GROUP 8 HETT 401 PRESENTATION

MEMBERS

NAME SURNAME REG. NUMBER

1. NATHAN KEMBO R197934D
2. TAKUDZWA SEAN KUTAMA R199187X
3. CEPHAS MABVA R195323V
4. TAVONGA MACHACHE R195226G

OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTORS

Connector types; Single Mode fiber connectors; Connector Return loss; Introduction to
Optical Fiber Splicing.
INTRODUCTION
• In this section the researcher looked into the mechanisms that are used in the
technical aspect of joining fibre optic cables. Connectors are mechanisms or
equipment used in the connection of fibre optic to fibre optic or with optic
components.
• If the interconnection is permanently bound then it is generally referred to as
splicing whereas a demountable joint is known as connector.
• They provide a reliable and efficient way of connecting optical fibers, and there
are several types of optical connectors that are commonly used in different
applications. 
• These interconnections occurs at
I. at the optical source
II. at the photo detector
III. at intermediate points.
 SINGLE MODE FIBER CONNECTORS

The figure shows the types of single mode fiber connectors

SC (Subscriber Connector or Standard Connector)
• Is a widely used connector in data communication and telecommunications
applications.
• It has a push-pull design that allows for easy connection and disconnection, and
it has a ceramic ferrule that ensures precise alignment of the fibers.
• The SC connector is commonly used in single-mode applications, but it can also
be used with multimode fibers.

Advantages:

• Square shape allows for easy connection and disconnection.

• Good repeatability and low insertion loss.
• Compatible with both single-mode and multimode fibers.
• Suitable for high-speed data transmission over long distances.
Disadvantages:

• Larger size than some other connectors, which can be a disadvantage in high-
density applications.
• Can be more difficult to install than some other connectors due to its push-pull
design.

The LC (Lucent Connector or Little Connector)

• Is a small form-factor connector that is ideal for high-density applications.

• It has a similar design to the SC connector, but it is smaller in size.
• The LC connector is commonly used in data communication and
telecommunications applications that require high-speed transmission over long
distances.
• It also has a ceramic ferrule that ensures precise alignment of the fibers. 
Advantages

• Small form factor, which makes it ideal for high-density applications.

• Low insertion loss and high return loss.
• Easy to install and remove due to its snap-in design.
• Compatible with both single-mode and multimode fibers.
• Suitable for high-speed data transmission over long distances.

Disadvantages

• Higher cost than some other connectors due to its smaller size and precision
design.
• Can be more complex to terminate than larger connectors.
FC Connector: The FC (Ferrule Connector)

• Is another popular connector type that is commonly used in single mode fiber
optic networks.
• It uses a threaded mechanism for insertion and removal, which provides a secure
and stable connection.
• The FC connector is ideal for high-performance applications where low insertion
and return loss are critical, such as in military and aerospace applications.

Advantages of FC Connectors

• FC connectors work in situations that may require assurance of a termination that

will interrupt data flow.
• For applications such as industrial environments or on ships that may encounter
rough conditions and cable movement, FC connectors work well.
 Disadvantages of FC Connectors
• Since these connectors screw into place, they also need more time for
installation.
• In densely packed spaces, the round shape and screw-in connection require more
space for installation and stacking compared to square-shaped SC connectors.
 CONNECTOR RETURN LOSS

What is Return Loss (RL)?

• In any optical fiber transmission line, a certain number of light rays tend to reflect
and return to the point of origination or source because of inherent discontinuities
and impedance mismatches.
• Return loss is a term that can be defined as the loss of power in the signal reflected
or returned by a discontinuity in an optical fiber or transmission line and it is
denoted as a ratio in decibels.
• A high return loss is considered a good indication because it shows that the lines or
devices connected through lines are well matched.
What Causes Return Loss?

• Hypothetically speaking, an optical fiber link stretched through point A to point

B without any intermediate connector and interruption can ensure minimum or
even zero losses.
• However, it is impossible in real-world networking environments because
connectors are of vital importance.
• Let us talk about a few important factors that can help us in achieving optimum
Return Loss performance.

End-face Cleanliness and Quality

• It is a fact that fiber end-face defects such as cracks, contamination, and pits
will bring a direct and devastating impact on the link performance.
• Through experiments, it is learned that poorly polished or irregular fiber end-
faces can lead to higher return/insertion loss
• In an optical fiber link, any irregularity that impedes the transmission of light
from one fiber to the other will degrade RL and IL.

The figure shows End-face Cleanliness and Quality

 Misalignment between the Cores
• It is quite understandable that the main function of the optical fiber connectors
is to keep the associated fibers in an optimum, precise position to ensure that
their cores are completely and accurately aligned.
• Poor return loss cannot be avoided in case if the connectors utilized are not
capable of keeping the respective fibers held in the correct position.

Figure shows misalignment between the cores

 Poor Contact Between Cores
• To achieve the desired high RL and low IL, optimum core-to-core contact must
be maintained.
• Different fiber connector polishing styles offer varied intra-core contact
performance.
• In typical operating conditions, the insertion loss of UPC, PC, and APC
connectors remains <0.3dB.
• However, UPC connectors are designed to outperform other connector types
when it comes to IL because a mated pair of UPC connectors retain the smallest
air gap in-between.
• Whereas, an angled physical contact connector (APC) operates with the highest
RL values because this type of polish involves angling of the end-face – a
technique that helps in reflecting the light towards the core of the cable rather
than the source.
 How to Reduce Connector Related Losses?
• Well, we can construct and operate an optical fiber network by using high-quality
and well-tested connectors. besides this, you can achieve better network
performance by complying with the following general guidelines:
• Keep all the connectors clean, especially during and after the testing and
installation.
• Avoid use makeshift tools and always keep yourself aligned with vendor guidelines.
• The use of improper tools is a no-no.
• Try minimizing or limiting the number of tight coils, splices, connectors, and bends
which may force light to refract through the cladding.
• Prefer factory terminated cables as these cables are; designed and manufactured
under strict guidelines, tested before getting dispatched, and offered with a
warranty.
INTRODUCTION TO OPTICAL FIBRE SPLICING

Fiber optic splicing is a process to combine the ends of optic fibers together.

Requirements of Splices:

I. They should be perfectly aligned.

II. They should have the same geometric characteristics i.e. same core diameter.
III.They should have same optical characteristics i.e. ∆, NA should be same.
 There are mainly two types splicing methods:
a) Fusion splicing

b) Mechanical splicing and

1. Fusion Splicing

The figure shows the fusion splicing of the optical fiber

• It is achieved by using the professional machine to joint two optical fibers
ends together.
• In fusion splicing, the two fibers are thermally joined together.
• An electrical instrument is necessarily used, that acts as an electric arc so as to
form a thermal connection between the two optic fibers.
• The two fibers are aligned and butted in the way of their connection, this
alignment is done in a fiber holder.
• The electric arc comes into action as when it gets switched on then it produces
some energy, that heats the butt joint.
• The heating effect melts the ends of the fiber and then the two gets bonded
together.
• After the two forms a bond then their junction is covered with either
polyethylene jacket or plastic coating so as to protect the joint.
• The loss range lies between 0.05 to 0.10 dB, both in case of single mode as
well as multimode optical fibers.
 2. Mechanical splicing
 
• It is done by using the alignment devices to hold two fiber ends in a precisely
aligned position.
• This enables the light to pass freely through one fiber to another fiber.
• In this method, the joint is not permanent and the two fibers can still be split
after the signal transmission.
• There are two types of mechanical splicing:

a) V-Grooved Splicing and

b) Elastic-Tube Splicing
 •  Fibers are bonded by an adhesive or
index matching gel.
• The V substrate can be either
composed of plastic, silicon, ceramic
or any metal.

The figure shows the V-groove optical fiber technique

• It is done with the help of the

elastic tube and majorly finds its
application in case of the
multimode optical fiber

The figure shows the elastic tube splicing technique

Advantages of fiber splicing

1. It allows long-distance optical signal transmission.

2. Less reflection at the time of signal transmission.
3. Splicing provides almost permanent connection of the two fibers.

Disadvantages of fiber splicing

4. Sometimes the fiber losses are very much higher than the acceptable
limits.
5. Splicing increases, the overall cost of the optical fiber communication
system.
References

1. Agrawal, G. P. (2012). Fiber-optic communication systems (4th ed.). Wiley

2. Jeff Hecht. (2002). Understanding fiber optic connectors. Laser Focus World,
38(6), 89-94
3. Raman, S., & Sivarajan, K. N. (2002). Optical networks: A practical perspective
(2nd ed.). Morgan Kaufmann
4. Richardson, D. J., Fini, J. M., & Nelson, L. E. (2013). Specialty optical fibers
handbook (1st ed.). Elsevier

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