What are the different kind of fiber optic patch cords?

 

Fiber optic patch cord is composed of fiber optic cable terminated with different premium grade ferrule connectors on both ends.

They are manufactured and tested in compliance with TIA 604 (FOCIS), IEC 61754 and YD/T industry standards. OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5 or OS2 fiber types are available to meet the demand of Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet and high speed Fiber Channel. Every termination is through rigorous parameter test to ensure the hightest network performance.

Application of patch cords

Data centre, Enterprises, Fttx, Lan, Wan, Catv network, Telecom network applications

Difference based on mode

NAME	DESCRIPTION	PICTURE
Single mode fiber patch cord	Use 9/125 micron bulk single mode fiber cable Fiber optic connectors at both ends. Fiber optic cable jacket color is usually yellow.
Multimode fiber patch cord	use 62.5/125 micron or 50/125 micron bulk multimode fiber cable terminated with multimode fiber optic connectors at both ends. fiber optic cable jacket color is usually orange
10gig multimode fiber optic patch cord	Designed 50/125 micron fiber optimized for 850nm VCSEL laser based 10Gig Ethernet. They are backward compatible with existing network equipment and provide close to three times the bandwidth of traditional 62.5/125 multimode fibers. 10 Gigabit is rated for distances up to 300 meters using 850nm Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSEL). 10Gig fiber optic cable jacket is usually aqua.

 Difference based on the structure

NAME	DESCRIPTION	PICTURE
Simplex fiber optic patch cords	Simplex fiber patch cable has one fiber and one connector on each end.
Duplex fiber optic patchcord	Duplex fiber patch cable has two fibers and two connectors on each end. Each fiber is marked “A” or “B” or different colored connector boots are used to mark polarity.
Ribbon fan-out cable assembly	For ribbon fan-out cable assembly, one end is ribbon fiber with multi fibers and one ribbon fiber connector such as MTP connector (12 fibers), the other end is multi simplex fiber cables with connectors such as ST, SC, LC, etc.

Difference in Fiber optic patch cord based on connectors of each end

1. Same connector type fiber patch cable:This fiber optic patch cable has the same type of connector on both ends, such as ST, SC, LC, FC, etc.
2. Hybrid fiber optic patch cables:This fiber optic patch cable has different connectors on each end. One end can be SC and the other end can be LC, ST, FC, etc.

 

 

Difference in Fiber optic patch cord based on connection polishing types     

Connector Polishing Types: Fiber optic connectors are designed and polished to different shapes to minimize back reflection. This is particularly important in single mode applications. Typical back reflection grades are -30dB, -40dB, -50dB and -60dB. Refer to this connector fiber polish types document for more information.

PC (Physical Contact): Typical back reflection <-40dB, for single mode and multimode applications.

UPC (Ultra Physical Contac t):Typical back reflection <-50dB, for single mode applications.

APC (Angled Physical Contact):Typical back reflection <-60dB, for single mode applications.

Difference in Fiber optic patch cord size.

250um bare fiber, 900um tight buffer fiber, 1.6mm fiber optic cable, 2.0mm fiber optic cable, 3.0mm fiber optic cable

Feature:	Picture
FC: Metal sleeves,turnbuckle high-strength metal shell,locked structure in thread. Often used with test equipment.
SC: Plug type connector,rectangular structure,flexibility locking structure,used to ODN,FTTX. Insertion and evulsion structure,ensures high density and repeat connectivity.
ST: Bayonet locking mechanism makes it quick and easy to use. ST connectors are cylindrical with twist lock coupling. They are push-in and twist type. It is still commonly used for multi-mode networks.
LC: Insertion and evulsion fiber patch cord,with miniature plug rectangular and flexible locking structure. Small size,light weight,pin and sleeve adapted are half the size of the SC,FC. Duplex patch cords features a snap-on clip making later re-positioning possible

 

 

Physical Characteristics	Description
Connector Types End A	LC/SC/ST/FC/LSH/MTRJ/MU
Connector Types End B	LC/SC/ST/FC/LSH/MTRJ/MU
Polish Type	SMF: UPC-UPC; UPC-APC; APC-UPC; APC-APC; MMF: UPC-UPC
Connector Ferrule	Zirconia Ceramic
Cable Outside Diameter	0.9mm/2.0mm/3.0mm
Interchangeability+	≤0.2dB
Vibration	≤0.2dB
Minimum Bend Radius	SMF: 10mm; MMF: 7.5mm/15mm

 

Mechanical Characteristics	Description
Fiber Type	OS2/OM5/OM4/OM3/OM2/OM1
Fiber Count	Simplex/Duplex
Cable Jacket	PVC (Riser/OFNR)/LSZH/Plenum (OFNP)
Jacket Color	OM1/OM2: Orange; OM3/OM4: Aqua; OM5: Lime Green; OS2: Yellow
Fiber Grade	SMF: G.657.A1; OM5/OM4/OM3/OM2: Bend Insensitive; OM1: G.651

 

Optical Characteristics	Description
Connector Insertion Loss	SMF: LC/SC/ST/FC/MU/LSH≤0.3dB; MMF: LC/SC/ST/FC/MU≤0.3dB; LSH≤0.4dB
Connector Return Loss	SMF: UPC≥50dB; APC≥60dB; MMF: ≥20dB
Attenuation at 1310nm	0.36dB/km
Attenuation at 1550nm	0.22dB/km
Attenuation at 850nm	3.0dB/km
Attenuation at 1300nm	1.0dB/km

 

Environmental Characteristics	Description
Operating Temperature	-20~80℃
Storage Temperature	-40~80℃

 

CLEANING METHODS FOR FIBER OPTIC PATCH CABLES

• Always inspect the connector first! Then determine the cleaning action. Inspect the connector after cleaning and repeat cleaning steps, as necessary.
• Use dry cleaning for light debris, dust, or black spots– Use a dry wipe with a cleaning cloth or reel cleaner. If the contaminant can’t be removed by dry cleaning, use the wet cleaning method.
• Use wet cleaning for oily or grease-like contamination– Use a cleaning cloth or reel cleaner that is slightly wetted by a special cleaning liquid
• Don’t reuse cleaning materials

 

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