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Why AI Data Centers Need Multimode MTP®/MPO APC Connector Cabling Solutions

Apr 02, 2025  |  T&S
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    The Growing Demand for High-Speed Connectivity in AI

    AI workloads, particularly those involving large language models (LLMs) and deep learning, require massive parallel data transfers between GPUs and TPUs at speeds of 100G, 400G, and beyond. To support these demands, data centers are transitioning to PAM4 (Pulse Amplitude Modulation 4-level) signaling, which doubles the efficiency of traditional NRZ encoding. However, PAM4's narrower eye diagram makes it highly sensitive to signal degradation—especially from reflections in fiber optic connections.


    The Challenge: Signal Integrity at High Speeds

    1. PAM4's Sensitivity to Reflections

    PAM4's four-level signaling (00, 01, 10, 11) enables higher data rates but is more prone to interference. Even minor reflections—caused by dust, scratches, or imperfect connectors—can scatter light back to the transmitter, distorting signals and increasing bit error rates (BER). This leads to:

    • Retransmissions, increasing latency

    • Longer AI training cycles, raising operational costs

    • Reduced efficiency in high-performance computing (HPC) environments

    why-ai-data-centers-need-multimode-mtp-mpo-apc-connector-cabling-solutions-01.jpg

    Figure 1: PAM4's narrower eye diagram makes it more vulnerable to noise than NRZ.

    2. Limitations of UPC endface Connectors

    Most multimode MTP®/MPO fiber cables (e.g., 12/24-fiber variants) use UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) polishing, which has a slight curvature to reduce reflections. While effective for older NRZ-based networks, UPC endface struggles with PAM4's demands because:

    • Multimode fibers have larger cores, allowing multiple light modes that create complex reflections.

    • UPC's flat polish doesn't fully eliminate back reflections at 100G/400G/800G speeds.

    • Higher return loss increases the risk of signal distortion.


    The Solution: APC Endface Connectors for AI-Optimized Networks

    How APC Reduces Reflections

    APC (Angled Physical Contact) connectors feature an 8° angled polish (vs. UPC's flat surface). This design:

    • Redirects reflected light into the cladding, where it's absorbed instead of bouncing back.

    • Lowers return loss, improving signal integrity for PAM4 modulation.

    • Supports higher data rates (400G/800G) with minimal interference.

    why-ai-data-centers-need-multimode-mtp-mpo-apc-connector-cabling-solutions-02.jpg

    Figure 2: APC's angled end-face prevents reflections from reaching the transmitter.

    APC vs. UPC: Key Differences

    Feature

    MTP®/MPO APC

    MTP®/MPO UPC

    Reflection

    Light absorbed by cladding

    Partial reflections remain in core

    Speed Support

    Optimized for 400G/800G PAM4

    Limited performance at high speeds

    Cost

    Slightly higher due to precision polish

    Lower cost, but higher risk of errors


    T&S's Multimode MTP®/MPO APC Solutions for AI Data Centers

    To meet the needs of AI-driven infrastructures, T&S offers high-performance APC optical fiber solutions, including:


    1. MTP®/MPO APC Cables

    • Low-reflection design for stable 400G/800G transmission

    • OM4/OM5 compatibility for future-ready scalability

    • Custom configurations (8/12/16/24/36-fiber or more fiber count options)

    2. Recommended Products

    Application

    Cables

    Transceivers

    400G Networks

    MTP®-12 APC to MTP®-12 APC, OM4

    400GBASE-SR4 QSFP-DD

    800G Networks

    MTP®-16 APC to MTP®-16 APC, OM4

    800GBASE-SR8 OSFP

    Breakout

    MTP®-16 APC to 8x LC UPC, OM4

    400GBASE-SR8 QSFP-DD


    Conclusion: Future-Proofing AI Data Centers with APC

    As AI workloads push data rates beyond 400G, minimizing reflections is critical. T&S’s MTP®/MPO APC fiber solutions ensure:


    • Lower return loss for cleaner PAM4 signals

    • Higher reliability in dense AI/ML environments

    • Seamless compatibility with InfiniBand and Ethernet standards


    Upgrade to APC today—optimize your AI infrastructure for speed and stability. Visit link below to explore the right products to upgrade your MPO/MTP® cabling projects: https://www.china-tscom.com/products/mpo-mtp-cable-assembly/

    References
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