UPC refers to a type of polishing applied to the end faces of fiber optic connectors. UPC polishing is a high-quality surface finish that improves optical performance and reduces signal loss.
The UPC polishing process involves grinding and polishing the connector's core (the component that holds the fiber in place) to create a smooth, flat and slightly convex endface. This endface geometry maximizes physical contact between the connector insert and mating connector, resulting in low insertion loss and low back reflection.
The primary benefit of UPC connectors is the ability to minimize signal loss and improve the overall performance of the fiber optic connection. The smooth and precise end face of the UPC connector reduces the amount of light scattered or reflected back into the fiber, thereby reducing signal attenuation.
UPC connectors are typically used in applications where low loss and high quality signal transmission are critical, such as telecommunications, data centers, cable television (CATV) and high-speed fiber optic networks.
There is another type of polishing called APC (angled physical contact), which offers a higher level of performance in terms of back reflection, but it requires the use of an angled ferrule and is typically required for applications where very low back reflection is needed, such as high-end telecommunications or long-haul networks.
