Differences In Mechanical Designs Between Mpo And Mtp

By Author: Ryan
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MTP and MPO are frequently used interchangeably. Is an MPO the same as an MTP? In this essay, we will highlight the distinctions and discuss why one may be preferable over the other. First, MTP and MPO 16 Cable, as well as array connectors, are meant to be multi-fiber connectors. They are essentially the same connection, with a few variations behind the hood. Both connections include numerous fibers in a single connector, which are most typically configured as 8, 12, 16, or 24 fibers.


MTP and MPO connection footprints are comparable to standard duplex LC connectors. However, MTP/MPO connections have a far higher density than typical duplex LC connectors. This can significantly reduce the amount of space and resources required for optical fiber cabling. The picture below shows the similarities in size. However, these MTP/MPO connections may accommodate far more fibers, allowing bandwidth to easily sustain 40 and 100 Gb speeds. This allows for substantially better cable density, which is critical when discussing data centers and business applications with massive cable counts and future expansion requirements.
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Mechanical design differences


Pin Clamp


Standard MPO connections include plastic pin clamps, which can easily break pins with frequent connector mating, but the MTP 16 Cable has a metal pin clamp, which ensures a tight grasp on the pins and reduces unintended breakage when mating connectors. In the MTP connection, the oval spring is utilized to increase the distance between the fiber ribbon and the spring, therefore protecting the fiber ribbon from damage when insertion. The MTP design comprises a recessed pin clamp and an oval spring to provide a tight spring seat, as well as increased room between the spring and the ribbon cable to limit the chance of MTP connection breakage.


Floating Ferrule


The ferrule is the component that surrounds the fiber strands and holds them in place throughout the physical connection. The MTP connection's revolutionary floating ferrule design marked a significant advance over the MPO connector. This allows all polished fiber tips in the ferrules to remain in contact while the connection housing rotates. This significant breakthrough in the evolution of the MTP connection enabled multi-fiber connectors to deliver even more consistent and dependable performance. The floating ferrule feature was especially relevant in instances where the cable connects directly to an active transceiver device.

Guide Pins


The connector guide pins serve as a regulated manner of mating connections, resulting in a secure and solid physical connection. The original MPO connection design included a plastic pin clamp, which can result in broken pins when mating connectors several times. MTP connectors have guide pins linked to a recessed metal pin clamp, ensuring a tight clasp on the pins. This design reduces the possibility of inadvertent breakage while joining connections. In addition to the clamp design, the MTP connection has a better pin design. The MTP fiber optic connector pins were modified with elliptical edges, as opposed to the sharp edges of a normal MPO 16 Cable. This resulted in substantially less damage and debris when connecting the connection.

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