When a fiber optic cable is plugged into an electronic device it is accomplished with a fiber optic connector. The connector is attached to the end of the fiber optic cable, the design I such that it keeps the bundle of glass fibers in place so that the fibers align with the mating fibers on the other side of the connection. Fiber optic connectors are available in a wide range of configurations.
The connectors are almost universally male. A male half of a connector has protruding ends which can plug into and mate with the female side of an electronic device. A fiber optic connector can also plug into a fiber optic adapter that is used to connect multiple cables. The connectors, although there are many, are designed to fit into only one mating female slot, if it is necessary to plug into a different device a special convertor is required to make the make the connection work.
Fiber optic connectors have come a long way since the first one was made commercially available in the 70s. The first connector was a large, bulky, round metal device. The fibers were clamped in place within the connector head, the individual fibers were not revealed until the device was plugged in. Since the introduction of fiber optics, advancements have been fast and furious. In 1990 small ceramic connectors were developed. Since the introduction approximately 100 different connectors have been developed and marketed, every new offering improved the performance and lowered the unit cost of the connectors.
For a long time a FC/PC fiber optic connector was the norm. This type of connector has a pin which engages with the female half and screws tight. Recently these connectors have been usurped by type LC and SC connectors which snap together.
Perhaps the most common fiber optic connector is the type ST. This connector is the favorite of telecommunication companies as it is inexpensive and easy to install. This device can become misaligned which results in signal degradation but a simple reconnect usually is enough to overcome the problem.
Although fiber optic connectors are advancing at a fast pace there are still some problems which include such things as the fibers not touching or in proper alignment but advances continue and soon the problems will be eliminated.
Fiber optic connectors and end preparation accessories are available from stock. You are invited to visit the online shop of Cables.com
