ANSI/TIA-568-B.

1-7-2006
Approved: January 13, 2006

TIA
STANDARD
Commercial Building Telecommunications
Cabling Standard

Part 1 - General Requirements

Addendum 7 Guidelines for Maintaining

Polarity Using Array Connectors

TIA-568-B.1-7
(Addendum No.7 to TIA-568-B.1)

January 2006

TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

Representing the telecommunications industry in

association with the Electronic Industries Alliance
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 TIA-568-B.1-7
Guidelines for Maintaining Polarity Using Array Connectors,
Addendum 7 to ANSI/TIA/EIA/568B.1

Table of Contents

FOREWORD ...................................................................................................................................iv

1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1

2 SCOPE .................................................................................................................................... 2

3 CONNECTIVITY METHODS FOR ESTABLISHING POLARITY............................................ 2

3.1 General ................................................................................................................................ 2

3.1.1 Descriptions ................................................................................................................. 2
3.2 Connectivity Method A......................................................................................................... 3
3.2.1 Connectivity Method A for Duplex Signals .................................................................. 3
3.2.2 Connectivity Method A for Parallel Signals.................................................................. 5
3.3 Connectivity Method B......................................................................................................... 7
3.3.1 Connectivity Method B for Duplex Signals .................................................................. 7
3.3.2 Connectivity Method B for Parallel Signals.................................................................. 9
3.4 Connectivity Method C ...................................................................................................... 11
3.4.1 Connectivity Method C for Duplex Signals ................................................................ 11
4 GUIDELINES FOR CONNECTIVITY COMPONENTS ......................................................... 13

4.1 General .............................................................................................................................. 13

4.2 Components for Connectivity Method A ............................................................................ 14

4.2.1 Type-A Array Connector Cables and Patch Cords.................................................... 14
4.2.2 Type-A Array Adapters .............................................................................................. 14
4.2.3 Transitions ................................................................................................................. 15
4.2.4 A-to-B patch cords ..................................................................................................... 16
4.2.5 A-to-A Patch cords..................................................................................................... 16
4.3 Components for Connectivity Method B ............................................................................ 17
4.3.1 Type-B Array Connector Cables and Patch Cords.................................................... 17
4.3.2 Type-B Array Adapters .............................................................................................. 17
4.3.3 Transitions ................................................................................................................. 17
4.3.4 A-to-B patch cords ..................................................................................................... 17
4.4 Components for Connectivity Method C............................................................................ 18
4.4.1 Type-C Array Connector Cables ............................................................................... 18
4.4.2 Type-A Array Adapters .............................................................................................. 18
4.4.3 Transitions ................................................................................................................. 18
4.4.4 A-to-B patch cords ..................................................................................................... 18
ANNEX A (INFORMATIVE) References ....................................................................................... 19

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 TIA-568-B.1-7
List of Figures

Figure 1: Connectivity Method A for Duplex Signals......................................................... 4

Figure 2: Connectivity Method A for Parallel Signals ........................................................ 6
Figure 3: Connectivity Method B for Duplex Signals......................................................... 8
Figure 4: Connectivity Method B for Parallel Signals ...................................................... 10
Figure 5: Connectivity Method C for Duplex Signals....................................................... 12
Figure 6: Type-A Array Connector Cable or Patch Cord (key-up to key-down) .............. 14
Figure 7: Transition ......................................................................................................... 15
Figure 8: A-to-B Duplex Patch Cord................................................................................ 16
Figure 9: A-to-A Duplex Patch Cord................................................................................ 16
Figure 10: Type-B Array Connector Cable or Patch Cord (key-up to key-up)................. 17
Figure 11: Type C Array Connector Cable (pair-wise flipped, key-up to key-down) ....... 18

List of tables

Table 1: Summary of Components Used for Duplex Signals.......................................... 13

Table 2: Summary of Components Used for Parallel Signals ......................................... 13

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 TIA-568-B.1-7
FOREWORD

(This foreword is not part of this Standard)

After ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1 was approved for publication, it was realized that there was
a need to explain and illustrate the concept of maintaining optical fiber polarity using
array connectors. The TIA TR-42 Engineering Committee on Premises
Telecommunications Cabling Infrastructure accepted the task and assigned it to the TR-
42.8 Subcommittee, Telecommunications Optical Fiber Cabling Systems. The TR-42.8
Subcommittee cooperated with the TR-42.1 Subcommittee on Commercial Building
Cabling, which is related to this activity, in preparing this document.

TIA standards are developed within the Technical Engineering Committees of the TIA
and the standards coordinating committees of the TIA standards board. Members of the
committees serve voluntarily and without commission. The companies that they
represent are not necessarily members of the TIA. The standards developed within the
TIA represent a consensus of the broad expertise on the subject. This expertise comes
from within the TIA as well as those outside of the TIA that have an expressed interest.
The viewpoint expressed at the time that this Telecommunication Systems Bulletin was
approved was from the contributors experience and the state of the art at that time.
Users are encouraged to verify that they have the latest revision of the standard.

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 TIA-568-B.1-7

1 INTRODUCTION

To support bi-directional communication systems that use separate optical fibers in each
direction, the cabling system must provide correct signal polarity so that the transmitter on one
end of the channel will connect to the receiver on the other end. Maintaining the correct
transmit-to-receive polarity throughout the cabling system is critical for system operation.
Following certain cable polarity guidelines when installing the cabling system will simplify
channel connectivity.

Correct polarity is administered according to the requirements of the depicted methods.

Intermixing the components of these methods may result in incorrect polarity.

The increasing use of optical connectivity in data communications networks (particularly in

areas of highly concentrated equipment, such as data centers) is driving the need for more
compact forms of connectivity. Array connectors are one way of meeting this need. Since the
polarity requirements for array connectors extend beyond the commonly deployed duplex (A-B)
polarity, additional guidance is provided in this addendum for maintaining polarity of networks
utilizing array connectors.

For illustrative purposes, the figures throughout this document depict the MPO array connector
and 568SC duplex connector. Other connector types are permitted, provided the fiber ordering
arrangement is maintained relative to the plugs keying features, as shown in the figures.

The figures in this document show connectors labeled with fiber position numbers. This is done
for reference only; it is not a requirement of this standard that connectors be labeled with a fiber
number.

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 TIA-568-B.1-7

2 SCOPE

This Standard provides guidelines for establishing transmit-to-receive polarity using array
connectors. The methods presented in this document provide different options for implementing
polarity. Once a method is selected the details in that method shall be followed.

3 CONNECTIVITY METHODS FOR ESTABLISHING POLARITY

3.1 General

All connectivity methods have the same goal: to create an optical path from the transmit port of
one device to the receive port of another device. Different methods to accomplish this goal may
be implemented; however these different methods may not be interoperable. It is recommended
that a method be selected in advance and maintained consistently throughout an installation.
While many methods are available to establish polarity, this Standard outlines sample methods
that may be employed. For convenience, these sample methods are referred to as Methods A,
B, and C. No preference or priority is implied by this notation.

When mating connectors that use alignment pins (such as the MPO and MT-RJ) it is critical that
one plug is pinned and the other plug is unpinned. The pinned connector is typically located
inside the panel. That is, the connector that stays in place is pinned; the connector that is
frequently removed & handled is unpinned. As MT-RJ or MPO transceivers typically have pins,
this convention leads to the following implementation on initial build out:

Patch cords from transceiver to panel are typically unpinned on both ends.
Transitions (mounted behind the panel) are typically pinned.
Cables from rack to rack are typically unpinned on both ends.

Array connectors can be flat or angle polished. Flat-polished connectors do not optically mate
with angle-polished connectors.

3.1.1 Descriptions

A-to-B patch cord: A duplex patch cord that connects position A on one end of the patch cord
to position B on the other end of the patch cord. See section 4.2.4.

A-to-A patch cord: A duplex patch cord that connects position A on one end of the patch cord
to position A on the other end of the patch cord. See section 4.2.5.

Array Connector: An optical fiber connector containing a single ferrule with multiple terminated
fibers arranged in a line or a series of lines.

Transition: An assembly of optical fibers and connectors, with an array connector on one end
and simplex or duplex connectors on other end.

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 TIA-568-B.1-7

3.2 Connectivity Method A

3.2.1 Connectivity Method A for Duplex Signals

Implementation of Connectivity Method A for duplex signals is shown in Figure 1.

When connecting multiple duplex optical transceiver ports, the Type-A backbone (composed of
one or many Type-A array connector cables mated in Type-A adapters) is connected on each
end to a transition. On one end of the optical link, A-to-B patch cords are used to connect ports
on the transition to their respective duplex transceiver ports. On the other end of the optical link,
A-to-A patch cords are used to connect ports on the transition to their respective duplex
transceiver ports. In each optical path there shall be one and only one A-to-A patch cord.

Guidelines for the construction of the cabling components used to implement Method A are
given in Section 4.2.

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 TIA-568-B.1-7

Type-A Array
Connector Cable

A-to-B Patch Cord

A-to-A Patch Cord

Example Optical Path

Figure 1: Connectivity Method A for Duplex Signals

NOTE
1. For ease of illustration the Type-A cable is shown with a twist. This is the same cable construction shown in Figure 6.

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 TIA-568-B.1-7

3.2.2 Connectivity Method A for Parallel Signals

Implementation of Connectivity Method A for parallel signals is shown in Figure 2.

When connecting parallel signals, the Type-A backbone (composed of one or many Type-A
array connector cables mated in Type-A adapters) is connected on each end to a patch panel.
On one end of the optical link, a Type-A array patch cord is used to connect patch panel ports to
their respective parallel transceiver ports. On the other end of the optical link, a Type-B array
patch cord is used to connect panel ports to their respective parallel transceiver ports. In each
optical path there shall be one and only one Type-B array patch cord.

Guidelines for the construction of the cabling components used to implement Method A for
parallel signals are given in Sections 4.2 and 4.3.

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 TIA-568-B.1-7

Type-A Array Type-A Array

Connector Patch Cord Connector Cable

Type-B Array
Connector Patch Cord

Figure 2: Connectivity Method A for Parallel Signals Example Optical Path

NOTE
1. This Connectivity Method will also work with other parallel optics devices.

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 TIA-568-B.1-7

3.3 Connectivity Method B

3.3.1 Connectivity Method B for Duplex Signals

Implementation of Connectivity Method B for duplex signals is shown in Figure 3.

When connecting multiple duplex optical transceiver ports, the Type-B backbone (composed of
one or many Type-B array connector cables mated in Type-B adapters) is connected on each
end to a transition. The transitions are mounted in two orientations such that their duplex
adapter key orientation on one end of the backbone is rotated 180 degrees relative to their
adapter key orientation on the other end of the backbone. For example, one transition is
installed with keys to the left and the other with keys to the right. A-to-B patch cords are then
used to connect ports on the transition to their respective duplex transceiver ports.

Guidelines for the construction of the cabling components used to implement Method B are
given in Section 4.3.

When MPO connectors are used in Connectivity Method B they must be flat polished.

7
 TIA-568-B.1-7

Type-B Array
Connector Cable

A-to-B Patch Cords

Example Optical Path

Figure 3: Connectivity Method B for Duplex Signals

NOTES
1. For ease of illustration the Type-B cable is shown with a twist. This is the same cable construction shown in Figure 10.
2. Fore ease of illustration the lower transceiver connection is shown inverted (key down); the transceiver would be mounted
key up as normal.

8
 TIA-568-B.1-7

3.3.2 Connectivity Method B for Parallel Signals

Implementation of Connectivity Method B for parallel signals is shown in Figure 4.

When connecting parallel signals, the Type-B backbone (composed of one or many Type-B
array connector cables mated in Type-B adapters) is connected on each end to a patch panel.
Type-B array patch cords are then used to connect the patch panel ports to their respective
parallel transceiver ports.

Guidelines for the construction of the cabling components used to implement Method B for
parallel signals are given in Section 4.3.

When MPO connectors are used in Connectivity Method B they must be flat polished.

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 TIA-568-B.1-7

Type-B Array Type-B Array

Connector Patch Cord Connector Cable

Type-B Array
Connector Patch Cord

Figure 4: Connectivity Method B for Parallel Signals

NOTE Example Optical Path
1. This Connectivity Method will also work with other parallel optics devices.

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 TIA-568-B.1-7

3.4 Connectivity Method C

3.4.1 Connectivity Method C for Duplex Signals

Implementation of Connectivity Method C for duplex signals is shown in Figure 5.

When connecting multiple duplex optical transceiver ports, one and only one Type-C array
connector cable is connected on each end to a transition. A-to-B patch cords are then used to
connect ports on the transition to their respective duplex transceiver ports.

Guidelines for the construction of the cabling components used to implement Method C are
given in Section 4.4.

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 TIA-568-B.1-7

Type-C Array
Connector Cable

A-to-B Patch Cords

Example Optical Path

Figure 5: Connectivity Method C for Duplex Signals

NOTE
1. For ease of illustration the Type-C array connector cable is shown with a twist. This is the same cable construction shown in Figure 11.

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 TIA-568-B.1-7

4 GUIDELINES FOR CONNECTIVITY COMPONENTS

4.1 General

Each connectivity method requires a specific combination of components to maintain polarity.

However, some of the components may be common to other connectivity methods. In the three
examples shown, the following components are used.

Connectivity Array Connector Array Adapter Duplex Patch Cord Type

Method Cable Type Type
A A A One A-to-B and
one A-to-A per duplex
channel
B B B A-to-B
C C A A-to-B
Table 1: Summary of Components Used for Duplex Signals

Connectivity Array Connector Array Adapter Array Patch Cord Type

Method Cable Type Type
A A A One Type-A and one Type-B
B B B Type-B
Table 2: Summary of Components Used for Parallel Signals

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 TIA-568-B.1-7

4.2 Components for Connectivity Method A

4.2.1 Type-A Array Connector Cables and Patch Cords

As shown in Figure 6, Type-A array connector cables have a sequential number assigned to
each fiber as follows:
1) On one end of the cable, the fibers are fixed within the array connector in consecutive
number (1,2,3,412) from left to right as viewed looking at the end-face of the
connector with the connector key up.
2) On the other end of the cable, the fibers are fixed within the array connector also in
consecutive number (1,2,3,412) from left to right as viewed looking at the end-face of
the connector with the connector key up.

Figure 6: Type-A Array Connector Cable or Patch Cord (key-up to key-down)

NOTE
1. The cable shown is unpinned on both ends, following the gender convention
described in the introduction. In some instances (such as when supporting parallel
signals as shown in Figure 2) it may be necessary to use a combination of unpinned
and pinned cables and patch cords.

4.2.2 Type-A Array Adapters

Type-A adapters shall be built such that they mate two array connectors with the connector keys
opposed (i.e. key-up to key-down). For example, the complete designation for a Type-A MPO
adapter is FOCIS 5 A - 1 - 0, as defined in ANSI/TIA/EIA-604-5C.

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 TIA-568-B.1-7

4.2.3 Transitions

As shown in Figure 7, transitions have a sequential number assigned to each fiber as follows:
1) On one end of the transition the fibers are fixed within the array connector in consecutive
number (1,2,3,412) from left to right as viewed looking at the end-face of the
connector with the connector key up.
2) On the other end of the transition the fibers are fixed within the connectors in
consecutive numbering (1,2; 3,4; 5,611,12) from left to right as viewed looking through
the adapters with the adapter key up.

Figure 7: Transition

NOTES
1. SC connectors are shown, but this assembly may be built using any single-fiber
connectors or connectors with two fixed fibers.
2. For ease of illustration, this transition is shown with duplex adapters, although they
are not necessarily part of the assembly.

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 TIA-568-B.1-7

4.2.4 A-to-B patch cords

As shown in Figure 8, A-to-B patch cords shall be built as specified in ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1

clause 10.3.3 and ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.3 clause 6.

Figure 8: A-to-B Duplex Patch Cord

NOTE
1. SC connectors are shown, but this assembly may be built using any duplexed single-
fiber connectors or connectors with two fixed fibers.

4.2.5 A-to-A Patch cords

For Method-A connectivity, in each transceiver interconnection, one duplex patch cord shall be
an A-to-B patch cord and one duplex patch cord shall be an A-to-A patch cord.

As shown in Figure 9, A-to-A duplex patch cords shall be built as specified in ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-
B.1 clause 10.3.3 and ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.3 clause 6 except position A shall be routed to
position A and position B routed to position B.

A-to-A patch cords do not reverse the fiber positions, they route channel A to A and B to B.
These A-to-A patch cords shall be clearly identified (by color or prominent labeling) to
distinguish them from A-to-B patch cords.

Figure 9: A-to-A Duplex Patch Cord

NOTE
1. SC connectors are shown, but this assembly may be built using any duplexed single-
fiber connectors or connectors with two fixed fibers.
2. The A-to-A patch cord is a special application cable assembly as per section 6.1 of
TIA/EIA-568-B.3.

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 TIA-568-B.1-7

4.3 Components for Connectivity Method B

4.3.1 Type-B Array Connector Cables and Patch Cords

As shown in Figure 10, Type-B array connector cables have a sequential number assigned to
each fiber as follows:
1) On one end of the cable, the fibers are fixed within the array connector in consecutive
number (1,2,3,412) from left to right as viewed looking at the end-face of the
connector with the connector key up.
2) On the other end of the cable, the fibers are fixed within the array connector in reverse
consecutive number (12,11,10,91) from left to right as viewed looking at the end-face
of the connector with the connector key up.

When MPO connectors are used in the construction of these cables they shall be flat polished.

Figure 10: Type-B Array Connector Cable or Patch Cord (key-up to key-up)

Note: The cable shown is unpinned on both ends, following the gender convention described in
the introduction. In some instances (such as when supporting parallel signals as shown in
Figures 2 and 4) it may be necessary to use a combination of unpinned and pinned cables and
patch cords.

4.3.2 Type-B Array Adapters

Type-B adapters shall be built such that they mate two array connectors with the connector keys
aligned (i.e. key-up to key-up). For example, the complete designation for a Type-B MPO
adapter is FOCIS 5 A - 2 - 0, as defined in ANSI/TIA/EIA-604-5C.

Type-B adapters shall be clearly identified (by color or prominent labeling) to distinguish them
from Type-A adapters.

4.3.3 Transitions

Transitions are described in Section 4.2.3.

4.3.4 A-to-B patch cords

Method B uses A-to-B patch cords, which shall be built as specified in section 4.2.4.

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 TIA-568-B.1-7

4.4 Components for Connectivity Method C

4.4.1 Type-C Array Connector Cables

As shown in Figure 11, Type-C cables have a sequential number assigned to each fiber as
follows:
1) On one end of the cable, the fibers are fixed within the array connector in consecutive
number (1,2,3,412) from left to right as viewed looking at the end-face of the
connector with the connector key up.
2) On the other end of the cable, the fibers are pair-wise flipped within the array connector
(2,1; 4,3; 6,512,11) from left to right as viewed looking at the end-face of the connector
with the connector key up.

Figure 11: Type C Array Connector Cable (pair-wise flipped, key-up to key-down)

4.4.2 Type-A Array Adapters

Method C uses Type-A adapters, which shall be built as specified in section 4.2.2

4.4.3 Transitions

Transitions are described in Section 4.2.3.

4.4.4 A-to-B patch cords

Method C uses A-to-B patch cords, which shall be built as specified in section 4.2.4.

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 TIA-568-B.1-7

ANNEX A (INFORMATIVE) References

This annex is informative only and is not part of this Standard. This annex contains information
on the documents that are related to or have been referenced in this document.

ANSI/TIA/EIA-604-5C, Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standard, Type MPO

19