DIRECT ANSWER / 01
Freeze the port-mapping matrix before specifying a fibre shuffle
A fibre shuffle in this guide is passive routing of input fibres to output ports according to an approved map. It is not an active switch and does not automatically establish Tx/Rx relationships. Start with a fibre-by-fibre matrix, viewing directions and port IDs, then define interfaces, space and acceptance.
Use this for OEM onboard links, complex harnesses and inter-module wiring. Molex’s official material illustrates the shuffle product category. The mapping/acceptance checklist is procurement advice, not a transfer of Molex performance, processes or availability to ARRANEX. Trace every lane from approved drawings to test records.
SELECTION MATRIX / 02
Purchasing decision matrix
| Item | Identify | Correct action | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port identity | Equipment, socket, connector and fibre IDs | Assign unique IDs to each port | Using only left/right |
| Viewing direction | End-face view, key and pins | Freeze all views on the drawing | Mixing rear/front views without labels |
| Mapping matrix | Input position → output connector/position | Review duplicates, omissions and unused positions | Inferring correct routing from equal counts |
| Mechanics | Interfaces, branches, onboard space and bends | Approve route and layout together | Accepting a correct map that cannot be installed |
| Acceptance | Continuity, mapping and agreed optical tests per fibre | Use the same IDs and drawing revision in reports | Replacing lane evidence with a single pass label |
RFQ INPUTS / 03
Minimum inputs a supplier can verify
| Category | Required input or confirmation |
|---|---|
| Mapping inputs | Equipment drawing, port IDs, both-end views and lane table with unused positions |
| Assembly definition | Ends, fibre, length datums, breakouts, envelope, BOM and revision |
| Approval loop | Matrix approval, sample mapping, optical acceptance and post-change retest scope |
BUYER FAQ / 04
Purchasing FAQ
Is a fibre shuffle the same as polarity B?
Not necessarily. A shuffle may have a project-specific multiport map; a polarity letter does not replace the matrix.
Can it actively switch optical paths?
This guide covers fixed passive routing, not active optical switching.
How can reversed fibre numbering be avoided?
Show view, key and numbering datum together and verify samples fibre by fibre.
Can unused positions be omitted?
Mark them unused or reserved explicitly instead of leaving ambiguous omissions.
What changes after a mapping revision?
Update drawings, matrix, BOM, labels and test procedure and approve retest scope.
SOURCES / 05
Sources and applicability
Sources checked: 2026-10-02. This guide clarifies purchasing fields; it does not replace current equipment data sheets, full standards or the approved project drawing.