ADSS TDS template preparation is the foundation of a successful tender:
Key Takeaway: Writing an effective ADSS fiber optic cable specification for a tender or large-scale engineering project requires specifying 10–15 technical parameters with precise values and tolerances — not simply stating “ADSS cable, 48 cores.” A properly written TDS (Technical Data Sheet) ensures all bidding manufacturers quote to the same standard, eliminates ambiguity that leads to cost-cutting substitutions, and accelerates bid evaluation by enabling direct parameter-by-parameter comparison. At ZTO Cable, we provide a complete TDS within 24–48 hours of receiving the project requirements, and can customize every parameter — fiber type (Corning, Prysmian, YOFC, or in-house G.652D/G.657), fiber count (2–288 cores), span class (50–2500 m), jacket type (PE or AT), jacket color, and cable marking/printing. This article provides the master parameter checklist that every specifying engineer should use.
The 15-Parameter ADSS Specification Checklist
For every ADSS tender or purchase order, require the manufacturer to complete and return a TDS covering these 15 parameters. Leave no field blank — a missing value is a red flag.
| # | Parameter | Typical Value Range | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fiber type | G.652D, G.655, G.657A1/A2, G.654E | Determines attenuation, dispersion, and bend performance |
| 2 | Fiber count | 2–288 | Must match patch panel capacity and future expansion plans |
| 3 | Fiber brand | Corning SMF-28e+, Prysmian, YOFC, FiberHome, ZTO Plus | Brand-specific MFD and attenuation consistency; specify if project mandates a particular brand |
| 4 | Cable structure | Unitube, Multi-loose-tube (stranded) | Unitube for ≤24 fibers in short spans; stranded for ≥48 fibers or long spans |
| 5 | Max. span (m) | 50–2500 | Defines MAT, aramid yarn content, and sag performance |
| 6 | MAT (kN) | 4–150 | The single most important mechanical parameter — must be ≥calculated worst-case load |
| 7 | RTS (kN) | 1.6–2.5 × MAT | Safety margin; lower RTS/MAT ratio = less safe design |
| 8 | Cable OD (mm) | 8.0–20.0 | Must match hardware bore and clamp grip dimensions |
| 9 | Cable weight (kg/km) | 40–400 | Impacts tower loading, installation equipment, and shipping cost |
| 10 | Jacket type | PE or AT (Anti-Tracking) | PE for ≤66 kV; AT mandatory for ≥110 kV (see AT vs PE selection table) |
| 11 | Jacket thickness (mm) | 1.2–2.5 | Thicker jacket = better abrasion/ice resistance; must be uniform (±0.2 mm) |
| 12 | Attenuation @1310 nm (dB/km) | ≤0.35 (G.652D) | Higher attenuation reduces link power budget and maximum reach |
| 13 | Attenuation @1550 nm (dB/km) | ≤0.22 (G.652D) | Critical for long-haul; every 0.01 dB/km matters over 100+ km links |
| 14 | Operating temperature (°C) | -40 to +70 | Must cover the project site’s extreme temperature range |
| 15 | Applicable standards | IEC 60794-4-10, IEC 60794-1-2, ITU-T G.652 | Establishes the test regime; verify manufacturer holds current type test reports |
Customization Dimensions: What a Capable Manufacturer Can Deliver
A genuine ADSS cable manufacturer — as opposed to a reseller — can customize every aspect of the cable to your project’s specific requirements. Here is the full range:
Fiber Customization
- Count: 2 to 288 fibers, any increment. Standard counts: 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 144. Odd counts (e.g., 36, 60) are achievable with appropriate tube utilization.
- Fiber brand: Corning SMF-28e+ and SMF-28 Ultra, Prysmian BendBright, YOFC, FiberHome, or ZTO’s in-house G.652D/G.657A2 fiber. Specify the brand in the tender to prevent unauthorized substitution.
- Fiber type mix: Mix G.652D and G.655 in the same cable for hybrid DWDM + legacy transmission over a single sheath. Designated fibers in designated tubes.
Mechanical Customization
- Span class: Everything from short urban spans (50–100 m, Single Jacket ADSS) to extreme river crossings (2000+ m, Double Jacket large span). Custom MAT values are engineered to your specific span and environmental loading data.
- Jacket type: Standard PE (HDPE or MDPE) for distribution lines; AT (anti-tracking) for transmission lines ≥110 kV; LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) for indoor-to-outdoor transition segments.
- Jacket color: Standard black (UV-stabilized, carbon black ≥2.5%). Other colors (grey, orange, blue) available for network identification — specify RAL or Pantone code.
- Jacket marking: Hot-foil or ink-jet sequential meter marking with customer name, cable code, fiber count, year of manufacture, and length mark every 1 meter. Custom legends (project name, utility logo) on request.
Packing Customization
- Drum type: Standard wooden drums (ISPM 15 fumigated for export), plywood drums, or steel-frame drums. Drum flange diameter from 600 mm to 2400 mm.
- Cable length per drum: Standard 2, 4, 6, or 8 km per drum. Custom lengths to match individual span segments on request — minimizes mid-span splices.
How to Accelerate the Tender Process
Large-scale fiber optic projects move on tight timelines. Delays in technical specification clarification are the #1 cause of postponed bid submission deadlines. Three ways to accelerate:
- Submit requirements early: Even before the formal tender document is finalized, send the draft specification to potential manufacturers for feasibility review. ZTO Cable provides a pre-bid TDS within 24 hours of receiving the requirement list.
- Include factory inspection report (FIR) requirement in the tender: Requiring a factory inspection report as part of the bid submission filters out traders who cannot produce one. A genuine manufacturer will provide a recent FIR from an independent inspection agency (e.g., SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV).
- Request a sample drum: For projects exceeding 50 km, request the shortlisted manufacturers to ship a 500 m sample drum of the proposed cable design. Test it independently — verify attenuation, jacket thickness, dimensions, and marking against the submitted TDS. A manufacturer confident in their quality will ship a sample without hesitation.
Sample TDS Template (For Tender Inclusion)
Copy the following into your tender document. The manufacturer must complete all values:
ADSS TECHNICAL DATA SHEET — Manufacturer Response Required Cable Designation: _______________ Fiber Type (ITU-T): _______________ Fiber Count: _______________ Fiber Brand (if specified): _______________ Cable Structure: _______________ Max. Design Span (m): _______________ MAT — Maximum Allowable Tension (kN): _______________ RTS — Rated Tensile Strength (kN): _______________ Cable Outer Diameter (mm): _______________ Cable Weight (kg/km): _______________ Jacket Material (PE / AT / LSZH): _______________ Jacket Thickness — nominal (mm): _______________ Attenuation @1310 nm — max (dB/km): _______________ Attenuation @1550 nm — max (dB/km): _______________ Operating Temperature Range (°C): _______________ Applicable Standards: _______________ Type Test Report Ref. No.: _______________ Designed By (Engineer Name): _______________ Date: _______________
FAQ
Q: Can I mix different fiber types (e.g., G.652D and G.655) in the same ADSS cable?
A: Yes. This is a common requirement for routes serving both legacy metro (G.652D) and long-haul DWDM (G.655) traffic. The fibers are placed in separate color-coded loose tubes. Specify the tube allocation map in the TDS (e.g., “Tubes 1–3: G.652D, Tubes 4–6: G.655”). Our engineering team can advise on optimal tube allocation for your fiber mix.
Q: How long does custom ADSS cable production take?
A: Standard ADSS designs (Single Jacket 12–48 fibers, ≤300 m span) ship within 7 working days. Custom designs (non-standard fiber count, span >1000 m, specific fiber brand) typically ship in 15–25 working days from order confirmation. Extremely large orders (>500 km) or highly specialized designs (span >2000 m) benefit from a 30–45 day production schedule. Request a lead time commitment with your quotation — and include it as a contractual delivery date in the purchase order.
Q: What happens if the delivered cable does not match the TDS?
A: This is why the TDS and factory inspection report are essential contract documents. If independent testing reveals a parameter deviation (e.g., attenuation 0.25 dB/km vs. TDS-guaranteed 0.22 dB/km), the cable is non-conforming. At ZTO Cable, our standard terms provide for replacement or refund of non-conforming product. We recommend every buyer perform incoming inspection on ≥2% of drums (attenuation + OTDR) before accepting delivery. This protects both parties and catches any transit damage as well.