn to secure.
Widely used in multi-mode optical fiber: ST connectors are mostly used in multi-mode optical fiber systems, suitable for situations where the data transmission speed is low and the distance is short. Lower environmental requirements: Although ST connectors are gradually replaced by other types of connectors in modern applications, ST connectors still have certain application value in some low-speed transmission environments.
Application scenarios
ST optical fiber jumpers are commonly used in campus networks, building LANs and other relatively simple network environments, especially in applications that require frequent plugging and unplugging.
Detailed comparative characteristics of different connector types
FeatureLC ConnectorSC ConnectorFC ConnectorST ConnectorFerrule Diameter1.25mm2.5mm2.5mm2.5mmLocking MechanismPush-pull (easy plug)Push-pull (easy plug)Threaded lock (strong stability)Bayonet lock (quick plug)SizeSmall (ideal for high-density cabling)Medium (standard interface)Medium (very high stability)Medium (convenient)Insertion LossLowLowLowMediumReturn LossHighHighHighMediumSupported Fiber TypeSingle-mode and multi-modeSingle-mode and multi-modePrimarily single-modePrimarily multi-modeApplication ScenariosData centers, high-density cablingTelecom, LAN, FTTHTelecom, long-distance transmissionCampus networks, building cablingAdvantagesSmall size, ideal for high-densityReliable performance, cost-effectiveVery stable, suitable for single-modeEasy to use, ideal for multi-modeDisadvantagesSlightly expensiveLarger sizeComplex installation/removalGradually being phased out
How to choose a suitable optical fiber connector
Choose according to the application environment
In high-density cabling environments (such as data centers or telecommunications equipment rooms), LC connectors are often the best choice due to their small size and high performance. For those who need fast and economical fiber optic connections, SC connectors’ wide range of applications and proven technology make them a suitable solution. %If the application scenario requires extremely high stability and insertion loss, such as long-distance single-mode optical fiber communication, it is recommended to choose FC connectors.
For multi-mode optical fiber transmission, especially short- and medium-distance campus or enterprise networks, ST connectors still have application value.
Select based on performance requirements
If there are strict requirements on insertion loss and return loss (such as high-performance networks or high-precision sensing systems), LC and FC connectors are ideal choices.
For applications with limited budgets and moderate connection performance requirements, SC and ST connectors are more economical choices.
Conclusion
LC, SC, FC, and ST optical fiber connectors all have unique properties and applications. When picking the suitable fiber optic patch wire, the network’s actual needs, performance requirements, and economic aspects should all be addressed. The performance and dependability of a fiber optic communication system can be significantly improved by carefully selecting the connection type to fulfill a variety of network requirements.
