Category: Fiber Tester & Tools

Fiber optic testers, fiber optic tools, fiber splicing, fiber polishing, copper testers and tools.

Do you know Fiber Optical Transponders?

As we know, transponder is important in optical fiber communications, it is the element that sends and receives the optical signal from a fiber. A transponder is typically characterized by its data and the maximum distance the signal can travel.
Functions of a Fiber Optical Transponder includes:
Electrical and optical signals conversion
Serialzation and deserialization
Control and monitoring
Applications of Fiber Optical Transponder
Multi-rate, bidirectional fiber transponders convert short-reach 10gb/s and 40 gb/s optical signals to long-reach, single-mode dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) optical interfaces.
The modules can be used to enable DWDM applications such as fiber relief, wavelength services, and Metro optical DWDM access overtay on existing optical infrastructure.
Supporting dense wavelength multiplexing schemes, fiber optic transponders can expand the useable bandwidth of a single optical fiber to over 300 Gb/s.
Transponders also provide a standard line interface for multiple protocols through replaceable 10G small form-factor pluggable (XFP) client-side optics.
The data rate and typical protocols transported include synchronous optical network/synchronous digital hierarchy (SONET/SDH) (OC-192 SR1), Gigabit Ethernet (10GBaseS and 10GBaseL), 10G Fibre Channel (10 GFC) and SONET G.709 forward error correction (FEC)(10.709 Gb/s).
Fiber optic transponder modules can also support 3R operation (reshape, retime, regenerate) at supported rates.
Often, fiber optic transponders are used to for testing interoperability and compatibility. Typical tests and measurements include litter performance, receiver sensitivity as a function of bit error rate (BER), and transmission performance based on path penalty.Some fiber optic transponders are also used to perform transmitter eye measurements.
fiber-mart.com Provides Optical Transponders Solution
Let’s image that the architecture that can not support automated reconfigureability. Connectivity is provided via a manual Fibre Optic Patch Panel, a patch panel where equipment within an office is connected via fiber cables to one side (typically in the back), and where short patch cables are used on the other side (typically in the front) to manually interconnect the equipment as desired.  There is a point that Fibre Optic Patch Panel, people usually different ports patch panel , for example, 6, 8, 12, 24 port fiber patch panel and they according to different connectors to choose different patch panel, such as LC patch panel,  LC patch panel,  MTP patch panel…
optical network
The traffic that is being added to or dropped from the optical layer at this node is termed add/drop traffic, the traffic that is transmitting the mode is called through traffic. Regardless of the traffic type, note that all of the traffic entering and exiting the node is processed by a WDM transponder. In the course of converting between a WDM-compatible optical signal and a client optical signal, the transponder processes the signal in the electrical domain. Thus, all traffic enters the node in the optical domain, is converted to the electrical domain, and is returned to the optical domain. This architecture, where all traffic undergoes optical electrical (OEO) conversion, is referred to as the OEO architecture.

What is a fiber optic coupler and how to properly choose it?

The relevance of fiber optic couplers, also called adapters, is constantly eclipsed by connectors.
but the truth is that they are a critical element in fiber optic links and systems and play a serious role in the connection performance.
Why?
Because fiber optic couplers role is to join or mate connectors together and make it possible to connect cables between each other and into active equipment.
Look:
Connectors’ role is to precisely hold, secure and align the fibers into their ferrules. Couplers purpose is to accurately hold, secure and align the ferrules into their mating sleeves, bringing the ferrules together at the midpoint.
What does this mean?
That the alignment precision characteristics between connectors’ ferrule and couplers’ mating sleeves define the interconnection assembly performance.
Usually, fiber optic couplers are used to connect the same style of connectors
SC to SC
ST to ST
LC to LC
But there are some of them, called hybrid adapters, able to mate different styles of connectors, such as
SC to ST
SC to LC and so on
Commonly, most adapters are female and allow the connection between two cables in order to communicate from the distance through a direct connection.
But:
there also are male-female couplers, which are usually plug into a connector port of equipment.
SC coupler
SC couplers are available in simplex and duplex styles. Single mode UPC couplers are blue, multimode UPC are beige and single mode SC/APC couplers are green.
SC/APC couplers are one of the most reliable connection styles, which is why they are broadly used in
FTTH deployments
CATV
LAN
WAN applications.
LC coupler
LC connectors are one of the most popular small form factor connectors which is why, along with LC couplers, are widely used in high density applications.
LC couplers are also manufactured in blue for UPC single mode, beige for UPC multimode and green for APC single mode and in simplex and duplex style.
ST coupler
ST adaptors are manufactured in metal and plastic and, also, in simplex and duplex style for single mode, multimode and APC versions. They are used to link ST connectors and components.
Beyondtech manufactures and supplies a wide range of fiber optic couplers for several applications that comply with all international standards.

How To Clean The Fiber Optic Connector

Fiber optic cleaning is one of the most important thing in the process of fiber optic system maintenance, which is required to keep quality connections between fiber optic equipment. As we know, the fiber optic connector consists of fiber optic plug and the adapter. The ends of the fiber optic cables are held in the core of ferrule in the plug. Keeping the fiber end face and ferrule absolutely clean is very essential, since any particles such as dust, oil or lint on the end face of the fiber, it will disrupt the light transmission trough the fiber and lead to the completeness of optical signals for the component or the entire system.
For proper performance of the SC fiber optic cable, you must keep the SC connector clean and free of dust. Small micro-deposit of oil and dust in the canal of the connector could cause loss of light, reducing signal power and possible causing intermittent problems with the optical connections. Below picture show the part of the end face of an unclean and clean ferrule of SC connectors.
What should be followed before the fiber optic cleaning
1.Before cleaning the fiber optic connectors, make sure to disconnect the fiber optic cables from both ends and then turn off any laser source.
2. Do not allow the end of the fiber optic cable to make contact with any surface including your fingers.
3.Never to bend the fiber cable, which will in turn cause internal breaks along the fiber and cause poor performance or instability.
4.Use the finger cots or powder free surgical gloves to handle the fiber optic cables.
5.Use fresh spectroscopic grade Methanol or Isopropyl Alcohol as the only cleaning solvent.
6. In the daily connection work, a connector housing should be used when plugging or unplugging a fiber. A protective cap should be used to cover the unplugged fiber connectors.
7. In the process of the fiber optic cleaning, the end face of the connector should never be touched and also the clean area of a tissue of swab should not be touched or reused.
Cleaning Procedure
At the beginning of cleaning job, a fiber microscope should be used to inspect the fiber end, if it is contaminated as either images shows below, it should be cleaned with the dry cleaning method.
1.Blow the fiber surface with a stream of Clean Dry Air (the so called CDA), which will dislodge larger, loose particles. Keep in mind, don’t tip the can of the CDA while blowing. Because the liquid may be released contaminant on the surface of the fiber.
2.Place 1-3 drops of spectroscopic grade methanol or isopropyl alcohol in the center of a lens tissue. Do not use Acetone as a cleaning solvent on the fiber optical surfaces. Besides, to ensure the purity of the methanol or alcohol, you should never insert the lens tissue or swabs into the liguid.
3.Hold the fiber by the connector. Place the wet portion of the lens tissue on the optical surface and slowly drag it across. At this step, don’t use lens paper to dry it because the dry lens paper is extremely abrasive.
4.Examine the surface of the fiber under high density light using a magnifier, an optical loop, or a video inspection tool. If streaks or contaminants still remain, repeat the process using a fresh lens tissue.
5.Immediately install a protective cover over the end of the cable to avoid re-contamination or insert the fiber for immediate use.

Fiber Optic Visual Light Testers

Visual fault locators can be part of OTDR, which is able to locate the breakpoint, bending or cracking of the fiber glass. It can also locate the fault of OTDR dead zone and make fiber identification from one end to the other end. Fiber optic visual fault locators include the pen type, the handheld type and portable visual fault locator. fiber-mart.com also supply a new kind of fiber optic laser tester that can locates fault up to 30km in fiber optic cable.
The new visual fault locator fiber optic laser tester 30km is especially designed for field personnel who need an efficient and economical tool for fiber tracking, fiber routing and continuity checking in an optical network during and after installation. It can send fiber testing red light through fiber optic cables, then the breaks or faults in the fiber will refract the light, creating a bright glow around the faulty area. Its pen shape made it very easy to carry, and its Cu-alloy material shell made it sturdy and durable, 2.5nm universal interface make it more attractive. The inspection distance various according to different mode.
Features
Easy to check fiber faults with visual red laser light
FC, SC, ST General interface
Sturdy and durable shell
Constant output power
Long inspection distance
Operates in either CW (Continuous wave) or pulse (Both modes are available)
Pen pattern design, convenient for use and carry
Dust-proof design keeps fiber connectors clean
Compact in size, light in weight, red laser output, both SM and MM available
fiber-mart.com provides enough stock of fiber optic visual light testers which usually be shipped out in a short time, and can be shipped out in 2-4 business days. We offer 1 years warranty for the quality of these products, so customers can place the order with 100% confidence!

The Solution of Fiber Optic Attenuator

by http://www.fiber-mart.com

Fiber optic attenuator is a device to reduce the power level of an optical signal, either in free space or in an optical fiber.

Things You Should Know About Fiber Optic Attenuators

Why Fiber Optic Attenuators Are Needed?

Most people believe bigger signal power level is better, right? Beginners in fiber optic technology are often confused with why optic attenuators are necessary to reduce light intensity. Aren’t we using amplifiers to increase the signal power level?

 

The truth is that too much light can overload a fiber optic receiver and degrade the bit error ratio (BER). To achieve the best bit error ratio, the light power must be reduced. Or in a multi-wavelength fiber optic system, you need to equalize the optical channel strength so that all the channels have similar power levels. This means to reduce stronger channels’ powers to match lower power channels. Fiber optic attenuator is the device who works in above cases perfectly.

 

Fiber optic attenuators are usually used in two scenarios:
1. Attenuators are permanently installed in a fiber optic communication link to properly match transmitter and receiver optical signal levels.

 

2. In fiber optic power level testing. Attenuators are used to temporarily add a calibrated amount of signal loss in order to test the power level margins in a fiber optic communication system.

 

How Does A Fiber Attenuator Work?
The power reduction are done by such means as absorption, reflection, diffusion, scattering, deflection, diffraction, and dispersion, etc. Attenuators usually works by absorbing the light, like sunglasses absorb the extra light energy. Attenuators typically have a working wavelength range in which they absorb the light energy equally. They should not reflect the light since that could cause unwanted back reflection in the fiber system. Or by scattering the light such as an air gap. Another type of attenuator utilizes a length of high-loss optical fiber, that operates upon its input optical signal power level in such a way that its output signal power level is less than the input level.

 

Types Of  Fiber Optic Attenuators
Optical attenuators can take a number of different forms and are typically classified as fixed or variable attenuators.
Fixed Attenuators  Fixed attenuators have a fixed optical power reduction number, expressed in dB, such as 1dB, 5dB, 10dB, etc. A -3dB attenuator should reduce intensity of the output by 3 dB. Their applications include telecommunication networks, optical fiber test facility, Local Area Network(LAN) and CATV systems.
Fixed value attenuators are composed of two big groups: In-line type and connector type (or build out style). In-line type looks like a plain fiber patch cable, it has a fiber cable terminated with two connectors which you can specify types.
Connector type attenuator looks like a bulk head fiber connector, with a male connector interface on one end and a female interface connector on the opposite end. The connector style is typically fabricated with either air gap attenuation or doped fiber attenuation. It mates to regular connectors of the same type such as FC, ST, SC and LC. The female to female fixed attenuators work like a regular adapter. But instead of minimizing insertion loss, it purposely adds some attenuation. The male to female fixed attenuators work as fiber connectors, you can just plug in your existing fiber connector to its female side.
Variable Attenuators  The attenuation level can be adjusted, such as from 0.5 dB to 20dB, or even 50dB. Some variable attenuators have very fine resolution, such as 0.1dB, or even 0.01dB. This is critical for accurate testing. For precise testing purposes, engineers have also designed instrument type variable attenuators. These instrument type attenuators have high attenuation ranges, such as from 0.5 dB to 70dB. Variable attenuators are general used for testing and measurement, but they also have a wide usage in EDFAs for equalizing the light power among different channels.
The female to female variable attenuators are adjustable by turning a nut in the middle. The nut adjusts the air gap in the middle to achieve different attenuation levels. The in-line patch cable type variable attenuators work as regular patch cables, but your can adjust its attenuation level by turning the screw.

Our Fiber Optic Attenuators Solutions:

*SC Fiber Optic Attenuators
*LC Fiber Optic Attenuators
*FC Fiber Optic Attenuators
*ST Fiber Optic Attenuators
*E2000 Fiber Optic Attenuators
*Variable In-Line Optical Attenuators
*Handheld Variable Optical Attenuators
SC Fiber Optic Attenuators
LC Fiber Optic Attenuators
SC Fiber Optic Attenuators on Fiber-Mart LC Fiber Optic Attenuators on Fiber-Mart
Work in 1250nm to 1625nm range, with attenuation
 range from 1dB to 30dB optional.
 Work in 1250 to1625nm range, with optional attenuation value from 1dB to 30dB.

 

FC Fiber Optic Attenuators
FC Fiber Optic Attenuators on Fiber-Mart
Work in 1250nm to 1625nm range, with attenuation range from 1dB to 30dB optional.
ST Fiber Optic Attenuators E2000 Fiber Optic Attenuators
ST Fiber Optic Attenuators on Fiber-Mart E2000 Fiber Optic Attenuators on Fiber-Mart
Work in 1250nm to 1625nm range, with attenuation range from 1dB to 30dB optional. Work in 1250nm to 1625nm range, with attenuation range from 1dB to 30dB optional.

Brief introduction of OTDR

by http://www.fiber-mart.com

OTDR is connected to one end of any fiber optic system up to 250km in length. Within a few seconds, we are able to measure the overall loss, or the loss of any part of a system, the overall length of the fiber and the distance between any points of interest. OTDR is an amazing test instrument for fiber optic systems.

AFL Noyes FlexScan OTDR

Yokogawa ODTR is ideal for use in a wide variety of optical fiber installation and maintenance applications. It is connected to one end of any fiber optic system up to 250km in length. Increased efficiency and a quick 10-second startup help to minimize operations time and increase battery life. Yokogawa offers the world’s only mini-OTDR with a built in dummy fiber option which is very effective at determining loss across the first connector and to determining return loss.

 

Yokogawa ODTR is light weight multi field tester with powerful and flexibility functions. Includes USB ports for data storage, remote control and a fiber inspection probe with optional built in OLTS function (fiber optic light source), PING test function, and visual fault locator.

The OTDR enables detection of closely spaced events in cables installed in offices and customer premises. High Dynamic Range up to 43 dB (45dB typical) the new High Dynamic range model can achieve the dynamic range of 40 dB. This high dynamic range is effective in measuring a transmission line consisting of long fiber cables and a splitter with a large loss. Quick Startup within 10 Seconds Now measurements can be started quickly upon arrival at the site. 10 seconds to power-up from completely OFF to fully ON. With such a fast power-up time, battery life can be extended by turning the power off while not in use at the job site without any concern about the power-up time when the next job is ready. It’s ready when you’re ready.

Many OTDR users invest hundreds of dollars for handheld dummy fibers (also called launch reels) that are easily damaged, lost or stolen thereby increasing operations costs. The Yokogawa OTDR price from Fiber-Mart is reasonable and fully depends on the quality of our products. Fiber-MART offers cost-effective standards-based Yokogawa OTDR. As a 3rd party OEM manufacturer, our Yokogawa OTDR is delivered to worldwide from our factory directly. All of our Yokogawa OTDRs are tested in-house prior to shipment to guarantee that they will arrive in perfect physical and working condition.