While an instrument’s self-calibration or internal calibration is convenient for routine spot checking and verification, it should never replace a full calibration performed by an unbiased and trained professional.
Fiber Optic Tutorials
How Can You Accurately Test Performance of Hybrid Cables?
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
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.
Industry Update – Visual Inspection Standard
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:
- Link visual inspection results to optical performance
- Make results more uniform between manual (visual) and automated (software) platforms
- Make results more uniform between different automated platforms
Ensuring Accurate Return Loss Measurements
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.
Launch Conditions for Multimode Testing
Explore the effect that different launch conditions, including Encircled Flux, have on Insertion Loss and Return Loss testing of multimode cables.
How to Save Time When Testing Multiple Cable Types
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.
Preventing Damage to Optical Connectors
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.
Troubleshooting
If, in the course of testing, an OptoTest unit begins to experience issues, please consult the below table for basic troubleshooting help. If after consulting the table the unit is still having issues, please contact OptoTest for further assistance.
Testing Insertion Loss and Return Loss of an MTP/MPO Cable in OPL-MAX
In this video we will go through the process of testing insertion loss and return loss of an MTP cable in OPL-MAX. We will review both the cable and software setup for the standard test configuration, as well as the test process.
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