When looking at optical fiber components, we always see two categories, optical fiber couplers and optical fiber adapters, some parts of the products in these two categories are very similar, if you do not carefully identify, it may be wrong. This paper will mainly introduce the interface type, structure of optical fiber adapter, and the difference between optical fiber coupler.
First, the definition of optical fiber adapter
Fiber optic adapter is also known as flanges or fiber optic connectors, its main role is used to connect the two fiber optic connectors in the fiber optic wiring system, usually assembled to a variety of adapter panels and chassis, so it is a very important fiber optic connection components, widely used in television networks, local area networks, video transmission, fiber optic communication systems and FTTH fiber to the home.
Conventional optical fiber adapters are divided into two types with flanges and without flanges, of which the optical fiber adapter without flanges can be directly stuck on the panel or tray, and the optical fiber adapter with flanges needs to be fixed with screws.
Second, the interface type of optical fiber adapter
· Optical fiber adapter, ST/SC (rectangular mounting), ceramic aligned bushing
According to the diversity of optical fiber connectors, there are also many types of optical fiber adapter interfaces, as shown in the following figure. Based on the same connectors at both ends of the optical fiber adapter, the interfaces can be classified into LC-LC, SC-SC, ST-ST, FC-FC, MPO-MPO, and E2000-E2000.
According to the connectors at both ends of the optical fiber adapter, its interface can be divided into LC-SC, LC-ST, LC-FC, SC-FT, SC-FC and FC-ST six types, this adapter with different connectors at both ends is usually called a hybrid adapter. In addition, among all interface types, optical fiber adapters with SC and FC interfaces are more widely used.
Third, the structure of the optical fiber adapter
·LC/SC single-core single-mode optical fiber adapter
Taking the common adapter as an example, it is generally made of corrosion-resistant plastic, has good corrosion resistance and internal light protection, and is composed of stainless steel clips, full flanges, dust plugs and high-precision ceramic bushings, which can ensure that the precise connection of the two connectors can also minimize loss.
It should be noted here that the main function of the flange of the optical fiber adapter is to fix, which is used to fix the adapter on the adapter panel, so a variety of fine fixed flanges are specially set.
Fourth, the difference between optical fiber adapter and optical fiber coupler
· Optical fiber coupler, FC/FC, bronze alignment bushing
The main difference between an optical fiber adapter and an optical fiber coupler is the type of connector at both ends.
Under normal circumstances, if the two cables to be connected have the same type of connector, it is called an optical fiber coupler, if the two cables to be connected have different connectors, then it is called an optical fiber adapter.
For example, an optical fiber adapter is used to connect the ST-ST connector, at this time, the connectors at both ends of the optical fiber adapter are the same, so it can be called an optical fiber coupler. Otherwise, it is called a fiber optic adapter. However, there are types of fiber optic adapters that connect the same interface, and there are types that connect different interfaces, and there are twelve types to choose from. Therefore, when selecting, we must distinguish the difference between the coupler and the adapter in order to find the suitable optical fiber products.
