SC Connectors (Subscriber Connector or Standard Connector) are a type of fiber optic
connectors. They are designed for data communications and are very common in the
world of business today. They feature a push-pull latching that allows for easy access and
removal. Under the International Electrotechnical Commission, Sc Connectors work
under the standard of IEC 61754-4.
How Fiber Optic Cables Work
SC Connectors are optical fiber connectors and are placed at the end of an optical fiber
wire. They enable optical fibers to be connected to other optical fibers without having to
splice the cable, which is often more difficult. The ends of the connectors on both wires
are either covered in glass or plastic. The glass or plastic from both connectors meets and
creates a pathway for the light to pass through. It is more efficient than a fiber splice
where light can be lost.
Technical Specifications
SC Connectors operate at an impedance of fifty ohms. They can operate at voltages of up
to one thousand volts and at frequencies up to eleven gigahertz.
New Cables
SC connectors are being phased out by large telecom corporations in favor of LC
Connectors or multi-fiber connectors. This reduces the size of the cable needed to be
exposed on the fixture and the faceplate, thereby creating more space. It also helps things
operate more efficiently with less bulk in the work area.
Single and Multi-Mode Fibers
An SC Connector can be used to join or end the connection on a single mode optical
fiber. Single-mode optical fibers are cable fibers capable of transmitting a single beam of
light at a time. Multi-mode fibers are capable of carrying multiple rays of light. In multi-
mode fibers, because multiple light signals and frequencies are being transmitted
simultaneously, distortion and interference occurs between the lines. Because of this,
light traveling in a single mod fiber is capable of higher data transfer rates than a multi-
mode fiber. Consequently, single mode fiber is more expensive.
Half Duplex and Full Duplex Connections
Half duplex SC connectors were the standard until a full duplex solution was crafted.
Half duplex connections are capable of transmitting data in two directions but not at the
same time. For instance, a computer was capable of sending a signal to a server and then
the server was capable of responding but the connection did not enable a send and receive
request at the same time. Full Duplex connections were enabled and now SC connectors
are capable of handling traffic in both directions.
