Optical fiber jumper is an important part of the optical communication system, and the quality of its connector determines the transmission quality of the network. The function of the connector is to precisely butt the two separated optical fiber end faces, so that the optical signal output from the transmitting fiber can be coupled into the receiving fiber to the maximum extent. Optical fiber connectors include LC, FC, SC, ST, MPO, etc., among which LC, SC, and MPO interfaces are used in optical modules.
The indicators for judging the performance of optical fiber connectors include insertion loss, return loss, connection loss, and the maximum number of pluggable times. The two most important parameters are insertion loss and return loss.
1. Insertion Loss
Insertion loss refers to the loss of the effective optical power of the link caused by the introduction of the connector. The value of the optical signal power reduction is expressed in dB. When the insertion loss is 3dB, the optical power loss is about 50%. When the insertion loss is at 1dB, the power loss is about 20%. The smaller the insertion loss, the better, and the general requirement should not be greater than 0.5 dB.
2. Return Loss / Reflection Loss
Return loss, also known as reflection loss, refers to the ability of the connector to suppress the reflection of link optical power. The larger the value of the return loss, the better. For example, input 1mw power, 10% of which is reflected back, which is 10dB, 0.003% is reflected back, the return loss is about 45dB, and the typical value of return loss should not be less than 25 dB. If the surface of the pin has been specially polished, the return loss can be made larger, generally not less than 45dB.
3. Optical Fiber Connection Loss
Optical fiber connection loss is an important performance index parameter in optical fiber communication systems, and the loss value will directly affect the overall quality of the entire optical transmission system. Optical fiber connection loss includes three types: intrinsic loss, splicing loss and active joint loss. The smaller the connection loss value, the better the quality of the connector.
4. Maximum Pluggable Times
Since fiber optic connectors are often plugged and unplugged, there is a problem with the maximum number of pluggable times. When the optical fiber connector has no mechanical damage to each component and the additional loss does not exceed 0.2dB, the maximum number of plugging and unplugging of the optical fiber connector can generally be greater than 1000 times.
