are vital components in modern data and telecommunication networks, defined by detailed specifications covering fiber type, connector interface, and physical parameters to ensure performance and reliability. The primary specifications relate to single-mode (OS2) and multimode (OM1-OM5) fiber types, various connector styles (LC, SC, FC, etc.), and environmental jacketing (PVC, LSZH, OFNP).
Detailed Specifications Overview
Fiber optic patch cords are engineered to connect optical fiber equipment with high precision. Key specifications are standardized by organizations such as TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association), IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), and ISO (International Organization for Standardization).
Singlemode (OS2): Narrow core (9µm), uses 1310/1550 nm wavelengths, ideal for long-distance communication. The jacket is typically yellow.
Multimode (OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5): Wider core (50µm or 62.5µm), uses 850/1300 nm wavelengths, suited for shorter distances and high-speed local area networks (LANs). Jacket colors vary by type (OM1/OM2: orange; OM3/OM4: aqua; OM5: lime green).
Connectors: Provide the physical interface, each with a specific coupling mechanism.
Common types include LC (small form factor, push-pull), SC (plug-in), FC (screw-type, metallic), and ST (bayonet-type).
Polishing: Affects return loss (back reflection).
UPC (Ultra Physical Contact): Flat end face, return loss typically ≡50 dB for single-mode.
APC (Angled Physical Contact): 8-degree angled end face, return loss typically ≡60 dB, ideal for precision systems like FTTx and RF video. APC connectors are typically green.
Physical/Mechanical: Relate to the cable's construction and durability.
Jacket Materials: Common options include PVC (polyvinyl chloride), LSZH (low-smoke zero halogen), and OFNP (optical fiber non-conductive plenum), each with different fire ratings suitable for specific environments.
Diameter: Common outer diameters are 2.0 mm and 3.0 mm.
Simplex/Duplex: Simplex has one fiber for one-way transmission, duplex has two fibers for simultaneous two-way transmission.
Tensile Strength & Bend Radius: Standards define minimum bend radii (typically 30 mm static, 50 mm dynamic) and tensile resistance to prevent damage during installation and operation.
Fiber optic patch cords are essential components for interconnecting fiber optic equipment, cross-connects, and patch panels in various networking environments, from enterprise data centers to Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) applications. These products are manufactured and tested in compliance with key industry standards, including TIA 604 (FOCIS), IEC 61754, and ISO/IEC 11801, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and interoperability.
2.0 Optical Specifications
The primary performance metrics for fiber patch cords are insertion loss and return loss, which quantify signal attenuation and back reflection, respectively.
Parameter
Single-mode (OS2)
Multimode (OM1/OM2/OM3/OM4/OM5)
Standard
Insertion Loss (Max)
IEC 61300-3-4
Return Loss (Typical)
UPC:
PC:
IEC 61300-3-6
APC:
Operating Wavelength
1310 nm, 1550 nm
850 nm, 1300 nm
Fiber Core/Cladding
9/125 µm
62.5/125 µm or 50/125 µm
IEC 60793-2
3.0 Fiber Type and Performance
Selection of the correct fiber type is contingent on the required transmission distance and bandwidth.
Fiber Type
Jacket Color
Bandwidth (MHz-km) @ 850/1300nm
Ethernet Support (Typical Max Distance)
OS2 (SM)
Yellow
N/A
1G/10G/40G/100G (Long Distance)
OM1 (MM)
Orange
200/500
1Gb (up to 275m)
OM2 (MM)
Orange
500/500
1Gb (up to 550m), 10Gb (up to 82m)
OM3 (MM)
Aqua
1500/500 (EMB)
10Gb (up to 300m), 40G/100G (up to 75m)
OM4 (MM)
Aqua or Magenta
4700/500 (EMB)
10Gb (up to 550m), 40G/100G (up to 150m)
OM5 (MM)
Lime Green
4700/500 (EMB)
40G/100G (extended distances)
4.0 Mechanical and Environmental Specifications
These parameters address the physical integrity and environmental resilience of the patch cords.
Parameter
Specification
Standard Compliance
Cable Diameter
0.9 mm, 1.6 mm, 2.0 mm, 3.0 mm (typical)
IEC 60794
Jacket Material Options
PVC, LSZH, OFNR (Riser), OFNP (Plenum)
UL, CSA, IEC 60332-1
Tensile Strength (Short Term)
100N (2mm simplex) to 300N (3mm duplex)
IEC 60794-1-2-E1
Crush Resistance (Short Term)
500N/10cm (simplex) to 1000N/10cm (duplex)
IEC 60794-1-2-E3
Minimum Bend Radius
30 mm (Static), 50 mm (Dynamic)
TIA/EIA-568-C.3
Operating Temperature
-20∼C to +60∼C
IEC 60811
Storage Temperature
-20∼C to +70∼C
IEC 60811
5.0 Connector and Ferrule Details
Connectors feature high-quality ceramic (zirconia) ferrules for precise fiber alignment. Ferrule end faces are polished to PC, UPC, or APC standards to control back reflection.
Ferrule Diameter: 1.25 mm (LC, MU) or 2.5 mm (SC, ST, FC, E2000).
End Face Geometry: Parameters like radius of curvature, fiber undercut/protrusion, and apex offset are rigorously tested to meet industry standards (e.g., within 50 µm apex offset for UPC/APC).
6.0 Quality and Standards Compliance
All patch cords undergo rigorous factory testing to ensure compliance with international standards and high network performance. Compliance with Telcordia GR-326-CORE ensures long-term reliability and performance under various environmental conditions.
