Fibre Termination

Fibre Termination Methods

This section is intended to introduce the various methods which exist for the termination of fibre optic cables. At Ramick Computing, each field Fibre Engineer is capable of the actual practical aspects of carrying out the termination using each of the different methods (such as Direct Termination and Fusion Splicing).

Fibre to fibre interconnection can consist of a splice (permanent connection) or a connector which differs from the splice in its ability to be disconnected and reconnected. Fibre optic connector types are as various as the applications for which they were developed. Different connector types have different characteristics, different advantages and disadvantages, and different performance parameters. But all connector have the same four basic components:

The Ferrule:

The fibre is mounted in a long, thin cylinder, the ferrule, which acts as a fibre alignment mechanism. The ferrule is bored through the centre at a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the fibre cladding. The end of the fibre is located at the end of the ferrule. Ferrules are typically made of metal or ceramic, but they may also be constructed of plastic.

The Connector Body:

Also called the connector housing, the connector body holds the ferrule. It is usually constructed of metal or plastic and includes one or more assembled pieces which hold the fibre in place. The details of these connector body assemblies vary among connectors, but bonding and/or crimping is commonly used to attach strength members and cable jackets to the connector body. The ferrule extends past the connector body to slip into the coupling device.

The Cable:

The cable is attached to the connector body. It acts as the point of entry for the fibre. Typically, a strain-relief boot is added over the junction between the cable and the connector body, providing extra strength to the junction.

The Coupling Device:

Fibre Optics | Fibre Termination |  Fusion Splicing | OTDR Testing | Installation