Handbook for the MPO system

Thorsten Punke Dipl. Ing.

Global Program Manager Building Networks
Program Manager Data Center EMEA

A publication of Tyco Electronics

MPO ASSEMBLY
Description
The MPO optical fiber system is made up of pre-terminated multi-core optical fibre cables
(trunks) that plug into pre-terminated optical fiber cassettes. The MPO optical fibre cable
consists of 12 core, pair-wise flipped, optical fiber cable trunk terminated in 12-way, MPO
connectors that plug into a straight optical fiber cassette, at each end.
The MPO system is available in multimode and singlemode versions. The trunks are
available in customized lengths. The AMP NETCONNECT MPO system is designed to
provide very low loss and requires an odd number of cross-overs in the channel to comply
with TIA-568-B1-7 Connectivity method C.
The MPO system components are manufactured and tested at the Tyco Electronics AMP
NETCONNECT optical fiber assembly manufacturing plant. When the system is installed on
site, it is required to be field tested in accordance with ISO/IEC 14763-3 (1 Jumper or Three
test cord method) using a light source- power meter test set.

Diagram A (Equipment cross-connect)

Diagram B (Equipment to fanout option)

Diagram C (Equipment inter-connect)

Diagram D (MPO fanout extension system)

MPO cassette LC OM3

12 fold straight

MPO cassette LC , OM3

12 fold pair flipped

MPO cassette LC, OM3

24 fold straight

MPO cassette LC, OM3

24 fold pair flipped

MPO cassette SC, OM3

MPO cassette SC, OM3
MPO patch panel 96 port,
OM3
MPO patch panel 96 port,
OM3

12 fold straight
12 fold pair flipped
96 fold, straight

MPO cassette LC, OS2

12 fold straight

MPO cassette LC, OS2

12 fold flipped

MPO cassette LC, OS2

24 fold pair flipped

MPO cassette LC, OS2

24 fold pair straight

559552-2 Fibre Enclosure

4RU accepts 12 Cassettes

96 fold, flipped

0-1671082-8 Drawer panel

1RU accepts 3 Cassettes

0-1711314-2 MPO back cable manager 175 mm depth

0-1711314-3 MPO back cable manager 275 mm depth

1 x MPO <> 12 x
LC/PC
1 x MPO <> 12 x
LC/PC
2 x MPO <> 24 x
LC/PC
2 x MPO <> 24 x
LC/PC
1 x MPO <> 12 x SC
1 x MPO <> 12 x SC
8 x MPO <> 96 LC/
PC
8 x MPO <> 96 LC/
PC

0-1920209-7

1 x MPO <> 12 x
LC/PC
1 x MPO <> 12 x
LC/PC
2 x MPO <> 24 x
LC/PC
2 x MPO <> 24 x
LC/PC

0-1920209-1

0-1920209-8
0-1920033-7
0-1920033-8
0-6695133-1
1-6695133-1
0-1966328-1
2-1966328-1

0-1920209-2
0-1920033-2
0-1920033-1

1671114-4 Breakout-Panel for 3 MPO Cassettes

1-711314-x Rear Cable Manager
(fits to the back of a Rack Rail for MPO and MRJ21)

MPO trunk cable

MPO trunk cables shall be used in all areas where some robustness is required, such as
backbone cabling, dado trunking and construction sites with rough mechanical conditions.
Trunk: 12 Fibre type
OS1 9/125 m (Yellow) OS2
OM3 50/125 m 10 Gb/s XG (Aqua)

Ribbon Style straight

x-2055161-x
x-2055158-x

Fan-Out MPO: MPO (Male) connection to cassettes LC&SC to active equipment)

12 x SC Duplex
12x LC Duplex
OS1 9/125 m (Yellow)
x-1920357-x
x-1920353-x
OM3 50/125 m 10 Gb/s XG (Aqua) x-1920356-x
x-1920352-x
Fan-Out MPO: MPO (Female) LC&SC
12 x SC Duplex
OS1 9/125 m (Yellow)
x-1920112-x
OM3 50/125 m 10 Gb/s XG (Aqua) x-6695460-x

Y- - X
0- -5
1- -0
1- -5
2- -0

12x LC Duplex
x-6695463-x
x-6695464-x

Length
5m
10 m
15 m
20,0

MPO Patch Cords

MPO patch cords shall be used for equipment cabling and in
controlled environments such as a data center where the cabling is
installed in pathways, open trays or other cabling supporting
systems (AMP Hi-D).

Trunk: Fibre type

Female/Female
OS1 9/125 m (Yellow) OS2
OM3 50/125 m 10 Gb/s XG (Aqua)

Ribbon Style straight

y-6391907-x
Y-639108-x

MPO Trunk Assembly Performance Characteristics

Multimode Trunk Assembly
Description
The MPO trunk assembly consists of OM3 type optical fibres, laid together to form a 12 core
cable (round distribution style or flat ribbon style), and terminated in a 12 fibre MPO
connector at each end. The cable jacket material is LSZH type.
Overall cable diameter:
Round Distribution style:

Round Distribution
6.4 mm (nom)

Flat Ribbon
5.0 x 2.0 mm (nom)

Minimum Bending Radius during install:

Minimum Bending Radius after install:
Nominal Mass:
Maximum Pulling Tension during install 1:

140 mm
130 mm
32 kg/km
350 N

100 mm
80 mm

Insertion Loss @ 850 nm:

0.5 dB per mated MPO pair

excluding optical fibre cable loss (3 dB/km)
25 dB per mated MPO pair
1500/2000 MHz*km
500/500 MHz*km

Return Loss @ 850 nm:

Minimum Bandwidth @ 850 nm:
Minimum Bandwidth @ 1300 nm:
Singlemode Trunk Assembly
Description

The MPO trunk assembly consists of OS2 type optical fibres, laid together to form a 12 core
cable, terminated in a 12 fibre MPO connector at each end. The cable jacket material is
LSZH type.
Overall cable diameter:
Round Distribution style:

Round Distribution
6.4 mm (nom)

Flat Ribbon
5.0 x 2.0 mm (nom)

Minimum Bending Radius during install:

Minimum Bending Radius after install:
Nominal Mass:
Maximum Pulling Tension during install:

140 mm
130 mm
32 kg/km
350 N

100 mm
80 mm

Insertion Loss @ 1310 nm:

0,5 dB per mated MPO pair

Excluding optical fibre cable loss (1.0 dB/km)

Return Loss @ 1310 nm:

> 35 dB

ISO/IEC 11801, AS/NZS 3080

ISO/IEC 611754-7, ISO/IEC 61280-4-1
TIA/EIA-455-21A, FOTP-21A, Mating Durability of Fiber Optic Interconnecting
Devices.
TIA /EIA 604-5 FOCIS 5, TIA / EIA 568-B.1-7

With installed pulling sock

MPO cable straight configuration and without pins

Male and Female connectivity

MT-technology always needs male and female connectivity. The guide pins act here as a
kind of sleeve function, as in single ferrule technology.

MPO male and female connector

MPO products from Tyco Electronics have the following configuration as standard:
Product
Cassettes
Trunk cables
MPO patch cord
MPO Transceiver
MPO Fanout

Male/Female
Male
Female
Female
Male
Female

Note: All cassettes have a male MPO connector; hence any trunk cable must have a
female connector

Note: In principle all these products can be

built in the opposite way, ie cassettes have
no pins but the cables have pins etc.

Fan out assemblies

The configuration for fan out cords can be
different from that which applies in
particular for direct connections.
Application:
Fan out assemblies are most likely to be used as a direct connection to a switch. The
application is the same as for MRJ21 to RJ45 connectors. In the case of MPO one assembly
is with, the other one without pins.

MPO coupler with 2 MPO connectors

Duplex Patch Cord Specification

2 Fibre Duplex cable

Low smoke outer jacket

Aramid yarn strength members

Description:
TYCO ELECTRONICS duplex mini-zip cables designed to be used in patch leads within
buildings.
Optical Fibre Performance Characteristics
50/125 OM3
Multi-mode
Fibres

Bandwidth
(MHz x Km)

ISO/IEC 11801 850nm

OM3 (10 Gbit/s) 1500

1300nm
500

Max Link Length

For 1Gbit/s (m)
850nm
300

1300nm
-

Max. Attenuation
per Fibre (db/km)
(Incoming fiber)
850nm 1300nm
3.5
1.5

Diameter
(m)
Core
50

Cladding
125

Connector Specifications
Connector Type:

LC
SC

Test Method:
Insertion Loss (typ.)
Return Loss (typ.)
Durability

IEC 61754-20; TIA/EIA 604-10

IEC 60874-14-x; IEC 61754-4
relevant parts of IEC61300-x-x
< 0,3 dB
> 30 dB (MM); > 45 dB (SM)
> 500 mating cycles

Optical fiber Cable Assemblies (Patch-cords):

Optical fibre patchcords are constructed of OM3 duplex fibre cable terminated in LC duplex
connectors, at both ends. These cable assemblies are available in Aqua as a standard
product.

Note: The standard solution in nowadays is OM3. This allows one system solution for
a wide range of applications.

Patchcord Specification
External diameter:
Bend Radius (service):
Bend Radius (installation):
Max. Tension (installation/service):
Crush Resistance:
Smoke Density:
Halogen free:

3.7 x 1.8mm
25 mm
25 mm
220/150 N
2000 N /10cm
Yes
Yes

The cable assemblies are available in the following standard lengths:

1m, 2 m, 3m, 5m, 10m, 15m. OM3 patch cords have controlled endfaces.

Typ
LC-Duplex/LC-Duplex
LC-Duplex/LC-Duplex
SC-Duplex/SC-Duplex
SC-Duplex/SC-Duplex
SC-Duplex/LC-Duplex
SC-Duplex/LC-Duplex

Description
10 GBit XG, 50/125, OM3, MM
9/125 m, SM
10 GBit XG, 50/125, OM3, MM
9/125 m, SM
10 GBit XG, 50/125, OM3, MM
9/125 m, SM

Other lengths are available on request.

Y- - X
0- -1
0- -2
0- -3
0- -5
1- -0

10

Length
1,0 m
2,0 m
3,0 m
5,0
10,0 m

Part Number
Y-6536969-X
Y-6536501-X
Y-6536464-X
Y-6348260-X
Y-6536967-X
Y-6536508-X

Optical Performance
Description
The MPO cassette consists of one or two, twelve core OM3/OS2 type, optical fibre cable
assemblies, each assembly terminated in a 12 fiber MPO connector at one end and simplex
or duplex optical fiber connectors at the other end. These connectors may be LC or SC type.
The assembly is put together in a metal enclosure that can be installed in a horizontal 1 RU
optical fiber enclosure that can hold up to three such cassettes. Alternatively, the cassette
can be mounted vertically in a 4 U optical fiber enclosure that can hold up to 12 such
cassettes.

Mechanical Properties
Material:
Colour Finish:
Height:
Width:
Depth:

Aluminum
Black
27.6 mm
129.5 mm
114.0 mm

Maximum number of simplex fibre ports per cassette:

Maximum number of MPO trunk ports:
Maximum number of cassettes in 1 U enclosure:
Maximum number of cassettes in 4 U enclosure:
Customer Interface type:

24
2
3
12
LC-D, SC-D

Optical Performance
Multimode
Insertion Loss @ 850 nm:
Return loss @ 850 nm

1 dB per MPO cassette

30 dB per MPO cassette

Singlemode
Insertion Loss @ 1310 nm:
Return loss @ 1310 nm

1.0 dB per MPO cassette

35 dB per MPO cassette

11

MPO Polarity Configurations

In each fiber optic system, the link from Transmitter (Tx) to receiver (Rx) needs to be flipped
once. In a complete MPO link this flipping is provided by one flipped cassette, whilst all other
components in this link shall be installed as straight version.
The picture above is the standard configuration and ensures at any time that the link is
working. The picture below shows a 4 cassette example.

MPO polarity with 4 cassettes

Note: The Tyco Electronics solution is a straight trunk cable and one flipped cassette
in the channel.

Configuration of straight and flipped versions

12

Patch cords
All patch cords shall be as shown in the picture below. This configuration is defined in all
global cabling standards such as:

IS 11801 2007
TIA/EIA-568-B.1
EN 50173 2007

Patch cords from Tyco Electronics follow this configuration even though they offer a
removable clip. This clip shall be used only in case of installed channels which are not
standard compliant.

13

Optical Fibre Enclosures

1-U patch panel or frontplate
The 1-U patch panel accepts up to three (3) Snap-in Adapter Plates or MPO Cassettes. The
cassettes or adaptor plates (including blank plates) can be quickly inserted into the front
panel using the quick release mechanism.
The enclosure fits into standard 19" racks and includes side mounting ears, fiber
management rings, cable strain relief and standard glands in the rear.

The enclosure can support the following connectivity:

1.
2.
3.

A total of three MPO cassettes (maximum 36 (72 simplex) duplex connectors)

A total of 3 LC-duplex adapter plates (maximum 36 duplex (72 simplex)
connectors)
A total of 3 SC-duplex adaptor plates (maximum 18 duplex (36 simplex)
connectors)

Configuration
1 adapter plate (6xMPO)
2 adapter plate (12xMPO)
3 adapter plate (18xMPO)

Fibers
72
144
216

10 GB/s channels
36
72
108

Description
1U Drawer panel for 3 MPO cassettes1U patch panel (w/o)
glands&managers)
1U Drawer panel for 3 Snap-in-Modules /with glands&managers)
MPO coupler 6x12 fibers
Blank module

14

Part Number
0-1671082-8
0-1348876-4
0-1374598-1
0-1671146-1

4-U Enclosure
The 4-U high enclosure accepts up to twelve (12) snap-in adapter
plates or MPO Cassettes. The cassettes or adaptor plates (including blank plates) can be
quickly inserted into the enclosure using the quick release mechanism.
The enclosure fits into standard 19" racks and includes side mounting ears and optical fiber
patch-cord management at the front including plastic D-rings.

The enclosure can support the following connectivity:

1.
2.
3.

A total of twelve MPO cassettes (maximum 144 duplex (288 simplex) connectors)
A total of twelve LC-duplex adapter plates (maximum 144 duplex (288 simplex)
connectors);
A total of twelve SC-duplex adaptor plates (maximum 72 duplex (144 duplex)
connectors)

The integral patch-cord management supports up to 144 duplex patch-cords and ensures
the optical fiber patch-cord minimum bending radius is observed. The clear plastic lid cover
protects the patch-cords from unintended damage.
An optional security kit, complete with lock, is available if required.
Description
4U patch panel
Blank plate
MPO coupler 6x12 fibers

Part Number
0-0559552-2
0-0559523-1
0-1374598-1

15

4-U AMP Hi-D enclosure

The 4-U high enclosure accepts up to twelve (12) snap-in adapter
plates or MPO Cassettes. The cassettes or adaptor plates and blank plates can be quickly
inserted into the enclosure using the quick release mechanism.
The enclosure fits into standard 19" racks and includes side mounting ears and optical fiber
patch-cord management at the back. The enclosure can support the following connectivity:

1
2
3

A total of twelve MPO cassettes (maximum 144 duplex (288 simplex) connectors)
A total of twelve LC-duplex adapter plates (maximum 144 duplex (288 simplex)
connectors);
A total of twelve SC-duplex adaptor plates (maximum 72 duplex (144 duplex)
connectors)

The patch panel is part of the AMP Hi-D cabling platform. For cable management, cable
managers and additional fiber organizer drum plates, are available.
Description
AMP Hi-D Modular Panel, 4U
Blank Module

16

Part Number
0-1671055-1
0-1671146-1

AMP Hi-D
AMP Hi-D is a cabling platform for your IT infrastructure. The platform embraces different
kinds of products and features designed for future IT infrastructures requiring high density
solutions.
In line with the desire of organizations to provide more performance in less space within their
Data Center environment while meeting power consumption objectives, AMP
NETCONNECT has realized the need to develop focused product sets for these
environments that meet the design objectives of ensured high density performance,
seamless migration and user flexibility at a reduced power level.

AMP Hi-D is an excellent cabling platform for fiber installations. With our cable managers
and fiber drums we can offer a robust solution in order to address the following subjects:

More information is here:

www.ampnetconnect.eu

17

Installation Procedure
The MPO trunk shall be laid in pathways (not pulled), unless it is being installed in conduits.
Ideally, the best pathway is a duct (metallic or non-metallic) that fully protects the MPO
trunks from other cable types.

Where a cable must be pulled any tension shall only be applied to the installed pulling sock
with a maximum of 350 Newtons.

18

The minimum bending radius specified for the trunk type shall be observed at all times. The
trunk shall be fixed to the panel.
The pathway fill specified in the pathways and spaces standard (30% to 50%) shall be
observed.
The trunks shall be connected to the cassette by simply plugging the MPO connector into
the appropriate MPO coupler as identified in the design plan. Prior to plugging into the
coupler, both MPO plug and coupler shall be cleaned using the method described in the
cleaning section.
All trunks and cassettes shall be labelled in accordance with the administration standard and
the specified requirements. The equipment cords shall be the duplex type and installed to
complete the communication channel. Appropriate patch cord management shall be
provided to ensure minimum bending radius, crush resistance and fill ratios are observed.

19

Cleaning MPO Connectors, Cassettes and Trunks

1918809-1 MPO IBC Cassette Cleaner: Suitable for MPO Cassettes, MPO coupler and
MPO plugs

1918808-1 1.25 mm stick cleaners: Suitable for LC couplers

1918807-1 2.5 mm stick cleaners: Suitable for SC couplers

0-2064499-1 Suitable for SC connectors

0-2064500-1 Suitable for LC connectors

Note: Cleaning is an essential part of MPO and any high speed fiber system. Reason
is the low budget of such systems. If the budget for 10 Gigabit Ethernet is 2.55 dB, it
is going to be about 1.7 dB for 40 Gb/s.

20

Cleaning Procedure MPO Connectors, Cassettes and Trunks

LC, SC couplers
1. Insert the tip of the cleaning stick into the adaptor
opening
2. Rotate the cleaning stick clockwise while applying
varying pressure to create a gentle back and forth
pumping action where the tip of the cleaning stick
contacts the ferrule.
3. Inspect with microscope for cleanliness and repeat
steps 1and
4. 2 if needed until any contamination is removed.
5. Discard the stick after use.

MPO Cassette/Coupler
1. Insert the cleaning tool tip into the MPO adapter as shown.
2. Rotate the wheel in the direction indicated on the cleaning
tool.
3. Remove the cleaning tool from the MPO adapter.
4. Inspect with microscope for cleanliness and repeat steps 3,
4 and 5 if needed until any contamination is removed.

MPO Plug (Trunk connectors)

1. With the clear cover installed it is also possible to clean
the MPO connector plugs
2. Lift the clear front cover, Insert the MPO plug as
shown.
3. Rotate the wheel in the direction indicated on the
cleaning tool 2 or 3 times.
4. Inspect with microscope for cleanliness and repeat
steps if needed until any contamination is removed.

LC/SC coupler IBC cleaner

1. Insert the tip of the IBC tool into
the adaptor opening
2. Push carefully until you hear an audible click
3. Take out the tool and Inspect with microscope for
cleanliness and repeat steps 1 and 2 if needed until
any contamination is removed.

21

The importance of a clean endface is shown in the pictures below. Two connectors have
been mated one, two and five times. Each time more dust is collected and even more
important the dust particles are moving towards the core (see pictures and table). This has a
deep impact for 1 and 10 Gb/s channel testing. As ISO/IEC 11801 has defined a channel
budget of 2.55 dB for OM 300 channels any contamination of the endface is critical.

1st mating

5th mating

3rd mating
Initial
(dB)

Limit (dB) 1st (dB)

3rd (db)

5th (dB)

IL

0.11

0.13

0.12

0.23

0.57

RL

53

52

53

28

19

Status

Pass

Fail

Fail

Always check if end faces are clean before connecting connectors to each other, and after
every re-patching also first check if end faces are clean. Always remove dust and dirt, after
removal check again

Tool

Before

After cleaning

Check (Look) Clean Check (Look) !!

Always make sure that the transmitter is turned off or there is no network connection before
inspection (Always pay attention / be careful when using a microscope)

22

Testing the installed MPO System

The installed MPO system shall be tested to ISO/IEC 14763.3:2007, using the
3-test cord method.
Channel loss

3-Test cord Method

Channel Set-up 3-Test cord Method

Channel under test
Panel 1

Rx

Tail
cord

Tx

LS

Panel 2

PM

LC reference connector
LC non-reference connector

MPO random-random connectors

Powermeter Launch Kits

OTDR Launch Kits

23

Data Centers
The MPO solution is ideal for data center applications. The latest data center structured
cabling standard, TIA 942, defines the cabling layout and cabling performance requirements.
Structured Cabling Concepts in Data Centre

The ISO / IEC data center communication cabling standard defines the topology and
performance specifications of the cabling media that could be used in such an environment.
The minimum optical fibre cable defined in this standard is OM3. The MPO solution is ideally
suited to fulfill the performance requirements defined in this standard.

24

A typical data center layout is shown above. The communication network enables the
various network devices to perform their activity in the most efficient manner.
The MPO trunks are reticulated in modular, (yellow) light weight, Low Smoke Zero Halogen
polymeric ducting, designed and manufactured specifically to protect the optical fiber trunks
from abrasion and sharp edges and to provide segregation of the optical fibre installation
from the copper cabling system.
Optical fiber systems like the The AMP NETCONNECT PLUG&GO MPO system require
much smaller pathways than copper cabling systems. This reduces space in congested
ceilings, while segregating the optical fibre cabling from other services. This pathway system
provides the appropriate minimum bending radii required by the optical fiber trunks to
prevent performance deterioration and simplifies installation by allowing the optical fiber
trunks to be laid into the ducts, rather than pulled.

25

AMP NETCONNECT Regional Headquarters:

North America

Latin America

Europe

Mid East & Africa

Asia

Pacific

Greensboro, NC, USA

Ph: +1-800-553-0938
Fx: +1-717-986-7406

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ph: +54-11-4733-2200
Fx: +54-11-4733-2282

Kessel-Lo, Belgium
Ph: +32-16-35-2190
Fx: +32-16-35-2188

Cergy-Pontoise, France
Ph: +33-1-3420-2122
Fx: +33-1-3420-2268

Hong Kong, China

Ph: +852-2735-1628
Fx: +852-2735-1625

Sydney, Australia
Ph: +61-2-9554-2600
Fx: +61-2-9554-2519

AMP NETCONNECT in Europe, Middle East, Africa and India:

While Tyco Electronics and its affiliates referenced herein have made every reasonable effort to
ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this catalog, Tyco Electronics cannot assure that
this information is error free. For this reason, Tyco Electronics does not make any representation or
offer any guarantee that such information is accurate, correct, reliable or current. Tyco Electronics
reserves the right to make any adjustments to the information at any time. Tyco Electronics expressly
disclaims any implied warranty regarding the information contained herein, including, but not limited
to, the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Tyco Electronics' only
obligations are those stated in Tyco Electronics Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale. Tyco
Electronics will in no case be liable for any incidental, indirect or consequential damages arising from
or in connection with, including, but not limited to, the sale, resale, use or misuse of its products.
Users should rely on their own judgment to evaluate the suitability of a product for a certain purpose
and test each product for its intended application.
In case of any potential ambiguities or questions, please dont hesitate to contact us for clarification.

26

1308716-1 PDF-08/09
2009 Tyco Electronics Corporation All rights reserved
AMP, AMP NETCONNECT, MPOptimate, Tyco Electronics and TE Logo are trademarks.
http://www.ampnetconnect.eu