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F PermaSeal-I™ Connectors F PermaSeal-I™ Connectors	Commercial Grade F Compression Connectors – Suitable for Coaxial Broadband Networks Used in Video, Data and Telephony Applications Using Standard, Tri-Shield or Quad-Shield Cable – 360° Radial Compression – Environmentally Sealed – Internal Neoprene O-Ring Weather Sealed – 7/16˝ Hex 4.8mm Wide Free-Spinning Nut – Precision Machined Annealed-Brass Construction – Anti-Corrosion Nickel-Plated Finish – Return Loss >-27dB @ 2GHz typical – Cable Retention 40-lbs min. ANSI/SCTE 99 2004 – Quick-Easy Installation – 1/4˝-1/4˝ Cable Preparation – Termination Tools: Cable Stripper: 204-205; Compression Tools: 204-001, 204-036	200-016 F RG59 PermaSeal-I™ Connector 200-028 F RG6 PermaSeal-I™ Connector. 200-032 F RG6-Quad PermaSeal-I™ Connector	Call
RCA PermaSeal-I™ Connectors RCA PermaSeal-I™ Connectors RCA PermaSeal-I™ Connectors RCA PermaSeal-I™ Connectors RCA PermaSeal-I™ Connectors	S Commercial Grade RCA Compression Connectors – Suitable for Audio-Video Home Entertainment – Applications Using Standard or Tri-Shield Cable – 75Ω Impedance Matching – 360° True Radial Compression – Precision Machined Annealed-Brass Construction – Anti-Corrosion Nickel-Plated Finish – Return Loss -27dB @ 20MHz typical – Cable Retention 40-lbs min. – Quick-Easy Installation – 1/4˝-1/4˝ Cable Preparation – Color-Coded Identification Ring – Termination Tools: Cable Stripper: 204-205; Compression Tool: 204-036   S Commercial Grade RCA Compression Connectors – Suitable for Audio-Video Home Entertainment – Applications Using Standard or Tri-Shield Cable – 75Ω Impedance Matching – 360° True Radial Compression – Precision Machined Annealed-Brass Construction – Anti-Corrosion Nickel-Plated Finish – Return Loss -27dB @ 20MHz typical – Cable Retention 40-lbs min. – Quick-Easy Installation – 1/4˝-1/4˝ Cable Preparation – Color-Coded Identification Ring – Termination Tools: Cable Stripper: 204-205; Compression Tool: 204-036	200-065BK RCA RG59 Black PermaSeal-I™. 200-065BL RCA RG59 Blue PermaSeal-I™ 200-065GR RCA RG59 Green PermaSeal-I™ 200-065RD RCA RG59 Red PermaSeal-I™ 200-065WH RCA RG59 White PermaSeal-I™ 200-065YL RCA RG59 Yellow PermaSeal-I™ 200-066BK RCA RG6 Black PermaSeal-I™. 200-066BL RCA RG6 Blue PermaSeal-I™ 200-066GR RCA RG6 Green PermaSeal-I™. 200-066RD RCA RG6 Red PermaSeal-I™ 200-066WH RCA RG6 White PermaSeal-I™ 200-066YL RCA RG6 Yellow PermaSeal-I™.	Call     Call
BNC PermaSeal-I™ Connectors BNC PermaSeal-I™ Connectors BNC PermaSeal-I™ Connectors   BNC PermaSeal-I™ Connectors   BNC PermaSeal-I™ Connectors     BNC PermaSeal-I™ Connectors	Commercial Grade BNC Compression Connectors – 360° True Radial Compression – 75Ω Impedance – Delrin Insulator – Integral Beryllium-Copper Gold-Plated Contact – Precision Machined Annealed-Brass Construction – Anti-Corrosion Nickel-Plated Finish – Return Loss -25dB @ 1GHz typical – Cable Retention 40-lbs min. – Quick-Easy Installation – 1/4˝-1/4˝ Cable Preparation – Color-Coded Identification Ring – Termination Tools: Cable Stripper: 204-205; Compression Tool: 204-036 Commercial Grade BNC Compression Connectors – 360° True Radial Compression – 75Ω Impedance – Delrin Insulator – Integral Beryllium-Copper Gold-Plated Contact – Precision Machined Annealed-Brass Construction – Anti-Corrosion Nickel-Plated Finish – Return Loss -25dB @ 1GHz typical – Cable Retention 40-lbs min. – Quick-Easy Installation – 1/4˝-1/4˝ Cable Preparation – Color-Coded Identification Ring – Termination Tools: Cable Stripper: 204-205; Compression Tool: 204-036 Commercial Grade BNC Compression Connectors – 360° True Radial Compression – 75Ω Impedance – Delrin Insulator – Integral Beryllium-Copper Gold-Plated Contact – Precision Machined Annealed-Brass Construction – Anti-Corrosion Nickel-Plated Finish – Return Loss -25dB @ 1GHz typical – Cable Retention 40-lbs min. – Quick-Easy Installation – 1/4˝-1/4˝ Cable Preparation – Color-Coded Identification Ring – Termination Tools: Cable Stripper: 204-205; Compression Tool: 204-036	200-167BL BNC RG6 Blue PermaSeal-I™. 200-167BK BNC RG6 Black PermaSeal-I™. 200-167GR BNC RG6 Green PermaSeal-I™. 200-167RD BNC RG6 Red PermaSeal-I™. 200-167WH BNC RG6 White PermaSeal-I™. 200-167YL BNC RG6 Yellow PermaSeal-I™. 200-168BK BNC RG59 Black PermaSeal-I™. 200-168BL BNC RG59 Blue PermaSeal-I™ 200-168GR BNC RG59 Green PermaSeal-I™ 200-168RD BNC RG59 Red PermaSeal-I™ 200-168WH BNC RG59 White PermaSeal-I™ 200-168YL BNC RG59 Yellow PermaSeal-I™	Call     Call     Call   Call   Call   Call     Call   Call         Call   Call     Call
F PermaSeal-II™ Connectors F PermaSeal-II™ Connectors   F PermaSeal-II™ Connectors	Ultra-High Performance F Compression Connectors – Patented Single-Piece Elegant Design – Suitable for Coaxial Broadband Networks Used in Video, Data and Telephony Applications Using Standard, Tri-Shield or Quad-Shield Cable – Fail-Safe Environmental Seal Protection – Internal Neoprene O-Ring Sealed – 360° Radial Seal – Ridge-Patterned Internal Sleeve – Oversize Easy-Grip 7.0mm Wide 7/16˝ Hex Free-Spinning Nut – Precision Machined Annealed CDA360 Brass – Anti-Corrosion Nickel-Plated – Impressive Return Loss >-30dB @ 3GHz typical – Cable Retention 70-lbs min. > ANSI/SCTE 99 2004 – Quick-Easy Installation – 1/4˝ -1/4˝ Cable Preparation – Color-Coded Collar Rings for Easy Cable-Type ID – Termination Tools: Cable Stripper: 204-205; Compression Tools: 204-001, 204-036 (Use 204-031 for 200-021) Pre-Angled 125um ferrule, Green housing 0.9, 2.0 and 3.0mm boots	200-004 F RG59 PermaSeal-II™ Red Band . 200-006 F RG6 PermaSeal-II™ Yellow Band. 200-007 F RG6-Quad PermaSeal-II™ Blue Band. 200-021 F RG11 PermaSeal-II™.	Call   Call   Call     Call     Call     Call
	ST/UPC SM One piece singlemode connector Pre-Dome 125um ferrule One piece connector ST/UPC SM One piece connector-SM-CON1008 Pre-Dome 126um ferrule, Yellow 0.9, 2.0 and 3.0mm boots-SM-CON1009	SM-CON1008     SM-CON1009	$233.00/ 100 pcs     $233.00/ 100 pcs
	LC SM Simplex singlemode connector, with 125 ferrule, blue housing White 3.0mm boot LC SM Simplex singlemode connector, with 125 ferrule, blue housing SM-CON1011 White 2.0mm boot	SM-CON1010   SM-CON1011	$295.00/ 100 pcs   $295.00/ 100 pcs
	LC SM Duplex singlemode connector , with 125 ferrule, blue housing SM-CON1012 White 0.9mm boot	SM-CON1012	$295.00/ 100 pcs
	LC SM Duplex singlemode connector , with 125 ferrule, blue housing SM-CON1013 White 3.0mm boot LC SM Duplex single mode connector , with 125 ferrule, blue housing SM-CON1014 White 2.0mm boot	SM-CON1013     SM-CON1014	$539.00/ 100 pcs     $539.00/ 100 pcs
	SC Duplex Blue Clip SM-CON2901	SM-CON2901	$ 45.00/ 100 pcs

Fiber optic connectors have traditionally been the biggest concern in using fiber optic systems. While connectors were once unwieldy and difficult to use, connector manufacturers have standardized and simplified connectors greatly. This increasing user-friendliness has contributed to the increase in the use of fiber optic systems; it has also taken the emphasis off the proper care and handling of optical connectors.

This article covers connector basics including the parts of a fiber optic connector, installing fiber optic connectors, and the cleaning and handling of installed connectors. For information on connector loss, see Connector Loss Test Measurement.

Figure 1 - Parts of a Fiber Optic Connector

Fiber-to-fiber interconnection can consist of a splice, a permanent connection, or a connector, which differs from the splice in its ability to be disconnected and reconnected. Fiber optic connector types are as various as the applications for which they were developed. Different connector types have different characteristics, different advantages and disadvantages, and different performance parameters. But all connectors have the same four basic components.
The Ferrule:

The fiber is mounted in a long, thin cylinder, the ferrule, which acts as a fiber alignment mechanism. The ferrule is bored through the center at a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the fiber cladding. The end of the fiber is located at the end of the ferrule. Ferrules are typically made of metal or ceramic, but they may also be constructed of plastic.
The Connector Body:

Also called the connector housing, the connector body holds the ferrule. It is usually constructed of metal or plastic and includes one or more assembled pieces which hold the fiber in place. The details of these connector body assemblies vary among connectors, but bonding and/or crimping is commonly used to attach strength members and cable jackets to the connector body. The ferrule extends past the connector body to slip into the coupling device.
The Cable:

The cable is attached to the connector body. It acts as the point of entry for the fiber. Typically, a strain-relief boot is added over the junction between the cable and the connector body, providing extra strength to the junction.
The Coupling Device:

Most fiber optic connectors do not use the male-female configuration common to electronic connectors. Instead, a coupling device such as an alignment sleeve is used to mate the connectors. Similar devices may be installed in fiber optic transmitters and receivers to allow these devices to be mated via a connector. These devices are also known as feed-through bulkhead adapters.

Installing Fiber Optic Connectors

The method for attaching fiber optic connectors to optical fibers varies among connector types. While not intended to be a definitive guide, the following steps are given as a reference for the basics of optical fiber interconnection.

1. Cut the cable one inch longer than the required finished length.

2. Carefully strip the outer jacket of the fiber with “no nick” fiber strippers. Cut the exposed strength members, and remove the fiber coating. The fiber coating may be removed two ways: by soaking the fiber for two minutes in paint thinner and wiping the fiber clean with a soft, lint-free cloth, or by carefully stripping the fiber with a fiber stripper. Be sure to use strippers made specifically for use with fiber rather than metal wire strippers as damage can occur, weakening the fiber.

3. Thoroughly clean the bared fiber with isopropyl alcohol poured onto a soft, lint-free cloth such as Kimwipes®. NEVER clean the fiber with a dry tissue. Note: Use only industrial grade 99% pure isopropyl alcohol. Commercially available isopropyl alcohol is for medicinal use and is diluted with water and a light mineral oil. Industrial grade isopropyl alcohol should be used exclusively.

4. The connector may be connected by applying epoxy or by crimping. If using epoxy, fill the connector with enough epoxy to allow a small bead of epoxy to form at the tip of the connector. Insert the clean, stripped fiber into the connector. Cure the epoxy according to the instructions provided by the epoxy manufacturer.

5. Anchor the cable strength members to the connector body. This prevents direct stress on the fiber. Slide the back end of the connector into place (where applicable).

6. Prepare the fiber face to achieve a good optical finish by cleaving and polishing the fiber end. Before the connection is made, the end of each fiber must have a smooth finish that is free of defects such as hackles, lips, and fractures. These defects, as well as other impurities and dirt change the geometrical propagation patterns of light and cause scattering.

Connector and Splice Loss Mechanisms

Connector and splice loss is caused by a number of factors. Loss is minimized when the two fiber cores are identical and perfectly aligned, the connectors or splices are properly finished and no dirt is present. Only the light that is coupled into the receiving fiber's core will propagate, so all the rest of the light becomes the connector or splice loss.

End gaps cause two problems, insertion loss and return loss. The emerging cone of light from the connector will spill over the core of the receiving fiber and be lost. In addition, the air gap between the fibers causes a reflection when the light encounters the change n refractive index from the glass fiber to the air in the gap. This reflection (called fresnel reflection) amounts to about 5% in typical flat polished connectors, and means that no connector with an air gap can have less than 0.3 dB loss. This reflection is also referred to as back reflection or optical return loss, which can be a problem in laser based systems. Connectors use a number of polishing techniques to insure physical contact of the fiber ends to minimize back reflection. On mechanical splices, it is possible to reduce back reflection by using non-perpendicular cleaves, which cause back reflections to be absorbed in the cladding of the fiber.

The end finish of the fiber must be properly polished to minimize loss. A rough surface will scatter light and dirt can scatter and absorb light. Since the optical fiber is so small, typical airborne dirt can be a major source of loss. Whenever connectors are not terminated, they should be covered to protect the end of the ferrule from dirt. One should never touch the end of the ferrule, since the oils on one's skin causes the fiber to attract dirt. Before connection and testing, it is advisable to clean connectors with lint-free wipes moistened with isopropyl alcohol.

Two sources of loss are directional; numerical aperture (NA) and core diameter. Differences in these two will create connections that have different losses depending on the direction of light propagation. Light from a fiber with a larger NA will be more sensitive to angularity and end gap, so transmission from a fiber of larger NA to one of smaller NA will be higher loss than the reverse. Likewise, light from a larger fiber will have high loss coupled to a fiber of smaller diameter, while one can couple a small diameter fiber to a large diameter fiber with minimal loss, since it is much less sensitive to end gap or lateral offset.

These fiber mismatches occur for two reasons. The occasional need to interconnect two dissimilar fibers and production variances in fibers of the same nominal dimensions. With two multimode fibers in usage today and two others which have been used occasionally in the past and several types of singlemode fiber in use, it is possible to sometimes have to connect dissimilar fibers or use systems designed for one fiber on another. Some system manufacturers provide guidelines on using various fibers, some don't. If you connect a smaller fiber to a larger one, the coupling losses will be minimal, often only the fresnel loss (about 0.3 dB). But connecting larger fibers to smaller ones results in substantial losses, not only due to the smaller cores size, but also the smaller NA of most small core fibers.

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