Overview of OM3/OM4 armored fiber optic patch cords
The OM3/OM4 armored fiber jumper is a high-performance jumper designed for multimode optical networks. It combines OM3/OM4 multimode fiber (50/125 μm) with a metal armor layer (usually stainless steel or aluminum alloy). It is suitable for complex environments that require high bandwidth, resistance to physical damage and electromagnetic interference (EMI). The product is widely used in data centers, industrial automation, medical imaging, security monitoring and other fields, especially suitable for short distances (within 300 meters) but high bandwidth requirements (10G/40G/100G) scenarios.
Second, the core characteristics of OM3/OM4 armored fiber optic jumpers
Fiber Types and Properties
OM3: Effective modal bandwidth (EMB) ≥ 2000 MHz·km, supporting 10Gb/s transmission to 300 meters, 40Gb/s to 150 meters, and 100Gb/s to 100 meters.
OM4: EMB ≥ 4700 MHz·km, supports 10Gb/s to 550 meters, 40Gb/s to 400 meters, 100Gb/s to 150 meters, with better performance.
Laser Optimized Multimode Fiber (LOMMF): Optimized for VCSEL laser light sources, reducing modal dispersion (DMD).
Armor layer structure
Metal braid: Provides tensile strength (> 50N), compression resistance (> 1000N/10cm) and rodent damage resistance.
Shielding layer: Effectively isolate EMI/RFI, suitable for complex electromagnetic environments such as industrial motors and medical equipment.
Technical parameters
Insertion loss: OM3 ≤ 0.3dB, OM4 ≤ 0.3dB (typical value, wavelength 850nm).
Return loss: PC ≥ 30dB, APC ≥ 60dB (APC connectors reduce reflection interference).
Temperature range: -40°C to +85°C, suitable for extreme climate.
Bending radius: Static ≥ 15mm, dynamic ≥ 30mm (armor enhanced bending resistance).
Connector type
Standard interfaces: LC, SC, FC, ST, MTP/MPO (high-density cabling).
Polishing type: PC (physical contact) or APC (8° ramp, reduced return loss).
Application scenarios
Data Center: 10G/40G/100G transmission between racks, support EOR/MOR cabling.
Industrial Automation: Robot vision, sensor networks, and control signal transmission.
Medical field: Endoscopic imaging, surgical robots, and medical device interconnection.
Security monitoring: High-resolution video transmission to withstand physical damage in outdoor cabling.
OM3 vs. OM4 Selection Guide
EMB: OM3 2000 MHz·km; OM4 4700 MHz·km.
10Gb support distance: OM3 300 m; OM4 550 m.
40Gb support distance: OM3 150 m; OM4 400 m.
100Gb support distance: OM3 100 m; OM4 150 m.
Applicable scenario: OM3 for 10G or short-range 40G; OM4 for future expansion to 40G/100G networks.
IV. Technical advantages of OM3/OM4 armored fiber optic patch cords
High bandwidth support: The EMB of OM4 is 2.35 times that of OM3, suitable for higher network speeds.
Resistance to physical damage: The armor layer resists stretching, extrusion, and biting, prolonging service life.
Flexible deployment: Supports pre-termination (e.g., MTP/MPO backbone cabling) or on-site customization.
Environmental compliance: Low smoke and halogen-free (LSZH) sheath, compliant with RoHS and REACH standards.
V. Precautions for the purchase of OM3/OM4 armored fiber optic jumpers
Confirm network rate: Select OM3 or OM4 based on current and future needs.
Armor material: Stainless steel (corrosion resistant) or aluminum alloy (lightweight), suitable for different environments.
Certification standards: Check compliance with ISO/IEC, TIA/EIA, IEC 60793, etc.
Connector matching: Make sure it is compatible with device interfaces such as QSFP+/QSFP28 optical modules.
Typical application scenarios of OM3/OM4 armored fiber optic jumpers
Data Center: OM4 armored jumper connects the core switch and server, supports 40G/100G transmission.
Intelligent Manufacturing: High-resolution video transmission between industrial cameras and PLC controllers to resist oil pollution and mechanical vibration.
Medical surgery: Low-latency, high-definition signal transmission between the endoscope system and the display device.
By combining the high bandwidth of OM3/OM4 multimode fiber with the physical protection of the armor layer, this product is ideal for short-range, high-reliability network deployments, especially in scenarios where performance and durability are a priority.
Specification
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Connector Type | LC to LC |
| Polish Type | UPC to UPC |
| Fiber Mode | OM3 50 / 125μm |
| Fiber Count | Duplex |
| Fiber Grade | Bend Insensitive |
| Min. Bend Radius | 20/10D (Dynamic/Static) |
| Cable Outside Diameter (OD) | 3.0mm |
| Cable Jacket | Riser (OFCR-Optical Fiber Conductive Riser) |
| Fiber Cords Structure | Single Armored, Stainless Steel Tube |
| Tensile Load | 120/225N (Long/Short Term) |
| Insertion Loss | ≤0.3dB |
| Return Loss | ≥30dB |
| Operating Temperature | -25~70°C |
| Storage Temperature | -25~70°C |