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LC UPC & APC Single‑Mode Fiber Connectors for High‑Quality Optical Performance
RJ‑45‑style push‑pull latching for tool‑free mating.
Available in UPC or APC (8° angle) polish. 1.25mm zirconia ferrule.
Typical IL ≤0.15dB (UPC) / ≤0.20dB (APC); RL ≥50dB (UPC) / ≥60dB (APC).
Color‑coded boots: blue (SM UPC), green (SM APC), aqua/beige (MM).
Flame‑retardant housing, rated >1.000 cycles.
What are LC UPC and APC Fiber Connectors?
The LC UPC and APC fiber connectors are precision termination devices that use a compact push‑pull latching mechanism and a 1.25mm zirconia ceramic ferrule to provide low‑loss, high‑reliability connections for single‑mode and multimode fibers. The UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) version features a slightly convex polished end‑face that delivers low insertion loss and good return loss, making it ideal for most data and telecom applications. The APC (Angled Physical Contact) version has an 8‑degree angled polish that significantly reduces back reflection, making it the preferred choice for high‑return‑loss applications such as FTTx, CATV, and analog video transmission.
LC UPC & APC Fiber Connectors Specification parameters
- Specification parameters
- OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS
| Item | UPC | APC | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Φ0.125mm | Φ0.25mm | Φ0.125mm | Φ0.25mm | |
| Radius of Curve(mm) | 7~25 | 10~25 | 5~12 | 5~12 |
| Return Loss(dB) | 50 | 50 | 55 | 55 |
| Apex Offset(um) | ≤50 | |||
| Fiber Height(nm) | -0.5 | |||
| Polishing Angle(°) | 8±0.3 | |||
| Testing wavelength(nm) | 1310 & 1550 | |||
| Insertion Loss | ≤0.3dB | |||
| Operating temperature | -40℃ ~ +80℃ | |||
| Cable diameter | 0.9mm, 2mm, 3mm | |||
| Service life | N＞1000 | |||
| Dust Cap | LDPE | |||
| Connectors type | LC | |||
| Polishing type | UPC, APC | |||
| Fiber type | Single-mode/Multi-mode | |||
| Port type | Simple, Double | |||
| Application | Drop cable / Patch cords / Pigtail | |||
Product Structure & Composition
LC Ferrule and Push‑Pull Latch
1.25mm zirconia ferrule ensures precise alignment. Push‑pull latch enables one‑handed mating/unmating – push to click, pull to release.
UPC and APC End‑Face Polishes
UPC (convex) and APC (8° angle) polishes available. APC directs reflected light away, drastically reducing back reflection.
Strain‑Relief Boot and Cable Compatibility
Flexible boot provides strain relief. Supports various cable diameters; color‑coded boots identify type (blue UPC, green APC, aqua/beige MM).
Benefits of LC UPC & APC Fiber Connectors
Superior Return Loss with APC Polish for Reflection‑Sensitive Links
The 8‑degree angled polish of the APC version provides return loss ≥60dB, effectively eliminating back reflections that can degrade analog video signals or cause laser instability in high‑speed digital systems. This makes APC the standard choice for FTTx, RF over fiber, and DWDM applications.
Engineering Applications LC UPC & APC Fiber Connectors
Optical fiber communication system.
Fiber Access Network
CATV
Optical fiber data communication
Shipping & Packaging
Product Comparison：
LC UPC vs. LC APC & Which Polish to Choose?
| Feature / Parameter | LC UPC Connector | LC APC Connector |
|---|---|---|
| Ferrule End‑Face Polish | Slightly convex, smooth surface (Ultra Physical Contact). | 8‑degree angled surface (Angled Physical Contact). |
| Typical Insertion Loss | ≤0.15dB (single‑mode), ≤0.10dB (multimode). | ≤0.20dB (single‑mode). |
| Typical Return Loss | ≥50dB (single‑mode), ≥35dB (multimode). | ≥60dB (single‑mode). |
| Reflection Suppression | Good - adequate for most digital signals. | Excellent - eliminates back reflections for analog and high‑speed digital. |
| Colour Coding (Housing / Boot) | Blue for single‑mode, aqua/beige for multimode. | Green for single‑mode (no multimode APC). |
| Typical Applications | Data centers, enterprise networks, general telecom, 10G‑400G Ethernet. | FTTH, PON, CATV, RF over fiber, DWDM, high‑power lasers. |
| Compatibility | Fully interoperable with all standard LC adapters. | Fully interoperable with standard LC adapters; however, mixing UPC and APC on the same link is not recommended. |
| Cost (Relative) | Slightly lower than APC due to simpler polishing process. | Slightly higher due to angled polishing and inspection requirements. |
| Field Termination Complexity | Simpler - standard polishing process. | More complex - requires precise angle control during polishing. |
| Best For | Cost‑sensitive, high‑density digital links. | Reflection‑sensitive, high‑performance, or long‑reach links. |
LC UPC & APC Fiber Connectors Selection Guide
How to Choose Between LC UPC and LC APC Connectors
Selecting the right connector type depends on your application and performance requirements. For digital data transmission in data centers, enterprise LANs, and standard telecom links, the UPC version offers excellent performance at a lower cost. It provides more than sufficient return loss for most Ethernet and Fibre Channel applications.
For analog video (CATV), FTTH/FTTx with PON, RF over fiber, or any system using high‑power lasers, the APC version is strongly recommended. The 8‑degree angle eliminates back reflections that can cause optical interference, signal distortion, or damage to sensitive transmitters.
Consider interoperability: UPC and APC connectors should not be mixed on the same link, as the angled and flat surfaces do not mate correctly, causing high loss. Always match the connector polish on both ends of a patch cord and on the mating adapters.
Finally, check your equipment’s specification. Many optical transceivers (SFP, SFP+, QSFP) accept UPC connectors by default, while certain PON OLT ports require APC. Consult your device datasheets to ensure compatibility.
Installation Instructions of LC UPC / APC Fiber Connectors
Preparing the Cable and Stripping
Strip jacket and buffer to specified lengths, exposing 2‑3mm bare fiber.
Ferrule Termination and Adhesive Curing
Inject epoxy, insert fiber fully, cure per guidelines, then cleave excess above ferrule end‑face.
Polishing for UPC or APC Finish
Polish ferrule end‑face with appropriate films (APC uses 8° jig), then inspect under 200x‑400x microscope for defects.
Final Assembly and Cable Management
Assemble housing, crimp boot, label fiber and polish type. Route cable with bend radius ≥10× diameter.
Download YRTFIBER Product Catalog
Factory Real Shot
Frequently Asked Questions & Quick Inquiry
LC UPC & APC Fiber Connectors FAQ
What is the insertion loss and return loss of these connectors?
Both UPC and APC types feature insertion loss ≤ 0.3 dB. UPC connectors achieve return loss ≥ 50 dB, while APC variants reach ≥ 55 dB, offering superior reflection suppression.
Which fiber diameters are supported?
These connectors accommodate both 0.125 mm and 0.25 mm fiber types, enabling compatibility with common single-mode optical fibers.
How tight can the fiber routing be?
UPC connectors support bend radii from 7 to 25 mm; APC connectors support even tighter bends from 5 to 12 mm, facilitating flexible cable routing.
Can these connectors be reused?
Yes, they are rated for over 1000 mating cycles and include LDPE dust caps, ensuring durability through repeated use.
Are they suitable for extreme environments?
Absolutely. Rated to operate from −40 °C to +80 °C, they maintain consistent performance in harsh conditions.
Do you offer customization or OEM options?
Yes, YRT Fiber welcomes OEM and ODM orders, including branded design, special packaging, and custom configurations.
What is the difference between UPC and APC?
UPC has a slightly convex polished end‑face that provides low insertion loss and good return loss. APC has an 8‑degree angled polish that significantly reduces back reflection, achieving higher return loss (≥60dB) at the cost of slightly higher insertion loss.
Can I mate a UPC connector with an APC connector?
No. The angled ferrule of APC will not mate correctly with the flat UPC ferrule, causing air gaps, high insertion loss, and potential damage to the ferrule end‑faces. Always use the same polish type on both sides of a connection.
Which polish type is better for FTTH?
APC is generally recommended for FTTH and PON applications because it provides superior return loss, reducing reflections that can degrade the performance of burst‑mode upstream signals.
What is the typical insertion loss of LC UPC vs APC?
LC UPC typical insertion loss is ≤0.15dB, while LC APC is ≤0.20dB. Both are well within the limits for most network standards.
How many mating cycles can these connectors withstand?
Both are rated for over 1,000 mating cycles with minimal increase in insertion loss (typically <0.1dB).
Are these connectors compatible with both single‑mode and multimode fibers?
Yes, but only specific variants. UPC is available for both single‑mode and multimode, while APC is typically offered only for single‑mode. The ferrule and polish are designed accordingly.
How do I identify UPC vs APC visually?
UPC connectors are colour‑coded blue (single‑mode) or aqua/beige (multimode). APC connectors are green for single‑mode. Additionally, the ferrule end‑face of APC will appear angled when viewed through a microscope.
Can I field‑terminate these connectors?
Yes, pre‑polished mechanical splice or epoxy‑crimp field‑termination kits are available for both UPC and APC. However, factory termination is recommended for best performance.
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