ASU 144-Core Fiber Optic Cable – Product Overview
The ASU (Aéreos Auto-Sustentados Tubo único) 144-Core Cable is a self-supporting single-jacket aerial fiber optic cable designed for high-capacity outdoor communication networks. Emerging initially in South America in 2016, this cable type has gained widespread adoption across the Americas, Southeast Asia, Europe, and other regions due to its innovative design and cost-effective performance.
Construction & Design
The ASU 144-Core Cable features a loose tube stranded construction. 250μm optical fibers are positioned into a loose tube made of high-modulus plastics, with the tube filled with a water-resistant filling compound that provides critical protection to the fibers. Two parallel FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) strength members are placed on both sides and twisted together with the loose tube into a compact, circular cable core. The cable surface is extruded with a single HDPE (polyethylene) outer sheath. This three-in-one steady-state twisting unit combines both tensile elements and the optical unit, ensuring excellent bendability.
The cable supports fiber counts from 2 cores up to 144 cores, utilizing single-mode fiber types including G.652D, G.655, and G.657. Key optical performance specifications include attenuation of ≤0.36dB/km at 1310nm and ≤0.22dB/km at 1550nm. The cable operates reliably across a wide temperature range of -40°C to +70°C.
Applications
The ASU 144-Core Cable is ideally suited for:
Urban backbone and subscriber access network installations
Telecommunications and power company communication networks
Distribution and high-voltage transmission line communication systems
Outdoor aerial self-supporting deployments without brackets or suspension wires
Enterprise OSP networks, broadband, and FTTx networks
Railway, CATV, CCTV, and computer network systems
Campus backbone and Ethernet LAN networks
Key Advantages
Self-Supporting Design: Requires no messenger wire or support brackets, enabling quick and cost-effective single-installation deployment
Cost Efficiency: Eliminates the need for expensive imported aramid yarn used in traditional ADSS cables, reducing manufacturing costs by 20% or more compared to equivalent ADSS specifications
Superior Bend Performance: Optimized bending performance with a dynamic bending radius of only 25D, making it ideal for areas with multiple bends and tight routing requirements
Excellent Environmental Durability: Non-metallic all-dielectric construction provides high insulation, lightning protection, and anti-electro-corrosion properties. Enhanced UV resistance and weatherproofing ensure reliable performance in harsh outdoor conditions
Lightweight and Compact: Smaller outer sheath thickness and reduced overall dimensions compared to traditional ADSS cables
Superior Mechanical Protection: High-strength, hydrolysis-resistant loose tubes with specialized filling compounds ensure critical fiber protection, excellent crush resistance, and mechanical flexibility
Characteristics
1. Large span lengths and the largest span is over 1700 m.
2. Non-metallic material, with high insulating property performances as well as lightning-proof.
3. Special anti-track outer sheath protection, strong anti-electro-corrosion ability.
4. The aramid yarn ensure the cable's tensile resistance, and also have good bullet-proof performance.
5. Light weight with small diameter, reducing the load caused by ice and wind as well as the load on the tower.
6. Can be installed without shutting off the power.
Company Information
Packaging & Shipping
FAQ
Q1: Can ASU cables support 144 cores?
A: Yes. While standard ASU cables typically support 2 to 24 optical fibers, advanced ASU cable designs are available with fiber counts up to 144 cores, all housed within the loose tube construction.
Q2: What is the maximum span length for ASU 144-Core Cable?
A: ASU cables are suitable for spans up to 120 meters, typically deployed on urban street light poles or similar short-span aerial applications. For spans exceeding 200 meters, ADSS cables are generally recommended.
Q3: Is the ASU cable suitable for underground duct installation?
A: Yes. The ASU 144-Core Cable can be installed in both aerial and duct applications. Its compact construction and durable HDPE sheath make it suitable for duct installations where space is limited.
Q4: How does ASU cable compare to ADSS cable in terms of cost?
A: ASU cables offer significant cost advantages. Compared to the 60m span of a typical 24-core ADSS cable, an ASU cable of the same specification can reduce costs by 20% or more due to the elimination of aramid yarn and reduced overall structural size.
Q5: What fiber types are compatible with the ASU 144-Core Cable?
A: The cable supports multiple single-mode fiber types including G.652D, G.655, and G.657, as well as multimode options such as OM1, OM2, OM3, and OM4. Customization is available to meet specific project requirements.