MPO/MTP in the DATA Center

Parallel optics technology has become the transmission option of choice in many data centers as it is able to support 10G, 40G, and 100G transmission. For parallel optics to work effectively, it requires the right choice of cable and connector. It is no doubt that fiber optic cable is the main choice for data center cabling as it can provide numerous advantages over twisted-pair copper in a data center environment that allow network designers to benefit from new data center architectures

The MPO connector is the industry acronym for "Multi-fiber Push On", with a push-on insertion release mechanism, provides consistent and repeatable interconnections, and is available with 4, 8, 12, or 24 fibers.

MTP (Mechanical Transfer Push-On) multi-core connector is possible at this time with a data rate of up to 100Gbit/s over a distance of up to 150m (OM4) or 100m (OM3).

As we know, the need for quick provision of ports in data center environments is fulfilled by the use of multiport fiber cable assemblies. This is very well achieved by a fiber optic cable strand, typically with 12 individual fibers and one MPO/MTP connector at the other end providing 6 parallel communication paths and twice for 24-strand MPO cables. Quick provision is necessary for data centers between rack-to-rack links. Using the connectors is a ‘plug-and-play solution with already-tested patch optical budget properties.

MPO (Multi-fiber Push On) connectors are representing a standard for connecting technologies. In many cases, multi-fiber connector products are referred to as MTP connectors. The MPO connector is a multi-fiber connector that is defined by IEC-61754–7.

The term MTP (Multifiber Termination Push-on is a registered trademark of US Conec. The US Conec MTP product is fully compliant with the MPO standards. As such, the MTP connector is an MPO connector. The MTP connector is described by US Conec as, “a high-performance MPO connector with multiple engineered product enhancements to improve optical and mechanical performance when compared to generic MPO connectors.”

The differences between MPO and MTP are head shapes of the fibers differ. The MPO’s fibers are a rectangular finish at the head. The MTP fibers are round-head terminated. For long use in terms of a number of push-in and pull-ups, the MTP round head fibers maintain the lossless good coupling with female connectors.

You cannot mate and have connectivity between the 12-strand MPO connector and the 24-strand MPO connector.

The 16 and 32-fiber MPO connectors contain 16 fibers in each row rather than 12. This format has been developed specifically for 400 Gig applications. MPO technology can be used for multimode as well as single-mode fiber. Multimode connectors use flat ferrules while the single-mode connectors employ eight-degree angled ferrules to minimize back-reflection. Since these connectors are similar in form but incompatible with one another, cable color coding is used to easily distinguish one type from the other.

Among the numerous operational, financial, and competitive benefits of using MPO connectors in the data center environment, are optical insertion loss and return loss performance similar to single-fiber connectors. Maximum space savings for high-density fiber environments. Also, reduced labor costs for fast and easy installation because one 12/24 fiber MPO connector replaces 12/24 single fiber connectors; and complies with standards, i.e., IEC 61754–7; IEC;61755–3–31; and IEC 61753–1.

MTP connectors are designed to enhance the optical signal and mechanical performance while providing lower insertion loss over MPO connectors. The ferrule of the MTP connector floats to retain physical contact on mated pairs if there is a strain on the cable. The elliptical-shaped, stainless steel guided pins in an MTP connector are less likely to cause damage compared to an MPO connector’s pins. The MPO connector has chamfered guided pins that can chip the ferrule and cause the material to drop into the guided pinholes or on the ferrule end face. MTP connectors are built with metal pin clamps that help center the push spring. The spring design prevents damage by maximizing ribbon clearance for 12 fiber and multifiber applications. A variety of MTP connectors are offered to accommodate a variety of applications: Type of boot, round or lose fiber cable, oval jacket, or bare ribbon fiber, just to name a few

To achieve better optical performance, greater durability in the field, and improved assembly quality, the design changes specifically include material changes to ensure reliable performance across a wide temperature range as specified in IEC 61755–3–31.