Classification of Fiber Optic Adapter

According to different shape, structure and butt end, the fiber optic adapter can be classified into several types: FC, SC, ST, LC, FC-SC, FC-ST, ST-SC, and so on.

1. FC fiber optic adapter
This kind of adapter uses a metal cover to reinforce the outer structure and a turnbuckle to fasten. The adapter applied ceramic pins as its butt end. FC fiber adapter is easy to operate but very sensitive about dust, so it is prone to Fresnel Effect and difficult to improve the return loss. Later, this type of adapter has been improved by using spherical butt end without changing its external structure and the insertion loss and return loss performance has been improved greatly.

2. SC fiber optic adapter
It has a rectangular shell, with the same configuration and size of the coupling pin cover as the FC adapter. The pin end face uses PC or APC polishing method and applies latch to fasten and it’s unnecessary to rotate. Besides, the SC adapter also has metal shrapnel in order to install it easily. This kind of adapter is cheap and easy to operate, and has low insertion loss, high compressive resistance and mounting density.

3. ST fiber optic adapter
It has a key snap-lock structure to ensure accuracy when connecting, and the ST adapter has a strong tensile strength. The metal key can improve its repeatability and durability. The adapter applied precise ceramic or copper cover to guarantee its stable mechanical and optical performance for a long time.

4. LC fiber optic adapter
The LC adapter applied modular jack latch mechanism and convenient to operate. The pins and sleeves with small size, improve the density of fiber optic connector. The adapter also applied precise ceramic or copper cover to guarantee its stable mechanical and optical performance for a long time.