Single-core patch cord is a fiber optic cable assembly specifically designed to be used for connections between fiber optic communication devices. It usually consists of an optical fiber, which is responsible for transmitting optical signals, and connectors at both ends, which ensure that the patch cord can be easily inserted into and removed from fiber optic equipment ports. The core advantage of single-core patch cords is their ability to support high-speed, stable and low-loss transmission of optical signals, which is critical to the performance of modern communications networks.
In the communication network, the importance of single-core patch cord is self-evident. First of all, it is a bridge to achieve fiber optic equipment interconnection, whether it is a data center, communication base station or enterprise network, are inseparable from the support of single-core patch cord. Secondly, the high-speed transmission characteristics of single-core patch cords can ensure that a large amount of data in a short period of time to quickly pass, to meet the needs of modern communication networks on the high speed rate, low latency. In addition, the low-loss characteristics of single-core patch cords ensure that the attenuation of optical signals in the transmission process is minimized, thus improving the stability and reliability of the communication network.
Not only that, the single-core patch cable also has high flexibility and convenience. Its length can be customized according to the actual needs, and the connectors are in line with international standards, which can be easily adapted to a variety of fiber optic equipment. This flexibility makes the single-core patch cord in the complex and changing network environment, can still maintain excellent performance.
The purpose of this article is to introduce the production process and application areas of single-core patch cords in detail, to provide you with comprehensive and well-organized knowledge of single-core patch cords.
I. Single-core Patch Cord Production Process
1. Cable cutting
Cutting cable is the first step in the production of single-core patch cords. In this stage, use professional cable cutting equipment to accurately cut the cable to ensure that the length of the patch cord meets the design requirements. The cut cable end-face surface should be kept flat, so as to facilitate the subsequent steps of processing. At the same time, the cut fiber optic cable waste should be properly disposed of to avoid environmental pollution.
2. Inserting Component
After cutting the cable, the next step is to insert parts. This step is mainly to thread the cable boot/snap ring/cup clasp/stop/spring into the optical cable in turn. During the threading process, it is necessary to ensure a tight fit between the fiber optic cable and the component to avoid any loosening or detachment during the subsequent production process. At the same time, it is also necessary to insert parts of the cable after the quality inspection to ensure that it meets the production requirements.
3. Fiber stripping
Stripping fiber is one of the key steps in the production of single-core patch cords. This step is mainly in the fiber optic cable fiber stripping out, in order to carry out the subsequent insert fiber and connection operations. Stripping fiber process needs to ensure that the stripping length of the fiber is appropriate to avoid damage to the fiber. At the same time, it is also necessary to clean and organize the stripped optical fiber to ensure that the surface of the fiber is clean and free of impurities.
4. Mixing Epoxy
This step requires precise measurements of Glue A and Glue B, usually in established ratios such as 1:1 or specific ratios to ensure stable glue properties. Subsequently, the two glues are quickly and evenly mixed in a special container using a clean mixing tool until they are fully incorporated to form the desired consistency. The mixing process needs to be carefully timed to avoid premature curing of the glue. After mixing, the glue will be quickly applied to the connection part of the jumper to ensure a strong and stable connection.
5. Cleaning Bubble
Cleaning Bubble is mainly to remove air bubbles and air in the fiber optic cable to improve the transmission performance and stability of the cable. The cleaning bubble process requires the use of professional cleaning bubble equipment and technology to ensure that the air bubbles in the fiber optic cable is completely removed.
6. Injecting Epoxy
This step is mainly in the connection parts of the cable coated with the appropriate amount of glue to enhance the firmness and stability of the connection. Injecting epoxy process needs to ensure that the glue is applied evenly, the right amount, to avoid overflow or insufficient glue. At the same time, check the quality of the fiber optic cable after injecting, to ensure that the connection parts are firm, no loosening.
7. Inserting Fiber
Fiber inserting is mainly to strip the fiber through the connector or other connecting equipment. In the process of fiber inserting, it is necessary to ensure that the optical fiber penetration position is accurate, to avoid bending or folding of the optical fiber. At the same time, fix and check the fiber after threading to ensure that the fiber connection is firm and stable.
8. Solidifying
Mainly after the assembly of crimped fiber optic cable solidifying process to enhance the firmness and stability of the connection. Solidifying process requires the use of professional curing equipment and technology to ensure that the curing effect of fiber optic cable meets the requirements. At the same time, it is also necessary to cured fiber optic cable quality inspection to ensure that the connection parts are solid, no loose or damage.
9. Assembling Crimping
Assembly crimping is mainly the fiber optic cable and connectors or other connecting equipment for assembly and crimping. Assembly crimping process needs to ensure that the connecting parts of the firmness and stability, to avoid subsequent use in the process of loosening or falling off the situation. At the same time, must be cured after the implementation of strict quality audits of fiber optic cables to ensure that the connection part of the close combination, without any loose phenomenon and physical damage.
10. Polishing
Polishing process is an indispensable part of fiber optic cable manufacturing, the core of which lies in the end face of the fiber optic cable to carry out precision polishing treatment, aimed at improving its flatness and finish to meet the needs of high-performance communication transmission. In this process, the selection of professional polishing equipment and suitable abrasives is of paramount importance, which directly affects the quality and efficiency of end-face polishing. In order to ensure that the polishing results are optimal, operators need to strictly follow the established procedures and utilize professional equipment to meticulously polish the fiber optic cable end-face.
11. Interferometer 3D Testing
This step is mainly to test and analyze the transmission performance of fiber optic cables using 3D test equipment. The 3D test can visualize the transmission quality, attenuation and other key indicators of the optical cable. The testing process needs to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test equipment, in order to accurately assess the quality of the fiber optic cable.
12. 1st End-face Inspection
This step is to check the end face of the fiber optic cable. This step is mainly to ensure that the flatness and finish of the end face meet the requirements, to avoid transmission quality problems in subsequent use. The inspection process requires the use of professional testing equipment and tools to accurately assess the end face indicators.
13.Insertion Loss and Return Loss Testing(ILRL Testing)
This step is mainly to test the insertion loss and return loss of the fiber optic cable after connection. Through the insertion loss and return loss test can understand the quality and stability of the fiber optic cable connection. In the testing process, it is necessary to ensure that the testing equipment has a high degree of accuracy and reliability, as a basis for the quality of the cable to make a precise and accurate assessment.
14.VFL Inspection
This step is mainly to check whether the light performance of the cable is good. Check whether the fiber optic cable is broken, whether the core through the fiber leakage due to cracked fiber. Through the light inspection can be visualized to understand the transmission quality and attenuation of the cable. In the inspection process, the first task is to ensure that the light source has a stable output and a high degree of accuracy, which is the prerequisite and basis for an accurate assessment of the quality of the fiber optic cable.
15. 2st End-face Inspection
Immediately following the completion of the optical inspection, the critical step of the secondary endface inspection is performed. This step focuses on a detailed review of the cable's endface to reconfirm that it meets established standards for flatness and finish. Through this rigorous secondary end inspection process, we are able to further eliminate any potential defects and ensure that the cable ends are flawless. This practice is critical to improving the transmission efficiency, maintaining signal stability and extending the service life of the cable, thus ensuring the overall quality of the cable.
16. Packaging/Labeling
The final step is packaging and labeling. This step is mainly the production of single-core patch cords for packaging and labeling. Packaging process needs to ensure that the cable is neat and intact, to avoid damage during transportation and storage. At the same time, it is also necessary to put the appropriate labeling and marking on the packaging, so as to trace and manage the fiber optic cable.
II. Application of Single-core Patch Cord
Single-core patch cord have a wide range of applications in many fields, and their specific application scenarios show their unique value and role.
In the field of communication, single-core patch cable plays a crucial role as a medium for signal transmission. It is widely used in data centers, communication base stations and other key facilities to ensure high-speed and stable data transmission. Especially in large data centers, where efficient and reliable data exchange is required between numerous devices, single-core patch cord have become the ideal choice for connecting these devices due to their excellent transmission performance and stability.
In addition, in the broadcasting network, single-core patch cord also play an important role. It can transmit audio, video and other signals with high quality to ensure normal communication and signal stability between broadcasting equipment. With the continuous development of digital technology, the coverage of radio and television network is expanding, and the requirements for signal transmission are getting higher and higher, single-core patch cord with its excellent performance to meet the urgent needs of this field.
At the same time, single-core patch cord is also widely used in a variety of electronic equipment, such as computers, mobile communication equipment. In these devices, single-core patch cord is used as internal connectors to realize the signal transmission and power supply between various components, ensuring the normal operation and stable performance of the equipment.
