What Are MPO Connectors:Price,Suppliers and Advantages

Do you know what are MPO Connectors? The core of MPO connectors is the mechanical transfer (MT) ferrule technology, which was initiated by a leading Japanese telecommunications company in the mid-1980s for commercial user telephone services. This MT technology, pioneered by a leading Japanese telecommunications company, became the basis for the first MPO connectors introduced in the early 1990s.

Ever-changing communication technology is transforming lives while demanding higher network performance. As bandwidth needs grew, the industry shifted towards networks with higher fiber density-a superhighway for data transmission. This heralded the beginning of what is now called parallel optics, or multi-core optical transmission. Due to the increase in "channels" used in parallel optics-the fibers that send and receive data-an efficient, high-density connection was needed. The design of MPO connectors successfully established a compact method to effectively couple and decouple high-density MT ferrules through a single coupler. However, more fiber cores also mean more considerations in installation.

 

1. Addressing the Challenges

 

To compensate for the installation challenges posed by increasing fiber counts, Corning, a pioneer in material science, partnered with US Conec in the U.S., a leader in the development of interconnect components. In 1996, the MTP® connector brand was launched in the U.S. market, consisting of a series of advanced MPO connectors designed for 4, 8, and 12-fiber applications. That same year, the MPO method was standardized by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and accepted by the industry eager to install, deploy, and manage high-density fiber networks.

 

Less Time, Less Space

Before the MTP connector hit the market, it typically took two installers a full day to install and test 144 fibers. With the MTP connector, installers could quickly connect 8 to 12 fibers using a pre-terminated, plug-and-play cable, cutting the workday to just a few hours. To ensure accurate connections, MTP was the preferred MPO connector, factory-tested and pre-installed on cables of appropriate lengths. This meant simpler deployment and significantly easier future upgrades, expansions, and changes in structured cabling. At the time, these advancements brought by the MTP connector eventually became industry standards.

Faster deployment was just one aspect of the need, as installers also required a way to fit more fibers into smaller spaces. The MTP connector addressed this issue. Before parallel optics gained popularity, installers were struggling to provide dense solutions. The MTP connector made it easier to do so. Instead of fitting 144 fiber connections in a 1U fiber patch panel, MTP-equipped panels could accommodate 864 fibers, increasing capacity sixfold. This high fiber density made MTP connectors ideal for data centers with tight space constraints or those needing to handle large amounts of fiber.

 

2. Good Technology Continues to Improve

 

As pre-terminated solutions gained popularity, the MTP connector quickly became the preferred choice for data centers, offering an alternative to LC and SC connectors. But the MTP design was not just a smaller connector; its advantage was supporting various parallel optics technologies. Since its inception, the MTP connector has undergone continuous improvements, becoming an ideal multi-fiber connector option for data centers of all sizes.

The highly adaptable and flexible MTP connector has evolved enough to meet the needs of installers, data centers, and users. Let's briefly look at the main advancements we've seen in the MTP method over the past 20 years.

Low Insertion Loss

In 1999, US Conec introduced the MTP Elite® connector assembly, featuring low insertion loss. Corning then integrated this technology into its industry-leading, low-loss, high-density cabling solutions, delivering top-notch optical performance and reliable transmission rates. Since then, MTP's insertion loss has continued to decrease, now comparable to the insertion loss rates of single-fiber connectors from a few years ago.

 

3. Superior Stability

 

Simply put, systems need connectivity to function properly. The earliest versions of MPO connectors coupled without any issues, but touching or improper cable handling could cause unstable information transmission. Installers adopted a sliding lock feature in MTP connectors, an innovative design that allows two connectors to maintain good physical contact under external forces during connection. This major advancement in the evolution of MTP connectors has enabled multi-fiber connectors to provide more consistent and reliable performance. For applications that directly connect optical cables to active Tx/Rx devices, the sliding lock feature is particularly important, making MTP the preferred connector for emerging parallel optics Tx/Rx applications.

Between 2000 and 2002, additional precision improvements were made to MTP connector assemblies, enhancing stability, durability, and overall reliability. After countless experiences, engineers optimized the alignment pins to higher precision elliptical pins, significantly reducing wear and dust generation from multiple insertions. Additionally, the internal components were redesigned to ensure perfect centralized coupling, maintaining good physical contact of the fiber ferrules and ultimately ensuring system connectivity.

MTP connectors continue to uphold their industry reputation by meeting strict Telcordia (formerly Bellcore) standards for carrier-grade requirements and decades of use. Millions of MTP connectors installed in the field continue to work as they did when they were first produced in cable assembly factories.

 

4. Simpler Manufacturing and Usage

 

In 2002, US Conec changed the MTP's original thermoset plastic ferrule process to a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) thermoplastic molding process. Thermoplastic molding is less susceptible to hygroscopicity, a culprit in degrading connector performance. The thermoplastic molding technology also allowed for rapid scale-up to meet high-volume demands while improving control over the ferrule endface geometry during polishing to enhance connector performance.

Design improvements to the MTP Elite® connector also made installation, removal, cleaning, and repair easier. This laid the groundwork for future innovations, better simplifying work for installers-but more on that later.

 

5. A Journey Through Time - MTP Continues to Develop and Improve

 

2004 – Engineers increased the fiber count of MTP connectors to up to 72 fibers.
2005 – Multimode MTP connectors were released, enabling cabling systems to use lower-cost fiber transceivers.
2007 – Low insertion loss multimode MTP Elite® connectors were released.
2010 – 24-fiber multimode MTP connectors were released.
2012 – Standard organizations approved the use of MTP in data centers.
2013 – Industry standard organizations approved MTP for fiber transceivers.
2015 – A new MTP 16-fiber method was introduced, accommodating up to 16 fiber links in a single row.
2016 – Soon, the new MTP 16 would be used in single-mode systems.

Any Technology. Any Data Center. Any Size.

Since the original MT ferrule technology was used in Japanese telecom networks, we've come a long way. But the MTP method is just beginning. Today, our challenges are hyperscale, big data, and cloud-based data centers: how do we provide, add, and support high-density, ultra-high-bandwidth applications that require vast amounts of space to accommodate large amounts of cabling? With its continuously improving insertion loss, fiber density, ease of installation, and proven stability, the MTP connector is ready to meet these demands.

But it's worth noting that MTP is not just designed for large-scale cloud computing, big data, and hyperscale computing. The latest MTP connectors are not only suitable for fiber-to-fiber connections but also for various industries-finance, healthcare, education, services, and more.

So, whether you're using duplex, 8-fiber, or 16-fiber transmission, MTP connectors can be applied to any technology you're using-including new parallel fiber technology applications like 400Gb Ethernet, which can use 32, 16, and 8-fiber transmission. Backed by robust process technology, MTP connectors can function in various environments, including high humidity, extreme heat and cold, and significant temperature fluctuations.

The Ethernet Optical Transceiver Roadmap

The Ethernet Optical Transceiver Roadmap

 

6. Embracing the Next Generation of MTP

 

With its practicality in using different technologies across so many different applications, the MTP connector has achieved versatility, undoubtedly an advantage for installers. But this versatility also brings challenges. Installers may face delays in deployment when they are unsure whether they need a positive (commonly referred to as "male") or negative (commonly referred to as "female") end, or when managing polarity for thousands of fibers that need to transmit and receive.

The latest generation of MTP connectors introduces new features and functionalities to simplify on-site configuration. Don't have the correct "male" or "female" end? No problem. The new MTP connectors allow easy on-site changes to "male" and "female" ends and polarity without specialized skills or connector engineers. In addition to excellent on-site configurability, the connectors are also safer and more environmentally friendly during plugging and unplugging.

 

7. MTP Connectors in Action

 

Since 1996, installers have relied on MTP connectors to speed up data center deployments. Now, we've taken it a step further, fully realizing the advantages of MTP. With over 20 years of proven performance and continuous improvements, the next generation of advancements is on the horizon, and MTP connectors continue to provide exceptional value for various network technologies. No matter what technology you use, MTP connectors will be part of your data center. Making the most of time and space savings is the most straightforward definition of MTP.