What You Need to Know About LC Connector Families?

Driven by the growing bandwidth requirement, data center designers have to install more and more fiber optic cables in a given space, which results in mess cable management and large maintenance cost. Thus finding an easy-to-manage and space-saving method for high-density cabling is becoming a hot issue for data center managers. LC to LC fiber cable, with its low interface loss specification and small footprint, gains popularity among data center installers. In addition, applications like cable television (CATV), fiber-to-the-home (FTTX) and dense wave division multiplexing (DWDM) currently are using LC devices to replace the old version SC. Besides LC optic assemblies, there are many products which are designed with LC connectors and adapters to satisfy the requirement of different types of applications. This article will provide some detailed information about these high-density LC connector families including LC connector, LC jumper, LC adapter and LC attenuator.

LC Connector

The LC connector represents the next-generation small form factor (SFF) connector. The LC connector uses an improved version of the familiar, user-friendly RJ-style telephone plug that provides a reassuring, audible click when engaged. The new, one-piece design enhances the connector’s durability and meets side-load requirements of standard 2.5 mm connectors. LC connector, having half the footprint of the SC connector, gives it huge popularity in datacoms and other high-density patch applications. With the introduction of LC compatible transceivers and active networking components, its steady growth in the FTTH arena is likely to continue. Figure 1 shows a full range of LC connectors.

LC Adapter

The LC adapters feature a self-adjusting mechanism designed to accommodate panels of thickness between 1.55 to 1.75 mm, which are used to terminate two LC patch cords or connectors. The LC duplex adapter occupies approximately the same space as an SC simplex adapter, doubling the density capacity of the equipment. FS.COM LC Adapter is designed to work together with the complete LC product family to offer an optimal, high-density solution for your network. Figure 2 shows three types of LC adapters.

The adapter has a square profile and can be rotated to any of four positions in the panel. It is available in single mode, multimode, simplex and duplex options. LC adapters can mount in panels designed to fit the 5-inch, 7-inch, and 9-inch LGX shelves.

LC Attenuator

LC attenuator is a combination of a connector on a definite end and an adapter on the other. The assembly contains a ferrule that’s accessible in standard Polish connectors (PC) and 8 degree angle Polish (APC). They’re backward suitable for existing transmission equipment, while the APC attenuators provide superior reflection required for high power and analog equipment.

LC fiber optic attenuators are designed to provide horizontal spectral attenuation over the full spectrum vary from 1280nm to 1624nm. This way the LC attenuators expand the capability of optical networks by enabling using the E-band (1400-nm window) for optical transmission. LC fiber optic attenuator is a passive device accustomed to reduce light signal intensity without significantly changing the waveform itself. This is often a requirement in Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) applications in which the receiver can’t accept the signal produced by a high-power light source.

LC Fiber Optic Solutions

LC fiber optic jumpers can be both simplex and duplex jumpers as well as hybrids and pigtails. The LC Connector used on the LC Patch cords has a trigger mechanism that allows the connector to be easily engaged and disengaged. LC fiber patch cables are the most commonly used assemblies in today’s fiber optic connectivity. The primary use of LC fiber optic patch cables is to link ports on cross-connect modules, or to link interconnect modules and optical equipment. Just as any other fiber optic patch cables, LC jumpers see in Figure 3 can be divided into single mode and multimode fiber cables like LC LC single mode patch cord and LC LC multimode patch cord.

LC Fiber Optic Pigtails

LC Fiber Optic Pigtails, on the other hand are the another type of LC fiber optic cables. LC Pigtails are single-ended interconnect cables primarily spliced to outside plant cables entering a head-end or customer premises. The pigtail interconnect cable provides connection to a wide variety of termination equipment. Just like the LC fiber optic patch cords, you could custom your own LC pigtails in our various of option.

LC Loopback

LC Loopback cables can provide a simple and effective means of testing the capabilities of your optical networking equipment. Our Loopback plugs are precision terminated and featured extremely low loss characteristics for transparent operation in the test environment and in form of cable and module types. Single-mode and multimode fiber as well as 10G OM3/OM4 Multi-mode Loopback cables are available with high-quality and low-loss LC connectors terminated.

Direct Attach Cables With LC Connectors

Direct Attach Cable (DAC) is a form of high speed cable with “transceivers” on either end that are designed to satisfy the high-bandwidth applications like 10G Ethernet and 40G Ethernet, Fibre Channel and PCIe applications. FS.COM 40GBASE QSFP+ to LC connectors (8) breakout AOC is a type of Direct Attach Cables (DACs) connected QSFP+ and LC connectors on the ends. With high performance, low power consumption, long reach interconnect features, it is an ideal solution for 40G applications.

Conclusion

LC connector, as its combination of small size and latch feature, make itself ideal for densely populated data center applications. Other LC connector families are also widely utilized in telecom field. Thus it is advisable for you to have a better understanding of LC assemblies before buying them. FS.COM LC product family solution can help you save more money and time in the whole project. If you have demands on LC assemblies, FS.COM may be an ideal choice for you.