FR-2RU-10-2
Rev.
8
21
6.2
Fiber-optic Connector
Figure 21: The different parts of an SC/UPC Connector.
The flashlink product range utilises SC/UPC connectors. These connectors
have a return loss better than 40 dB typ.
As compared to an electrical connection between two points, an optical
connection is much more dependent on clean connectors. A dirty connector
can add up to 10 dB of attenuation to your link. Either you have light
entering the receiver or you have not. If there is no light at the receiver, then
no signal will be detected. So the difference between an errorless connection
over fiber, and no connection at all can be a dirty connector. To protect the
connectors from dust, one shall always put on the plastic cap (red or other
colour), which is on the connector end at delivery whenever a fiber end is
disconnected.
If there is a chance that the fiber connector is dirty, one should clean the
connector before putting it close to a clean fiber ferrule. If a clean connector is
pressed against a dirty connector, both connectors will become dirty resulting
in degradation of signal quality. Or even worse, you may damage the surface
of the connectors.
Therefore: Clean connectors are of crucial importance.
