Multi-core transmission means more challenges
At the heart of the MPO connector is the mechanical mating (MT) ferrule technology, which was launched in the mid-1980s for commercial subscriber telephone service. This MT technology became the basis for the first MPO connectors introduced in the early 1990s.
The ever-changing communication technology is changing people's lives and also puts forward higher requirements for network transmission performance. As the demand for bandwidth increased, the industry began to move toward higher fiber density networks, the multi-lane highways for data transmission. This heralded the beginning of what is today known as parallel optics, or multi-core optical transport.
Due to the increase in the number of "channels" used in parallel optics - the fibers that send and receive data - an efficient, high-density interconnect is required. The MPO connector design successfully established a compact method to efficiently couple and separate high-density MT ferrules with a single coupler. However, more fiber counts also mean more installation considerations.
Solve the challenges faced
To compensate for the installation challenges posed by the ever-increasing number of optical fibers, Corning, an innovator in materials science, partnered with US Conec, a leader in the development of interconnect components. In 1996, the MTP® connector brand was introduced to the US market, a family of premium MPO connectors designed for 4, 8 and 12 fiber applications. That same year, the MPO approach was standardized by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and embraced by industries eager to install, deploy, and manage high-density fiber optic networks.
less time, less space
Before MTP connectors hit the market, it often took two installers a full day to install and test 144-fiber fibers. With MTP connectors, installers can quickly connect 8 to 12 fibers in a fraction of the time, using a pre-terminated, plug-and-play cable, reducing the work day to just a few hours. To ensure an accurate connection, MTP is the MPO connector of choice, factory tested and pre-engineered to fit on the appropriate length of fiber optic cable. This means easier deployment, and future upgrades, expansions and changes to structured cabling are greatly simplified. At the time, these advancements brought about by MTP connectors became the industry standard.
Faster deployment is only one need, as installers also need a way to fit more fiber into a smaller space. MTP connectors solve this problem. Before parallel optics gained popularity, installers were struggling to provide high-density solutions. The MTP connector makes it easier to do this. Instead of the density of 144-core fiber connections in a 1U fiber patch panel, the patch panel using MTP connectors can accommodate 864 fibers, increasing the capacity six times. This fiber density makes MTP connectors particularly suitable for data centers with severe space constraints or the need to use large amounts of fiber.
Good technology keeps getting better
With the popularity of pre-terminated solutions, MTP connectors quickly became the data center's choice, offering an alternative to LC and SC connectors. But the MTP design is not just a smaller connector, it has the advantage of supporting various technologies of parallel optics. Since its inception, MTP connectors have continued to improve, making them the ideal multi-fiber connector choice for data centers of many sizes.
The highly adaptable and flexible MTP connector has evolved to meet the needs of installers, data centers and users. Let's take a brief look at the major advances we've seen in the MTP approach over the past 20 years.
Low insertion loss
In 1999, low insertion loss MTP connector assemblies were introduced. This technology was then used in an industry-leading, low-loss, high-density cabling solution that delivers best-in-class optical performance and reliable transfer rates. Since then, MTP's insertion loss has continued to decrease and is now comparable to the insertion loss rate of single-core connectors a few years ago.
excellent stability
In short, the system needs to be connected to work properly. Earlier versions of MPO connectors coupled without any problems, but touching or improper cable handling can cause erratic information transmission. The installer uses a slidable latching structure in the MTP connector. The innovative design allows the two connectors to maintain good physical contact with the ferrule under the influence of external force when connecting.
In the evolutionary life of the MTP connector, this major advancement has allowed multi-fiber fiber connectors to provide more consistent and reliable performance. The slidable latching feature is especially important for applications that connect fiber optic cables directly to active Tx/Rx devices, which is the main reason why MTP is the connector of choice for emerging parallel optical Tx/Rx applications.
Between 2000 and 2002, additional improvements were made to the accuracy of MTP connector assemblies, resulting in increased stability, durability, while continuing to improve the overall reliability of the connector. After countless accumulations of experience, engineers have optimized the alignment guide needle into an elliptical guide needle with higher precision. This greatly reduces the wear on the guide hole and the generation of dust caused by multiple insertion and removal. In addition, the internal components of the connector have been redesigned to ensure a perfect centralized butt joint during coupling, so that the fiber ferrule can maintain good physical contact, ensuring the connectivity of the entire system.
MTP's industry reputation continues, with today's MTP connectors meeting stringent Telcordia (formerly Bellcore) standards for carrier-grade requirements and decades of use in a variety of applications. The millions of MTP connectors installed in the field continue to work as they did when they were originally produced in cable assembly plants.
Easier to make and use
In 2002, the original thermosetting plastic ferrule process of MTP was changed to polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) thermoplastic injection molding process. Thermoplastic injection molding is not easily affected by hygroscopicity, which is one of the factors that cause the performance of connectors to decline. The culprit. The use of thermoplastic injection molding can also rapidly scale up production to meet high-volume needs, while also improving control over ferrule end-face geometry during polishing to improve connector performance.
Design improvements to MTP connectors also make it easier to install, remove, clean and rework. This sets the stage for future innovations that can simplify the job better for installers - but more on that later.
time travel
MTP continues to evolve and improve
2004 – Engineers increased fiber count for MTP connectors to 72
2005 – Multimode MTP connector released, enabling cabling systems to use lower cost fiber optic transceivers
2007 – Released low insertion loss multimode MTP Elite® connectors
2010 – 24-pin multimode MTP connector released
2012 – Standards body approves MTP for use in data centers
2013 – Industry standardization organizations approve MTP-style fiber optic transceivers
2015 – Introduced a new MTP 16-fiber approach to accommodate 16-fiber links in a row
2016 – Soon, the new MTP 16 will be available in singlemode systems
Any technology. Any data center. Any size.
We have come a long way since the original MT ferrule technology used in telecom networks. But the MTP approach is just beginning, and today the challenge we face is hyperscale, big data, and cloud data centers: how do we provide, add, and support high-density, ultra-high-bandwidth applications that require a lot of space to accommodate a large number of lines cable. MTP connectors are ready to meet these requirements due to their ever-improving insertion loss, fiber density, ease of installation, and their proven stability.
But it's worth noting that MTP isn't just designed for big cloud computing, big data, and hyperscale computing. The new version of the MTP connector is not just for fiber-to-fiber connections. It is also applicable to all industries related to the electronics industry - finance, healthcare, education, services, etc.
So whether you're using duplex, 8-fiber, or 16-fiber transmission, MTP connectors can be applied to whatever technology you're using - including applications where newer parallel fiber technologies, such as 400Gb Ethernet, can be used using 32, 16 and 8 fiber transmission. MTP connectors, backed by their robust process technology, also function in a variety of operating environments, including high humidity, extreme heat and cold, and high temperature variations.
Ethernet Optical Transceiver Blueprint
Meet the next generation of MTP
With its practicality for using different technologies in so many different applications, the MTP connector achieves versatility, which is definitely an advantage for installers. But this versatility also presents some challenges. Installers don't know if they need a positive (commonly known as "male") or negative (commonly known as "female") termination, or when dealing with thousands of fibers that not only transmit but also receive With polarity management, these issues can delay deployment.
The new generation of MTP connectors brings new features and functions to simplify field configuration. Don't have the correct "male" or "female" on hand? not a problem. The new MTP connectors can easily change "male and female" and polarity in the field without the need for specialized skills or the presence of a connector engineer. In addition to excellent field configurability, the connector is also safer and more environmentally friendly when mating and unplugging.
MTP connectors in action
Since 1996, installers have relied on MTP connectors to expedite data center deployments. Now we have gone a step further and see the advantages of MTP. With more than 20 years of performance, continuous improvement, and the next generation of advancements to come soon, MTP connectors still provide outstanding value for a variety of networking technologies. No matter what technology you are using, MTP connectors will be part of your data center. Taking full advantage of time saving, space efficiency is the definition of MTP simplicity.
