AN-128 Ensuring Accurate Return Loss Measurement
As fiber optic networks move towards higher data rates and lower loss, connectors with increased performance (low insertion and return loss) have become the standard. Return loss requirements on connectors have begun to approach the physical limitations of the polishing process and, as such, any error in the measurement can cause poor connectors to pass or good connectors to fail.
AN-112 Testing Insertion Loss and Return Loss on Ribbon Fiber Fanouts with OPL-MAX
Measuring Insertion Loss and Return Loss on Ribbon Fiber Fanouts, like the MTP® to LC cable shown in figure 1 below, can be a streamlined process when using the right equipment and automation software.
For the methods described in this Application Note, only a multichannel IL/RL Tester (OP940) fitted with large area detector (RIN) or integrating sphere (OP-SPHR) is needed. This setup can greatly reduce testing time and inaccuracies caused by additional reference cables and multiple detectors. For even further efficiency in testing, using OPL-MAX software will automate and store all test results.
AN-140 SRL Testing for APC Terminated Cables using the OP940 Front Panel
The OP940 was designed as an upgrade to the existing OP930 product line. One of the many additional features is the ability to reference to an angle polished connector through the front panel of the unit. The new feature works by searching for small reflections that the unit would normally bypass. If, after following the instructions below, the unit is unable to reference to the APC connector on the reference cable, it is advised to employ the methods detailed in AN-114 RL Testing for APC Terminated Cables.
AN-132 SAVer Cable Short Instructions
The SAVer cables are designed to ‘save’ the instrument front panel from dirt, scratches and potentially expensive repairs and downtime. When the SAVer cable is used with the high quality mating adapter, MAAD-FC, your front panels will stay clean without adding loss. The SAVer cable can be repolished or replaced quickly and easily.
AN-125 Bend-Insensitive Multimode Fiber (BIMMF)
It is no secret that when standard optical fiber is bent, twisted, or otherwise contorted, it will exhibit increased loss. Until recently it was an accepted fact that in certain situations, such as in patch panels, cabinets, enclosures, and other places where space is limited or sharp corners or bends exist, there was a trade-off between how small these spaces could be and how long the cables would have to be without significant bend loss due to bending, twisting, or stretching. In 2009, however, a more durable, stress-resistant type of multimode cable was developed and it is revolutionizing fiber optics by allowing enclosures, patch-cabinets, and other types of cable hubs to be designed much more compact than was previously possible without introducing loss.
AN-121 Stability Measurement – Application for 500 Series Optical Power Meter / Sensor
This application note describes how to setup the measurement with the OP500 series power meter modules. Data acquisition is controlled by a computer that runs OPL5 application software. The measurement results are illustrated with real-life data of a 980nm laser source.
AN-113 Bidirectional MultiFiber Insertion and Return Loss Testing Using OP725-OP940 and Two OP720s
With 100G Ethernet and beyond quickly becoming the standard for the fiber optics communication industry, many cable manufacturers want to be able to test multifiber cables with relative speed and ease. Using an OP725-OP940 and two 1xN OP720 switches with OPL-MAX, an operator can test bidirectional insertion loss and return loss on high-fiber-count cables.
The OP930-D is a dual channel insertion and return loss tester. The OP930-D is similar to the OP930 except an additional source port and detector is added to streamline testing of duplex cables and to allow for simplified testing of cables with unlike connectors. The test system has two source ports and two power meters. While Port A and Port B are treated as two separate channels, they share the same source modules and are regulated by a 1×2 switch, activating on one channel at a time. The corresponding power meters are configured to expect readings from their respective source ports when that source is switched on.
AN-127 Measuring RL on Short Cables: A Detailed Approach
In the 1990s, a new method of testing return loss revolutionized the fiber optics industry. Requiring no mandrels or matching gel to measure the return loss of a cable, the optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) method streamlined the production process by cutting down on the amount of work required to reference and take return loss measurements. However, this technology brought with it a small caveat: the laser’s pulse width along with a few other factors limit the resolution of the measurement. This is easily seen in the following traces recorded on a single mode OP930.
AN-126 Measuring Accurate Return Loss through Optical Components
Often, return loss is measured as though it is a metric that is completely independent from the other qualities a cable possesses. In reality, this is a valid train of thought for the true return loss of a connector, but a connector’s measured return loss is deeply affected by its insertion loss and the attenuation of its cable. For every 1dB of added loss, the measured return loss of the cable increases by 2dB. Therefore, it becomes important to account for the loss in the cable when the system has measurable loss.
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