LC vs. MPO / MTP
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
The LC connector (Lucent Connector, TIA-604-10 / FOCIS-10) is a small form-factor (SFF) optical connector utilizing a 1.25 mm ceramic ferrule and an RJ45-style push-pull latching clip, widely used in enterprise datacenters and optical transceivers (SFP/SFP+/SFP28).
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-604-10-B (FOCIS-10) / IEC 61754-20 | TIA-604-5-D (FOCIS-5) / IEC 61754-7 |
|
Latching Mechanism
|
Push-pull with retention clip (RJ45-style) | Push-pull sliding sleeve |
|
Typical Insertion Loss
|
0.10–0.25 dB | 0.15–0.35 dB |
|
Polish Types Available
|
UPC (Ultra Physical Contact, Blue) and APC (Angled, Green) | Flat (Multi-Mode UPC) and 8-degree Angled (Single-Mode APC) |
|
Ferrule Diameter
|
1.25 mm | — |
|
Ferrule Material
|
Zirconia ceramic | — |
|
Fiber Modes Supported
|
Single-Mode (OS1/OS2) and Multi-Mode (OM1–OM5) | — |
|
Duplex Clip Pitch
|
6.25 mm | — |
|
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) |