What is a 12-Core SC APC Fiber Optic Patch Cord?
The 12-core SC APC fiber optic patch cord bundles 12 color-coded fibers into a single cable, terminated with SC APC connectors on both ends. The 8-degree angled ferrule delivers return loss ≥60 dB-meeting the strict back-reflection requirements of GPON OLTs, CATV headends, and DWDM systems. Available in Singlemode OS2 (default) and Multimode OM1–OM5 options, this assembly replaces twelve individual jumpers with one organized cable run, reducing cable clutter and speeding up deployment.
Key Specifications
| 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, 1510 | 1310, 1510 | 1310, 1510 | 1310, 1510 | ||||||||
| 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
FTTH Central Office: OLT → PLC Splitter
Patch all 12 channels between the OLT line card and splitter input ports in a single pull, maintaining ≥60 dB return loss across every GPON/XGS-PON channel.
CATV Headend: Transmitter → Distribution
Analog RF-over-fiber links require ≥60 dB return loss to preserve CNR and minimize CSO distortion. This 12-fiber APC assembly keeps headend transmitter performance within spec.
DWDM / Coherent Optical: Mux/Demux Patching
Matches the APC ports on DWDM mux/demux modules, ensuring each 100G/400G coherent wavelength channel meets the return loss budget.
5G Fronthaul: BBU → RRU Distribution
Simplifies SC APC cross-connects in 5G C-RAN ODF panels for CPRI/eCPRI fiber distribution.
Features
≥60 dB Return Loss
8-degree angled zirconia ceramic ferrule redirects reflected light into the cladding-10 dB better than UPC. Protects GPON OLTs, CATV transmitters, and DWDM coherent transceivers from destabilizing back-reflections.
12-Fiber Consolidation
Twelve TIA-598 color-coded fibers in one assembly reduce cable tray fill by up to 70%, simplify rack routing, and improve airflow in space-constrained central offices and headends.
High Reliability & Wide Temperature Range
Precision plastic housing and aramid yarn reinforcement ensure ≥100 N tensile strength. Stable performance across –40 ℃ to +75 ℃ operating temperature, supporting ≥500 mating cycles without degradation.
100% Per-Core Tested
All 12 fibers individually tested for IL and RL at 1310 nm and 1550 nm. Per-core test reports included free of charge for carrier-grade deployment traceability.
Designed for Back-Reflection-Sensitive Networks
Where ≥60 dB return loss is mandatory-GPON, CATV, DWDM, coherent optics-the 12-core SC APC patch cord delivers APC-grade performance in one consolidated cable.
Application Scenarios
GPON / XGS-PON
- OLT → PLC splitter patching with ≥60 dB return loss
- High-density fiber distribution in FTTH central offices
- Next-gen 25G/50G PON systems
Analog & Digital CATV
- Headend transmitter & EDFA patching
- RF-over-fiber links requiring low CSO/CTB distortion
- RFoG reverse-path connections
DWDM & Coherent Transport
- DWDM / CWDM mux/demux APC port patching
- 100G/400G coherent transceiver interconnection
- Metro & long-haul singlemode at 1310/1550 nm
5G Fronthaul & Testing
- BBU-to-RRU fiber distribution (CPRI / eCPRI)
- OTDR launch cables & reference cords
- Factory end-face inspection & acceptance testing
FAQ
Q: What does "APC" mean, and why does it matter?
A: APC stands for Angled Physical Contact. The ferrule end-face is polished at an 8-degree angle, which reflects stray light into the cladding instead of back toward the source. This achieves return loss ≥60 dB-10 dB better than flat-polished UPC connectors. Systems like GPON, CATV, and DWDM require APC to prevent back-reflection from degrading signal quality.
Q: Can I connect SC APC to an SC UPC adapter?
A: No. The angled ferrule cannot form proper contact with a flat UPC ferrule, causing 2–3 dB+ excess loss and potential ferrule damage. Always match green APC to green APC. If you need to bridge APC and UPC ports, use a dedicated hybrid patch cord. For more details on SC connector compatibility, see our blog: Is Fiber Optic SC Patch Cord Compatible with Other Types of Connectors?
Q: How does this differ from the 12-core SC multimode patch cord?
A: The key difference is connector polish and target application. This SC APC version uses 8-degree angled ferrules (≥60 dB return loss), designed primarily for singlemode systems sensitive to back-reflection-GPON, CATV, DWDM. The SC multimode patch cord uses flat-polished (PC/UPC) ferrules (≥30–50 dB), optimized for short-reach multimode applications like enterprise LANs and SAN storage.
Q: What insertion loss and return loss should I expect?
A: Each SC APC connector achieves insertion loss ≤0.3 dB (typical 0.15–0.20 dB) and return loss ≥60 dB. Every core is tested at 1310 nm and 1550 nm before shipment. Per-core test reports are included at no extra charge. To learn more about how to reduce insertion loss in fiber optic connectors, check our blog.
Q: Is this available in multimode as well?
A: Yes. While singlemode OS2 is the standard configuration for SC APC, multimode options (OM1–OM5) are also available on request. However, SC APC is primarily used in singlemode systems. For multimode applications, our 12-core SC UPC multimode patch cord may be a better fit.
Q: Can I order hybrid connectors or custom lengths?
A: Yes. Hybrid configurations (SC APC to LC APC, FC APC, etc.) and custom lengths (0.5 m to 30 m+) are supported. Jacket options include LSZH, PVC, OFNR, and OFNP. Contact us with your specifications for a custom quote.
Q: How should I clean SC APC connectors?
A: Inspect with a fiber microscope (200×/400×) before every connection. Clean with a one-click pen cleaner for 2.5 mm ferrules, or use lint-free IPA wipes followed by dry wipes. Never touch the ferrule tip. Contamination on the angled surface can degrade both IL and RL performance.
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