Hangzhou Wekon Precision Instrument Co.,Ltd

MPO/MTP Connector Production Testing Solution

This plan aims to standardize the testing processes, methods, standards, and equipment used for MPO/MTP connectors during production, ensuring that shipped products meet or exceed industry standards (such as IEC 61754-7 and TIA-604-5) and customer-specific requirements. Through systematic testing, we guarantee the optical performance, mechanical performance, and end-face quality of the connectors, thereby reducing customer complaint rates and enhancing brand reputation.

Test Items and Procedures

This specification applies to all types of MPO/MTP connectors manufactured by our company, including but not limited to

Incoming Inspection
Face Grinding/Polishing
3D End-Face Interferometer Inspection
Assembly
Facing
End-face Visual Inspection
Optical Performance Testing (IL/RL)
Mechanical Property Testing (Sampling)
Final visual inspection
Packaging

Incoming Inspection

Face Grinding/Polishing

3D End-Face Interferometer Inspection

Assembly

Facing

End-face Visual Inspection

Optical Performance Testing (IL/RL)

Mechanical Property Testing (Sampling)

Final visual inspection

Packaging

Overall Process

Mechanical Property Testing (Sampling Inspection)

This is a destructive test, typically conducted on a batch basis (e.g., every 5,000 units) or on a regular basis (e.g., weekly).

Plug-in Durability Testing

Purpose:

Evaluate the performance stability of the connector after repeated mating and unmating.

Equipment:

Automatic plug-in tester.

Test Method (Benchmarking Method):

Perform a specified number of insertion and removal cycles on the MPO connector using a standard adapter.

Test Conditions:

Typically, 500 insertion and removal cycles are performed.

Guide Pin Strength/Retention Force Test

Purpose:

Test the retention strength of the guide pin to ensure that it does not loosen or fall out during insertion and removal.

Equipment:

Push-pull gauge.

Test Method (Benchmarking Method):

Apply an axial thrust or pull to the guide pin.

Optical Performance Testing

This is the core testing phase, which requires MPO test patch cords and test fixtures.

Insertion Loss Test

Purpose:

Measure the power loss that occurs when an optical signal passes through the connector.

Equipment:

Optical power meter, stable light source, MPO test patch cord (reference patch cord), MPO test fixture.

Test Method (Benchmarking Method):

1. Connect the light source and the optical power meter using an MPO test patch cord known to be in good condition, and record the power value P1 (reference value).
2. Connect the MPO connector under test to the test patch cord via the test fixture, and record the power value P2.
3. Insertion loss IL (dB) = P1 - P2.
4. For multi-fiber MPOs, use a fan-out patch cord or an array test system to test all channels individually.

Return Loss Test (for single-mode PC/UPC/APC only)

Purpose:

Measures the proportion of light power reflected back to the light source due to a sudden change in the refractive index at the connection point. APC-cut fibers offer the best performance in this regard.

Equipment:

Return loss meter or an OTDR with return loss testing capabilities; APC-type MPO test patch cords.

Test Method (Benchmarking Method):

Measure directly using a return loss meter, or use the continuous-wave method.

End-face Visual Inspection

Purpose:

Inspect the connector end faces for defects such as scratches, dents, or particulate contamination after assembly and cleaning.

Equipment:

200x/400x fiber-optic microscopes (manual or automatic).

Test Method:

Insert the MPO connector into the microscope adapter and inspect the end faces of all fiber channels.

Acceptance criteria (based on IEC 61300-3-35):

1. Scratches: No major scratches that affect optical performance are permitted (typically defined as scratches wider than 2.5 µm that extend into the core area).
2. Dents/Bumps: No visible dents or bumps.
3. Contamination/Particles: No visible oil, dust, or other particles on the end face. The core area must be absolutely clean.

Processing:

If any contamination is found on the end face, clean it using a lint-free swab and a specialized cleaning solution until it passes inspection. Any parts with physical damage should be scrapped.

Products involved

3D Interferometer Wire Sequence Tester Grinder Cleaning machine Detector Glue applicator

3D Interferometer

WKFI-MX Manual Single-Core Fiber End-Face 3D Interferometer

This product is a high-precision, non-contact, manual 5D interferometer for single-core fiber end-face inspection, featuring both 3D interferometry and 2D end-face inspection capabilities. It uses interferometric principles to reconstruct the three-dimensional topography of the fiber end-face and calculate various technical parameters. Capable of measuring the end-face parameters of fiber connectors such as SC, FC, and LC, it is an essential instrument for ensuring the transmission efficiency of fiber connectors and plays a crucial role in the fiber optic communications manufacturing industry.

Learn more

3D Interferometer

WKFI-AX Series Automatic Single-Core Fiber End-Face 3D Interferometer

This product is a high-precision, non-contact, manual 5D interferometer for single-core fiber end-face inspection, featuring both 3D interferometry and 2D end-face inspection capabilities. It uses interferometric principles to reconstruct the three-dimensional topography of the fiber end-face and calculate various technical parameters. Capable of measuring end-face parameters for fiber connectors such as SC, FC, and LC, it is an essential instrument for ensuring the transmission efficiency of fiber connectors and plays a crucial role in the fiber optic communications manufacturing industry.

Learn more

3D Interferometer

WKFI-MTX Single- and Multifiber Integrated Fiber End-Face 3D Interferometer

The WKFI-MT3 is a single- and multi-core integrated interferometer independently developed by WEKON. Featuring a modular optical design that expands the inspection field of view, it is equipped with high-precision angle encoders and advanced, efficient algorithms. As the culmination of WEKON’s many years of interferometer technology, it can rapidly, fully automatically, and accurately measure various parameters of a connector’s 3D surface topography, while displaying and saving the measurement results. Equipped with a variety of high-precision inspection fixtures, it is widely used in laboratory and manufacturing inspection applications.

Learn more

Wire Sequence Tester

MPO Cable Sequence Tester

The wire sequence tester utilizes optical microscopy principles, employing high-magnification optical microscopes and advanced digital imaging technology to enable automatic inspection of wire sequence arrangements. It addresses the issues of misidentification or missed inspections caused by eye strain during manual visual inspection, alerting operators through audio and visual cues to ensure product quality, reduce operator workload, and improve production efficiency.

Learn more

Grinder

MT High-Precision Grinding Machine

The WKFI-MT3 is a high-precision grinding machine independently developed by Weikan, based on the principle of central pressure. Drawing on years of expertise in mechanical design, it is precision-machined using components from internationally renowned brands and high-quality imported tool steel. Featuring high precision, exceptional durability, and a high yield rate, it is the ideal choice for grinding in the production of MT/MPO products.

Learn more

Cleaning machine

WKFC-MT Fiber End-Face Cleaner

The WKFC-MT is a high-efficiency, cost-effective, and highly compatible fiber optic connector cleaner recently developed in-house by Weikan Precision Instruments. Equipped with an advanced air filtration system and hydraulic and pneumatic adjustment mechanisms, it can quickly and efficiently clean the end faces of virtually all fiber optic connectors, addressing the challenge of cleaning various connector end faces and ensuring foreign-free connections. This achieves optical performance characterized by low insertion loss and high return loss.

Learn more

Detector

WKLT Multi-Channel Red Light Fibre Break Detector

Designed to inspect fiber ports in single-mode and multi-mode modules, or to detect defects in MPO arrays. It emits a red visible laser through the optical cable; if there is a break or defect in the fiber, the light is refracted, creating a bright halo around the fault area. The laser diode output can be switched from all fibers to each individual fiber simultaneously or sequentially in either continuous-wave or flashing mode to produce different visual effects.

Learn more

Detector

MPO Polarity Tester

The MPO/MTP Polarity Tester is an intelligent device designed for polarity verification and continuity testing during the production of MPO/MTP cables. With its one-button automatic scanning function, it quickly identifies cable continuity, polarity (pinout), alarms, and error analysis. The WKMU920 provides a fast, accurate, and efficient solution for MPO/MTP cable production, semi-finished product testing, and finished product inspection.

Learn more

Detector

Fiber End-Face Inspector

Learn more

Glue applicator

WKGT-MT Core-Filling Machine

The manufacturing process for MPO connectors generally includes: cable cutting, inserting loose components, stripping, fiber alignment, resin injection, fiber insertion, curing, polishing, end-face inspection, 3D interferometry, frame assembly, insertion loss testing, and polarity testing. After resin injection into the MT ferrule, a full resin coating must form at the fiber aperture on the end face, and the fiber aperture inside the ferrule must be completely filled with resin. If the resin coat is too small, the cured resin will not adequately protect the fiber. During polishing to remove excess resin, the fiber is prone to fracturing, and the final polished end face may exhibit large black spots, black and white specks, or core scratches. If there are air bubbles in the resin within the fiber bore, uneven stress during curing can cause the fiber to break, ultimately resulting in product scrap. The MT Fiber Insert Adhesive Extraction Machine is an automated device used in the adhesive injection process. By controlling suction force and timing, it automatically extracts the adhesive from inside the fiber insert, ensuring uniform contact between the adhesive and the fiber and forming a uniformly sized adhesive coating on the fiber insert end face. It is an essential tool for protecting the fiber and preventing fiber breakage.

Learn more

Scope of Application

This specification applies to all types of MPO/MTP connectors manufactured by our company, including but not limited to

Single-mode (SM)
Multimode
(OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5)
Different numbers of cores
(e.g., 8-core, 12-core, 24-core)
Male/Female, with/without guide pins

Test Environment Requirements

Temperature

23 ±5°C

Relative humidity

40% ~ 60%

Cleanliness

Class 10,000 or higher cleanrooms, particularly in areas where end-face inspection and insertion loss testing are performed.

Electrostatic Protection

Operators must wear anti-static wrist straps, and anti-static mats must be placed on the workbenches.

Support and Services

Support Center

Visit theDownload Center to access product manuals, or go to theVideo Center to watch easy-to-follow instructional videos.
Online Services

Having technical issues? Please leave us a message，and our technical support team will assist you with any questions regarding product usage, setup, or other issues.