MPO connectors streamline fiber-optic connections in high-density cabling environments such as in data centers, telecommunication networks as well as in the aviation and military fields. They minimize impact on space while improving transmission efficiency and stability thanks to their low insertion loss and high return loss. In recent years, with the fast development of cloud computing, AI and big data, MPO connectors have expanded to medical equipment, and broadcasting and communications applications.
In its latest market research report, Insights Connect said that MPO connectors realized $631.4 million in 2023 and will hit $1.594 billion by 2030, posting a CAGR of 14.1 percent from 2024. This fiber-optics category is projected to have stable growth in the future, driven by the need for higher network speed as the number of internet users continues to increase worldwide.
North America is expected to snare the biggest market share, followed by the Asia-Pacific, according to Business Research Insights. In the latter region, China, Japan, India, Australia and South Korea are expected to lead.
MPO connectors' futureproofing potential
While MPO connectors are usually associated with high-density cabling, they offer benefits when used in smaller-scale setups. These connectors can optimize physical space and improve cable management further and leave room for future expansion and modification.
There are caveats to consider, though. Compared to single-fiber connectors, MPO units are more complex, making installation, maintenance and troubleshooting slightly more difficult. They are currently more expensive as well.
The most used types of fiber-optic connectors at present include LC, SC, ST and FC.
Breakthrough
R&D has yielded breakthroughs over the years. One is the noncontact MPO connectors from California-based Arrayed Fiberoptics, announced in a press release posted on the Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibition (OFC) website in 2017.
The NC-MPO design ensures a low insertion loss, high return loss and good insertion loss repeatability, and offers a mating life span that is 10 times more than traditional MPO counterparts. The connector boasts interchangeability, is not sensitive to dust and will not damage the surface of a device under test. It is compatible with traditional MPO connectors.
Arrayed Fiberoptics is the original inventor of noncontact fiber-optic connectors, which was described as “arguably the first major advancement for connectors in 30 years” by Craig Matsumoto in an article on Light Reading in 2012.
The company has a China patent on this technology, specifically CN201710842885.3, and US Patent No. 10,983,288.
Higher core count
In China, currently available MPO connectors have four, six, eight, 12 or 24 cores, with the last three configurations dominating shipments. The 24-core variant offers greater density that fully meets 400G Ethernet and fiber-optic communication but is only a third of the size of an eight-core unit and half of a 12-core version.
Anticipating expansion and upgrades in the future, especially as data traffic shows no sign of tapering off, these manufacturers will up the ante and introduce connectors with a higher core count. Shenzhen-based T&S Communication, one of the leading suppliers in China and the world, is already mass producing 32-core units.
Production buildup is underway as well, with many companies planning to meet rising demand. Shenzhen Zesum spent $30.54 million on its 5G components expansion project, which will turn out CWDM filters, PLC splitters, patch cords and MPO connectors. Mass manufacture is expected to be realized in one or two years and will bring in an annual turnover of $79.58 million.
Mainstream MPO connectors
MPO connectors in China are mainly used in data centers, FTTB connections, and military and aviation applications. The options are single-, multimode, male and female versions with a PC or APC polish.
Typical single-mode connectors have less than 0.3dB insertion loss and more than 50dB return loss, and multimode counterparts less than 0.4dB and more than 35dB. Both types have less than 0.1dB repeatability, less than 0.2dB interchangeability, -20 to 70 C operating temperature and up to 1,000 mating cycle life span.
Suppliers interviewed by Global Sources said that units with 12 and 24 cores are in demand domestically and overseas.
MPO connectors in custom specifications are widely produced, and account for 20 to 50 percent of orders.
Manufacturers can also provide connectors with cables or complete assemblies when needed. They source ferrules, pins, shells, caps and cables from domestic or foreign providers. Some use ferrules that they make in-house for greater control on product quality.
The cost and supply of these materials are expected to remain generally stable throughout 2024 and will keep MPO connector prices unchanged.
Major industry players
Production bases for MPO connectors are found mostly in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe. China and Japan are the top global hubs.
The key companies include T&S Communication, US Conec, Senko, Siemon, Amphenol, Suzhou Agix, Sumitomo Electric, Nissin Kasei, Molex and Panduit.
In addition to T&S Communication and Suzhou Agix, the major suppliers in China are AVIC Jonhon, Suzhou TFC and Ningbo Longxing. The rest of the enterprises there are small and midsize operations.
More than 70 percent of the manufacturers in China are found in Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu, with a few in inland areas such as Xi’an and Chengdu. These locations, with their comprehensive supply chain, established infrastructure and skilled manpower, will continue to attract players entering this segment.
MPO connector, 20dB minimum, 0.35dB maximum insertion loss
Company: Gorelink Communication (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd
Available in male and female versions with APC or PC polish, the GL-PC54MPOMPO243L-3 MPO connector from Gorelink has 0.35dB maximum insertion loss and 20dB minimum return loss and -10 to 70 C operating temperature.
MOQ: 1 meter
Lead time: 7 days
MPO connector, male, female, APC, PC
Company: Shenzhen DYS Fiber Optic Technology Co. Ltd
Suitable for use in data communication and optical access networks, this male or female MPO connector from Shenzhen DYS, the MPO-MPO, 2X12core, has an APC or PC polish. It complies with IEC 61754-7, TIA/EIA 604-5 and RoHS requirements.
MOQ: 10 units
Lead time: 5 days
Multimode MPO connector, 12, 24 cores
Company: Shenzhen Hengtongda Communication Equipment Co. Ltd
This multimode MPO connector from Shenzhen Hengtongda, the HTD-MPO-00004, is available in 12 and 24 cores.
MOQ: 20 units
Lead time: 5 days
Single-mode MPO connector, 24 cores
Company: Takfly Communications Co. Ltd
Takfly markets the TK-PC-MPO24-OS2P-3195 single-mode MPO connector with 24 cores. This product has 0.35 or 0.2dB typical insertion loss, ≥60dB return loss, 1,310 or 1,550nm tested wavelength and -20 to 70 C operating temperature.
MOQ: 10 units
Lead time: 7 days
