Testing Insertion Loss and Return Loss on APC Cables Using APC Reference Feature

In this video we demonstrate how to use the APC Reference feature on the OP940 front panel to test an APC to APC cable assembly.

To reference Insertion Loss, connect the reference cable to the source port and detector and select “IL Ref” and then “Start IL Ref”.

Next, select the RL Ref Option. Configure the reference cables for your return loss reference, when ready, press “RL Ref”. Then, press the right button and select “APC Ref”. Press the right button again and select “Start RL Ref”. The unit will display the reference value and distance from the front panel to the reference point.

Once the Return Loss is referenced, press the “Home” button to return to the dual ILRL screen.

Connect your device under test, between your reference cable and detector. Always make sure to inspect and clean if needed. Return Loss and Insertion Loss results are displayed.

Select the Pass/Fail option to display the results color-coded based on the user-defined IL and RL pass-threshold settings.