The Difference Between Fiber Patch Cord and Fiber Pigtail

Optical fiber patch cords are cables directly connected to desktop computers or devices to facilitate device connection and management. Patch cords have a thicker protective layer and are often used between terminal boxes and optical transceivers.

Only one end of the pigtail has a connector. The other end is an optical fiber connector connected to other optical fiber cores in the form of fusion splicing and generally appears in the optical fiber terminal box.

Ⅰ. Specifications and types of fiber patch cords and pigtails

Optical fiber patch cord is generally distinguished by single-mode and multi-mode in data transmission equipment. The color of the single-mode patch cord is usually yellow. There are two wavelengths, 1310nm, and 1550nm. The transmission distance is 10km and 40km, respectively; The color of the multi-mode patch cord is usually orange, aqua, magenta, etc. The wavelength is 850nm, and the transmission distance is 500m. According to the joint type, it can also be divided into the following types:

FC type patch cord: round fiber optic connector, additional metal sleeve reinforcement, and the fixing method is a turnbuckle.

SC patch cord: Rectangular connector, the fixed way is plug-in latch type, no need to rotate.

ST-type patch cord: circular connector, using the snap-on connection and the fixing method is a turnbuckle.

LC-type patch cord: square connector, the fixing method is made by the principle of easy-to-operate modular jack (RJ) latch.

The pigtails mainly include single-core pigtails, dual-core pigtails, 4-core pigtails, 12-core bundle pigtails, 12-color bundle pigtails, SC, FC bundle pigtails, LC bundles Pigtails, and ST bundle pigtails. In addition to these, it can be divided into the following types:

Bundle pigtail: This pigtail is also called a pigtail bundle, which is more popular than other types of pigtails and has a wide range of applications.

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 is equipped with a connector.

Armored pigtail: The outermost layer of this pigtail has an extra metal protective sheath than the conventional pigtail so that it will be more durable than ordinary pigtails.

Optical fiber pigtail: low insertion loss, high return loss, good interchangeability, and repetitive plugging and insertion, very convenient to use.

Waterproof pigtail: It is suitable for harsh environments with a dense protective cover and waterproof sealing connector.

Ⅱ. Application of fiber optic patch cord and pigtail

Optical fiber optic patch cords are mainly used to connect optical fiber distribution frame or optical fiber information socket and switch, the connection between controller and switch, the connection between the switch and desktop computer, and the connection between optical fiber information socket and desktop computer. It can be applied to 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.

As an experienced fiber patch cord manufacturer, T&S Communications quality control includes a set of methods to maintain standards in the production line and each process. Welcome to consult us if you are interested in our products and solutions.