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Recognize MPO I : MPO connector

Time: 2020-03-29
        MPO (Multi-fiber Push On) is a multi-core fiber optic connector and one of the MT series connectors. The structural characteristics of MPO connectors are specified by the IEC61754-7 standard, mainly defined by the following parameters: Array Number, Male-Female Type, Key Orientation, and Polishing Type (PC or APC).
Typical features of MPO connector schematic diagram
Figure 1: Schematic Diagram of Typical Features of MPO Connectors
Figure 2: Male-Female Interconnection Diagram of MPO Connectors
        Array Number
        MPO connectors usually arrange 12 fibers in a row as one column. A single MPO connector can support 12-core, 24-core, 36-core, 72-core or even more fiber connections, among which the 12-core MPO connector is the most widely used.
        Male-Female Connectors
        MPO connectors must be mated in male-female pairs and interconnected via an MPO adapter. The insert of the male connector is equipped with two guide pins (0.7mm in diameter) on the left and right sides, while the female connector has two corresponding guide holes to ensure precise alignment during connection.
        Polarity
        The polarity of MPO connectors is controlled by the Key, which is divided into two orientations: Key Up and Key Down. According to the wiring sequence definition of MPO fiber optic patch cords, different MPO adapters can be selected to achieve Key Up-Key Down or Key Up-Key Up interconnections, thereby managing the fiber polarity.
Figure 3: Connector Male-Female Types and Polarity
Figure 4: Comparison of APC and PC End Faces
        Polishing Type
        PC and APC refer to the fiber optic end face types of the connector. PC (Physical Contact) end faces are flat and achieve tight physical contact. APC end faces are ground to an 8-degree angle to reduce light reflection, making them suitable for single-mode long-distance transmission (e.g., QSFP/QSFP28-PSM4 optical modules). Patch cords with PC and APC end faces cannot be directly mixed; conversion jumpers are required for interconnection. It should be noted that due to the 8-degree slope of the APC end face of MPO connectors, interconnection must use Key Up/Key Down adapters.
        MPO vs. MTP Connectors
        In the market, we also encounter the term MTP connector, which is a registered trademark of US Conec for their enhanced MPO connectors. US Conec defines MTP connectors as "high-performance enhanced MPO connectors for a wide range of engineered products, with improved optical and mechanical properties." In essence, MTP is an upgraded version of MPO that meets higher requirements than the IEC-defined MPO standard, but it also has a higher cost.
        Moduletek provides various types of MPO/MTP patch cords. Welcome to place your orders!
        If you have any questions about the above content, please contact us via email: sales@moduletek.com
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