Standard MT and PrizmMT Cables
Even though PrizmMT and standard MT optical fiber cables look similar, they are not.
PrizmMT cables use clear plastic ferrules that have lenses to focus the laser light
across the connection air gap. Standard MT cables rely upon physical contact of fiber
tips at each connection. Standard MT and Prizm MT cables have some considerations
regarding storage, handling, and connecting to devices. See Standard MT and PrizmMT Cable Precautions.
 | Caution -
Connecting an PrizmMT cable to a standard MT receptacle, such as on a QSFP
transceiver damages the PrizmMT ferrule and renders the cable unusable.
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To help distinguish between PrizmMT and Standard MT cables, PrizmMT cables are
identified with certain features. The features are ferrule, housing color, and alignment
method and fiber spacing.
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4x PrizmMT optical cable
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PrizmMT (clear with lenses)
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Magenta
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Post and hole —Wide
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12x PrizmMT optical cable
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PrizmMT (clear with lenses)
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Black
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Post and hole—Wide
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4x standard MT optical cable
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Standard MT (black)
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Aqua
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Pins or holes—Narrow
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| Caution -
Some supported cables have a PrizmMT connector on one end, and a Standard MT
connector on the other. Pay close attention when connecting these cables. Do not
confuse one connector with the other. Damage might occur.
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The following illustration shows the difference between the standard MT cable and the
PrizmMT cable. The standard MT cable is on the left and the PrizmMT cable is on the
right.
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1
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Aqua housing (standard MT)
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2
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Standard ferrule (standard MT)
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3
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Alignment pin holes (standard MT)
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4
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Contact type optical fibers (standard MT)
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5
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Magenta housing (PrizmMT)
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6
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PrizmMT ferrule (PrizmMT)
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7
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Alignment post (PrizmMT)
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8
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Focused optical fiber array (PrizmMT)
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9
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Alignment hole (PrizmMT)
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