UniCam® Connectors

UniCam® connectors are becoming very popular, simplifying the termination of fiber connectors. When installed correctly, UniCam connectors can produce mated losses as low as 0.2 dB for the LC UniCam. However, the Fluke Networks Technical Assistance Center has received the occasional call related to high losses when testing fiber optic links using UniCam connectors. Test Methods is often an issue so please take advantage of the articles listed below first:
 

ANSI/TIA-568-C testing LC to LC Duplex Multimode ANSI/TIA-568-C testing LC to LC Duplex Singlemode ANSI/TIA-568-C testing SC to SC Duplex Multimode ANSI/TIA-568-C testing SC to SC Duplex Singlemode ANSI/TIA-568-C testing SC/APC to SC/APC Duplex Singlemode ANSI/TIA-568-C testing ST to ST Duplex Multimode ANSI/TIA-568-C testing ST to ST Duplex Singlemode

 
  

ANSI/TIA-568-C testing LC to LC Duplex Multimode ANSI/TIA-568-C testing LC to LC Duplex Singlemode ANSI/TIA-568-C testing SC to SC Duplex Multimode ANSI/TIA-568-C testing SC to SC Duplex Singlemode ANSI/TIA-568-C testing SC/APC to SC/APC Duplex Singlemode ANSI/TIA-568-C testing ST to ST Duplex Multimode ANSI/TIA-568-C testing ST to ST Duplex Singlemode

Out of interest, a joint study was conducted between Corning and Fluke Networks to compare test instruments on a set of links built by Corning which included UniCam connectors as well as traditional epoxy polished connectors.  
 
In July 2009, Corning built the following fiber links: 

• 12 Fiber, 50um, 175ft. in Length, Qty. 6 SC UniCam, Qty. 6 LC UniCam 
• 12 Fiber, 50um, 175ft. in Length, Qty. 6 SC Epoxy/Polish, Qty. 6 LC Epoxy/Polish 
• 12 Fiber, SM, 175ft. in Length, Qty. 6 SC UniCam, Qty. 6 LC UniCam 
• 12 Fiber, SM, 175ft. in Length, Qty. 6 SC Epoxy/Polish, Qty. 6 LC Epoxy/Polish

Corning tested these links in their laboratory using the Corning OTS-600 Optical Loss Test Set. The links were then shipped to Fluke Networks and tested using the DTX-MFM2 and DTX-SFM2 Fiber Adapters for the DTX CableAnalyzer. The results were then compiled into a spreadsheet to view the difference between the instruments.

• Click here to download the spreadsheet containing the test results/comparisons.

The results are within normal variability and essentially the same for the different test instruments. These comparisons demonstrate the importance of careful installation practices and suggests that there is a certain amount of skill required to successfully terminate a UniCam connector.
 
Corning has an excellent video for the UniCam Pretium connector, you can find it on the Corning website. Specifically, it shows how to automate the process using a special tool shown below:

 UniCam® is a registered trade mark of Corning Cable Systems Brands, Inc.