Development of Plenum-Rated Flat Interconnect Cables

摘要

Steady increases in the volume of voice and data network traffic are driving needs for increased optical transmission capacity in telecommunication central offices, cable television head-ends, and data centers. Flat ribbon cables connectorized with MPO-type or MPX-type multifiber connectors are ideal for these types of high capacity interconnect applications. Use of preconnectorized flat ribbon cable increases fiber density on shelves and faceplates, simplifies routing of fibers, and improves productivity during cable installation. We have developed a new product line of plenum-rated flat ribbon interconnect cables that are optimized for high-density interconnect applications. These cables are available with singlemode or multimode fiber, organized into either 8-fiber or 12-fiber ribbons. A schematic of a 12-fiber cable with laser-optimized 50-micron multimode fiber is shown below. The cables are fully compliant with the performance requirements of Telcordia GR-409 and ICEA-S-596. In addition, these cables are RoHS-compliant and meet the stringent flammability requirements of the NFPA 262/UL 910 plenum fire test. This paper summarizes development work and qualification testing for this family of cables. This includes: 1. Selection of an optimized jacketing resin for the cable; 2. Design and process development that allow this cable to achieve negligible added loss in cabling; 3. Full GR-409 qualification results for cables using both ITU G.652.D zero water peak singlemode fiber and laser-optimized 50 micron fiber.