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.
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.
OPL-MAX has a built in sequence to test continuity for multi-fiber cables. The only requirement is that the user has a multichannel source and a multichannel power meter.
Insertion loss (IL) and polarity testing are just a couple of the steps required in the testing of multi-stranded fiber optic cables. IL testing quantifies the amount of light lost through the cables and polarity testing ensures that the correct input is routed to its proper output. Usually these two steps can’t be done simultaneously and require almost twice the time. In the case of duplex cables, the OP815-D—coupled with OPL-PRO and a proper configuration setup—can perform both tests at the same time and effectively shortening the testing process. The example discussed below shows how to combine the two steps into one.
+1 (805) 987-1700
English
简体中文
Nederlands
Français
Deutsch
Italiano
日本語
Polski
Português
Română
Español