PC

What is the PC？

The PC refers to a type of fiber optic connector that follows the Physical Contact (PC) configuration. It is the most common polish type that is found on OM1 and OM2 multimode fiber. PC fiber connector was generated to overcome the air gap between two surfaces from small imperfections in the original flat fiber connector. In PC fiber connector design, there is a slightly cylindrical cone head with the aim to eliminate the air gap, so that the typical return loss in single mode applications is about -40dB, higher than the return loss of the original flat polish style (-14 dB or roughly 4%). Up to now, this polish style has been outdated and the evolution of the UPC polish style has come into being.

 What is the PC Appearance？

The PC (Physical Contact) fiber connector has a distinct appearance that sets it apart from other types of connectors. Here are the key visual characteristics of a PC fiber connector:

Ferrule End-face: The most noticeable feature of a PC connector is its Ferrule end-face. PC connectors and UPC connectors are both polished with no angle in this end-face that makes physical contact with the corresponding connector or device.

Color Coding: PC connectors often incorporate color coding to aid in easy identification and matching of connector types. PC connectors with beige or gray housing or boots are often used for multimode fiber optic connections. These connectors are typically used for short-distance communication or within local area networks (LANs). Blue-colored PC connectors are sometimes used for single-mode fiber optic connections.

What is the PC Performance?

The PC (Physical Contact) fiber connector is known for its reliable performance in fiber optic communications. Here are some key aspects of PC connector performance:

Low Signal Attenuation: PC connectors exhibit low signal attenuation, meaning they minimize the loss of signal strength as it travels through the connector. This is crucial for maintaining optimal signal integrity and ensuring reliable transmission over long distances.

Durability: PC connectors are designed to withstand repeated mating and demating cycles without significant degradation in performance. They offer good mechanical stability and durability, ensuring reliable connections even in demanding environments or with frequent connector usage.

Compatibility: PC connectors are widely used and have established compatibility with a range of fiber optic systems, devices, and components. They can be easily mated with other PC connectors or connected to devices such as transceivers, patch panels, and fiber optic cables. This compatibility facilitates the seamless integration of PC connectors into various fiber optic networks.

What is the Application of PC？

PC (Physical Contact) fiber connectors find application in various areas of fiber optic communications and networking. Here are some common applications of PC connectors: Telecommunications: PC connectors are extensively used in telecommunications networks, including long-haul, metro, and local area networks (LANs). They are employed in fiber optic cables, patch panels, and equipment such as switches, routers, and optical transceivers.

Data Centers: PC connectors are widely utilized in data center environments for high-speed data transmission and network connectivity. They are used in fiber optic links between servers, storage devices, switches, and other networking equipment within the data center infrastructure.

Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH): PC connectors play a crucial role in FTTH installations, enabling high-speed broadband connections to residential and commercial premises. They are used in fiber optic distribution points, termination boxes, and customer premises equipment.