LC vs. SC Fiber Connectors: Which One Should You Choose？

LC fiber optic connector, SC fiber optic connector, fiber optic connector selection

- LC fiber optic connector overview

- SC fiber optic connector overview

- Comparison of physical characteristics

- Performance comparison

- Comparison of application scenarios

How to make choices

LC fiber optic connector overview

The LC fiber optic connector is a miniaturized fiber optic connector developed by the renowned Bell Labs. It uses a modular jack (RJ) latch mechanism and is only about half the size of the SC fiber optic connector. The compact design of the LC connector makes it a clear advantage in high-density cabling environments, such as data centers and server rooms. It is easy to plug and unplug, and has good repeatability and interchangeability.

SC fiber optic connector overview

The SC fiber optic connector was developed by NTT Corporation of Japan. It is a square fiber optic connector with a plug-and-drop pin latch structure. The housing of the SC connector is usually rectangular for easy installation and use. It is widely used in single-mode fiber optic connections, especially in telecommunications and cable TV networks. SC connectors have the advantages of high reliability, relatively low cost, and ease of operation and maintenance.

physical property comparison

In terms of size, LC connectors are significantly smaller. This allows more LC connectors to be accommodated in the same space, increasing the wiring density. Although SC connectors are larger in size, they are also easier to grasp during operation due to their larger size. They are more suitable for some occasions where operation accuracy is not so high. In terms of interface types, LC connectors are commonly available in simplex and duplex, and SC connectors are also divided into simplex and duplex. In addition, the end face of the LC connector is mostly polished by PC (physical contact), UPC (meta-physical contact) or APC (angular physical contact), etc. SC connectors also have similar polishing options. Different polishing methods will affect the connector's insertion loss and return loss performance indicators.

performance comparison

In terms of insertion loss, both high-quality LC and SC connectors can achieve lower insertion loss, generally below 0.2dB, meeting the requirements of most fiber optic communication systems. However, in some long-distance transmission systems that are extremely demanding on insertion loss, it may be necessary to select and test the connector more accurately. In terms of return loss, both APC grinding LC and SC connectors can provide higher return loss values, reaching more than -60dB, effectively reducing the reflection of optical signals. However, in application scenarios such as ordinary local area networks, UPC grinding connectors can also meet the needs. In addition, in terms of durability, both have undergone a lot of plug and unplug tests and have good durability. In general, LC connectors may require more careful maintenance after multiple plugging and unplugging due to their smaller size and precise structure, while SC connectors are relatively more solid.

application scenario comparison

In the field of data centers, due to the high demand for space utilization, LC connectors have become the mainstream choice due to their miniaturization. It can realize the connection of a large number of optical fibers in a limited rack space, improving the wiring efficiency. In the backbone of telecommunications networks, SC connectors are widely used. Because telecommunications networks have high requirements for the reliability and stability of connectors, the larger size of SC connectors makes them easier to operate during installation and maintenance, and its cost advantage also meets the needs of large-scale deployment by telecom operators. In cable television networks, SC connectors can also be seen, which can meet the basic requirements of signal transmission and are relatively simple to install and maintain.

How to make choices

The choice of LC or SC fiber optic connectors requires a comprehensive consideration of several factors. If it is in an environment with limited space and high requirements for wiring density, such as in a server cabinet in a data center, LC connectors are undoubtedly a better choice. It can achieve efficient fiber optic connections in a small space. SC connectors may be more suitable in scenarios such as large-scale deployment and cost-sensitive telecommunications and cable TV networks. In addition, specific performance requirements, such as insertion loss and return loss, need to be considered, and the appropriate grinding method and connector type should be selected according to the actual transmission distance and signal quality requirements.