Fiber optic cable patch cord is the most commonly used product in low-voltage projects. It functions as guiding light signals to their destination equipment and enabling the conversion between optical and electrical signals.
Understanding the key factors when selecting fiber optic cable patch cords is crucial for optimal performance and reliability.
1. Connector Types
Different connectors suit for different devices, with the main types being MPO, SC, FC, LC, and ST.
- MPO patch cords: Used for 40G, 100G optical modules and high-density data centers
- LC patch cords: Used for connecting SFP optical modules, featuring modular jacks, commonly found on routers
- SC patch cords: Connect GBIC optical modules, with a rectangular housing and a plug-and-play locking mechanism, frequently used on routers and switches
- FC patch cords: Feature a metal sleeve for external reinforcement and a screw-lock fastening method, often used in patch panels
- ST patch cords: Have a circular housing and a screw-lock fastening method, commonly used in patch panels
2. Fiber Types
Single-mode fiber optic patch cords use 9/125um fibers, while multi-mode fiber optic patch cords use 50/125um or 62.5/125um fibers.
They are primarily used for long-distance data transmission, while multi-mode fiber optic patch cords are used for short-distance transmission.
Single-mode fiber optic patch cords typically have a yellow jacket, while multi-mode fiber optic patch cords come in OM2 (orange), OM3 (aqua), OM4 (violet), and OM5 (lime green).
3. Connector Polishing Methods
Different polishing methods determine the quality of fiber optic transmission. PC/UPC connectors are blue, while APC connectors are green.
- PC (Physical Contact): Micro-spherical polishing, reducing air gaps between fiber optic components and achieving physical contact between fiber ends
- UPC (Ultra Physical Contact): Further optimized polishing and surface finish based on PC, with a slightly domed end face for more precise mating
- APC (Angled Physical Contact): Fiber end face is typically polished at an 8° angle, providing tighter fiber end face contact and reflecting light through the angle into the cladding instead of directly back to the source, offering better connection performance
Typical insertion loss for PC, UPC, and APC connectors is less than 0.3dB, with UPC/PC achieving lower insertion loss due to smaller air gaps. PC return loss is -45dB, UPC return loss is generally -50dB (or higher), and the industry standard for APC return loss is -60dB.
4. Patch Cord Jacket Materials
Common fiber optic patch cord jacket materials include PVC and LSZH.
- PVC (Polyvinyl chloride): Flammable and produces toxic gases, not suitable for indoor use, low cost
- LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen): Environmentally friendly and flame-retardant, but more expensive
If you need to purchase fiber optic cable patch cord, Fibconet, as a manufacturer with nearly 20 years of production experience, can meet your customization needs and provide insertion losses as low as 0.1dB.
Contact us today for your fiber optic cable patch cord requirements！
