Fiber patch cords is an essential connection line in fiber wiring, in the purchase of fiber patch cord, we always see PC/APC/UPC words, such as LC/UPC, FC/UPC, SC/APC or ST/PC patch cord and so on, so you know what PC/APC/UPC represents? Is the SFP optical module compatible with PC/APC/UPC fiber patch cord?Through the detailed introduction of this article, I believe you will find the answer.

PC/APC/UPC refers to different grinding methods of optical fiber connector on fiber patch cord, and different grinding methods determine the transmission quality of optical fiber, which is mainly reflected in return loss and insertion loss.

PC is physical contact.It is the most common grinding method of optical fiber connector on optical fiber patch cord, and the return loss of optical fiber patch cord using PC grinding method is -40db.

UPC is super physical contact. Evolved from the PC, with a better surface finish, the return loss is generally -50dB.

APC is angular physical contact.The end face is ground into an 8 degree Angle, which can effectively reduce reflection, and the return loss is about -60db.APC can only be connected to APC.Since the APC structure is completely different from UPC, if the two connectors are connected with a adapter, the optical fiber end face of the connector will be damaged.

How to choose PC/APC/UPC fiber patch cord correctly for SFP optical module？

As we known, SFP optical modules have two transmission channel ports, one of which is used to transmit signals and the other is used to receive signals. Usually, the transmission of signals needs to be realized through fiber patch cord. The above mentioned PC/APC/UPC fiber optic patch cords of three different grinding types. Can these three fiber patch cords be used with SFP optical modules?

The connection port of SFP optical module is flat. Since the fiber-optic end face structure of PC and UPC is flat (with slight bending), it can be connected with fiber patch cord of PC and UPC.APC is completely different from PC and UPC in fiber end face structure, so SFP optical module cannot be connected with APC fiber patch cord.If the connection is forced, the connector can be damaged, resulting in an invalid connection or network failure.

In a word, PC and UPC fiber patch cord can be used in Ethernet equipment such as fiber switch, and it can be used in combination with SFP optical module.APC fiber patch cord is mainly used in FTTx, passive optical network (PON) and WDM, and it is best not to use with SFP optical module.The specific choice depends on your network needs, ETU-Link can provide you with PC/APC/UPC fiber patch cord with different grinding mode and SFP optical module, for more details please visit ETU-Link website or call the hotline 0755-23284603.