Recognize MPO I : MPO connector

      MPO (Multi-fiber Push On) is a multi-core fiber optic connector model, is one of the MT series connectors.MPO connector structure features by the IEC61754-7 standard for specification, mainly by the following parameters: the Array number, Male-Female, Key, Polishing type(PC or APC).

Figure 1 Typical features of MPO connector schematic diagram


Figure 2 MPO connector male and female interconnection diagram

      Array number: MPO connectors usually 12-core fiber optic row as a column, an MPO connector can support 12-core, 24-core, 36-core, 72-core or even more core fiber optic connection, the most widely used is the 12-core MPO connector.
      Male - female connectors: MPO connectors must be paired with a male and a female connector, which are interconnected by an MPO adapter. There is a 0.7mm diameter guide pin on the left and right side of the male connector insert, and there are two guide holes on the female connector, which are connected precisely.
      Polarity: The polarity of the MPO connector is managed by the Key, which is defined as up (Key Up) and down (Key Down) in two ways. Depending on the wire sequence definition of MPO fiber optic patch cords, MPO connectors can manage fiber optic polarity by choosing different MPO adapters to achieve Key Up-Key Down or Key Up-Key Up interconnections.

Figure 3 Connector Male Female and Polarity


Figure 4 Comparison of APC and PC end faces

      Polishing type: PC and APC refer to the type of fiber optic connector and fiber optic end face, PC refers to the close contact (Physical contact), PC end face is a flat surface, APC end face is ground into an 8 degree angle to reduce reflection, usually used for single-mode long-distance transmission, such as the QSFP/QSFP28-PSM4 optical module. PC end face and APC end face of the patch cord cannot be directly mixed, and can be converted and connected by conversion jumpers. It should be noted that due to the 8-degree slope of the MPO connector connection surface of the APC end face, the interconnection must be made with Key Up/Key Down adapters.
      We also come across the term MTP connector in the marketplace, which is a registered trademark of US Conec to describe their MPO connectors. US Conec describes the MTP connector as an "enhanced high performance MPO connector for a wide range of engineered products with improved optical and mechanical properties," meaning that it is an improved MPO connector with improved optical and mechanical properties. In other words, MTP is an improved MPO that is more demanding than the IEC defined MPO standard, but also more costly.
      Moduletek Limited can provide various types of MPO/MPT patch cables, welcome to buy.
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