Single-core butterfly optical cable

A single-core butterfly optical cable is a compact, flat fiber optic cable containing one single-mode fiber, designed for flexible, high-performance indoor or short outdoor deployments.

Structure and Design

A single-core butterfly optical cable features a single optical fiber core, typically a bend-insensitive single-mode fiber compliant with ITU-T G.657 standards, which allows tight bending without significant signal loss . The cable has a flat, strip-like “butterfly” shape, making it highly flexible and easy to install in confined spaces such as inside buildings, risers, or data centers . Indoor versions usually include FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) strength members and an LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) sheath, providing lightweight durability without additional support . Outdoor self-supporting variants may add a steel messenger wire and a PE or dual-layer LSZH/PE jacket for UV and moisture resistance .

Fiber Characteristics

The single-core fiber has a core diameter of 8–10 micrometers, supporting a single light path to minimize modal dispersion and enable high-bandwidth transmission over long distances . This allows data transmission speeds up to 10 Gbps over several kilometers, depending on the fiber type (OS1 or OS2) and installation conditions . The bend-insensitive design ensures reliable performance even when routed through tight corners or irregular surfaces.

Applications

Single-core butterfly cables are widely used in FTTH (Fiber to the Home) deployments, data centers, telecommunications networks, and industrial or medical equipment where space is limited and high data integrity is required . Their compact, flexible design allows for easy installation in tight spaces, while maintaining low signal loss and high durability.

Key Advantages

• Flexibility: Flat design allows routing in tight spaces.
• Durability: FRP or steel reinforcement provides mechanical strength.
• Bend Insensitivity: Maintains signal quality in sharp bends.
• High Bandwidth: Supports long-distance, high-speed data transmission.
• Space Efficiency: Ideal for indoor risers, data centers, and FTTH applications. In summary, a single-core butterfly optical cable is a specialized fiber optic cable optimized for flexible, high-performance installations, combining a single-mode fiber core with a flat, durable design suitable for both indoor and certain outdoor applications .