When selecting FC Connectors for drone optical modules, the type of connector can have a significant impact. Two common connector options, namely SC and FC connectors, are widely used in various scenarios, with drone systems being one of the important fields. This article will explore their differences, advantages, and applicable scenarios, focusing, focusing particularly on environments in the drone field that have high requirements for reliability and space.

SC connectors adopt a push-pull design, which is convenient to install and low in cost. They are a popular choice in data centers and communication rooms, where quick connections are crucial.

FC connectors, on the other hand, achieve a more stable connection through screw tightening. This locking design ensures higher stability, especially suitable for high-mobility or high-vibration environments such as drones or mobile platforms.

Learn more about our high-performance FC 20KM 1X9 optical module for drones.

Application Tip: If you are using small drones or hobbyist-level FPV systems, the 2KM FC multi-mode module (FC-A-2KM) can strike a balance between stability and cost. For professional medium and large drones that require long-distance operations, the 20KM FC single-mode module (FC-A-20KM) is the best choice, as it can maintain signal integrity during long-term flights and high-vibration scenarios.

FC connectors perform particularly well in applications involving movement, vibration, or unstable environments. This makes them more suitable for drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, as aerial movement can easily cause less stable connections to loosen.

Reasons are as follows:

• Locking design: FC connectors are fixed by screws and are not easy to disconnect due to vibration or movement, which is crucial for drones that continuously encounter air flow disturbances during flight.
• Stronger alignment: The connector can maintain precise fiber alignment, which is essential for stable optical transmission during flight, whether the drone is ascending, descending, or maneuvering sharply.
• Reduced signal loss: In real-time transmission systems such as FPV (First-Person View), signal integrity is crucial. FC connectors can ensure a more reliable signal path and reduce video feedback delay – which is indispensable for both hobbyist FPV drones and professional aerial photography.
• High compatibility with single-fiber WDM modules: Many drones use Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) single-fiber modules to save space and weight. FC connectors can well support this configuration, which is particularly important for small drones where every gram of weight needs to be carefully considered.
• Longer service life: Compared with push-pull designs, FC connectors have a longer service life under mechanical stress, reducing maintenance needs – which is of great significance for commercial or industrial medium and large drones, as downtime costs are high.

These characteristics make FC connector fiber modules an ideal choice for drone systems, especially suitable for scenarios that require long-distance control, real-time video feedback, and the lowest system failure rate.

The choice between SC and FC connectors depends on specific application scenarios, and this difference is particularly obvious in the drone field. If you need a fast, economical, and easy-to-manage solution, SC connectors may be more suitable for short-distance or indoor systems. However, if you are building drones or unmanned aerial vehicles – whether small hobbyist models or large industrial models – FC connectors can provide additional reliability in key scenarios to ensure stable communication during drone flight.

Extended Reading: 10M Drone Transceiver Designed for Lightweight Drones