Fiber Optic Cable :: Connector Styles

SC styles:
Originally developed by NTT, the SC connector has a push/pull snap fit. The duplex SC connector uses the same mating profile as the simplex design. A number of SC suppliers actually clip simplex SC connectors together to form the duplex version.

FC style:
The FC connector has a screw-on mating style. Primarily used in the telecom industry, the FC is a robust, highly reliable design.

ST style:
Developed by AT&T, the ST connector (for Straight Tip) has been a perennial favorite for its termination simplicity and low cost.

MT-RJ style:
This connector is radically different than the other connectors shown, in large part, due to the single ferrule that handles two fibers. This is the first of the Small Form Factor (SFF) connector designs to reach a measure of market acceptance. The MT-RJ is a variation of the reliable MT-ferrule connector series, the first major multi-fiber ferrule design.

FDDI (MIC) style:
a ceramic ferrule based, duplex connector system.

ESCON style:
a ceramic ferrule based, duplex connector system developed by IBM for use in mainframe connectivity systems.

LC style:
a small form factor ceramic based connector developed by Lucent.

MTP®/MPO Style:
The term MPO refers to an NTT developed optical connector built around the MT ferrule. There are different ferrules developed capable of holding specific numbers of fibers. For example, the MPO12 connector can house up to 12 fibers. Other MPO fiber counts exist covering the range of 4-72 fibers currently, in one ferrule . The MTP connector, compatible with the MPO, is an enhanced version of the MPO created by USConec and is a registered name of USConec. Though some people in the industry use the MPO and MTP terms interchangeably, technically speaking they should not.

SMC style:
The SMC connector, developed by Infineon Technologies, has been submitted to the TIA 604 standards body for review as an industry standard connector. The SMC connector is based on the MT ferrule and incorporates design features of the ESCON type connector. The SMC connector has several configuration styles, resulting in 3 body lengths, to allow for internal and external applications, on jacketed and / or unjacketed 12 fiber ribbon cable.

MMC style:
The MMC connector is the industry’s first viable 72 fiber connector. Utilizing 6 – 12 fiber MT ferrules, the MMC connector will find its way into high density interconnect applications in the telco and data center cabling environment.

MU Connector:
The MU connector, developed by NTT in Japan, is a Small Form Factor (SFF) connector, and can be considered a smaller SC style connector. It is based on a 1.25mm ceramic ferrule and is available in simplex, duplex and higher gangable styles.

• SMA 905/906: one of the first major connector styles used in optical interconnect
• Mini-BNC: a high quality optical connector but costly and rarely used
• D4: a good optical connector used occasionally in telephony applications
• Biconic style: the de-facto standard connector in the early years of telephony optics