Fiber Patch Cord
Fiber optic patch cord is jumper cables from the equipment to the fibra optica cabling links, also called fiber optic jumper, fiber patch cord, fiber optic patch leads, etc. With a thick protective layer, it is generally used for the connection between the optical transceiver and the terminal box, widely applications in communication rooms, fiber to the home, local area network, fiber optic sensors, CATV network, fiber optic communication systems, fiber optic connection transmission equipment, national defense warfare equipment, etc.
International standards:GR326, IEC61300-2, ROHS, IEC61754, IEC61753-1 standards
Production Process
Yingda have 1000 square meters of jumper production workshop and 5 complete production lines to meet the mass production of batch orders. All production is strictly managed and produced in accordance with the requirements of the ISO9001:2015 management system, and all products meet IEC CE ROHS standards and 100% tested and shipped.
Patch Cord Category
Fiber optic patch cord is the terminated passive optical device of FTTx deploying system. There are many ways to classify, below briefly describe the common ones.
By Fiber Optic Transmission Mode
Optical Fiber Patch Cord is similar to coaxial cable, but there is no mesh shielding layer. At the center is a glass core that transmits light. According to the fiber core diameter difference, there are 2types of fiber optic jumper: single mode patch cord and multimode patch cord.
Multimode fiber core diameter is 50um~65 um, which is roughly equivalent to the thickness of human hair. Single mode fiber core is 8um~10um.
Because fiber types cannot be identified by the naked eye, international standards have been specified for procurement and usage differentiation like cable sheath color and connector color. See right jpg.
By Fiber Optic Connectors
There are many types of connectors, SC LC ST FC D4 DIN FDDI MU MTRJ MPO MTP SMA PDLC FULLAXS DLC NSN ODVA ODC etc. Below only display normal standard connectors, special waterproof connectors will be introduced in FTTA patch cord, pls refer to that if you are interested.
By Fiber Optic Cables
Patch cords are end-user optical products. In order to match the construction and protection of the fibers on site, will configured with different types of fiber optic cables and connector protectors according to the actual usage scenario. Following types are currently used on the market:
Order Instructions
We only serve wholesalers, carriers, importers or traders, not do retail sales. Please provide the following info to our sales representative, will reply within 24 hours! Thanks.
- Connetor type: SC FC LC ST E2000 MTRJ MU D4 DIN FDDI VF45 LX.5 MPO MTP SMA etc.
- Ferrule type: UPC PC APC SPC
- Fiber type: Single mode(G652D, G657A1, G657A2, G657B3, G655), Multimode (OM1 OM2 OM3 OM4 OM5)
- Fiber count: 1core, 2core, 4core, 8core, 12core, 24core, 48core, etc.
- Cable type: 900um, 1.6mm, 2.0mm, 2.4mm, 3.0mm 3.5mm 5mm , 7mm, 2x3mm, 2x5mm, 4.0*7.0mm etc.
- Cable jacket: PVC, LSZH, OFNR, TPU, PE, etc.
- Cable length: 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 50, 80, 100, 150, 200 ... etc.
NOTES:
if you are not sure what do you need is, pls talk to us by message, mails or video. Or please talk to your end users.
FAQ
Before buying, you must have many questions related before making decision, please check if you can find answers below:
EXW, FOB, CNF, CIF, DDU, DDP are available, depend on real order.
T/T, Paypal, Western Union, L/C, Credit are available.
Welcome! Sample makes better explanation and may avoid mistakes. Free sample available.
All products are mass production, no stock. Normally 3-7days processing time, very fast.
yes, OEM or ODM available.
We can help print your logo on product itself or stickers or outer cartons.
All our products pass CE, ROHS test, and 100% test before delivery. 1Year guarantee for loss or broken.
Working Principle
The optical fiber jumper connects the two end faces of the optical fiber through the optical fiber adapter precisely, so that the optical energy output by the transmitting optical fiber can be coupled to the receiving light to the maximum extent. Therefore, the main requirements of the jumper are small insertion loss, high transmission loss, good repeated plugging, stable environment and good connection and removal performance.
Fiber Patch Cord Features
- Low insertion loss.
- Good repeatability.
- High return loss.
- Good interpolation performance.
- Good temperature stability.
- High tensile strength.
Fiber Optic Patch Cable Structure
Fiber patch cord structure is 2pcs fiber optic connectors at both ends of fiber optic cable to realize the active connection of the optical path; If there is only one connectors at one side, it is fiber optic pigtails.
Welcome OEM & ODM
Rich industry and manufacturing experience of patch cord with various of fiber optic cables, no matter indoor cable, outdoor cable, armored cable or figure-8 cable or FTTH drop cable, etc. All product engineer are all well skilled and graduate from communication speciality。
We are the manufacturer you are looking for!
Customer Oriented
With rich and professional industry experience, Yingda can offer our customers a wide range of customized solutions: silk-screened logos on product / bags / outer boxes, customized labels, adding pulling eyes or waterproof plugs, modifying the structure of the optical cable, etc.
In addition Yingda can optimize the solution according to the client’s market situation and budget, helping the client to win the target market or the bid.
Laser print on cable
Yingda can print your logo on the cable itself, with your brand, part number, contract number , mfr date, length mark, or any data you need to show.
Silk print on connectors
Yingda offer silk print or laser print your bran dor logo in words or picture on connectors, which is good for brand promotion.
Custom label
Each patch cord or pigtails will be configurate with a sticker, where all the data is customized, barcode for better stock track.
Pulling eye for duct
All kinds of custom pulling eye in plastic or metal can be done on customer request to meet special applciations.
Quality Assurance
To provide customers with high-quality fiber patch cords, Yingda carry out a series of tests during the designing and manufacturing process. These optical fiber tests are critical for nearly every type of fiber network. It is necessary for not only vendors but also end users to learn what these tests are to know fiber patch cable quality and then decide the feasibility in your application. It mainly included 3 type of tests: 3D metrology, insertion loss (IL) test & return loss (RL) test, and end face inspection, which provide end users with confidence that the quality cables are high-quality and address their importance to fiber patch cables.
IL & RL Test
No matter the manufacturing process or installation, IL & RL test matters a lot. For optical cable vendors, the insertion loss and return loss tested should be conformed to a series of corresponding standards. For example, TIA standards specify a maximum fiber connector insertion loss of 0.75dB, which is considered as the worst-case situation. For most fiber connectors in the market, they have a range of 0.3dB to 0.5dB for standard loss and 0.15dB to 0.2dB for low loss. Manufacturers use IL & RL tester/power meter to check if the values are within the normal limits so that the end-users could receive qualified products. Yingda patch cord connector IL<0.3dB if not specified.
For end-users, apart from taking the IL & RL value written in the product specification lists for reference to design the optical link and choose other devices and assemblies based on the reference value, it is also possible to test by yourself if testing tools are available. It helps installers troubleshoot and identify faulty system components like visual fault locator, power meter, OTDR, etc.
End face Clarity Inspect
End face clarity is an essential procedure in optical fiber maintaining to confirm if there are contaminants, scratch or crack over the connector end face.
Why is it important to do end face clarity?
The cleanliness and smoothness is different from any other kind of cleaning due to the deformation of connector end face and the particle contaminants reside on it. Even microscopic dust can increase return loss and even cause potentially permanent damage to connectors. Moreover, the dust between two end faces can scratch the surfaces, causing an air gap or misalignment between fiber cores, which degrades the optical signal. Since these contaminants are so tiny to see without a microscope, if you mate a dirty plug, the other plug can also get contaminated. Therefore, even though vendors have done end face clarity during fiber optic connector testing, every time before connectors are mated or after they are un-mating, you should be diligent in inspecting end faces and cleaning them.
During manufacturing, we use desktop microscope to inspect, when onsite constructions, the fiber optic engineer can use handheld fiber microscope to check the end face.If the end face is dirty, use below tools to clean it: fiber optic cleaning sticks, kimwipes, alcohol, cleaner pen or cassette cleaner, etc.
3D Metrology Test
3D metrology test (three-dimensional surface measurement) is a key test for controlling the performance of fiber optic connectors. During productoin, 3D interferometer, as the instrument to perform optical interferometry, plays an important role to enable vendors to inspect the fiber endface and control strictly the endface dimension. Three are 3 main properties to test: radius of curvature, apex offset, and fiber height.
1. Radius of Curvature
Radius of curvature is the roundness of the ferrule’s end face. High-quality fiber optic connector end face should be controlled in a certain range. Too tight of a radius will put too much compression on the glass ,and too loose will put too much on the surrounding ferrule, both of which can cause light scatter or inadequate physical contact for optimal signal transfer. Only a proper radius will allow for right compression and maximum performance.
2. Apex Offset
Apex offset refers to the linear distance between the highest point of polished ferrule end face and the center of fiber. It is a key term to amplify during polishing process. Incorrect polishing can be the reason for apex offset.
In theory, mated connectors with centered apex offsets should have perfect core-to-core connection, without any air gap. If there is a large apex offset, an air gap can be created, resulting in high IL and RL. Optical connectors with PC or UPC ferrules should set the apex offset at 0 degrees vertical angle during polishing. When ferrule is perfectly perpendicular to the polishing surface, the apex will be the exact center of fiber. APC ferrule is another case. The ferrule should be at an angle of 8 degrees to the fiber, instead of perfectly vertical.
Below show the difference of UPC and APC fibers contacting.
3.Fiber Height
Fiber height is the height that a fiber core extends from the ferrule surface. The fiber height should be not too high or too low. If too high, the fiber may bear the risk of being damaged when mated; if too low, gap will occur between the mated connector, resulting in increased insertion loss. Especially for those transmissions with stringent insertion loss requirements, gaps are certainly something you should avoid.
Standard 3D interferometer values are different in fiber modes and polish styles, thus the specific products should meet or exceed relevant industry-accepted end face geometry standards. The following chart is the endface geometry requirements of MTP single mode trunk cable connector based on IEC/PAS 61755-3-31 and IEC/PAS 61755-3-32.
Item | Requirements | Item | Requirements |
Ferrule X angle (SX) | -0.2~0.2° (PC and APC) | Fiber height (H) | 1000~3000nm |
Ferrule Y angle (SY) | ±0.2° | Max fiber height diff (HA) | 500nm |
Ferrule X radius (RX) | ≥2000mm | Max adjacent height diff (HB) | 300nm |
Ferrule Y radius (RY) | ≥5mm | Coplanarity | ≤2000 nm |
Fiber Curvature Radius (RF) | ≥1mm | Core dip | -100nm~+200 nm |
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Precautions In Use
- Fiber optic fast connector installation is very easy, but it is highly susceptible to contamination and damage resulting in damage to the performance of the fiber, in the installation process should be away from dust and contaminants, and inserted fiber slowly to prevent fiber from broken.
- The optical modules at both ends of the fibre optic patch cord must have the same wavelength of transmission and reception. The simple way to distinguish is optical module have the same colour. In general, shortwave optical modules use multimode fiber (orange fiber) and longwave optical modules use single-mode fiber (yellow fiber) to ensure the accuracy of data transmission.
- Do not over-bend and loop the optical fiber in use, which will increase the transmission attenuation.
- Always put on dust cap after use, or else dust and oil will damage the coupling of the fibre.
- If the fibre optic connector is soiled, clean with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, otherwise the communication quality will be affected.
- Wipe the ceramic ferrule end face with alcohol and skimmed cotton before use.
- The minimum bending radius of the optical fibre is not less than 150mm when used.
- Prevent the core and the end face from bruising and pollution, and put on the dust cap in time after disassembly.
- Do not look directly at the end face of the optical fibre when transmitting laser signals.
- In case of man-made and other irresistible damage, replace the damaged optical fibre jumper in time.
- Read the manual carefully before installation, and carry out installation and commissioning under the guidance of the manufacturer or distributor's engineer.
- If there is any abnormality in the fiber optic network or system, use the troubleshooting method to test one by one. Firstly use visual fault locator (laser pointer) to check if the light can go through, if not, it is broken. Or further use the precision fiber optic insertion loss and return loss tester to check all indicators. If all indicators in the qualified range, the jumper is good, and vice versa is not qualified.
Pack Information
Yingda provides all kinds of package methods for customers, like PP bag, blister box, candy pack or others.
Plastic bag (short length)
1pc/bag, 500pcs/carton
Plastic film wrap (long meter)
1pc/wrap, 10pcs/carton
Cardboard drum (long meter)
1pc/drum, 10pcs/carton
There are possible problems when use patch cord, excluding the quality of the product itself, in most cases, improper construction operations or environmental factors are the reasons.
Patch Cord vs Pigtails, What Are The Difference?
Fiber optic patch cord is with 2connecctors at both sides of the cable, generally used as a jumper cable to connected and transmit light by adapters. Patch cords have a thicker protective layer and are often used between terminal boxes and optical transceivers. Fiber optic patch cords can be cut into shorter lengths to make two pigtails.
Fiber optic pigtails only have one connector at cable one side, the other side is bulk head for fusion splice. They should be installed where they will be protected and spliced, so they are usually used with fiber optic management equipment like optical distribution frame (ODF), splice closures and cross cabinets. That’s why they are normally not sheathed.
What Is The Riser Area?
Riser area are floor openings, tubes, or channels that run upwards over one or more floors. It is planned for use in upright shafts that run between floors.
What Are The Difference Of PC UPC APC?
PC stands for Physical Contact. It is the most commonly found polish type on OM1 and OM2 multi mode fiber, the return loss will be≥-35dB
UPC stands for Ultra Physical Contact. It is PC update with a better surface finish after extensive polishing and a lower return loss than the PC structure, approximately≥-50dB.
APC stands forAngle Polished Connect. Take note of the angled tip of the white ceramic. This angle eliminates back reflections, which significantly reduce the performance of any analog fiber optic system, such as CATV and satellite. The return loss will be≥
What Is The General-Purpose Area?
A general-purpose area is all other areas that are not plenum or riser on the same space or floor.
What The Advantage of Fiber Patch Cord?
Compared with copper cables, fiber optic patch cables have a much higher transmission speed. The transmission speed is up to 400Gbps for single-mode fiber cables and 100Gbps for multimode OM4 fiber cables.
- Fiber optic patch cables can be connected to devices far away from each other because they are made of optical fibers that can be transmitted very far in the air or underwater. For example, multimode fiber cables can be extended up to 2 kilometers, while single-mode fiber cables can be extended up to 160 kilometers under ideal conditions.
Fiber optic patch cords are immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). In addition, they have the lowest attenuation loss among all the types of cable connectors, which makes them more reliable than copper cables.
The bare fiber is similar like thehuman hair. Their data transmission capabilities much outweigh those of their copper counterparts. Regular copper cable is four times wider and only transmits a fraction of the data. Fiber cable is lighter, more flexible, and takes up less room (and therefore easier to manage). The extra space allows for more significant cooling, more accessible access to the equipment it connects to, and a more pleasant design.
The fiber is made of glass, which is much cheaper than copper, and it is use up. But copper is limited.
What Difference Of Cable Jacket: OFNP OFNR OFNG LSZH?
If we talked about cable jacket, always safety standards matters.Because fiber cables often run through buildings and confined spaces, they might be subjected to high-heat areas or poor ventilation. So fire safety ratings are important. Depending on where the cable runs and its application, there are regulations that might determine which jackets and fire safety ratings are required.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies fire resistance limits for fiber optic cables. Indoor fiber installations are often categorized as a plenum, riser, or general-purpose. Fiber patch cables placed in plenum areas and risers must fulfill the flame spread and smoke generation criteria established in NEC Article 770 and the UL 1651 Standard for Optical Fiber Cable.
OFNP stands for Fiber Optic Non-Conductivity Plenum. OFNP fiber cables are resistant to fire and smoke,prevent the risk of fiber burning along the cable from one floor to another, and it can run within a ventilated system such as pipes, plenums, and other areas where gas streams are being built. This is the highest rating of flame-retardant cable; no other cable may be used in its place.
OFNR stands for Optical Fiber Non-conductive Riser. This safety rating is usually given to PVC. OFNR fiber cables are often used in Riser/vertical runs from one level to another between buildings, but the application are limited. OFNR fiber cables cannot be put in the ventilation area because they lack the fire and smoke ratings needed by Plenum-approved cables. OFNP plenum cables can be used in place of OFNR fiber cables.
What is PVC?
PVC is soft, and it resists oxidation, which helps it not burn terribly easily.It is the worst fire rating of the four main types.
When implementing PVC, it is suitable for both horizontal and vertical runs.
The main consideration in using PVC is the range of by-products it produces when it burns. It will give off black smoke, produce hydrochloric acid and emit some toxic gases. Clearly, this is undesirable.
Because of these risks, PVC is mainly used in fully enclosed ventilation systems. If a ventilation system can take into account the risks of PVC by-products, then it can be used safely. Ventilation systems that lack such design elements cannot use PVC jackets.
OFNG stands for Optical Fiber Non-conductive General-Purpose. They are often utilized for single-layer horizontal wiring applications and have minimum fire requirements (fire cannot exceed 4 feet 11 inches) where fire cannot penetrate into the floor or ceiling. OFNP and OFNR cables can be used in place of OFNG cables.
LSZH stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen. The name really says it all. It is a jacket designed to withstand fire hazards and, as the name suggests, this material produces very little smoke and no halogens when it burns.
It is tougher and more flame resistant than PVC. It is non-toxic when it burns. Because of this, it is popular in poorly ventilated areas, such as aircraft or underground carriages. LSZH is more expensive than most other jacket materials.
Indoor Patch Cord vs Outdoor Patch Cord, What Are The Difference?
We can distinguish from 2sides: one is the connectors, the other is optical cable.
Indoor optical cable usually soft cable with color to distinguish, PVC or LSZH, OFNP will be used in most applications, the diameter is small like 900um, 1.6mm, 2.0mm,3.0mm,3.5mm, etc. Fiber count is about 1core 2core, 4core, 8core ,12core, 24cores, etc. But mostly is 1core or 2cores, multi-fibers are not so much used.
Outdoor optical cable should be made to prevent insects, ants and rats from biting, sun and rain, corrosion, etc. The out jacket will be TPU, PE, HDPE, etc, LSZH is not enough, and color is normally is black and the fiber will be tight buffer inside. And it is mostly multi-fibers with loose tubes to distinguish. Now the popular type of outdoor fiber optic cable included: ftth drop cable, figure-8 cable, armored cable, waterproof cable, FTTA base station cable, etc.
What Are The Main Performance Of Optical Fiber Jumper?
- Return loss and insertion loss test. The test instrument can use FibKey7602 IL&RL integrated tester.
- End face geometry test. The test parameters include radius of curvature, vertex offset, fiber height, etc. The testing instrument is interferometer. Many people use Norland AC/NC3000 or CC6000 for testing. In particular, CC6000 interferometer is used by more and more factories because of its superior cost performance.
- Fiber end face scratch detection.We can use fiber microscope like FibView FV-400PA for inspection which is simple to use and show the clearest image. Some customers also use the FibKey-5600 variable magnification glass for testing. The instrument integrates 400x, 200x and 80x magnifying glass, which can clearly and conveniently observe the optical fiber end face and ferrule end face. Of course, relevant software can also be used for automatic inspection.
- Optical fiber tension test. It is required to test the tensile force that the optical fiber connector can withstand. This is critical for overhead or pipeline pulling.
- Ambient temperature test. It is necessary to test the performance index of optical fiber connector under different ambient temperatures.
