The F-Series coaxial connectors, N-Series coaxial connectors and BNC are all different. Be sure to consider the size of your coaxial cabling when choosing the connectors.
F Series Coaxial Connectors primarily connect satellite television, cable television, and security cameras. These connectors are made up of a centrally protruding cable, a ferrule crimped to the outer jacket, and a collar with a threaded hole for a secure connection.
N-Series coaxial connectors look very similar to F-Series, but they have a pin over the central conductor. They are also weather-proof. This type of connector can be used both for outdoor and backbone applications.
BNC Connector has a locking mechanism similar to the Bayonet Neill Concelman connector. It was invented by Paul Neill, and Carl Concelman. The BNC connector has a similar design as the F-series, with a central shield and ferule. It also features a rotating collar designed to connect securely to any female connector of another coaxial cable.
Fibre-Optic Connectors
You may be surprised to learn that there are more than 100 types of fibre-optic connectors on the market. There are only a handful of connectors that are used in the industry today, and these are ST, MT, RJ, FC and LC.
Most fiber-optic plugs and connectors are male connectors or plugs that have a protruding ferrule. This is to align the fibers before mating them with an adaptor or jack. Both are connected by screw-on, snap-in or bayonet methods. Fiber-optic connectors come in either duplex or simplex designs. Simplex and duplex are different in how they terminate the fiber. The simplex terminates only one fiber, while the duplex can terminate two.
ST CONNECTORS
STs are spring loaded connectors that have a bayonet mounting and a cylindrical ferrule of 2.5mm. They can be made from ceramic or polymer. These connectors are popular for multimode systems. However, due to their spring-loaded nature, it is vital to make sure that they are properly seated to prevent any loss.
SC CONNECTORS
The SC snap-in connectors are used widely due to their high performance and slightly higher cost than the ST. The snap-in connectors are also 2.5mm wide, just like the ST. They latch on using a simple push-pull action.
FC CONNECTORS
The FC connector was once the most popular single-mode connector, but it has been replaced by the SC or LC connector. The FC connector has a 2.5mm ferrule which screws onto the connector once it’s aligned correctly.
MT-RJ CONNECTORS
There are both male and feminine versions of these duplex connectors. These connectors have pins to align them and enclose the two fibers in a polymer ferrule.
LC CONNECTORS
They are popular for single-mode connectors, and they have good performance. The connectors use a ceramic ferrule of 1.25mm that can easily be terminated using adhesive.
Bridge Cable will gladly install your structured cabling system for you. Just give us a ring and we’ll send one of our technicians to assist you.
This post was written by Justin Tidd, Director at Becker Mining Communications! For over 15 years, Becker Communications has been the industry’s leader in increasingly more sophisticated electrical mining communication systems. As they expanded into surface mining, railroads, and tunneling they added wireless communication systems, handheld radios, tagging, and tracking systems, as well as gas monitoring. Click here to learn more!
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