"ModCon" Modal controllers for multimode fiber
Improve multimode fiber loss and bandwidth measurement accuracy
- Ensure stable launch conditions for multimode fiber measurements
- Make sure your multimode fiber optic loss measurements comply with the Encircled Flux requirements of IEC 61280-4-1 OR 85/85 launch conditions required in some aerospace applications.
The "ModCon" Modal Controller is designed to ensure that whatever source you use to test the loss and bandwidth of your multimode optical fiber network, LED, Laser, OTDR or white light, you launch the same distribution of modes into the fiber. As a result you can eliminate the variations due to the widely different modal characteristics of the sources commonly used in fiber optic measurements and networks.
We produce two main types of Modal Controllers, aimed at the Telecoms and the Aerospace industries
| Telecom ModCon gives an output which complies with the Encircled Flux requirement of IEC 61280-4-1 | Aerospace ModCon gives an 85/85 (Limited Phase Space) launch condition |
 Click on the image for more details |
 Click on the image for more details |
Telecom Mode Controllers
The standard ModCon is available in 50um and 62.5um core graded index fiber, with either FC, ST, SC or LC connectors but we have produced "OEM" style ModCons that are smaller than the standard unit and are designed for customers who want to package the ModCon inside their own housing. The MultiWay ModCon is a 12 channel Mode Controller with "MTP" connectors for use with 12 way switches.
We have also produced many special configurations e.g.
- ModCons with different connector styles such as specialist military and aerospace connectors
- MultiWay ModCons with built-in LED light source
- See also our range of OTDR lead-in boxes with "ModCon" inside.
Simply fit the ModCon between your test set and the Fiber Under Test
Main features
- Conforms to IEC 61280-4-1
- Works at 850 and 1300 nm
- Reference grade connector on output
Technical specification - Telecom
| Standard | OEM | MultiWay | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dims (mm) | 100 x 50 x 25 (plus leads) | 165 x 105 x 32 (plus leads) | 19 inch rack x 1U high x 280 |
| Weight (gm) | 185 | 80 | 1000 |
| Insertion loss @ 850 and 1300nm | 50µm < 3dB ; 62.5µm <3dB | 50µm < 3dB ; 62.5µm <3dB | 50µm < 3dB ; 62.5µm <3dB |
| Maximum power throughput | 10mW | 10mW | 10mW |
The Modal Launch Conditions for our Telecomm modal controllers is specified in terms of the Encircled Flux (EF). The specification limits are shown below. A Certificate of Conformance or a Test Certificate (850nm only) giving details of how it was measured are available as options.
Encircled Flux (EF) limits for 50 µm core fiber at 850 nm
| Radius ( µm ) | EF lower bound | Target | EF upper bound |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0,2785 | 0,3350 | 0,3915 |
| 15 | 0,5980 | 0,6550 | 0,7119 |
| 20 | 0,9105 | 0,9193 | 0,9295 |
| 22 | 0,9690 | 0,9751 | 0,9812 |
Encircled Flux (EF) limits for 50 µm core fiber at 1300 nm
| Radius ( µm ) | EF lower bound | Target | EF upper bound |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0,2792 | 0,3366 | 0,3940 |
| 15 | 0,5996 | 0,6567 | 0,7138 |
| 20 | 0,9072 | 0,9186 | 0,9300 |
| 22 | 0,9663 | 0,9728 | 0,9793 |
Encircled Flux (EF) limits for 62.5 µm core fiber at 850 nm
| Radius ( µm ) | EF lower bound | Target | EF upper bound |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0,1683 | 0.2109 | 0.2535 |
| 15 | 0.3695 | 0.4390 | 0.5085 |
| 20 | 0.6337 | 0.6923 | 0.7509 |
| 26 | 0.9245 | 0.9350 | 0.9455 |
| 28 | 0.9710 | 0.9783 | 0.9856 |
Encircled Flux (EF) limits for 62.5 µm core fiber at 1300 nm
| Radius ( µm ) | EF lower bound | Target | EF upper bound |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0.1680 | 0.2119 | 0.2558 |
| 15 | 0.3699 | 0.4409 | 0.5119 |
| 20 | 0.6369 | 0.6945 | 0.7521 |
| 26 | 0.9254 | 0.9357 | 0.9460 |
| 28 | 0.9708 | 0.9782 | 0.9856 |
Plot of typical source showing compliance with the EF requirements in IEC 61280-4-1
Ordering information
ModCon - Standard
Standard ModCons come with a 1.2m input tail and a 1.5m output tail. The input and output cables have a 3mm diameter PVC sheath, and contain an Aramid yarn strength member.
| Part number | Description |
|---|---|
| MC-FC-50-S | Mode control patchcord in 50/125µm fiber with FC connectors |
| MC-FC-62-S | Mode control patchcord in 62.5/125µm fiber with FC connectors |
| MC-SC-50-S | Mode control patchcord in 50/125µm fiber with SC connectors |
| MC-SC-62-S | Mode control patchcord in 62.5/125µm fiber with SC connectors |
| MC-ST-50-S | Mode control patchcord in 50/125µm fiber with ST connectors |
| MC-ST-62-S | Mode control patchcord in 62.5/125µm fiber with ST connectors |
| MC-LC-50-S | Mode control patchcord in 50/125µm fiber with LC connectors |
| MC-LC-62-S | Mode control patchcord in 62.5/125µm fiber with LC connectors |
| MC-FC/LC-50-S | Mode control patchcord in 50/125µm fiber with FC connector on input and LC connector on output |
| MC-FC/LC-62-S | Mode control patchcord in 62.5/125µm fiber with FC connector on input and LC connector on output |
| MC-FC/SC-50-S | Mode control patchcord in 50/125µm fiber with FC connector on input and SC connector on output |
| MC-FC/SC-62-S | Mode control patchcord in 62.5/125µm fiber with FC connector on input and SC connector on output |
| MC-FC/ST-50-S | Mode control patchcord in 50/125µm fiber with FC connector on input and ST connector on output |
| MC-FC/ST-62-S | Mode control patchcord in 62.5/125µm fiber with FC connector on input and ST connector on output |
ModCon - OEM
OEM ModCons have a smaller package (credit card sized), bare fiber tails and no connectors. They are intended to be used where space is limited e.g. inside other instrumentation or packaging. The fiber tails are 600mm long on input and output. The fiber is 250µm buffered, and has a 900µm loose buffer for 200mm from the case.
| Part number | Description |
|---|---|
| MC-OEM-50 | Mode control patchcord in 50/125µm fiber, "OEM" style with bare fiber ends |
| MC-OEM-62 | Mode control patchcord in 62.5/125µm fiber, "OEM" style with bare fiber ends |
ModCon - MultiWay
Multiway ModCons are ideal for conditioning 12 way switches or for efficient testing of ribbon structures. Standard configurations are in a 19 inch rack, 1U high with either a single MPO style receptacle for the input and output, or with 12 discrete FC or SC connectors.
| Part number | Description |
|---|---|
| MC-MW-12-FC-50 | Mode control patchcord, 12 way in 50/125 µm fiber with FC connectors on input and output; 19 inch rack mountable enclosure |
| MC-MW-12-FC-62 | Mode control patchcord, 12 way in 62.5/125 µm fiber with FC connectors on input and output; 19 inch rack mountable enclosure |
| MC-MW-12-MTP-50 | Mode control patchcord, 12 way in 50/125µm fiber with MTP connectors on input and output; 19 inch rack mountable enclosure |
| MC-MW-12-MTP-62 | Mode control patchcord, 12 way in 62.5/125µm fiber with MTP connectors on input and output; 19 inch rack mountable enclosure |
| MC-MW-12-SC-50 | Mode control patchcord, 12 way in 50/125 µm fiber with SC connectors on input and output; 19 inch rack mountable enclosure |
| MC-MW-12-SC-62 | Mode control patchcord, 12 way in 62.5/125 µm fiber with SC connectors on input and output; 19 inch rack mountable enclosure |
Aerospace ModCons
Our Modal Controllers for Aerospace are available in 50um and 62.5um core graded index fiber, with either FC, ST, SC or LC connectors.
Main features
- Conforms to 85/85 launch conditions
- Works at 850 and 1300 nm
- Reference grade connector on output
- Rugged Aluminium enclosure
Technical specification - Aerospace
| Insertion loss @ 850 and 1300nm | 50µm < 5dB ; 62.5µm <5dB |
|---|---|
| Maximum power throughput | 10mW |
| Dims (mm) | 66 x 105 x 33 (2.5 x 4.1 x 1.3 inch) |
| Weight (gm) | 500 (1.1 lb) |
The Modal Launch Conditions for our Aerospace modal controllers is specified in terms of the width of the Near Field Pattern at 5, 15 and 75% of the maximum. The specification limits are shown below. A Certificate of Conformance or a Test Certificate(850 and 1300nm) giving details of how it was measured are available as options.
Launch condition for Modal Controllers in 62.5/125 fiber
| Intensity (% of max) | Maximum value (µm) | Minimum value (µm) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 55 | 51 |
| 15 | 52 | 45 |
| 75 | 33 | 20 |
Launch condition for Modal Controllers in 50/125 fiber
| Intensity (% of max) | Maximum value (µm) | Minimum value (µm) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 44.0 | 40.8 |
| 15 | 41.6 | 36.0 |
| 75 | 26.4 | 16.0 |
Plot of typical source showing compliance with the Near Field Width requirements for 85/85 launch condition
Ordering information - Aerospace ModCons
| Part number | Description |
|---|---|
| MC-FC-50-E-85 | Mode control patchcord with FC connectors in "Eurocard" case to deliver an 85/85% modal launch into 50um core fiber from an 850 or 1300nm light source |
| MC-FC-62-E-85 | Mode control patchcord with FC connectors in "Eurocard" case to deliver an 85/85% modal launch into 62.5um core fiber from an 850 or 1300nm light source |
| MC-LC-50-E-85 | Mode control patchcord with LC connectors in "Eurocard" case to deliver an 85/85% modal launch into 50um core fiber from an 850 or 1300nm light source |
| MC-LC-62-E-85 | Mode control patchcord with LC connectors in "Eurocard" case to deliver an 85/85% modal launch into 62.5um core fiber from an 850 or 1300nm light source |
| MC-SC-50-E-85 | Mode control patchcord with SC connectors in "Eurocard" case to deliver an 85/85% modal launch into 50um core fiber from an 850 or 1300nm light source |
| MC-SC-62-E-85 | Mode control patchcord with SC connectors in "Eurocard" case to deliver an 85/85% modal launch into 62.5um core fiber from an 850 or 1300nm light source |
| MC-ST-50-E-85 | Mode control patchcord with ST connectors in "Eurocard" case to deliver an 85/85% modal launch into 50um core fiber from an 850 or 1300nm light source |
| MC-ST-62-E-85 | Mode control patchcord with ST connectors in "Eurocard" case to deliver an 85/85% modal launch into 62.5um core fiber from an 850 or 1300nm light source |
