What is a 12-Core SC/APC to LC/UPC Fiber Optic Patch Cord?
12-core SC/APC to LC/UPC fiber optic patch cord is a multi-fiber cable assembly that consolidates 12 optical paths into one cable. The SC/APC end features an 8-degree angled ferrule (return loss ≥60 dB); the LC/UPC end uses a 1.25 mm small form-factor ceramic ferrule (return loss ≥50 dB) - directly mating with SFP, SFP+, XFP transceivers.
This hybrid-polish single mode duplex patch cord bridges SC-interface OLT, PLC splitters, and ODF panels to LC-interface data center switches and media converters - no intermediate adapters needed. One 12-core assembly replaces six duplex jumpers, significantly cutting cable tray fill and installation labor.
Available in single mode (9/125 OS1, OS2) and multimode (50/125, 62.5/125). Riser, plenum, and LSZH jacket options. Full OEM/ODM customization supported. Not sure which connector fits your setup? Read our LC vs SC connector comparison guide.
Specification
| Parameter | Unit | FC, SC, LC/ Armoured fiber patch cord | ST, MU | MT-RJ, MPO | E2000 | ||||||||
| SM | MM | SM | MM | SM | MM | SM | |||||||
| PC | UPC | APC | PC | PC | UPC | PC | PC | UPC | PC | PC | APC | ||
| Insertion loss(typical) | dB | ≤0.3 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.3 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.3 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.3 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.3 | ≤0.3 |
| Return loss | dB | ≥45 | ≥50 | ≥60 | ≥30 | ≥45 | ≥50 | ≥30 | ≥45 | ≥50 | ≥35 | ≥55 | ≥75 |
| Operating wavelength | nm | 1310, 1550 | 1310, 1550 | 1310, 1550 | 1310, 1550 | ||||||||
| Exchangeability | dB | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ||||||||
| Vibration | dB | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ||||||||
| Operating temperature | ℃ | -40~75 | -40~75 | -40~75 | -40~75 | ||||||||
| Storage temperature | ℃ | -45~85 | -45~85 | -45~85 | -45~85 | ||||||||
| Cable diameter | mm | φ3.0, φ2.0, φ0.9 | φ3.0, φ2.0, φ0.9 | φ3.0, φ2.0, φ0.9 | φ3.0, φ2.0, φ0.9 | ||||||||
Connectivity Solutions
Hybrid-Polish SC-LC: One Cable, Two Connector Ecosystems
SC/APC end → OLT, PLC splitter, CWDM/DWDM mux, CATV headend. LC/UPC end → SFP/SFP+/XFP/QSFP transceiver ports on switches and routers. Eliminates the adapter layer that traditional APC-to-APC + UPC-to-UPC setups require, reducing mating points and total link loss in a single custom-length fiber optic cable assembly.
Features
≥60 dB Return Loss
SC/APC 8-degree angled ferrule deflects back reflections into the cladding, achieving ≥60 dB return loss - critical for GPON, CATV RF overlay, and DWDM systems.
12-Fiber High-Density
LC's 1.25 mm ferrule (IEC 61754-20) enables SFF high-density connections for SFP, XFP, SFP+ transceivers. One 12-core assembly replaces six duplex jumpers - fewer cables, fewer mating points.
Snap-In & Wide Temp Range
RJ45-style locking tab - injection-molded to resist pulls, strains, and impacts. Operating range –40 °C to +75 °C covers outdoor cabinets to tropical telecom shelters.
100 % Optically Tested
Every fiber core individually inspected and tested - insertion loss ≤0.2 dB (UPC) / ≤0.3 dB (APC). Test report included in every package.
Singlemode or Multimode - Riser or Plenum Rated
Single mode (9/125 OS1, OS2), multimode (50/125, 62.5/125). PVC, LSZH, OFNR riser, or OFNP plenum jackets. Cable diameter φ0.9 / φ2.0 / φ3.0 mm. Fully customizable lengths and color-coding - contact us for OEM/ODM SC-LC patch cord service. Need an LC-to-LC or other connector combination? We offer all major connector types.
Designed for Back-Reflection-Sensitive Networks
APC's 8-degree geometry redirects reflections into the cladding instead of back into the laser source - protecting sensitive optics across these architectures:
Application Scenarios
FTTH / GPON Central Office
- OLT PON ports (SC/APC) → PLC splitter inputs (LC/UPC), single cable run, no adapter panels
- 12-fiber consolidation reduces ODF front-panel congestion in high-subscriber-density sites
- ≥60 dB return loss supports GPON and XGS-PON optical budget requirements
DWDM / Long-Haul Transport
- Interconnects DWDM mux/demux, EDFA amplifiers, and ROADM nodes where minimal back reflection maintains OSNR
- One 12-core cable carries multiple wavelength channels between adjacent rack modules
- Low insertion loss (≤0.3 dB APC / ≤0.2 dB UPC per mating) preserves link budget
Data Center & Enterprise LAN
- SC-terminated ODF → LC-equipped ToR switches and SFP+/QSFP bays, one trunk cable
- One 12-core cable replaces a full bundle of duplex patch cords between distribution and access layers
- LSZH / OFNP / OFNR jacket options meet data center fire safety codes
5G Fronthaul & C-RAN
- BBU pool → fiber distribution frame → RRU sites, carrying eCPRI/CPRI over singlemode fiber
- 12-core trunk serves up to 6 bi-directional radio paths from a single BBU shelf
- –40 °C to +75 °C operating range supports climate-controlled hubs and unheated roadside cabinets
Customization Configurator
Every network is different. Configure your SC-LC fiber optic patch cord assembly to match your exact project requirements:
| Configuration | Available Options |
| Fiber Count | 2 · 4 · 6 · 8 · 12 (standard) · 24 cores |
| Connector A (End 1) | SC/APC · SC/UPC · SC/PC |
| Connector B (End 2) | LC/UPC · LC/APC · LC/PC |
| Fiber Type | OS1/OS2 Single Mode 9/125 µm · OM3 50/125 · OM4 50/125 · OM1 62.5/125 |
| Jacket Material | PVC (standard) · LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) · OFNR (Riser) · OFNP (Plenum) |
| Cable Diameter | φ0.9 mm · φ2.0 mm · φ3.0 mm |
| Cable Length | Custom cut - 0.5 m to 300 m |
| Color Coding | TIA-598 standard color sequence · Custom colors on request |
Need help choosing the right configuration? Our engineering team can recommend the optimal fiber type, jacket rating, and connector polish based on your network architecture. Contact us for a free consultation and quote.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between SC/APC and LC/UPC polish, and why use a hybrid-polish patch cord?
A: SC/APC connectors feature an 8-degree angled ferrule that delivers return loss ≥60 dB - ideal for reflection-sensitive systems like GPON, CATV, and DWDM. LC/UPC connectors use a curved flat ferrule with return loss ≥50 dB, widely adopted for SFP/SFP+ transceiver ports in switches. A hybrid SC/APC-to-LC/UPC patch cord lets you directly connect APC-polished OLT or splitter ports to UPC-polished switch ports without intermediate adapters, reducing both link loss and cabling complexity. Learn more about common fiber optic connector types.
Q: Why choose a 12-core patch cord instead of multiple duplex jumpers?
A: A single 12-core cable replaces six individual duplex patch cords. This consolidation significantly reduces cable tray fill, lowers installation time, and decreases the total number of mating points - which is a primary source of signal loss and contamination failures in fiber networks. For central offices, data centers, and telecom rooms managing hundreds of connections, 12-core assemblies deliver meaningful savings in space, time, and ongoing maintenance effort.
Q: What fiber modes and jacket options are available?
A: We supply SC-LC cable assemblies in single mode (9/125 OS1, OS2) and multimode (50/125 and 62.5/125). Jacket options include PVC (standard), LSZH (low smoke zero halogen), and fire-rated riser (OFNR) or plenum (OFNP) jackets. Cable diameters of φ0.9 mm, φ2.0 mm, and φ3.0 mm are available. Contact us for specific configuration requirements.
Q: Can I order custom lengths, fiber counts, and connector combinations?
A: Yes. We support full OEM/ODM customization. You can specify custom cable lengths, choose fiber counts from 2 to 24 cores, select jacket material and color-coding, and configure any connector polish combination. Contact our sales team to discuss your project specifications.
Q: What quality testing does each patch cord undergo before shipment?
A: Our patch cords are 100% optically inspected and tested. Each fiber core undergoes end-face inspection and optical measurement for insertion loss and return loss. Insertion loss does not exceed 0.2 dB for UPC and 0.3 dB for APC singlemode connectors. Return loss is verified at ≥60 dB for the SC/APC end and ≥50 dB for the LC/UPC end. Each cable is packaged with a test report for quality documentation.
Q: How should I choose between LSZH and PVC jacket for my project?
A: LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jackets release minimal smoke and no toxic halogen gases when exposed to fire, making them preferred for enclosed or populated environments such as data centers, hospitals, and public transit systems. PVC jackets are more economical and provide good mechanical flexibility, suitable for general-purpose indoor installations. For air-handling plenum spaces, consider our OFNP-rated cable option. Our team can help you select the right jacket type based on your installation environment and local fire codes.
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