An RFQ for fibre assemblies should state the fibre type and count, the connector and polish at each end, polarity, length and tolerance, cable construction and jacket fire rating, breakout leg lengths, labelling, the test report required, packaging, quantity and the target delivery date. Attach a drawing where one exists. A complete RFQ gets a firm quote with fewer clarification rounds.
Why an incomplete RFQ costs time
Fibre assemblies are built to order, and most of their features cannot be changed once the connectors are fitted. If an RFQ leaves out the polarity, the connector gender or the jacket rating, the supplier either asks and waits for an answer, or quotes on an assumption. A wrong assumption shows up on site as a link that will not light, a cable that fails a fire inspection, or a breakout that does not reach the ports.
The sections below follow the order of the checklist at the end of this page. Fill in what you know, and say clearly where you want the supplier to propose a value.
Fibre type and count
State the fibre grade: OS2 single-mode, or OM3, OM4 or OM5 multimode. For specialist links state the fibre directly, for example 200/230 micron PCF or plastic optical fibre. Give the total fibre count in the cable and the count in each leg or connector. If the route has tight bends in trays, cabinets or vehicles, ask for bend-insensitive fibre. If you need the fibre to match existing plant, say so, because mixing grades limits reach.
Connectors, polish and gender
Specify each end separately, because many assemblies are different at each end.
- Connector type: LC, SC, FC, ST, MPO or MTP, or a specialist type such as an expanded beam, MIL-style, ODC or SMA connector.
- Polish: UPC or APC for single-mode. APC connectors only mate with APC.
- MPO details: fibre count per connector (8, 12, 16 or 24), and pinned or unpinned.
- Duplex format: standard duplex clip or uniboot, if it matters for your panels.
If you are matching existing equipment, give the part number of the mating panel, transceiver or connector.
Polarity, length and breakout
Polarity. For duplex cords, state A-to-B (crossover) or A-to-A (straight). For MPO trunks and cords, state Type A, B or C and the TIA-568 method the site uses. Our guide to MPO polarity types A, B and C explains each. If you are unsure, list the equipment at each end and ask the supplier to confirm the fibre map on the drawing.
Length. Say how length is measured, normally from connector end face to connector end face, and give the tolerance you can accept. A one-sided tolerance, such as no shorter than stated, avoids cables that do not reach.
Breakout. For harnesses and fan-outs, give the length of the main cable and of each leg, the leg diameter (common sizes are 0.9 mm, 2.0 mm and 3.0 mm), and whether legs should be staggered so that connectors do not bunch at the panel. Radix builds MPO breakout cables and other harnesses to the customer's drawing.
Cable construction and jacket rating
Describe the environment and let the construction follow from it: indoor tray, riser, plenum space, duct, direct burial, outdoor aerial, tactical deployment or offshore. Then state any construction you require, such as tight-buffered or loose-tube, round or ribbon, or armoured fibre optic cable for rodent and crush protection.
The jacket fire rating depends on where the cable is installed, so name the code that applies:
- In the USA, the NEC listing: OFNP for plenum spaces, OFNR for risers, OFN for general use.
- In the European Union, the Construction Products Regulation classes under EN 50575, such as Dca or B2ca.
- Elsewhere, LSZH jackets are often required in public buildings, tunnels and enclosed spaces.
Add jacket colour, outer diameter limits and any print legend you need.
Labelling, testing and packaging
Labelling. Give your cable ID scheme and say what each label must show: cable ID, length, fibre type, polarity and port numbers. State the label type (heat-shrink sleeve, wrap-around or flag) and its distance from the connector.
Test report. Ask for insertion loss on every fibre at the right wavelengths: 850 nm and 1300 nm for multimode, 1310 nm and 1550 nm for single-mode. For single-mode, ask for return loss as well. Ask for end-face inspection to IEC 61300-3-35 on every connector, interferometric end-face geometry if your specification needs it, and a polarity check for MPO assemblies. Ask for serial numbers on the report that match the labels.
Packaging. State how each assembly should arrive: individually bagged, coiled to a set diameter, or on a reel for long trunks. For trunks that will be pulled through ducts or containment, ask for a pulling grip on the front end with the connectors protected inside it. Give the delivery address and the shipping terms you expect.
Copyable RFQ checklist for fibre assemblies
| Field | What to state | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre type | Grade and any special fibre | OM4, bend-insensitive |
| Fibre count | Total, and per leg or connector | 24 fibres, 2 x MPO-12 each end |
| Connector, end A | Type, polish, gender | MPO-12 UPC, unpinned |
| Connector, end B | Type, polish, gender | 12 x LC duplex UPC |
| Polarity | Duplex A-to-B or A-to-A; MPO Type A, B or C | Type B, TIA-568 Method B |
| Length | Measurement points and tolerance | 25 m end face to end face, no shorter |
| Breakout | Leg length, diameter, stagger | 0.5 m legs, 2.0 mm, staggered |
| Cable construction | Indoor, outdoor, armoured, tactical | Indoor round, tight-buffered |
| Jacket rating | Code and class | LSZH; or OFNP; or CPR Dca |
| Jacket colour | Colour and print legend | Heather violet |
| Labelling | ID scheme, content, label type | Heat-shrink, ID and length, both ends |
| Test report | Loss, return loss, inspection, polarity | IL per fibre at 850 and 1300 nm, IEC 61300-3-35 |
| Loss limit | Maximum per connector pair or per assembly | Supplier to state maximum per mated pair |
| Packaging | Bagging, reel, pulling grip | Reel with pulling grip on end A |
| Quantity | Per line item, plus spares | 40 pieces plus 4 spares |
| Target date | Date needed on site | Week 48 |
| Drawing | Drawing number and revision, or none | DWG-1024 rev B |
Copy the table into your RFQ and fill in the third column with your own values. Leave a field blank only if you want the supplier to propose it, and say so.
Sending the RFQ to Radix
Radix works to the customer's drawing and BOM, covering lengths, fibre counts, polarity, breakout, jacket and marking. Send the completed checklist and any drawings through the request a quote page, or email sales@radixfibrotech.com. For assemblies with no existing drawing, see custom fibre optic assemblies, and we will return a drawing for your approval with the quote.
Questions buyers ask
What information do I need to get a quote for fibre optic cables?
At minimum: fibre type, fibre count, connector and polish at each end, length, jacket rating, quantity and target date. For MPO assemblies add gender and polarity type. A drawing or a list of the equipment at each end fills most remaining gaps.
Do I need a drawing to request a quote?
No. A completed checklist is enough to price most assemblies. A drawing removes ambiguity for complex harnesses and breakouts, and many suppliers will produce one for your approval before manufacture if you do not have one.
How should I specify cable length?
State the measurement points, normally connector end face to connector end face, and the tolerance. For breakouts, give the main cable length and each leg length separately. A tolerance with no negative allowance avoids cables that fall short of the port.
What should a fibre assembly test report include?
Insertion loss for every fibre at the relevant wavelengths, return loss for single-mode, and end-face inspection results to IEC 61300-3-35. MPO assemblies should also show a polarity check. Serial numbers on the report should match the labels on the cables.
What if I do not know which polarity I need?
List the equipment or panels at each end, including transceiver part numbers, and ask the supplier to propose the polarity. Then check the fibre map on the drawing before approving production. Do not guess, because polarity cannot be changed after assembly without replacing parts.
Can I ask for a sample before a full order?
Yes. State in the RFQ that you want a first-article sample for approval, and how many. Include the tests you will run on it, so the sample is checked against the same criteria as the production order.