MTP/MPO Polarity Management Methods – User Guide

MTP-MPO System Polarity Management Methods

The proper MTP/MPO polarity methods are defined here in this article by TIA/EIA 568 standard as Method A, Method B, Method C and Corning Universal System. A general optical link requires two optical fibers to complete the entire transmission process. For example, the optical module has a receiving end (Rx) and a transmitting end (TX). When in use, it is necessary to ensure that the receiving end and the transmitting end are in an interconnected state, and such matching between the transmitting end and the receiving end at both ends of the optical link is known as polarity.

In common cabling systems, connectors such as LC and SC can easily be matched, so there is no polarity issue. However, for pre-terminated, high-density MTP/MPO cabling systems, polarity issues must be addressed. MPO Trunk cables used here in the figures below are suitable for up to 100G applications to connect between equipment or to interconnect panels and modules in the data center. These MTP/MPO Trunks are small form factor high density fiber connector assemblies used in high density applications.

What are MPO Connectors? What are the MPO’s polarity types? You can refer to our previous article to get the complete introduction about MPO Connectors (Multi-Fiber Push On).


Method – A

TIA/EIA-568-B.1 Addendum 7

Guidelines for Maintaining Polarity Using Array Connectors

MTP MPO Polarity Method Type - A

Method – B

TIA/EIA-568-B.1 Addendum 7

Guidelines for Maintaining Polarity Using Array Connectors

MTP MPO Polarity Method Type - B

Method – C

TIA/EIA-568-B.1 Addendum 7

Guidelines for Maintaining Polarity Using Array Connectors

MTP MPO Polarity Method Type - C

Corning Universal System

Corning Universal System