A number of types of optical connectors are used to interface communication systems with optical networks. If the end surface of an optical fiber is contaminated, it can cause a communication network failure. In fact, more than 50% of communication network failures are caused by connector surface conditions. In addition, defects on the connector surface greatly affect Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) measurement results.
Fig. 1 shows the measurement trace resulting from a dirty end face while Fig. 2 shows the trace with the same connector after its end face has been cleaned. In the trace for the contaminated connector surface, a slope appearing after the reflection becomes larger. Since an attenuation dead zone also becomes longer, an event cannot be detected correctly. On a high power communication path such as WDM or PON, connector burn out can result from contamination such as sebum and dust or scratches. Cleaning connector surfaces is crucial for the installation and maintenance of optical fibers. Thus, the quality assurance inspection using a fiber inspection probe with judgment criteria that conforms to a global standard becomes a critical tool to avoid costly consequences.
By connecting a fiber probe*, inspection of the fiber end is available with the AQ7280 and AQ1210. The fiber surface inspection function included in the these OTDRs (/FST option) automatically performs pass/fail judgment on contamination and scratches on the fiber surface. This is based on the IEC 61300-3-35 standard or user-defined criteria. The judgment result can be saved and added to a PDF report as an effective evidence after installation is complete.
*Please check each product page for verified models.
Fig. 1: Incorrect measurement trace due to an end face with scratches and stains.
Fig. 2: Correct measurement trace for a clean end face.
横河作为一家拥有100多年历史的仪器制造商,依托在全球的光测试领域中积累了30多年的经验,现在推出了功能强大的新款光时域反射仪—AQ1210系列。
针对光纤网络安装和维护中操作人员日益需要更加可靠、易用的现场仪表,横河AQ1210系列OTDR旨在为用户提供快速精准的测量。
随着移动设备和互联网的广泛使用,光纤网络对高增长通信流量的适应性变得日益重要。
安装和维护光纤网络所用的测量仪器要求操作高效、界面直观,能提供高质量的测量结果和出色的可靠性。