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Fiber Optic Termination

Step 2 NEXT BACK Examine Connector Construction

Consumables
Connectors
Fiber Optic Cable
Epoxy
Syringes
Polishing Film (12/3/0.3 micron)

Contents

Step 1 - Getting Ready

Step 3 - Stripping the Cable

Step 4 - Preparing the Epoxy

Step 5 - Applying the Connector to the Fiber

Step 6 - Scribe and Polish

Step 7 - Visual Inspection - Microscope

Step 8 - Test the Connector

Step 9 - The Quiz

molded plastic-molded metal- machined with SS ferrule

strain relief boot - crimp sleeve - connector - dust cap

While all "ST" style connectors are compatible - that is they can be mated with low loss - they may look different. Differences include the material used in the ferrule and the design of the locking nut.

All use a 2.5 mm ferrule to hold and align the fiber. Ferrules can be made of ceramic materials (zirconia or alumina), stainless steel or plastics (usually liquid crystal polymers, which are very hard and stable over temperatures.) Ceramics are by far the most popular, for their high performance and low cost. It is vitally important that the ferrule have the proper size hole for the fiber. Most fibers are about 125 microns, so the hole in the ferrule is slightly larger. There are still some 100/140 micron fibers in use, and you will need special connectors for them. For singlemode termination, the connector can be fitted to the fiber by choosing ferrules with holes just slightly larger than the fiber.

The nut on the ST has a spring-loaded bayonet lock that connects to two pins on the mating part. The nut can be machined or molded metal or molded plastic. All work equally well, although the metal types may be more durable for cables used as reference cables.

Each connector comes in four parts, strain relief boot - crimp sleeve - connector - dust cap.

The main body of the connector is epoxied to the fiber and the crimp sleeve tightly holds the aramid strength members of the cable to the body of the connector to provide a strong assembly. The strain relief boot keeps the cable from bending in too small a radius and breaking the fiber. The dust cap protects the end of the ferrule (and the fiber after termination) and should be left on the connector unless it is connected!

Note: Some connectors may have slightly different construction.
Some do not have a crimp sleeve, but rely on crimping the body of the connector onto the cable jacket and epoxying the aramid fibers to the connector.
Connectors for 900 micron buffered fiber, such as found in distribution cables, may not need a crimp, as there are no strength members to crimp to, so they are epoxied to the fiber and a strain relief is attached.

Hint: Make sure you have the termination instructions for the exact connector you are using before you start!

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Step 2 NEXT BACK	Examine Connector Construction
Consumables Connectors Fiber Optic Cable Epoxy Syringes Polishing Film (12/3/0.3 micron) Contents Step 1 - Getting Ready Step 3 - Stripping the Cable Step 4 - Preparing the Epoxy Step 5 - Applying the Connector to the Fiber Step 6 - Scribe and Polish Step 7 - Visual Inspection - Microscope Step 8 - Test the Connector Step 9 - The Quiz	molded plastic-molded metal- machined with SS ferrule strain relief boot - crimp sleeve - connector - dust cap
	While all "ST" style connectors are compatible - that is they can be mated with low loss - they may look different. Differences include the material used in the ferrule and the design of the locking nut. All use a 2.5 mm ferrule to hold and align the fiber. Ferrules can be made of ceramic materials (zirconia or alumina), stainless steel or plastics (usually liquid crystal polymers, which are very hard and stable over temperatures.) Ceramics are by far the most popular, for their high performance and low cost. It is vitally important that the ferrule have the proper size hole for the fiber. Most fibers are about 125 microns, so the hole in the ferrule is slightly larger. There are still some 100/140 micron fibers in use, and you will need special connectors for them. For singlemode termination, the connector can be fitted to the fiber by choosing ferrules with holes just slightly larger than the fiber. The nut on the ST has a spring-loaded bayonet lock that connects to two pins on the mating part. The nut can be machined or molded metal or molded plastic. All work equally well, although the metal types may be more durable for cables used as reference cables. Each connector comes in four parts, strain relief boot - crimp sleeve - connector - dust cap. The main body of the connector is epoxied to the fiber and the crimp sleeve tightly holds the aramid strength members of the cable to the body of the connector to provide a strong assembly. The strain relief boot keeps the cable from bending in too small a radius and breaking the fiber. The dust cap protects the end of the ferrule (and the fiber after termination) and should be left on the connector unless it is connected!
	Note: Some connectors may have slightly different construction. Some do not have a crimp sleeve, but rely on crimping the body of the connector onto the cable jacket and epoxying the aramid fibers to the connector. Connectors for 900 micron buffered fiber, such as found in distribution cables, may not need a crimp, as there are no strength members to crimp to, so they are epoxied to the fiber and a strain relief is attached. Hint: Make sure you have the termination instructions for the exact connector you are using before you start!
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