With the rapid development of information technology, the demand for high-speed data transmission is growing. Among many transmission media, optical fiber has become an indispensable part of modern communication networks due to its advantages such as high speed, high bandwidth and anti-interference. As an important connection method in optical fiber communication, MPO (Multi-fiber Push On) interface is gradually gaining widespread attention in the industry.

1. Overview of MPO Interface

MPO interface, also known as Multi-fiber Push On/Pull Off, is a standardized interface designed for high-density fiber optic connections. MPO connectors can connect multiple optical fibers at one time, usually arranging 12 optical fibers in a row, and can also support one or more rows of optical fibers in the same MPO connector. Depending on the number of cores arranged in the connector, it can be divided into one row (12 cores) and multiple rows (24 cores or more). Its standard is specified by IEC 61754-7.

The types of MPO connectors can be distinguished based on several factors, including the number of cores (number of fiber arrays), male and female heads, polarity (Key), polishing type (PC or APC), etc. Certain principles must be followed when connecting: connectors with the same number of cores must be connected (such as 12-core to 12-core, 24-core to 24-core, etc.); a male head and a female head are connected as a pair; they must be connected with the same polishing type (such as PC and PC, APC and APC).

The polarity of the MPO connector is managed by Key, which defines two keys: Key Up and Key Down. A pair of MPO connectors is matched through an MPO adapter, which has two types: Class A (up-down, i.e. Key Up/Key Down) and Class B (up-up, i.e. Key Up/Key Up). MPO connectors (single-mode) with an APC connection surface have an 8° bevel and can only be connected through a Class A adapter.

2. MPO interface types

There are two main types of MPO interfaces: Mini-MPO and standard MPO. In addition, MPO interfaces can be further divided into three main forms: adapters, backplane sockets, and printed circuit board sockets. Mini-MPO connectors are suitable for 1, 2, and 4-core optical fiber connections, and are more commonly used in 40G, 100G, and 200G optical modules, while standard MPO connectors are suitable for 2-12-core and 16-24-core optical fiber connections, and are more commonly used in some high-speed optical modules, such as 400G and 800G optical modules. This classification enables the MPO interface to meet the needs of optical fiber communication systems of different scales and requirements.

3. Comparison of Mini-MPO and Standard MPO Interface Size Specifications

The size of the MPO interface varies depending on the number of cores. The size of the Mini-MPO is 4.4mm x 2.45mm, which is suitable for smaller-scale fiber connections; while the size of the standard MPO is 6.4mm x 2.45mm, which is suitable for larger-scale fiber connections.

4. Application scenarios

The MPO interface has the characteristics of low insertion loss, large return loss, and good durability, and can support 40G and 100G network applications. Its optical fiber jumpers are divided into transfer type and non-transfer type. There are many types of transfer MPO jumpers, which can transfer 2-24 core 0.9 or 2.0 optical cable branches, and the connector types can be FC, LC, SC, ST, etc.

Its application scenarios are very wide, including LAN wiring between different buildings in an enterprise, interconnection of optical links in optical active equipment, wiring in communication base stations, wiring in distribution boxes, optical signal connections in computer rooms in residential areas/industrial parks/commercial buildings, as well as building dense wiring systems, fiber-optic communication systems, cable TV networks, telecommunication networks, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), FTTx, etc.