Two SFF Fiber-Optic Connectors In Contention

IBM Microelectronics, Lucent Technologies' Microelectronics Group, Methode Electronics, MRV Communications, and Sumitomo Electric Lightwave have announced their intentions to introduce small-form-factor (SFF) fiber-optic components that use the LC connector interface. Their action moves the industry closer to some form of connector standardization for SFF components. Originally, five designs competed for market support. Now there appear to be just two serious contenders—the LC connector and the MT-RJ connector, which is backed by a consortium that includes AMP, Fujikura, Hewlett-Packard, Siecor, and USConec.