What is an SC Fiber Optic Fast connector?

In fiber optic communication networks, especially in the large-scale construction of FTTH (Fiber to the Home), SC Fiber Optic Fast connectors (Field Assembly Connectors) have become indispensable key components. With advantages such as no fusion splicing required, easy installation, and stable performance, they greatly improve the construction efficiency of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) installations.

I. Definition of an SC Fiber Optic Fast connector

An SC Fiber Optic Fast connector is a passive device used for field assembly at the fiber optic end. The term "quick" refers to the fact that it does not require expensive fusion splicers or complex polishing processes; installers can complete cold splicing within minutes using only simple fiber stripping and cutting tools.

It typically uses a standard SC interface (large square head design) and is widely used in telecommunications equipment rooms, building splitter boxes, and home optical modems (ONT/ONU) connections.

II. Core Advantages: Why Choose a Cold-Splitting Quick Connector?

In fiber optic cabling, traditional fusion splicing methods, while offering extremely low loss, are expensive and require specific operating environments. The emergence of SC Fiber Optic Fast connectors solves the following pain points:

• No Fusion Splicer Required: Reduces initial investment and maintenance costs.
  
  
• High construction efficiency: A skilled worker can complete the fabrication of a single-core terminal within 3 minutes, making it ideal for large-scale FTTH number deployment.
  
  
• Easy operation: Utilizing "pre-polishing" technology, the pin end faces are pre-treated at the factory, requiring only mechanical connection on-site.
  
  
• Wide applicability: Compatible with 2.0mm/3.0mm patch cord cables and 3.0x2.0mm drop cables (butterfly cables).
  
  

III. Common Types and Applications of SC Quick Connectors

Based on different end-face treatment methods, SC Fiber Optic Fast connectors are mainly divided into the following two core categories, which users can distinguish based on shell color and application scenario:

1. SC/UPC type quick connector (blue shell)

End-face characteristics: Employs UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) polishing method, resulting in a micro-spherical end face.

Performance characteristics: Offers lower insertion loss, but is slightly inferior to the APC type in reflection control.

Typical Applications: Primarily used in general data transmission networks, Ethernet, enterprise LANs, and digital signal transmission environments where return loss requirements are not particularly stringent.

2. SC/APC Type Quick Connector (Green Shell)

End Face Features: Employs APC (Angled Physical Contact) polishing method, with an 8-degree bevel on the end face.

Performance Characteristics: Able to reflect reflected light back to the cladding, achieving extremely high return loss performance and effectively reducing the impact of reflection on the laser source.

Typical Applications: Widely used in cable TV (CATV), high-speed fiber optic backbone networks, PON (Passive Optical Network), and high-bandwidth FTTH fiber-to-the-home projects.

IV. How to Choose a High-Quality SC Fiber Optic Fast connector?

When selecting products in the market, in addition to focusing on the price of SC Fiber Optic Fast connectors, the following technical indicators should be carefully considered:

• Insertion Loss: High-quality products should have an insertion loss below 0.3dB (typical value is approximately 0.2dB).
  
  
• Return Loss: UPC should be greater than 40dB, APC should be greater than 50dB.
  
  
• Tensile Strength: Must be able to withstand a tensile force of at least 20N to prevent accidental breakage of the optical cable.
  
  
• Environmental Stability: Loss fluctuation should be minimal under extreme temperature differences ranging from -40℃ to +75℃.
  
  
• Repeatability: Supports multiple disassembly and reassembly, which is very useful during troubleshooting.
  
  

SC Fiber Optic Fast connectors, as a crucial "last mile" connection tool for modern fiber optic networks, not only lower the technical threshold but also ensure the stable operation of gigabit optical networks through standardized interfaces and high-performance cold splicing technology.