Tag Archives: optic

A clear understanding of the difference between fiber pigtail and patch cord

Previously, I only know different in appearance of the fiber pigtail and patch cord. Fiber pigtail vs fiber patch cord: what’s the difference?

The fiber optic patch cord = fiber optic connector + fiber optic cable + fiber optic connector

fiber pigtail vs fiber patch cord

but the fiber optic pigtail = fiber optic connector + fiber optic cable. I think like this is easy to separate between them.

12fibers SCUPC SM pigtail

Recently, I have readed a discussion about the difference between fiber pigtail and patch core. There are so many professinal people to discuss it. They give me a clear understanding that:

Patch cords are made from either single or multi-fiber cables (usually rated for indoor use) and connected at each end with fiber cable connectors (either single fiber or multiple-fiber connector). Sometimes patch cords are called jumpers, especially if they are simplex or dulex. The connectors are selected to mate with the interfacing equipment or cable connectors. The important idea is that the cable has a connector at each end. The fiber can be either tight or loose buffered and the cable can be made of various diameters (1.2 mm to 3.0 mm are common). The patch cord may have one type of connector (ST FC, SC, LC, etc) on one end and a different connector on the other as long as all the fibers are connectorized on each cable end – this is a transition jumper. Patch cords are commonly used to connect ports on fiber distribution frames (FDFs). The  new mpo connecter make it  possible to run a singel cable that automatically terminates 12 fibers in one easy plug in.  Compared to common patch cord with ST FC, SC, LC connetor, MPO cable is a truly innovative and amazing group of products that really takes fiber optics into the new millennium.

mtpmpo3

A pigtail is a cable (like a patch cord or jumper) with only one end terminated with an optical connector. Patch cords are often cut into shorter lengths to make two pigtails. Pigtails are found anywhere, but more commonly in optical assemblages or optical components

Pigtails are installed where they will be protected and spliced,lets say on the inside of the ODF and that’s why they are normally not sheathed. They have a coating corlour so that you slice them on the corresponding corlour on the out coming fiber.
On the other hand patch codes are used between the ODF to the WDM MUX or equipment. If you cut a patch code for use as pigtail then in case of future faulting where you are dealing with multiple pairs it will be difficult. But still if you need to cut the patch code check on its characteristics.

In general, the only major physical difference b/w patch cord & pigtail is that patch cord is a fixed length piece of cable with dual ended fiber connector type may vary & pigtail is one meter standard OFC core with white white colored jacket. As per standard pigtail can only be used for OFC termination purpose & patch cord is to be used to connect the active component with ODF so that means pigtail can not be used at the place of patch cord.

Related Article: Fiber Optic Pigtail: What Is It and How to Splice It?

ADSS (All Dielectric Self Supporting)

ADSS cable is loose tube stranded. Fibers, 250µm, are positioned into a loose tube made of high modulus plastics. The tubes are filled with a water-resistant filling compound. The tubes (and fillers) are stranded around a FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) as a non-metallic central strength member into a compact and circular cable core. After the cable core is filled with filling compound, it is covered with thin PE (polyethylene) inner sheath. After stranded layer of aramid yarns are applied over the inner sheath as strength member, the cable is completed with PE or AT (anti-tracking) outer sheath.

ADSS Aerial Cable is designed to be freely suspended between upright supports such as poles, posts and masts. The construction is waterproof in longitudinal direction thanks to the use of jelly-filled bundle conductors and swelling tape. The outer jacket is UV-resistant and at the same time provides protection against environmental influences such as snow, ice, sun isolation and wind. The loose tube design provides stable performance over a wide temperature range and is compatible with any telecommunications-grade optical fibre.  ADSS is available in various span lengths and wind loads.

ADSS cable can be installed using live-line methods on an energized transmission line. Fiber cables are generally supported on the lower cross-arms of the tower, which provides good clearance to the ground. When the fibers are installed in the middle of a tower, the fiber cable is unlikely to hit energized conductors. Lower weights and forces are used for installation, compared with metallic cables, so lighter equipment can be used.
Installation technique is similar to installing overhead conductors, with care taken to prevent excessively tight bending of the cable, and adjustment of the sag of individual spans as for metallic cables.

adss cableCABLE STRUCTURE

Feature / Benefit
•Up to 96 fibers (AD10), Up to 144 fibers (AD20)
•High resistance to tracking effect provides long operating lifetime
•SZ stranding design allows for easy mid-span access and isolates
fibers from installation and environmental rigors
•Drycore design for excellent water blocking performance
and easier handling
•Minimized additional loads due to small diameter and lightweight
with the high strength aramid yarns
•Custom designs available *
•Complies with IEEE P-1222, the recognized standard for ADSS fiber optic cable
* Note: The sheath material (MDPE or TRPE) and the location of the cable on structures that support
110KV or higher circuits should be reviewed prior to installation.

4 parts of fiber optic cables

In this artical you will have a clearly  knowing about fiber optic cale composition

1 Fiber optic cable core:

A fiber optic’s center is made of glass, and this tube carries the cable’s light signals. Depending on the type of fiber optic cable (single mode or multi mode), the core varies in size. Single mode fibers consist of a tiny glass core that typically has a diameter between 8.3 and 10 microns. This type of cable is usually installed for transferring high speed data over long distances. For multi mode fibers, the core is larger. Their core size ranges from 5 to 7 times larger than single mode cores. With a diameter ranging between 50 to 62.5 microns, multi mode fiber optic cables are perfect for high data applications. Multi mode cables are typically used over shorter distances than single mode fiber optic cables.

2 Fiber optic cable cladding layer –Also constructed of glass, this “core cover” is used to keep the light in the core. When transmitting data (especially over long distances), light rays can reflect off each other and travel in different directions. The cladding keeps those signals straight.

3 Fiber optic cable Buffer – Also called the buffer coating, this sleeve protects the core and cladding from foreign material (FM) such as outside light, moisture, dirt and other substances. More often than not, the buffer is made of plastic.

4 Fiber optic cable Jacket – The fiber optic’s cable exterior is typically made of tough, durable polyurethane. Its job is to protect the overall integrity of the fiber optic cable. The jacket is the first line of defense in a fiber optic cable. Routing cables can put stresses on a fiber optic cable (kinks, knots, etc.) and a jacket sometimes contains an extra layer to avoid these potential hazards.

If you’d like to purchase fiber optic cables,  you can inquiry the fiber optic cable price of differeent types  to the customer service team of FiberStore

Armored cable, what is that?

armored cable

Definetion

Armored cable is an alternative to running conduit in difficult locations. Instead of running rigid metal pipe that has to be screwed together in twisting or tight locations, it is often easier just to thread flexible armored cable into place. Armored cable comes rolled in spools like regular cable, and is typically available with two, three, or four individually insulated conductors in a variety of sizes1.

Armored Fiber Optic Cable is used by the military, industrial applications as in petrochemical, industrial plants including nuclear and utilities are installed by direct burial in areas where rodents are a problem. The armored construction provides additional crush and rodent protection, and this means the armored cable is conductive, so it must be grounded properly.

Typs:

There are three basic types of metal-covered cable; all are referred to as armored cable. BX is the oldest form. This cable type went into production during World War II and saw heavy use for several years. While this cable provided the protections common in armored cable, it had a tendency to leak, and its grounding system was poor.

True armored cable is essentially just a heavier form of BX. It features a better grounding system and a heavier internal insulation. The process used to cover the cable in its metal covering allows for better waterproofing and an overall tougher design.

The last style of armored cable is metal-clad (MC) cable. MC cable uses a different grounding system from true armor cable and may have additional waterproofing. This is the newest type of metal-covered cable and is found in a wide range of commercial and industrial buildings.

Advantages:

It comes preloaded with wires already in it so you don’t have to fish them through yourself.
It provides its own ground bonding.
It can be run in places ordinary conduit cannot.
It provides a great deal of protection from damage by screws or nails as compared to ordinary insulated cable.

Disadvantages:

The freshly cut edges are difficult to work with and very sharp.
New wires cannot be run through it.
It is expensive, and a new cutting tool must be bought for each new size.

The armored fiber optic cable price:

Higher than other type fiber optic cable.