Side-by-Side Comparison
Fiber Connectors
FC vs. MPO / MTP
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
Comparing:
FC
MPO / MTP
The FC connector (Ferrule Connector / Fiber Channel, TIA-604-4 / FOCIS-4) is a heavy-duty optical connector designed by NTT. Utilizing a 2.5 mm ceramic ferrule inside a threaded round nickel-plated metal coupling nut, it provides extreme mechanical retention in high-vibration environments and optical test instrumentation.
The MPO connector (Multi-fiber Push On, TIA-604-5 / FOCIS-5; US Conec MTP) is a high-density parallel optical connector utilizing a precision molded rectangular MT ferrule that houses 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, or 72 optical fibers in a single push-pull housing, standard for 40G, 100G, 400G, and 800G multi-lane transceivers.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standard / FOCIS
|
TIA-604-4-B (FOCIS-4) / IEC 61754-13 | TIA-604-5-D (FOCIS-5) / IEC 61754-7 |
|
Latching Mechanism
|
Threaded screw-on metal coupling nut | Push-pull sliding sleeve |
|
Typical Insertion Loss
|
0.15–0.30 dB | 0.15–0.35 dB |
|
Polish Types Available
|
UPC (Flat metal body) and APC (Step-keyed / cone body) | Flat (Multi-Mode UPC) and 8-degree Angled (Single-Mode APC) |
|
Ferrule Diameter
|
2.5 mm | — |
|
Ferrule Material
|
Zirconia ceramic | — |
|
Keying Mechanism
|
Adjustable / fixed alignment key | — |
|
Fiber Modes Supported
|
Single-Mode (OS2) and Multi-Mode | — |
|
Ferrule Type
|
— | Rectangular MT (Mechanically Transferable) polymer |
|
Standard Fiber Counts
|
— | 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, or 72 fibers |
|
Alignment Mechanism
|
— | Stainless guide pins (Male) / guide holes (Female) |
|
Polarity Methods (TIA-568.3)
|
— | Method A (Straight), Method B (Cross), Method C (Pair-flipped) |