Mode Conditioning Patch Cables

To launch a single mode signal down a multimode fibre, a Mode Conditioning Patchcord (or MCP) is required. There are a number of applications which require you to do this. Firstly there are some products which are only available with Single Mode transceivers, such as FICON interfaces, which you may need to connect to existing multimode cabling. Equally there may be a requirement to connect 1000Base-LX switches or routers to multimode cable; it’s less expensive to install an MCP than to replace the optical interfaces.

Lastly MCP's can be used to overcome distance limitations for GB connections over OM1 62.5/125 multimode cable caused by differential mode delay (DMD). The range over this cable type is typically less than 235-270m, however by using a Single Mode interface and an MCP you can extend this, the exact distance depends on the fibre and equipment being used, but typically the range is 550m.

The patch cable achieves this by launching light from the laser at a precise offset from the centre, which is accomplished by splicing Single Mode offset to a Multi Mode fibre. At the output of the patch cable, the LX/LH GBIC / switch port is fully compliant with the IEEE 802.3z standard for 1000Base-LX.

* Note: the First connector listed in the description is the Single Mode (LX/LH) end of the cable