2024-03-11
Customers often request fiber optic patch cords with extremely low insertion loss. For example, a few days ago, a customer ordered APC fiber optic patch cords with an insertion loss of less than 0.16dB. Only a few fiber optic patch cord manufacturers can produce such high-grade patch cords, but the cost is much higher than that of telecom-grade patch cords. So, is it better for fiber optic patch cords to have lower insertion loss?
The answer is negative!
As a device for jump connection signals and connecting optical paths, while lower insertion loss in fiber optic patch cords results in less attenuation, blindly pursuing excessively high optical parameter requirements requires a significant improvement in the materials and processes of fiber optic patch cords, leading to high costs and inappropriate cost-effectiveness. In the design of optical systems, the design power of the light source will have a reserved amount, which is greater than the actual applied power. By using optical attenuators, splitters, and other devices, the power is reduced to the actual power value required for use.
So, for fiber optic patch cords serving as connectors, meeting telecom-grade requirements for insertion loss is sufficient. A patch cord with insertion loss ≤0.3dB is completely qualified and can meet the usage needs of most customers. If you want to improve the performance of fiber optic patch cords, such as interchangeability, reliability, and consistency, fiber optic patch cord manufacturers recommend using patch cords with interferometric (3D) end faces. This is the current international standard for high-quality fiber optic patch cords.
Finally, when selecting fiber optic patch cords, it's important to determine the parameter requirements based on the usage scenario and choose the most suitable product!
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