SC UPC and SC APC are two types of singlemode fiber connectors distinguished by their endface polish, affecting return loss and reflection, with APC offering superior performance for reflection-sensitive applications.
SC (Subscriber Connector or Standard Connector) is a widely used fiber optic connector with a 2.5 mm ferrule, commonly deployed in FTTH, enterprise networks, and high-frequency systems.
The difference between UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) and APC (Angled Physical Contact) lies in the shape of the fiber endface:
SC/UPC: Features a flat or slightly convex endface, allowing direct physical contact between fiber cores. It achieves a return loss of approximately >55 dB, suitable for most digital and analog transmission systems
.SC/APC: Features an 8-degree angled endface, which redirects reflected light into the fiber cladding rather than back to the source. This design significantly reduces back-reflection, achieving a return loss of around >55dB, making it ideal for RF, CATV, L-Band satellite, and other high-frequency applications.
Insertion Loss: Both connector types typically achieve 0.3 dB when manufactured correctly, ensuring efficient light transmission
Applications
SC/UPC: Commonly used in Ethernet, GPON, and general digital data systems where moderate reflection control is sufficient
SC/APC: Preferred for analog video, CATV overlays, RFoG, GPS, and other high-frequency or reflection-sensitive system
What's in the box
1 x Fiber Patch Cord SC/UPC-SC/APC Simplex Single Mode 1M 2.0
