The Anatomy of MPO Trunk Cable Assembly

New cable designs are being developed to address the specific needs of connectorized cable assemblies. There are various industry-standard tests that evaluate the mechanical and environmental performance of cables and another set of standard tests for connectorized assemblies. In many cases, there are choices made in the cable design parameters, which may affect the cable assembly process, without due consideration of the complications that might be added to the assembly processes. Over the past few years, manufacturers have sought to co-develop new cables and the associated cable assemblies, which improve both the performance and processing of the assemblies. Here we report the development of innovative new trunk cables and associated cable assemblies.

Fiber optic cables are designed to meet rigorous standards for cable performance. These requirements include mechanical and environmental testing such as long length tensile testing and temperature cycling. A successful design is judged by how well it meets these requirements. The cable manufacturer then sells the cable to an assembly manufacturer that will furcate and connectorize the fibers from the cable to make a cable assembly.The furcation removes the outer jacket of the cable and prepares the fibers to receive a connector. Additionally, the furcation terminates the cable strength members and must isolate fiber strain in the cable from the connector. The furcation process may include adding a protective furcation leg over the fibers to provide protection between the end of the cable jacket and the connector. The design of the cable has a significant impact on the design and complexity of the furcation. The objective of this effort was to re-design the cable assembly to improve furcation processing and add customer preferred features to the trunk cable assembly.

Traditional high fiber count trunk cable assemblies have been made with fire retardant ribbon cables. These cables have the advantage that the fiber optic ribbons easily mate to the 12-fiber MPO connectors. The MPO connectors are preferred by customers because they allow quick and easy connection of the trunk cables to the MPO/LC breakout modules in a patch panel. However, the rectangular furcation legs have significant preferential bending which may be bothersome during installation. The ribbon trunk cables have several characteristics that may beaggravating during cable assembly and installation. The cables have a ribbon stack contained within a hard plastic buffer tube that is surrounded by tensile yarn and an outer jacket. This design provides a robust cable but makes a fairly stiff cable with a large bend radius,which may be difficult to route during installation. Furthermore, the cable design drives the requirement for a large furcation plug and pulling grip that requires more space for pulling the cable in during installation.

ribbon cable

Cables utilized in preterminated assemblies come in many varieties, but there are some common features to all cables. Cables consist of optical fibers, strength members and an outer protective jacket. The cable designs considered in this work were ribbon cables and non-ribbon cables. Each design used 250 µm colored optical fibers. The ribbon cables had the fibers grouped in a linear array with 12 fibers per ribbon. The unitized cables consist of individual units that contain 12 fibers and aramid yarn. One benefit of using ribbon cable is that the installation of multi-fiber connector is simplified because it is not necessary to group the fibers in such an array to install them into the MPO connector. One detriment of the ribbon cable design is that it necessitates rectangular legs to protect the ribbon in the transition from the furcation to the connector. An advantage of unitized cables is that they enable the use of round furcation legs or, with properly designed cable and furcation, the use of the subunits as the legs themselves. Now the following is the introduction of 12-fiber and 24-fiber trunk cable Assemblies.

trunk cable

MPO Trunk Assemblies are pre-terminated 12-fiber and 24-fiber cable assemblies. The unique design of the MPO Connector allows for rapid gender and polarity change in the field, in support of standards-compliant cable plant migration from 10G cassette-based systems to 40G MPO connector-based parallel optics cable plant. These trunk cable assemblies optimize cable routing requirements to ensure efficient use of pathway space and significantly reduce installation time and cost. All small diameter trunk cable assemblies are factory terminated and tested to deliver verified optical performance and reliability for improved network integrity. 10Gig versions provide 10 Gb/s network performance up to 300 meters for OM3 and up to 550 meters for OM4 per IEEE 802.3ae 10 GbE standard while maintaining compatibility with legacy systems.

10G fiber backbone or permanent link when mated to MTP Cassettes or fiber adapter panels paired with MPO to LC breakout harnesses. Method A and Method B TIA 568-C compliant for 40G parallel optics multimode applications. Allows system designers to tailor configuration, reach and breakout construction to application requirements; to minimize waste, optimize cable management, speed deployment, improve flexibility and manageability for lower installation costs. Small diameter trunk cable assemblies use 30 – 40% less space which is ideal for high cable density applications.

Parsing Fiber Optic Connectors

The network cabling industry’s fiber optic manufacturers over the last few decades have been on a constant mission to develop the better fiber connector. This means lower cost, lower dB losses, easier to terminate out in the field. There have been over 100 connectors developed over the years but a select few have stood the test of time and beat out their competition. Now, let’s talk about the most common fiber connectors as following:

A fiber optic connector terminates at the end of a fiber optic cable is used when you need a means to connect and disconnect the fiber cable quickly. A fiber splice would be used in a more permanent application. the connectors provide a mechanical connection for the two fiber cables and align both cores precisely so the light can pass through with little loss. There are many different types of connectors but many share similar features. Many connectors are spring loaded. This will push the fiber ends very close other so as to eliminate airspace between them, which would result in higher dB losses.

There are generally five main components to a fiber connector: the ferrule, the body, the coupling structure, the boot and the dust cap.

Ferrule: The ferrule is the small round cylinder that actually makes contact with the glass and holds it in place. These are commonly made of ceramic today but also are made of metal and plastic.

Body: This sub assembly holds the ferrule in place. It then fits into the connector housing.

Connector Housing: This holds all sub assembly parts in place and has the coupling that will connect to the customer’s equipment. The securing mechanism is usually bayonet, snap-in or screw on type.

Boot: This will cover the transition from the connector to the fiber optic cable. Provides stress relief.

Dust Cap: Just as it implies will protect the connector from accumulating dust.

There are many types of connectors on the market. The major differences are the dimensions and the method of connection to equipment. Most companies will settle on one type of connector and keep that as a standard across the board. It makes sense because all equipment has to be ordered with that specific connector type and to have 2 or 3 different connector types can get messy. For typical network cabling projects today LC is fast becoming the shining star of fiber connectors. LC is a small form factor connector which means it requires a much smaller footprint in your IT closet. Thus you can fit many more LC connectors into you fiber panels then say ST or SC connectors.

LC Connector

The LC connector was developed by Lucent Technologies, hence the LC. It is a Single Form Factor Connector that has a 1.25mm ferrule. The attaching mechanism is similar to an RJ-45 connector with the retaining clip. It is a smaller square connector, similar to the SC. LC connectors are often held together with a duplex plastic retainer. They are also very common in single mode fiber applications.

ST Connector

The ST connector was the first popular connector type to be used as a standard for many organizations in their fiber network applications. It has first developed by AT&T. Often called the “round connector” it has a spring loaded twist bayonet mount with a 2.5mm round ferrule and a round body. The ST connector is fast being replaced with the smaller, denser SFF connectors.

SC Connector

The SC connector is a push in/pull-out type connector that also has a 2.5 mm ferrule. It is very popular for its excellent performance record. The SC connector was standardized in TIA-568-A, and has been very popular for the last 15 years or so. It took a while to surpass the ST because of price and the fact that users were comfortable with the ST. Now it’s much more competitive with pricing and it is very easy install, only requiring a push in and pull out connection. This is very helpful in tight spaces. Simplex and duplex SC connectors are available. The SC was developed by the Japanese and some say stands for Standard Connector.

FC Connector

The FC connector you may find in older single mode installations. It was a popular choice that has been replaced by mostly ST or SC type connectors. It also has a 2.5mm ferrule. They have a screw on retaining mechanism but you need to be sure the key and slot on the connector are aligned correctly. FC connectors can also be mated to ST & SC’s through the use of an adaptor.

MT-RJ Connector

MTRJ stands for Mechanical-Transfer Registered Jack and was developed by Amp/Tyco and Corning. MTRJ is very similar to an RJ type modular plug. The connector is always found in duplex form. The body assembly of the connector is usually made from plastic and clips and locks into place. There are small pins present that guide the fiber for correct alignment. MTRJ’s also are available in male or female orientation. They are only used for multi-mode applications. They can also be difficult to test because many testers on the market do not accept a direct connection. You usually need to rig up a patch cord adaptor kit to make testing possible.

MU Connector

MU looks a miniature SC with a 1.25 mm ferrule. It’s more popular in Japan.

MT Connector

MT is a 12 fiber connector for ribbon cable. It’s main use is for preterminated cable assemblies and cabling systems. Here is a 12 fiber MT broken out into 12 STs.

MT connector is sometimes called a MTP or MPO connector which are commercial names.

Hopefully this guide may help you get an idea of what options are out there for your fiber optic connector needs.

As the best Chinese fiber optic products supplier, FiberStore Inc. supply a range of fiber connectors, fiber attenuatorsfiber optic switch and more. If you would like to know more about our products information, please pay attention our news or contact us directly.

Buy Bare Fiber PLC Splitter From FiberStore

Bare fiber PLC splitter is an optical power management device which is widely used in PON networks to realize optical signal power splitting. The common configurations are 1×4, 1×8, 1×16, 1×32 and 1×64 PLC Splitters, but 2×4, 2×8, 2×16, 2×32 configurations are also available. Bare Fiber PLC Splitter comes with unterminated ends so that it can be fused by customers themselves.

Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) splitter, PLC splitters are used to distribute or combine optical signals. It is based on planar lightwave circuit technology and provides a low cost light distribution solution with small form factor and high reliability. 1xN PLC splitters are precision aligning process to divide a single optical input(s) into multiple optical outputs uniformly,while 2xN PLC splitters divide a dual optical input(s) into multiple optical outputs. FiberStore PLC splitters offer superior optical performance, high stability and high reliability to meet various application requirements.

The bare PLC splitters are used for small spaces that can be easily placed in a formal joint boxes and splice closure. In order to facilitate welding, it does not need specially designed for space reserved.

FiberStore provides a various of 1xN and 2xN PLC bare splitters, including 1×2, 1×4, 1×8, 1×16,1×32, 1×64 bare fiber type PLC splitter and 2×2, 2×4, 2×8, 2×16, 2×32 bare fiber type PLC splitters.

Bare Fiber Type PLC Splitter Features
  • Good uniformity and low insertion loss
  • Low Polarization Dependent Loss
  • Excellent Mechanical
  • Stability Telecordia GR-1221 and GR-1209
  • Components through TLC-Certified,Conform to YD1117-2001
  • Operating environment: -40ºC to +85ºC
  • High Polarization Extinction Ratio & Excellent Uniformity
  • Fiber input: 0.9um loose tube or 250um bare fiber for choice
  • Fiber output: 250um bare fiber (It is benefit for splicing)
Bare Fiber Type PLC Splitter Applications
  • Fiber to the point (FTTX)
  • Fiber to the home (FTTH)
  • Passive optical networks(PON, GEPON)
  • Local area networks (LAN)
  • Cable television (CATV)
  • Test equipment
Mechanical Drawing

Kind note: This price is without connector

V.S FBT Coupler, the advantages of PLC are as follows
  • The loss to different wavelength transmission is not sensitive, so it can meet the transmission requirements of different wavelength
  • High spectral uniformity, can splitter the signals on average
  • Compact structure, small volume
  • The cost advantage is very obvious on many splitter channels
Order Information

FiberStore provides a whole series of 1xN and 2xN splitters that are tailored for specific applications:

a.1×2, 1×4, 1×8, 1×16,1×32, 1×64, 2×2, 2×4, 2×8, 2×16, 2×32 Versions of splitters are available.

b. SC/UPC, FC/UPC, LC/UPC, SC/APC, FC/APC, LC/APC connectors or no connectors can be selected as you like

c. 250um bare fiber or 0.9 mm loose tube can be choose as input fiber type, 250um bare fiber for output fiber type.

d. The length of pigtail can be also customized; usually we will provide you 1.5m, welcome to contact us for more details.

Sample Pictures

 

FiberStore also supply other fiber optic products, such as mpo connectorfiber attenuators, Ethernet to fibre optic converter and more. If you would like to purchase our plc splitters, please contact us.

3m Single mode MPO MTP Fiber Optic Cable 12 Fibers

The MPO/MTP trunk cable is designed for data center applications. It is divided into round cable and flat cable with an outer diameter of 3.0mm or 4.5mm. The connector where this cable is terminated is the so-called MPO connector. All MPO/MTP fiber optic patch cables are 100% optically tested for maximum performance. We have all lengths and connectors available.

3m MPO/MTP 9/125μm Single-mode Standard Trunk Cable 12 Fibers

MPO/MTP multi-fiber system is designed for reliable and quick operations in data centers, where the obvious benefits are less space requirements and improved scalability, which providing
significant space and cost savings.

FS offers various MTP/MPO products such as MPO/MTP cassettes, MPO/MTP modules, and patch panels. Our MPO fiber patch connectors utilize precision molded MT ferrules, with metal guide pins and precise housing dimensions to ensure fiber alignment when mating and are fully compliant with TIA/EI942, ISO/IEC 24764, and EN 50173-5, which are specific data center standards. The hybrid MPO fiber cables can be mass terminated in combinations of 24~144 fibers ribbon/bunch cables, and the connector includes FC, SC, ST, and LC, the cable polish UPC, and APC. Optional Lengths are available and provide a secure transition between MPO/MTP and LC/SC/FC/ST connections. Available in singlemode (9/125μm), multimode(50 or 62.5/125μm) and 10G fiber.

Features
  • Easy connection and disconnection
  • Factory-finished MPO plugs
  • Low smoke zero halogen (LSZH)jacket
  • Push-on / Pull-off latching connector
  • Each MPO connector is polished according to the polished end-face quality specification standard.
Applications
  • Local Area Networks
  • Data Centers
  • Campus Networks
  • Storage Area Networks
Technical Details
  • Connector 1: MPO Female(No Pins)
  • Connector 2: MPO
  • Fibre types: OS2 9/125um
  • Fiber Polish: UPC
  • Colour: Yellow
  • Fiber Length: 3 meters
  • Cable Standard: 12-Fiber
  • Number of Fibres Per Cable: 12 Fibers(1 MPO/MTP connector on each side)
  • MPO Connector standard: IEC 61754-7 series
  • Fire rating: LSZH
Packaging

The MPO patch cable is supplied protected in a plastic bag and packed in a carton box. Each cable has two identification labels, each containing: a barcode, part number, factory order number, cable lengths, and unique serial number.

Pre-terminated System Installation

To ensure the entire connection is in a unified condition, we need to first install the patch panel, cassette module, and related mounting hardware. Then, say the cables in the designed cable passage position, remove all the protection caps and wraps, connect MPO and to all the related MPO sockets, mount and secure the cables with cable ties, simple as that.

If you would like to purchase our MPO cable or want to know more about our fiber optic products, and how much fiber optic cable costs, please visit our website or contact us.