ANSI/TIA-604-4-B-2004 PDF

Full title and description

St ANSI/TIA-604-4-B-2004 — Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standard (FOCIS‑4), Type FC and FC‑APC. This document defines the intermateability (mechanical interface and basic mating requirements) for connectors commercially designated FC and FC‑APC, including provisions that address polarization‑maintaining (PM) fiber connector variants.

Abstract

FOCIS‑4 (ANSI/TIA‑604‑4‑B:2004) establishes the minimum physical and mating attributes required so that FC and FC‑APC plugs, adapters and receptacles from different manufacturers will mechanically intermate and meet a common baseline of performance. The standard includes guidance for APC polishing and for PM connector variants but does not replace detailed, fully‑dimensioned part drawings; it specifies intermateability and related basic performance expectations.

General information

• Status: Originally published 2004; listed as superseded/reaffirmation records exist (reaffirmed R2014 and catalog entries indicate later status updates — see notes).
• Publication date: September 2004 (commonly quoted date: 09‑09‑2004 / 2004‑09).
• Publisher: Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).
• ICS / categories: Fibre optic interconnecting devices — ICS 33.180.20 (fibre‑optic interconnecting devices / components).
• Edition / version: Edition designation B (ANSI/TIA‑604‑4‑B:2004); also appears in references as reaffirmed (R2014) in some records.
• Number of pages: Catalog listings show about 24–26 pages (vendor listings vary).

Scope

The standard applies to connector geometries, keying and mating interfaces for FC and FC‑APC connector families so that plugs and adapters conforming to the requirements will intermate mechanically. It covers the minimum physical attributes and mating requirements (including APC end‑face considerations and PM variants) needed to ensure mechanical compatibility and a common baseline of optical performance when connected. The document does not attempt to provide full, fully‑dimensioned manufacturing drawings for every component.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of mating interface features for FC and FC‑APC connector families (mechanical dimensions, keying and alignment features).
• Requirements and guidance for APC (angled‑polish) end faces and compatible mating hardware.
• Provisions addressing polarization‑maintaining (PM) connector variants and their intermateability considerations.
• Minimum mechanical intermateability attributes intended to ensure cross‑manufacturer mating without guaranteeing specific performance beyond the stated baseline.
• References to related connector performance and end‑face geometry standards (industry practice is to use FOCIS with IEC/other performance documents).

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of fiber optic connectors and adapters, component designers, test laboratories, procurement teams, systems integrators and network engineers to ensure mechanical compatibility of FC and FC‑APC connector products from different suppliers. Also used by quality and compliance groups when specifying or verifying connector intermateability for production and field assemblies.

Related standards

Part of the TIA/EIA 604 (FOCIS) family of fiber‑optic connector intermateability documents (other parts cover ST, SC, LC, MPO, etc.). Related international standards include the IEC connector interface series (for example the IEC 61754 family) and IEC end‑face and performance documents (IEC 61755, IEC 61300/IEC 61753 series). When specifying performance, users typically reference both FOCIS (interface) and IEC performance/test standards.

Keywords

FOCIS‑4, ANSI/TIA‑604‑4‑B, FC connector, FC‑APC, fiber optic connector intermateability, polarization‑maintaining (PM), ferrule, end‑face, intermateability, connector interface.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ANSI/TIA‑604‑4‑B:2004 (FOCIS‑4) is the TIA document that defines the intermateability (mechanical interface and minimum mating attributes) for FC and FC‑APC fiber optic connectors.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the mechanical interface features, keying and basic mating requirements for FC and FC‑APC plugs, adapters and related components (including guidance for APC polishing and PM variants) so that products from different manufacturers will intermate mechanically and meet a baseline of performance. It does not replace detailed manufacturing drawings or comprehensive performance specifications.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Connector and adapter manufacturers, test labs, system integrators, network designers, procurement and QA teams—anyone who needs to ensure cross‑manufacturer mechanical compatibility for FC / FC‑APC connectors.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard was published in September 2004 and is commonly referenced as ANSI/TIA‑604‑4‑B:2004. Some vendor/catalog records show a reaffirmation (R2014) and others list later status updates or supersession entries in catalog systems — records vary by distributor. For procurement or compliance you should verify the current TIA status or obtain the latest TIA catalog entry/publication record.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one part of the TIA/EIA‑604 (FOCIS) series of fiber‑optic connector intermateability standards; other parts cover ST, SC, LC, MPO and additional connector families. It is commonly used together with IEC connector interface and performance/test standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: FC, FC‑APC, FOCIS‑4, intermateability, fiber optic connector, APC, PM connector, ferrule, TIA‑604‑4.