Knowledge Popularization of Optical Fiber Pigtails

Introduction to Optical Fiber Pigtails

Optical fiber pigtails, also known as pigtailed cables or fiber optic connectors, are cables with a connector on one end and no connector on the other end. The end without a connector can be spliced to fibers of other cables. As a commonly used network connection device in fiber optic networks, optical fiber pigtails are often found in fiber optic terminal boxes, used to connect optical cables and fiber optic transceivers. Optical fiber pigtails are divided into multimode optical fiber pigtails and single-mode optical fiber pigtails. Single-mode optical fiber pigtails are yellow, with wavelengths of 1310nm and 1550nm, and transmission distances of 10km and 40km, respectively; multimode optical fiber pigtails are orange, with a wavelength of 850nm, and a transmission distance of 500m, used for short-distance interconnections. As highly stable devices, optical fiber pigtails feature extremely low insertion loss and reflection loss, primarily used to connect fiber optic couplers or transmission equipment and ODF racks.

Optical Fiber Pigtail Types

There are multiple types of optical fiber pigtails, such as single-mode pigtails, multimode pigtails, single-core pigtails, multi-core pigtails, etc. Besides these common types of optical fiber pigtails, there are also bundle optical fiber pigtails, ribbon optical fiber pigtails, armored optical fiber pigtails, and waterproof optical fiber pigtails. The first two types are branchable pigtails, while the latter two are special optical fiber pigtails. Additionally, we can categorize optical fiber pigtails based on jackets and branch types, into pigtails with jackets, without jackets, with branch connectors, and custom pigtails.

• Bundle optical fiber pigtails: Also known as pigtail bundles, these are made up of tight-buffered fibers, aramid fiber reinforcement elements, and flame-retardant PVC outer jackets. Compared to other types of pigtails, they are more popular and widely used.

  
  

• Ribbon optical fiber pigtails: Similar to bundle optical fiber pigtails, both types belong to multi-core pigtails. Ribbon optical fiber pigtails contain 12-core fibers, with one end for splicing and the other end fitted with connectors.

  
  

• Armored optical fiber pigtails: These pigtails feature an additional layer of metal protection compared to ordinary pigtails, making them more durable.

  
  

• Waterproof optical fiber pigtails: These pigtails have low insertion loss, high return loss, good interchangeability, and repeated plug performance. They are very convenient to use. Waterproof pigtails come with sturdy jackets and waterproof sealed head connectors, suitable for harsh environments.

Optical Fiber Pigtail Connectors

The main types of connectors for optical fiber pigtails are LC, SC, FC, ST, and MTRJ. The table below lists the applications, models, shapes, and descriptions of these five types of connectors.

Applications of Optical Fiber Pigtails

Optical Fiber Pigtails and Fiber Splicing

Fiber splicing technology primarily uses a fusion splicer to connect fibers with fibers or fibers with fiber pigtails, splicing the bare fibers in the optical cable with the fiber in the fiber pigtails, forming an integrated unit where the fiber pigtail has an individual fiber optic head. By connecting with a fiber optic transceiver, it connects the fiber optic and twisted pair cables to the information outlet.

The primary tools used during fiber splicing include: fiber optic terminal box, fiber optic transceiver, optical fiber pigtail, coupler, specialized stripping pliers, fiber cleaver, etc.

• Mechanical splicing: Strip, cut, and clean both the laid fiber and the pigtail, insert them into the matching splice tray, align, and lock.

  
  

• Fusion splicing: Use auxiliary tools to strip, cut, and clean both the laid fiber and the pigtail, then splice them into one unit using a fiber fusion splicer, under the protection of a splice tray, etc.