A Comprehensive Introduction to the Types, Male-Female, and Key Classification of MPO and MTP Fiber Optic Patch Cords

Facing the increasing demand for high-speed and large-capacity optical communication systems, MTP/MPO fiber optic connectors and fiber jumpers are ideal solutions to meet the high-density wiring requirements of data centers.

MPO fiber optic patch cord is composed of MPO connector and fiber optic cable. MPO connector types are distinguished  according to IEC 61754-7 by several factors: number of cores, Male-Female, Key, and end face type (PC or APC).

Ⅰ. What are the core counts of MPO fiber jumpers?

At present, the most common factory-terminated components of MPO connectors are 12 and 24-pin MPO connectors.

According to IEC 61754-7 and EIA/TIA-604-5 (FOCIS 5) specification standards, 12 fibers are usually arranged in a row, which can support one or more rows of fibers in the same MPO connector. Different numbers of cores are divided into one column (12 cores) and multiple columns (24 cores or more). 40G MPO-MPO fiber jumpers generally use 12-core MPO multimode ferrules; 100G MPO-MPO fiber jumpers generally use 24-core MPO ferrules.

At present, there are 16 single-row fiber array types in the market, which can be divided into multiple columns to form 32 cores or more. The 16/32-core MPO optical fiber connector will become an ideal solution for low-latency and ultra-high-speed transmission of the next-generation 400G network.

Ⅱ. Male and female of MPO fiber jumper

MPO fiber optic connectors include optical fibers, sheaths, coupling components, metal rings, guide pins , dust caps, etc. The guide pins are divided into two forms: male and female. The male connector has two pins, while the female connector does not. The connection between MPO connectors is precisely aligned through pins, and the two MPO connectors connected to each other must be one male and one female.

Ⅲ. Polarity classification of MPO fiber jumpers

1. Type A 

The fiber cores at both ends of the jumper are arranged in the same position, that is, 1 at one end corresponds to 1 at the other end, and 12 at one end corresponds to 12 at the other end. The keys at both ends are in opposite directions, and key up corresponds to key down.

2. Type B

The positions of the cores at both ends of the jumper are opposite, that is, 1 at one end corresponds to 12 at the other end, and 12 at one end corresponds to 1 at the other end. The key orientations at both ends are the same, that is, key up corresponds to key up, and key down corresponds to key down.

3. Type C 

The C-type MPO jumper is a pair of adjacent core positions crossed, that is, the core 1 at one end corresponds to 2 at the other end, and the core 12 at one end is 11 at the other end. The key keys at both ends are also oriented in the opposite direction, and key up corresponds to key down.

What is MTP? MTP is "Multi-fiber Termination Push-on", developed by US Conec, with improved attenuation and reflection over standard MPO connectors, and a higher overall performance version. From the outside, there is little discernible difference between MPO and MTP connectors. 

MPO/MTP fiber optic connectors and fiber patch cords provide a simple and easy-to-manage fiber optic cabling solution, widely used in FTTH and data centers that require high-density integrated fiber optic lines.