Portable OTDR combines measurement automation, user-friendly operation and reliable performance to enable fast, precise optical-fibre characterisation

The new Yokogawa AQ7280 portable OTDR (optical time-domain reflectometer) delivers the ideal combination of measurement automation, user-friendly operation and reliable performance to enable fast, precise optical-fibre characterisation in the field.

The AQ7280 is based on a plug-in modular design that allows it to be configured for a wide range of network environments and topologies from FTTH to metro and core networks. Measurement speed and ease of use are guaranteed by a capacitive multi-touch touchscreen, automated measurement software, and a highly stable operating system that enables rapid start-up - while field use is boosted by a battery pack providing more than ten hours' continuous operation.

The AQ7280 hardware is designed to provide robustness and reliability in field use under harsh conditions. It has no cooling fans on its chassis and hence no apertures to allow dust or water ingress. The software also contributes to the reliability, with an operating system that is much more stable than those originally designed for PC use and that takes just a few seconds to be ready to measure.

The AQ7280 features dual operating modes with a choice of the multi-touch touchscreen or hard-key buttons. Fully automatic measurements and easy-to-read analysis reports are instantly accessible through a range of built-in software applications.

The software also allows multiple functions to run simultaneously, including multi-fibre measurement; a smart event mapper; and the Eagle Eye feature (for high sampling resolution in long-distance measurements). The AQ7280 also incorporates functions for automatic analysis of the fiber connector's surface and for monitoring intermittent connections.

The AQ7280 supports wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) for remote control of the instrument and for transferring measurement data.

Nine plug-in OTDR modules include single-mode, multi-mode, low dynamic range, ultra dynamic range, and two- , three- and four-wavelength options. A range of power sensors, light sources, visible light sources and fibre inspection probes are available for customisation based on users' requirements.

All the single-mode units are optimised for PON network analysis in conjunction with high-port-count (up to 1:128) splitters.