Intertek tested eight different fiber channel configurations to assure compliance to the maximum insertion loss and link distance requirements specified in the IEEE 802.3ba standard. The channels used all of Leviton’s OM3 and OM4 system components, including pre-terminated multifiber termination push-on (MTP) trunks, MTP modules, MTP array harnesses and MTP array patch cords. The channels were configured with two, three, four and five mated connector pairs in lengths of 100, 150, and 300 meters to reflect typical data center applications as well as maximum flexibility for 40G or 100G applications. The five mated pair configuration, for example, used two MTP array patch cords, two MTP-MTP modules and 150 meters of OM4 cable. All 24-fiber channels were set up and tested as specified in TIA-568-C.0, and tested to the maximum channel insertion loss of 1.9 dB for OM3 and 1.5 dB for OM4 as specified in IEEE802.3ba standard.

“Having third-party labs test and verify the performance of our products is important to Leviton as we have set a high standard that our customers expect when purchasing a Leviton solution,” said Dave Mullen, senior product manager of fiber products at Leviton. “This ETL testing validates Leviton’s channel performance and assures customers that the Leviton Opt-X Unity solution will support their needs as they migrate to 40G or 100G.”

The Opt-X Unity System uses a premium low-loss MTP 24-fiber ferrule with a maximum insertion loss of 0.35 dB. The variation in loss between each channel tested was minimal, demonstrating consistent performance for all samples tested. The typical MTP connector loss on OM4 was 0.20 dB, well below the 0.35 dB maximum allowed for the connector, providing 40 percent margin under the maximum allowed. The system performance with five mated pairs and 150 meters on OM4 fiber had 23.7 percent average margin per channel under the 1.5 dB maximum loss allowed by IEEE 802.3ba.