With the increasing demand for high-speed, high-capacity optical communication systems, MTP/MPO fiber optic connectors and fiber optic patch cord are ideal solutions for high-density cabling in data centers due to their cores, small size, and high transmission rate.
The MPO fiber patch cord is a combination of an MPO connector and a fiber optic cable. The MPO connector type is distinguished by several factors according to IEC 61754-7: Array Number, Male-Female, Polarity, Polishing type (PC or APC).
MPO fiber optic connector types
Currently, the factory termination assembly of the MPO connector can accommodate 6 to 144 fibers, among which 12 and 24-core MPO connectors are the most common types. According to IEC-61754-7 and EIA/TIA-604-5 (FOCIS 5) specifications, 12-core fibers are usually arranged in a row, which can consist of one or more columns of fibers in the same MPO connector. There are 12-core fibers MPO connectors and 24-core fibers MPO connector. 40G MPO-MPO fiber jumper generally adopts 12-core MPO multi-mode ferrule; 100G MPO-MPO fiber jumper, generally uses 24-core MPO ferrule. There are also 16 single-row fiber array types on the market that can be divided into multiple columns to form 32 cores or more. The 16/32-core MPO fiber optic connector will be the best solution for low-latency, the ultra-high-speed transmission of next-generation 400G networks.
Male and Female Connectors
MPO connectors contain several parts such as boot, coupling/housing assembly, ferrule, guide pins, and so on. Because of difference pins types, the MPO connector can be either male or female. The male connector has metal guide pins to ensure fiber alignment when mating while the female connector has no pins. These pins make sure that the connector fronts are precisely aligned on contact and that the fibers’ end-faces aren’t offset.
Three Polarization Methods of MPO:
Type-A or Straight: On a Type-A cable the fibers at each end of the cable have the same fiber position. (ex.: the fiber in the 1st position of the connector A matches with the fiber in the 1st position of the connector B). The Keys are opposite at both ends, Key Up – Key Down, Key Down - Key Up.
Type-B or Reversed: On a Type-B cable the fiber positions are reversed at each end. (ex.: the fiber in the 1st position of the connector A matches with the fiber in the 12th position of the connector B). This type has both connectors in the same position (Key Up/Key Up, Key Down/Key Down).
Type-C or Pairs flipped: Type-C cables cross each adjacent pair. (ex.: the fiber in the 1st position of the connector A matches with the fiber in the 2nd position of the connector B, the fiber in the 12th position of the connector A matches with the fiber in the 11th position of the connector B, ). The Keys are opposite at both ends, Key Up – Key Down, Key Down - Key Up.
What is MTP?
MTP is "Multi-fiber Termination Push-on", which was developed by US Conec and improved attenuation and reflection on the standard MPO connector with higher overall performance. Externally, there is little discernible difference between the MPO and MTP connectors. They are completely compatible.
MPO/MTP fiber connectors and fiber patch cords provide a simple and easy-to-manage fiber-optic cabling solution for FTTH and data centers that require high-density integrated fiber-optic system. It is likely to be a hot-demand product for future 5G data center construction.
HYC has 19 years of experience in research and development of passive basic components for optical communications, supplying MPO/MTP fiber connectors and fiber patch cords of various specifications. HYC Co., Ltd（HYC）is a national Hi-tech optoelectronics company engaged in R&D, manufacture, and marketing of fiber optical products. Providing professional products and services for fiber connectivity, WDM, PLC splitter, MEMS optical switch and high-density datacom cabling. HYC products and solutions widely applied in 4G/5G, Data Center and Cloud Computing industry, etc.