Fiber Optic Reference Guide: A Practical Guide to Communications Technology, Third Edition
This guide is an ideal primer for newcomers to the fiber optics industry as well as a useful reference guide for seasoned fiber optics veterans.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Fiber Optic Reference Guide: A Practical Guide to Communications Technology, Third Edition
Chapter 15: Testing & Measurement Techniques
Standardized measurement and testing techniques are important to precisely define the parameters under which a fiber optic system or any of its components will function. In evaluating the performance of a system, all the components that comprise the system must be considered. Techniques for measuring fiber optic systems fall into two major categories: functional testing and performance testing. Functional testing involves determining whether a component of the fiber optic system is operating. For example, testing fiber continuity with the use of an optical time-domain reflectometer represents functional testing. Performance testing involves how the system performs relative to the expected performance determined by the optical link loss budget.
FIBER OPTIC TEST EQUIPMENT
Test equipment for installation and troubleshooting fulfill an important part of a fiber optic system. Several important types of test equipment in use now include:
Optical Power Meter This instrument measures the amount of optical power in a fiber. Most models handle several wavelengths and provide relative (dB) as well as absolute (dB or Watts) measurements. Multiple adapters are usually required to deal with different optical connector types.
Optical Light Source An optical light source injects a stable test light signal into a fiber. Most models offer continuous wave modes. Some offer modulation modes as well. Typical test modulation frequencies are 270 Hz, 1 kHz and 2 kHz.
Optical Loss Meter This instrument combines an optical power meter and an optical light source into a single instrument. It is also called an optical loss test set...
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