Splices, permanent connections, or connectors can form a fiber to fiber connection, which is different from plugging in and can be disconnected and reconnected. With the development of application fields, the types of fiber optic connectors are diverse. Different connector types have different characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and performance parameters. But all connectors contain four basic components.
(1) Optical cable: The optical cable is installed on the connector body. Its function is the input point of the optical fiber. In general, a strain relief protective cover is installed on the joint between the optical cable and the connector body, which can provide additional strength for the joint.
(2) Pin: The optical fiber is installed in a long thin-walled cylinder, and the pin serves as the fiber alignment mechanism. The pin is drilled in the middle with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the fiber cladding. The end of the fiber optic is located at the end of the pin. In general, the pin is made of metal or pottery, but it may also be plastic.
(3) Connection device: Most fiber optic connectors do not use the commonly used male female structure in electronic connections. The structure used is a positioning sleeve for pairing connectors. Similar devices can be installed on fiber optic transmitters and receivers, and these devices can be paired using a connector. These devices are also known as through type bulkhead adapters.
(4) Connector body: Also known as the connector housing, the connector body accommodates the pins. Usually, the connector body is made of metal or plastic, including one or more assembly workpieces that can hold the optical fiber in place. The specific details of these connector body assemblies vary depending on the model of the connector, but welding and/or flanging are usually used to install reinforcing components and fiber optic cable sheaths on the connector body. The pin extends and passes over the connector body to engage the bonding device.