Fiber Optic Adapters – the Bridge between Fiber optic Connectors

by www.fiber-mart.com

Definition of Fiber Optic Adapter

Fiber optic adapter is a device used to connect two fiber optic connectors in the fiber optic cabling system. It seems like a bridge to connect the gap between two same styles connectors, even the different connectors. Due to its fuction, there is a specific situations of fiber optic adapter. If two fiber assemblies to be connected have the same style fiber connectors, it is called coupler. If the two fiber assemblies to be connected have different style connectors then we always call adapter. We can see an example in the following picture. The adapter connected ST connector to ST connector, both sides are the same style, in this time, we call coupler. Otherwise, we call adapter.

adapter-and-coupler

 

Types of Fiber Optic Adapter

According to the diversity of the fiber optic connectors, there are many types of fiber optic adapters. Adapters are available to join like connectors SC-to-SC, ST-to-ST, or FC-to-FC–and different styles of connectors. The latter devices are called hybrid adapters and are used, for instance, to join ST and SC connectors. We can see the following pictures to know more about different types of fiber optic adapters.

fiber-optic-adapter

How do Fiber Optic Adapters work?

As we known, the key to a fiber connection is the precise alignment of each fiber core, so traditional connection method, such as the soldering is defective. Inside each fiber optic adapter, there is the alignment sleeve. The aligment sleeve is the most critical component of a fiber optic adapter. Bronze sleeves are more durable but the precision is not as good as ceramic. Ceramic ferrules offer a more precise alignment, but they are somewhat less durable. Bronze alignment sleeves are commonly used in multimode applications where precision alignment is not as critical. The performance of the adapter, defined as how well it aligns two connector ferrules, is determined by the amount of spring force in, and the tolerances of, the split sleeve. It needs a very professional technology to make it a reality.

 

alignment-sleeve

 

Fiberstore’s Fiber Optic Adapters Solutions

Fiberstore offers a variety of fiber optic adapters with types including single mode and multimode, LC, SC, ST, MU, FC, MTRJ, E2000, SMA, etc. All the fiber optic adapters have reliable performance and are on sale with good discount. We also welcome any inquiry for customized adapters.

HOW TO CHOOSE FIBER OPTIC ADAPTER

by www.fiber-mart.com

s we know, fiber optic connector is an important fiber optic component used to link two fiber optic lines together. Beside connector, there is also another item, which is fiber optic adapter with panels to connecting multi fiber optic line. Specifically, the fiber optic adapter is a small device that used to terminate or link the fiber optic cables or fiber optic connectors between two fiber optic lines. In order to realize the fluent fiber optic connection, the fiber optic adapter panel shapes or types should be in accordance with the fiber optic connectors or cables. Common shapes of the adapters are square, rectangular, or round that with FC, LC, ST, SC, MTRJ types. There are also single mode and multimode fiber optic adapters or single mode and multimode fiber optic connections. So when purchasing fiber optic adapters for fiber connections, it is essential to choose the right fiber optic adapter according to the fiber optic connector or fiber optic cables.

 

Standard or flange fiber optic adapter is a typical type used to connect the same types of optical connector, there are SC, ST, LC and MTRJ type available for choosing. These adapters are comprised of two or more female connections that fiber optic cables can be plugged into. flange fiber optic adapters are typically with ceramic sleeves, fitting for both single mode and multimode fiber optic connections.

 

Hybrid fiber optic adapters are another type used to link two different kinds of fiber connectors or cable assemblies. For example, LC to SC hybrid adapter, it can link LC connector at one side and SC connector at the other side. Hybrid fiber adapters can be also used for single mode and multimode fiber optic connections with PC or APC sleeves, in simplex and duplex style. Hybrid fiber adapters use high precision ceramic sleeves because it can provide reliable ferrule mating and ensure low insertion loss and return loss during the connecting. This type of optical fiber adapters is with compact sized and widely used for network environments integrating different configurations and telecommunications networks.

 

Bare fiber adapter is structured with optic fibers on one side and the adapter on the other side. It is used to link the bare optical fiber cable to fiber optic equipments. The adapter side is a connector that can plug into the equipment and enable a quick and easy termination for the optic fiber. Because this feature of the bare fiber adapters, they are widely used for emergency situation for fast and temporary fiber optic or urgent connection, testing bare fiber, fiber on the reel, fiber before and after installation and so on. SC, FC, LC, ST bare fiber adapters is now available in the market.

 

A single optical fiber adapter usually could hold a dozen of cables, if you splice multiple adapters together, it can even make hundreds or thousands of connection. Knowing what kind of connections, multimode or single mode, simplex or duplex, as well as the connector types can help you choose the corresponding right type of optical fiber adapter for application.