Optical connector variation is a measure of the maximum difference in insertion loss between mating optical connectors. Insertion loss is the measure of the amount of signal power lost when a signal is sent through a cable, connector, or other components. The optical connector variation measures the maximum amount of signal power that can be lost when two optical connectors are mated.
The optical connector variation is important to consider when selecting cables and connectors, as it directly impacts signal integrity. A higher optical connector variation means that two connectors that were mated together will have a greater difference in insertion loss than two other connectors that were mated together. This can lead to signal distortion, or even the complete loss of a signal, and should be taken into account when choosing cables and connectors.
The optical connector variation can be affected by several factors, such as temperature cycling, remating, and other environmental conditions. Temperature cycling causes the connectors to expand and contract, which can lead to a greater difference in insertion loss between two connectors that were mated together. Remating also can affect the optical connector variation, as the connectors may have shifted slightly, causing a difference in insertion loss.
When selecting cables and connectors, it is important to consider the optical connector variation. This will ensure that the signal is transmitted accurately and without distortion. The optical connector variation should be taken into account when choosing cables and connectors, as it can have a major impact on signal integrity. It is important to choose connectors and cables with a low optical connector variation, to ensure that the signal is transmitted accurately.
