Connectors

Connectors are a type of fiber optic hardware that is installed on to the end of a fiber cable creating a cable assembly or pig-tail. Connectors are used to attach a cable assembly to a receiver, transmitter, transceiver, or other device.

Commonly used fiber optic connectors include:

ST: Slotted bayonet type connector, long ferrule.
FC: Screw-on connector.
SC: Push/pull connector.
LC: Like ST connector, but ferrule is half the size.
MT-RJ: Connector for duplex fiber with both fibers in one ferrule.
MU: Like SC connector, but ferrule is half the size.
E-2000: A versatile small form factor connector, that may have an electrical termination, developed by Diamond.
MTP®: Multi-fiber connector housing up to 24 fibers in a single ferrule, manufactured by US Connec Ltd.
MPO: Multi-fiber connector housing up to 24 fibers in a single ferrule
SMA: Connector that uses threaded interface, developed in 1960s and still used today.
MPX®: Multi-fiber connector with 4-24 fiber terminated in single ferrule, manufactured by Molex
HBMT: High Density Backplane MT connector that uses standard MT ferrule as the optical interface, and provides up to 96 fiber interconnects.