The end face of a ferrule is the end of the component that is exposed to the environment and is used to connect the cable to another component. This end must be finished and polished to ensure that the connection is secure and that no backreflection or connector loss occurs.
The most common polishing types used for the end face of a ferrule are PC (Physical Contact), UPC (Ultra Physical Contact), and APC (Angled Physical Contact). The PC polish is the most basic, with a flat end face at a right angle to the ferrule end face. This type of polish is used in applications that require a high return loss, such as fiber-optic networks. The UPC and APC polishes are more advanced, with an angled end face that reduces backreflection even further.
The end face of a ferrule is important for a secure connection, as it ensures that the end of the ferrule is properly aligned with the end of the component it is connecting to. A properly aligned connection minimizes connector loss, which could result in a poor-quality connection or even a complete disruption of the network. Additionally, the end face of a ferrule needs to be properly polished to minimize backreflection, which can cause interference and disruptions to the network.
In conclusion, the end face of a ferrule is an important component of cable connections. It must be finished and polished to ensure a secure connection with minimal backreflection or connector loss. The most common polishing types used are PC, UPC, and APC, with APC being the most advanced. Properly aligning and polishing the end face of a ferrule is essential for maintaining a reliable connection and avoiding interference or disruptions to the network.