FIGURE 8: Shown is the SC connector, launched in 1984.
FIGURE 9: The popular LC connector shown was introduced
in 1986.
FIGURE 10: The MPO/MTP connector was launched
in 1992.
April/May/June 2020 I 43
SC CONNECTOR. The SC (subscriber) connector
connects a single strand of fiber. Developed by NTT,
the SC connector was launched in 1984 (Figure 8).
PROS: Duplex capable, fiber type agnostic,
and push-pull operation.
CONS: Low fiber strand capacity, requires specific
cross polarity and key alignment for mating, so it
may be susceptible to performance issues.
LC CONNECTOR. The LC (Lucent) connector connects
two strands of fiber. Developed by ATT and Lucent,
this connector was introduced in 1986 (Figure 9).
PROS: Very small form factor, duplex embodied,
and fiber type agnostic. It is one of the more valuable
connectors due to its compatibility and widespread
installation.
CONS: Low fiber strand capacity and requires
a specific cross polarity coupling that creates
issues with installation and may cause push
tabs to disconnect.
MPO CONNECTOR. The MPO/MTP (multi-fiber push on)
connector has 4 to 12 strands of fiber. It was developed
by Corning and US Conec, and it was launched in 1992.
MTP is a registered trademark of US Conec and is the
brand name of its MPO connector. Since then, many
manufacturers have introduced their various versions
of MPO connectors.
PROS: High fiber strand count capacity, fiber type
agnostic, small form factor, and push-pull operation.
It is one of the more valuable connectors due to its
compatibility and widespread installation.
CONS: Specific key alignment for mating, requires
male-to-female genderized coupling, and different
variations have the same form. The MPO is susceptible
to debris that can adversely impact performance.