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Substation Year 3 lvl 3 > Connectors and Splices > Flashcards

Connectors and Splices Flashcards

(90 cards)

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1
Q

What are the two main types of fiber-optic terminations?

A

(1) Connectors for temporary joints, and (2) Splices for permanent joints.

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2
Q

What two characteristics must all fiber-optic terminations have?

A

Good optical performance (low loss, minimal reflectance) and high mechanical strength.

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3
Q

What must fiber-optic terminations be compatible with?

A

The equipment being used and the environment in which they are installed.

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4
Q

Which fiber-optic component has received the most development attention?

A

The connector.

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5
Q

How many connector styles and installation methods exist?

A

Over 80 styles of connectors and about a dozen installation methods.

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6
Q

How many basic splice types exist, and how are they implemented?

A

Two basic types, with many implementation methods.

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7
Q

How do multimode and single-mode fiber terminations differ?

A

Multimode is easier and often done in the field; single-mode often uses fusion splicing with factory-made pigtails.

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8
Q

What is the typical process for terminating single-mode fibers?

A

Fusion splicing a factory pigtail to the installed cable.

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9
Q

Why is polishing critical in single-mode terminations?

A

It ensures low loss and reflectance, typically done in clean manufacturing environments.

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10
Q

What must be considered when choosing a connector type for installation?

A

Compatibility with the fiber-optic system, installer familiarity, and customer requirements.

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11
Q

What tool is typically used to test splice loss?

A

OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer).

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12
Q

What conditions help minimize connector or splice loss?

A

Identical and perfectly aligned fiber cores, proper finishing, and no dirt at the joint.

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13
Q

What happens to light that is not coupled into the receiving fiber’s core?

A

It is lost as connector or splice loss.

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14
Q

What two issues do end gaps between fibers cause?

A

Insertion loss and reflectance.

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15
Q

Why does insertion loss occur with end gaps?

A

Light from the transmitting fiber spills over the core of the receiving fiber and is lost.

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16
Q

Why does reflectance occur in fiber optic joints?

A

Light reflects at the air gap due to a change in refractive index from glass to air.

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17
Q

What are common causes of connector and splice loss?

A

Misalignment, surface dirt, and improper finishing.

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18
Q

What are common core sizes of fiber used today?

A

50/125 and 62.5/125.

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19
Q

Why might installers need to connect dissimilar fibers?

A

Due to differing systems or fiber size requirements.

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20
Q

How does core size mismatch affect loss?

A

Larger losses occur when transmitting from larger-core to smaller-core fibers due to directional loss.

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21
Q

What is the typical connector loss for factory-polished connectors?

A

Less than 0.3 dB.

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22
Q

What is the expected loss when using fusion splicing with a precision cleaver?

A

Around 0.5 dB.

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23
Q

What is the loss range for connectors using a simple cleaver?

A

Typically in the 0.75 dB range.

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24
Q

What is the main reason for directional loss in mismatched fibers?

A

Loss is greater when light travels from a larger to a smaller core due to overfill.

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25
What did the original Building Telecommunications Wiring Standard call for as a connector standard?
SC connectors.
26
What change did TIA/EIA-568-B make regarding connector standards?
Allowed any connector standardized by a fiber-optic intermateability document.
27
What are some examples of small form factor connectors?
LC, mechanical transfer registered jack, Panduit’s Opti-Jack, 3M Volition, E2000/LX-5, MU connector.
28
What is the ANSI/TIA-568 standard?
A family of telecommunications cabling standards that includes various approved connector types.
29
What was the first commercially available fiber-optic connector?
The Deutsch 1000.
30
How did the Deutsch 1000 connector hold fibers?
Using a mechanical splice secured by a tiny screw-tightened chuck.
31
What are the three most widely used fiber-optic connectors?
SC, ST, and LC connectors.
32
What is notable about the ST connector?
It was one of the first to use ceramic ferrules and is popular in multimode networks.
33
What makes the LC connector popular?
It offers high performance, is used in duplex form, and is easy to terminate with adhesive.
34
What type of ferrule do ST and LC connectors commonly use?
Ceramic ferrules.
35
What is the MTP connector used for?
It is a multifiber push-on connector, commonly used in high-density fiber installations.
36
Why are ceramic ferrules preferred in connectors?
They are durable, easy to polish, and offer stable performance.
37
What material is most commonly used for fiber-optic connector ferrules today?
Ceramic.
38
What are the typical ferrule diameters for SC/ST/FC and LC/MU connectors?
2.5 mm for SC, ST, and FC; 1.25 mm for LC and MU.
39
Why is ceramic an ideal material for ferrules?
It’s cheap to mold, temperature stable, similar in expansion to glass, hard (easy to polish), and bonds well with adhesives.
40
What problem does ceramic ferrule material help avoid?
“Pistoning” caused when ferrules come unglued due to thermal expansion mismatches.
41
How is the back of the ferrule typically secured to the connector body?
It is glued or crimped.
42
What component is used to secure jacketed simplex cables to the connector?
A crimp sleeve that binds the aramid strength members to the connector body.
43
What is the purpose of angling the end of a fiber connector ferrule 8 degrees?
To reduce reflectance by directing reflected light into the cladding.
44
What type of connector is created by angling the ferrule end?
Angled Physical Contact (APC) connector.
45
What reflectance level can APC connectors achieve?
Greater than –60 dB.
46
What was the traditional color code for multimode and single-mode connectors?
Multimode: orange, black, or gray; Single-mode: yellow.
47
Why did the use of metallic connectors complicate color coding?
Metallic bodies can’t be easily color-coded, so colored boots were used instead.
48
What are the ANSI/TIA-568 color codes for fiber connector bodies and boots?
Beige for multimode, aqua for laser-optimized multimode, blue for single-mode, green for APC single-mode.
49
Is it possible to install single-mode (SM) connectors in the field?
Yes, but expect higher loss and reflectance unless done expertly.
50
What is the purpose of using adhesives in fiber connector terminations?
To bond the fiber to the connector ferrule for low loss and long-term reliability.
51
Why should only manufacturer-approved adhesives be used in fiber connectors?
Because inappropriate adhesives (like Super Glue) can lead to bond failure and connector damage.
52
What is “pistoning” in fiber connectors?
When the fiber protrudes or recedes from the ferrule due to adhesive failure, causing high loss and damage.
53
What is the most common type of fiber-optic connector termination?
Epoxy-and-polish termination.
54
What is the process of epoxy-and-polish termination?
The fiber is glued into the connector with epoxy and the end is polished smooth.
55
What is the first step in the adhesive termination process?
Preparing the cable by stripping the outer jacket and cutting off strength members.
56
What tool is used to strip the fiber without damaging it?
A special stripping tool that removes the plastic buffer coating.
57
How is the fiber prepared for insertion into the connector?
It is cleaned, adhesive is applied, then the fiber is inserted and crimped into the connector body.
58
What happens after the adhesive sets during termination?
The fiber is cleaved close to the ferrule end.
59
What are the three steps in polishing a fiber after cleaving?
(1) Air polish to reduce fiber length, (2) polish on abrasive film on a rubber pad, and (3) finish with a polishing puck.
60
What tool is recommended for making low-loss mechanical splices?
A high-quality cleaver, like those used for fusion splicing.
61
Why do mechanical splices typically have higher loss than fusion splices?
Because they include both connection and splice loss.
62
What is the typical loss range for pre-polished mechanical splice connectors?
0.5 to 1 dB.
63
How can splice loss be optimized in the field?
By using a visual fault locator to verify and tweak the splice.
64
What are some key tips for successful field terminations?
• Follow manufacturer instructions • Confirm connector type with the customer • Avoid using untested connector types • Ensure proper tools are in good condition • Work in a clean environment • Avoid overpolishing • Change polishing film regularly
65
Why is documentation important during cable termination?
It helps with troubleshooting and satisfies customer expectations for quality and accountability.
66
What are nonfield terminations?
Prefabricated fiber-optic cabling systems assembled in a factory before installation.
67
What is the primary advantage of prefabricated fiber systems?
They save significant time and cost during installation.
68
What major application benefits most from prefabricated fiber systems?
Fiber-to-the-home installations.
69
What tools help plan prefabricated fiber-optic systems?
Computer-aided design (CAD) systems and design drawings.
70
What is a fusion splice?
A method of “welding” two fibers together using an electric arc.
71
Where should fusion splicing not be performed?
In enclosed or explosive environments, like manholes.
72
Where is fusion splicing usually performed for safety and space?
In trucks or trailers equipped for the purpose.
73
What makes single-mode fusion splicing highly reliable?
Automation and correct use of cleaning, cleaving, and splicing procedures.
74
Why might fusion splice points not appear in OTDR traces?
Because modern fusion splicing creates such precise, low-loss connections.
75
How many fibers can mass fusion splicers handle at once?
All 12 fibers in a ribbon cable.
76
What does the fusion splicing machine do after splicing is completed?
Inspects the splice, estimates optical loss, and indicates if a splice needs to be remade.
77
How is a fusion splice protected after completion?
With heat-shrink or clamshell-style permanent splice protectors.
78
What is mass (ribbon) fusion splicing?
A process where all 12 fibers in a ribbon cable are stripped, cleaved, and spliced as a unit.
79
What tools are needed for ribbon fiber splicing?
Special tools that can heat and cleave the entire ribbon at once.
80
What are mechanical splices?
Fixtures that align and hold two fiber ends together using index-matching gel or glue.
81
How is fiber depth controlled in mechanical splicing?
Splices are designed to limit fiber insertion to the stripped length of buffer coating.
82
What is the method for optimizing mechanical splice loss?
Use a visual fault locator and slightly adjust one fiber until light leakage is minimized.
83
What are essential practices for making low-loss splices?
• Use proper technique • Maintain clean and good-condition tools • Replace worn strippers and blades • Ensure high-quality cleaves on both fibers
84
Why are cleavers critical in fiber splicing?
They ensure precise cuts, which are essential for low-loss splices in both fusion and mechanical methods.
85
When might mechanical splices be preferred over fusion splices?
In multimode applications, except for underwater or aerial installs where fusion is better.
86
Which type of splice offers the best reliability?
Fusion splice, especially when properly made and sealed.
87
How do mechanical splices compare in terms of durability?
They are long-lasting but have less mechanical strength than fusion splices.
88
What is a key factor when choosing between mechanical and fusion splicing?
Cost and the number of splices required.
89
When is mechanical splicing more cost-effective?
For small volumes or when fusion splicing equipment is unavailable.
90
What are the connectors?
SC, ST, LC

Substation Year 3 lvl 3 (13 decks)

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