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Reference
Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements
tions take repeatability uncertainty into account?
• Will a connector degrade the return loss too much, or will a fusion splice be re-
quired? For example, many DFB lasers cannot operate with reflections from
connectors. Often as much as 90 dB isolation is needed.
Figure 4-3. Basic components of a connector.
Over the last few years, the FC/PC style connector has emerged as the most
popular connector for fiber-optic applications. While not the highest perform-
ing connector, it represents a good compromise between performance, reli-
ability, and cost. If properly maintained and cleaned, this connector can
withstand many repeated connections.
However, many instrument specifications require tighter tolerances than most
connectors, including the FC/PC style, can deliver. These instruments cannot
tolerate connectors with the large non-concentricities of the fiber common
with ceramic style ferrules. When tighter alignment is required, HP instru-
ments typically use a connector such as the Diamond HMS-10, which has con-
centric tolerances within a few tenths of a micron. HP then uses a special
universal adapter, which allows other cable types to mate with this precision
connector. See
Figure 4-4 on page
4-12.
4-11
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