What is the Meaning of UPC and APC?
Whenever a connector is installed on the end of fiber, loss is incurred.
Some of this light loss is reflected directly back down the fiber towards the light
source that generated it. These back reflections will damage the laser light
sources and also disrupt the transmitted signal. To reduce back reflections, we
can polish connector ferrules to different finishes.
There are four types of connector ferrule polishing style in all. UPC and APC are two types of them. UPC stands for Ultra Physical Contact connector.
The current trend is using it in deadlines to allow operators to perform
networks tests for example by using an OTDR. APC stands for Angled Physical
Contact connector. APC is the most used polishing type nowadays.
Click here you can find more information about other types of
connectors.
Differences between UPC and APC Connector
Appearance
The main difference between UPC connector and APC connector is the fiber
endface. APC connectors have the endface that is polished at an eight degree
angle, while UPC connectors are polished with no angle, but UPC connectors have
a slight curvature.
Color
Color is another difference between UPC connector and APC connector, and
it is quite obvious. UPC connectors are blue and UPC connectors are green.
Insertion Loss
Different polishing styles determine the quality of optical fiber, which
results in different performances regarding the connector’s insertion loss and
return loss. Insertion loss refers to the signal loss caused by the connector
or cable. In general, the typical insertion loss of PC, UPC, and APC connectors
should be less than 0.3dB. Compared with APC connectors, UPC connectors are
usually easier to achieve low insertion loss due to the smaller air gap.
Return Loss
Return loss, also known as reflection loss, is a parameter representing
the signal reflection performance. The end faces of APC connectors are beveled,
so the return loss of APC connectors is usually better than UPC connectors. In
general, the return loss of the PC fiber cable is -40dB. UPC return loss is
higher relative to PC, generally at -55dB (or even higher). APC
industry-standard return loss is -65dB.
Application
APC is more suited for high bandwidth
applications and long distance links, such as FTTx, passive optical network
(PON) and wavelength division multiplex (WDM), they are more sensitive to
return loss. If the return loss requirement is not high, UPC is a better
choice.
Conclusion
Many people may ask which one is better, UPC
connector or APC connector? The answer is that it depends on your need, because
they have expertise in different places.
Baudcom offers all types of connectors. For more information, please visit Baudcom.
