By Stephen Hardy
USConec has unveiled the MMC connector. The very small form factor (VSFF) multi-fiber connector leverages the company’s TMT ferrule technology to support 1x16 connections for single-mode and multimode fiber cables up to 2.5-mm in diameter. It is compatible with both 200-µm and 250-µm fiber.
The MMC will support 3X the density of MPO connectors, USConec asserts.
The MMC features an MT-16 mechanical and fiber alignment structure. It supplies IEC Grade B insertion loss performance (0.25-dB 97% random intermate) and is tested to Telcordia GR-1435. It also will meet GR-326 performance requirements.
At the heart of the MMC is USConec’s TMT ferrule, which is based on the alignment structure of the MT-16 ferrules used in MTP-16 applications.
Its shoulder features ensure precision polishing as well as the mechanical integrity needed for repeated insertion and extraction cycles, says USConec.
The TMT ferrule supports 16 fibers at 250-µm pitch and is intermateable with MT-16 technology but at less than 25% of the size. It also offers low insertion loss for single-mode and multimode APC applications.
To make handling easy, the MMC also benefits from USConec’s DirectConec push-pull boot technology. DirectConec is designed to provide connector access in high-density scenarios without the need for pull tabs or field tools.
The MMC also is designed to be used with commercially available IBC cleaning tools, polishing equipment, test and inspection equipment, and interferometry products. The connector is currently in trials with key customers, according to company sources.
USConec foresees wide use for the MMC in applications including co-packaged optics and on-board connectivity, optical transceivers, and high-density, low-loss, pre-terminated cabling infrastructure.