How to choose MPO/MTP fiber optic connector/patch cord?

With the demand for high-speed transmission and data capacity for 40G/100G network cabling in data centers, the application of high-density MPO/MTP fiber optic connectors and jumpers is becoming more and more common. The MPO/MTP fiber optic connector is a multi-fiber connector that provides multi-fiber connections in one connector, thus supporting higher bandwidth and higher density applications. What is the difference between MPO and MTP?

MPO is “Multi-fiber Push On”, which is the first generation of shrapnel clamping multi-core connector developed by NTT Communications Corporation of Japan in the 1980s. The size of the MPO connector is similar to that of the ordinary SC connector, but the density is several times higher. Usually, 12-core optical fibers can be arranged in a row, and one or more rows of optical fibers are supported in the same MPO connector. According to the number of cores discharged in the connector, it is divided into one row (12 cores), multiple rows (24 cores or more), It is also the arrangement of 16/32 cores that are applied to 400Gb. In this way, one MPO connector can realize the simultaneous transmission of 12 or more fiber optic signals, which saves a lot of space and resources for fiber optic wiring.

MTP is a registered trademark of US Conec. The multi-core connector parts and ferrules produced by it are specially called MTP connectors. Both MTP and MPO fiber optic connectors comply with the international standard “IEC-61754-7” and the American standard “TIA-604-5 (FOCIS5)”, which to a certain extent shows that the two are compatible. MTP fiber optic jumper is a high-performance MPO connector with more optimized optical and mechanical properties. The appearance design is slightly different, but the two are interchangeable and interconnected.

MTP connectors are specially designed to improve performance and usability over MPO connectors. The difference between the two mainly has the following points:

1. The outer frame sleeve of the MTP connector is designed to be removable, which is convenient for users to reprocess and polish the MT ferrule and flexibly change the male and female.

2. The floating ferrule of the MTP fiber optic connector can improve the transmission performance during mechanical docking.

3. There is a metal pin clip inside the MTP fiber optic connector to hold the push ring, minimizing accidental breakage when mating with the receptacle

4. The elliptical guide pin (PIN) of the MTP fiber optic connector is made of metal material and elliptical design, which can maintain high-performance transmission for a longer period of time.

MPO/MTP optical fiber connectors are small in size and high in density, and can support multi-core optical fiber connections, greatly saving the space occupied by cable ports and cables, so that higher-density wiring can be achieved in a certain space. Great flexibility and scalability also make cabling deployment easier and better adapt to the needs of future network upgrades, expansions and changes