Fiber Optic Tutorials

How Can You Accurately Test Performance of Hybrid Cables?

Posted on by Kate Torrence
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Hybrid Cable diagram

Hybrid Cable – Simplex

 

Hybrid Cable Solution Sheet  SOL-001Rev.A

Fiber patch cables, also known as patch cord or jumper cables, are fiber optic cables that are terminated with connectors on both ends. When the connector types on each end are different, the cable is aptly dubbed a HYBRID CABLE. These hybrid cables can serve to link otherwise incompatible infrastructure in existing fiber systems, such as those found in networks or data centers. They can be used to connect newer racks to legacy hardware, in distribution hubs to branch lines from high density panels to the nodes they serve, or to connect between devices from different manufacturers.
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Switches, Lossy Components, and the Need for External Reflectance Standards

Posted on by OptoTest
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This article focuses on RL measurement setups that are prone to introducing testing errors. Ways to mitigate these errors are discussed. Some errors are unavoidable; therefore, steps for correcting them out or reducing them are also described here.

Click here to read the full article on Lightwave’s website.


Industry Update – Visual Inspection Standard

Posted on by OptoTest
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A recent update to IEC 61300-3-35 (Fiber optic connector endface visual and automated inspection) is moving forward with the intention to modernize inspection practices and provide more uniform results industrywide.

The updates aim to accomplish three things:

  1. Link visual inspection results to optical performance
  2. Make results more uniform between manual (visual) and automated (software) platforms
  3. Make results more uniform between different automated platforms

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Ensuring Accurate Return Loss Measurements

Posted on by OptoTest
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OptoTest equipment provides the most accurate Return Loss measurements in the industry. In this presentation you will learn more about the elements that make that possible and things to keep in mind to ensure optimal performance.

Ensuring Accurate Return Loss Measurements

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How to Save Time When Testing Multiple Cable Types

Posted on by OptoTest
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Changing out reference cables during the insertion loss and return loss testing process to accommodate new DUT types can cause downtime for a manufacturing line and drastically reduce the efficiency of the cable production process.

With single channel DUTs and reference cables, the issue may seem inconsequential. However, in the modern fiber production line every minute counts; any method that can speed up time per test, minimize the time between tests, and prevent downtime are ways to make your cables more profitable.

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Preventing Damage to Optical Connectors

Posted on by OptoTest
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As the most common and most preventable source of error in fiber optic test systems, learn the tips and tricks for preventing damage to maintain the performance quality and longevity of optical connectors.

Preventing Damage to Optical Connectors

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Testing Insertion Loss and Return Loss of a Simplex Cable in OPL-MAX

Posted on by OptoTest
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In this video we will go through the process of testing insertion loss and return loss of a simplex cable in OPL-Max. This standard setup allows us to explore the features and functions of OPL-Max that operators are likely to encounter day to day.

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