The Performance of the AT&T Single-Mode ST(R) Connector and Its Latest Enhanced Features

The AT&T single-mode ST(R) connector is a low-loss, low-reflection connector, making it suitable for high-speed, wideband digital transmission. This new connector offers enhanced hardware for easier use and more stable connections. In addition, a new backplane-compatible version is introduced for circuit board applications. The insertion loss of AT&T's single-mode ST connector average 0.34 dB with a standard deviation of 0.28. The reflection of an AT&T ST connection (product against product) is -42.8 dB average with a worst case of -34.1 dB. The environmental performance of the connector is characterized by very low variations in loss and reflection. The AT&T single- mode ST connector and its backplane version were subjected to a battery of tests whose results are discussed in this paper.