FC Connectors Explained

Published: February 11, 2025

, Last updated: February 12, 2025

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FC Connectors, also known as Ferrule Core Connectors, are often referred to by various names like "Fiber Channel" or "Frank Charlie" in the industry. Developed by NTT (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone) in the late 1970s as the "Field-Assembly Connector," FC Connectors were the first to feature a ceramic ferrule. They are compatible with other connector types like SC and ST, typically featuring stainless steel or plastic bodies. Their screw-design and alignment key make them ideal for single-mode fibers.

The FC Connector pioneered low loss (below 0.5dB) for single-mode fibers without active alignment by utilizing a floating split sleeve in the adapter. This innovation, along with the transition to all-ceramic ferrules, significantly improved connection quality. Enhancements like index matching gel and anti-reflective coatings were once common but became unnecessary with the advent of PC Ferrules, which have radiused end-faces.

Despite their historical prevalence, FC Connectors are less favored in modern networks due to the cumbersome screw mechanism, which is less suitable for high-density applications. They've largely been supplanted by easier-to-use LC and SC Connectors, although they retain a 2.5 mm ferrule like ST and SC. The threaded design, however, ensures a secure, high-quality connection, making them suitable for high-speed storage area networks (SANs).

FC Connectors are particularly effective in environments requiring consistent data transmission, such as video streaming, where maintaining connection integrity is crucial. They are also used in measurement equipment and single-mode lasers, providing reliable connections in field applications like OTDRs. Their durability makes them well-suited for harsh conditions in industrial or maritime settings.

Key features of FC Connectors include:

Durability for frequent connections/disconnections
Support for high-speed data transmission (up to 64 Gbps)
Stable, secure connections via threaded design
Cost-effectiveness compared to other connectors

The FC/PC (Physical Contact) and FC/APC (Angled Physical Contact) connectors are standardized under TIA EIA/TIA-604-4 and IEC 61754-13. For APC connectors, understanding the difference between step and conical ferrules is crucial for proper polishing. FC/APC Connectors come with different key widths tailored to specific loss requirements.

Assembly of the FC Connector requires specific equipment and processes. Fiber Optic Center is the industry leader for recommended FC Connector materials and equipment designed specifically for FC assemblies. Integrating our manufacturing knowledge into our customers’ worldwide operations begins with the best practices and selections.

About the Author

Kathleen Skelton Kathleen Skelton, Director of Strategic Marketing, has worked in the fiber optic, cable and connector industries for over three decades. Her core competencies in fiber optics include technologies that enable the growth, integration and performance scalability of voice, data and video communications networks and services, having worked with a majority of the strategy managers in the industry during her tenure with Lightwave. Kathleen’s marketing expertise resides in business development, strategic and digital best practices and content management. Kathleen resides outside of Boston, MA with her family. Follow @KATHLEENSKELTON

Ron Schutjens Ron Schutjens joined the Fiber Optic Center, Inc. (FOC) technical team in 2023 with his extensive knowledge of the complete fiber optic assembly process and equipment in high-volume and high-variation environments. After graduating with a MSc. in applied physics, Ron started his career in fiber optics, after relocating to Florida. Having more of an affinity for hands-on engineering, he married his education with learning the processes and equipment and quickly moved up to a manufacturing engineer position at a cable assembly house. His experience includes Compulink, later Leviton, mainly serving the commercial telecommunication industry in fiber optics assemblies. During his time as manufacturing engineer, Ron has been part of many projects for product improvements and qualifications during the design and production scale up phases. At FOC, Ron offers his practical experience working directly on the production floor to service customers, embracing challenges, and offering process improvements.

About Fiber Optic Center, Inc.

Fiber Optic Center, Inc., (FOC), is an international leader in distributing fiber optic components, equipment and supplies and has been helping customers make the best cable assemblies in the world for over two decades. Several areas of specialization and expertise, in which they are the industry leader, make them the preferred choice for many of the world’s fiber professionals. In these key technology areas, FOC is "at least as technical as the manufacturer" about the products they sell. Striving to "make the business part easy," they offer outstanding and personal customer service, low or no minimum purchase order values, and from-stock delivery on industry-leading products and technology. FOC is the industry connection to the most innovative optical products, technologies and technical experts who integrate their manufacturing knowledge and vast experience into customers' worldwide operations. @FiberOpticCntr

For further information contact:

Fiber Optic Center, Inc., 23 Centre Street, New Bedford, MA 02740-6322
Toll Free in US: 800-IS-FIBER or 800-473-4237 . Direct 508-992-6464. Email: sales@focenter.com or fiberopticcenter@focenter.com

For media contact:

Kathleen Skelton, Director of Strategic Marketing, C: 617-803-3014 . E: kskelton@focenter.com

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