Page 147 - Optical Communications Essentials

Connectors and Splices

Connectors and Splices 137

Figure 8.15. Example of an MT-RJ connector clearly showing the strain-relief boot.
(Photo courtesy of Photonics Comm Solutions; www.photonicscomm.com.)

solution family include field-mountable connectors, duplex jumper cables,
hybrid jumper cables, and flylead terminations.

ESCON connector. IBM developed the Enterprise Systems Connection (ESCON
is a registered trademark of the IBM Corporation) duplex connector as a high-
speed communication interconnect between mainframe computers and storage
devices, peripheral control units, cluster controllers, and other networks. It has
a shockproof plastic housing with a retractable shroud to protect the ceramic
ferrules from damage.
Multiple-fiber connectors. The MPO connector, shown in Fig. 8.16, is one of sev-
eral variations of compact multiple-fiber connectors. They all use a simple push-
pull latching mechanism for easy and intuitive insertion and removal. The end
of the MPO connector may be polished flat or at an 8° angle. The MTO connec-
tor is the same size as the SC; but since it can accommodate a maximum of
12 fibers, it provides up to 12 times the density, thereby offering savings in cir-
cuit card and rack space.

8.7. Optical Splices

A fiber splice is a permanent or temporary low-loss bond between two fibers.
Such a bond can be made by using either fusion splicing or mechanical splicing.
Most splices are permanent and typically are used to create long optical links or
in situations where frequent connection and disconnection is not needed.
Temporary splices may be necessary or convenient when one is making

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