Performance of Fiber Optic Connectors

The performance of fiber optic connectors is primarily based on their optical properties, as well as their interchangeability, repeatability, tensile strength, temperature, and number of insertions and removals.
(1) Optical performance: The requirements for the optical performance of fiber optic connectors mainly include the two most basic parameters of insertion loss and return loss.
Insertion loss, also known as connection loss, refers to the loss of effective optical power in the link caused by the introduction of connectors. The smaller the insertion loss, the better, and generally it should not exceed 0.5dB.
Return loss refers to the ability of a connector to suppress the reflection of link optical power, and its typical value should not be less than 25dB. The connectors used in practical applications have undergone specialized polishing treatment on the surface of the pins, which can increase the return loss, generally not less than 45dB.
(2) Interchangeability and repeatability
Fiber optic connectors are universal passive components, and for the same type of fiber optic connector, they can generally be combined and reused multiple times, resulting in additional losses generally within the range of less than 0.2dB.
(3) Tensile strength
For well made fiber optic connectors, it is generally required that their tensile strength should not be less than 90N.
(4) Temperature
Generally, fiber optic connectors must be able to function properly at temperatures ranging from -40oC to+70oC.
(5) Number of insertions and removals
The currently used fiber optic connectors can generally be plugged and unplugged more than 1000 times.