FIBER OPTIC PIGTAILS SM/MM

A fiber optic pigtail is a single, short length of fiber optic cable that has a factory-terminated connector on one end and bare fiber on the other end. Think of it as a "tail" with a connector.

Here's a breakdown of what that means:

 * Single Fiber: A pigtail consists of just one optical fiber.

 * Short Length: They are typically short, usually less than a few meters long.

 * Factory-Terminated Connector: One end of the pigtail has a connector that is professionally installed and polished in a factory setting. This ensures high-quality performance and low insertion loss. Common connector types include SC, LC, ST, FC, and others, with variations like UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) and APC (Angled Physical Contact) polishes.

 * Bare Fiber End: The other end of the pigtail has no connector, exposing the bare optical fiber.

What are fiber optic pigtails used for?

The primary use of a fiber optic pigtail is to terminate fiber optic cables through splicing. Here's how it works:

 * The bare fiber end of the pigtail is stripped and cleaved.

 * This bare fiber is then spliced (either through fusion splicing or mechanical splicing) to a single fiber within a multi-fiber trunk cable.

 * The connectorized end of the pigtail can then be plugged into optical equipment, patch panels, or other fiber optic devices.

Why use pigtails?

 * Ease of Termination: Pigtails provide a convenient way to add connectors to fiber optic cables in the field without the need for complex field termination processes (like epoxy and polishing).

 * Improved Performance: Factory-terminated connectors on pigtails offer superior optical performance (lower insertion loss and back reflection) compared to some field-installed connectors.

 * Time Savings: Splicing a pigtail is generally faster and more reliable than terminating individual fibers in the field.

 * Organization: Pigtails help in organizing and managing fiber connections within optical distribution frames (ODFs) or other enclosures.

Types of Fiber Optic Pigtails:

Fiber optic pigtails are classified based on several factors:

 * Connector Type: LC, SC, ST, FC, MU, E2000, MTRJ, etc.

 * Fiber Type:

   * Singlemode: Used for long-distance transmission with a small core (typically 9/125 µm).

   * Multimode: Used for shorter distances with a larger core (typically 50/125 µm or 62.5/125 µm).

 * Polish Type:

   * UPC (Ultra Physical Contact): Provides low back reflection. Connector ends are polished with a slight curvature.

   * APC (Angled Physical Contact): Provides even lower back reflection due to an 8-degree angle on the connector end-face. APC connectors are typically green.

 * Fiber Count: Usually simplex (one fiber), but can also be found in duplex configurations.

 * Jacket Type: Typically unjacketed (900µm buffered fiber), but some armored or waterproof pigtails are available for specific applications.

In summary, fiber optic pigtails are essential components for terminating and connecting fiber optic cables, offering a reliable and efficient way to link fiber infrastructure with optical equipment.