In addition to our standard line of WDM passives, Champion ONE offers a wide range of customizable options to fit your network’s exact needs. These options include a wide array of channel plans, form factors, and even the physical connectors themselves. In this article, we will look into the connector options and explain the common uses behind them.

Connector Background

As shown below, there is a wide range of connector options available for the world of optical networking and legacy applications. However, we will be focusing on SC and LC connectors that are single-mode fiber (SMF-28 or equivalent). These are the most widely used in WDM applications.

Both of these connectors may include two polish options at the connection point with the fiber cable, ultra-physical contact (UPC), and angled physical contact. While UPC connections provide a flush connection between the connector and the cable, APC connectors are polished at an 8° angle. This angled connection allows for improved back-reflection performance; the angle reflects light directly into the fiber cladding instead of back into the source. APC and UPC polish are readily distinguished by green.

Use on Passive Filters

For most applications, we recommend LC/UPC connectors. They offer the best balance of size, loss, and back-reflection performance. However, the slightly higher back-reflection characteristics of APC connectors (LC or SC) become necessary for applications with higher launch power requirements. Therefore, these connectors have become the de facto standard for PON and video overlay applications.

For more on which passive filter best suits your application, contact us today and set up a meeting with our WDM experts.