Overview Of SC LC ST FC Connectors

Overview Of SC, LC, ST, FC Connectors

  There are many types of fiber optic ports used in fiber optic communications. SC, LC, ST, and FC are probably the most common types of fiber optic connectors you may encounter in your daily life. They are frequently used in modern telecommunication networks. Even though they have some similarities, each type differs from the others in size and shape to prevent them from being used interchangeably. When preparing fiber-related equipment for installation, it is critical to ensure that the cables are matched with the appropriate connectors.

SC Connector

    SC stands for "Subscriber Connector" and is also known as a "square connector". It is arguably the most widely used type of fiber optic connector today. The SC has a pop-open push/pull coupling mechanism with a 2.5 mm ferrule and was created by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) in the mid-1980s. It has become popular and is widely used in single-mode fiber optic cables such as telecommunications and data communications.

LC Connector

   LC is short for Lucent Connector, named after its creator, Lucent Technologies. LC has a push-pull coupling mechanism with a lock. It is often referred to as the "little connector" because it is a member of the small form factor (SFF). The key selling point of LC is its 1.25mm barrel, which is half the size of the barrels of SC, ST, and FC, and has a smaller overall footprint. Due to this, LC is often used in high-density settings. SC and LC are currently evenly matched, and in the long term, LC may come out on top.

ST Connector

   ST refers to "Straight Tip", a connector invented by AT&T in the late 1980s that uses a half-twist bayonet mount to carry a long cylindrical 2.5mm spring-loaded sleeve. Due to its low price and simple mating and unmating, it is often used in university, commercial, and military multimode networks. Until 2005, it was the most widely used connector in multimode networks. However, its use was severely limited due to its incompatibility with APC.

FC Connector

   FC stands for "Ferrule Connector" or "Fiber Channel" and was developed by NTT of Japan. It is a circular threaded connector used in data communications, telecommunications, measurement equipment, and single-mode lasers. It has a 2.5 mm sleeve surrounded by a stainless steel shell. Compared to newer fiber optic connectors, FC takes longer to unplug due to the threaded tightening structure. It is also more expensive to produce FC due to its complex design and use of metal. Currently, FC is gradually becoming obsolete.