Fiber Connector Options
Single-mode fiber cables and fiber couplers made by Schäfter+Kirchhoff are equipped with fiber connectors of type FC APC or FC PC. Optionally, they can be provided with fiber connectors of type ST, AVIM (compatible with LSA), F-SMA, E2000 or with different types of fiber connector at each end. An overview is provided in the table.
Receptacle type FC (FC PC and FC APC)
Fiber connectors of type FC assembled by Schäfter+Kirchhoff - as standard - have an alignment index (key) of 2.14 mm width (wide key, type "N", standard).
All fiber couplers including e.g. the 60SMS or 60FC of type FC also have wide key receptacles, which makes them compatible with both wide key and narrow key fiber connectors.
Fibers can optionally be equipped with an alignment key of 2 mm (narrow key, type “R“).
Compatability of connectors type FC with wide key and narrow key
Generally, with any FC PC or FC APC type connector there is a freeplay when inserting the fiber into the fiber coupler. The free play in between the connector ferrule and receptacle is only a few microns, but necessary for inserting the ferrule without force. There is a difference between the receptable and key width for wide key (2.14 mm) and narrow key (2.0 mm) fibers. If you follow the so-called "right-hand orientation rule" you can reproducibly attach and reattach even PM fibers with narrow key receptacle to fiber couplers with wide key receptacle without difficulty.
| Connector Type | SM fiber | PM fiber | MM fiber | PC / APC | opt. amagn. connectors | opt. end caps | coupling type | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC (wide key, "N) | x | x | x | x/x | x | x | Screw | Standard, compatible with all couplers type FC |
| FC (narrow key, "R") | x | x | x | x/x | x | x | Screw | compatible with all couplers type FC |
| AVIM | x | x | x | x/x | Screw | comp. with LSA | ||
| LSA (DIN) | x | x | x | x/x | Screw | comp. with DIN, AVIO and AVIM | ||
| F-SMA | x | x | x/x | Screw | e.g.SMA-905 high power connector | |||
| E2000 | x | x | x | x/x | Snap |
End caps and amagnetic connectors
If necessary, fiber connectors of type FC can be equipped with end caps to reduce the power density at the fiber end-face or with amagnetic connectors made from Titanium.
Polish Orientation (standard)
Orientation of the 8°- polish and index key for fiber connectors of type FC-APC
Option: Customized polish orientation
Optional customized orientation (FCP8)