1. What are patch cord and pigtails?
Patch cord are cables directly connected to desktop computers or devices to facilitate device connection and management. Jumpers have a thicker protective layer and are often used between terminal boxes and optical transceivers.
Only one end of the pigtail has a connector, and the other end is an optical fiber connector, which is connected to other optical fiber cores in the form of fusion splicing, which generally appears in the optical fiber terminal box.
2. Specifications and types of patch cords and pigtails
Patch cords are generally distinguished by single-mode and multi-mode in data transmission equipment. The color of single-mode patch cords is usually yellow. There are two wavelengths, 1310nm and 1550nm, and the transmission distance is 10km and 40km respectively; multi-mode patch cord colors Usually orange, the wavelength is 850nm, and the transmission distance is 500m. According to the type of connector, it can be divided into the following types:
FC type: round fiber optic connector, additional metal sleeve reinforcement, and the fixing method is a turnbuckle.
SC type: Rectangular connector, fixed method is plug-in latch type, no need to rotate.
ST-type: circular connector, using snap-on connection, and the fixing method is a turnbuckle.
LC-type: square connector, the fixing method is made by the principle of convenient modular jack (RJ) latch.
The types of pigtails mainly include single-core pigtails, dual-core pigtails, 4-core pigtails, 12-core bundled pigtails, 12-color bundled pigtails, SC
Fiber pigtails, FC beam pigtails, LC beam pigtails and ST beam pigtails. In addition to these, it can be divided into the following types:
Bundled pigtail: This kind of pigtail is also called pigtail bundle, which is composed of Corning tight-buffered fiber, aramid fiber reinforced element and flame-retardant PVC protective cover. Compared with other types of pigtails The popularity is high and it is widely used.
Ribbon pigtail: The ribbon pigtail is the same as the bundle pigtail. Both are multi-core pigtails. The ribbon pigtail contains 12-core fibers. One end is used for fusion splicing and the other end is equipped with a connector.
Armored pigtail: The outer layer of this pigtail has an extra layer of metal protective cover than the conventional pigtail, so it will be durable compared to ordinary pigtails.
Optical fiber pigtail: low insertion loss, high return loss, good interchangeability and repeatability, easy to use.
Waterproof pigtail: with a dense protective cover and waterproof sealing connector, suitable for harsh environments.
3. Application of patch cord and pigtail
Patch cords are mainly used for the connection between the optical fiber distribution frame or optical fiber information socket and the switch, the connection between the switch and the switch, the connection between the switch and the desktop computer, and the connection between the optical fiber information socket and the desktop computer. Applicable For management, equipment room and work area subsystems.
Pigtails are mainly used in optical fiber communication systems, optical fiber access networks, optical data transmission, optical fiber CATV, local area networks (LAN), test equipment, optical fiber sensors, serial servers, FTTH/FTTX, telecommunication networks, and pre-terminated installations.
4. Precautions for patch cords and pigtails
4.1. The transceiver wavelengths of the optical modules connected by the jumper must be the same. Generally, short-wave optical modules are matched with multi-mode patch cords, and long-wave optical modules are matched with single-mode jumpers to ensure the accuracy of data transmission.
4.2. The patch cords should reduce the winding as much as possible during the wiring process, so as to reduce the attenuation of the optical signal during the transmission process.
4.3. The connector of the patch cords should be kept clean. After use, the connector should be sealed with a protective cover to prevent oil and dust from entering. If it is stained, it should be cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
4.4. The pigtail is relatively slender. The cross section of the pigtail is at an angle of 8 degrees. It is not resistant to high temperature and will be damaged if it exceeds 100°C. Therefore, avoid using it in high temperature environments.
5 Conclusion
In the optical fiber transmission system, pigtails and patch cords are the main tools, and neither of them will work. There are also higher requirements for data transmission. The quality of the ferrule, the technology and the method of production all determine the stability of the data transmission.
Post time: May-25-2020