Category Archives: Fiber Testers & Tools

Fiber Optic Splicing Tutorial

A few days ago, I have been a bit of interest in the fiber optic splicing work after I communicating with some fiber optic splicing engineers. Happen to have an product learning opportunity to learn the Fusion Splicer in these two days, I have read some references about it and today I am going to share some knowledge about fiber optic splicing in this paper. If you are just beginning to do the fiber splicing work, this paper may give some information to chose which technique best fits your economic and performance objectives for your long-term goals in this field.

What Is Fiber Optic Splicing
The most intuitive understanding of fiber optic splicing is joining two fiber optic cables together using a technology. Compared to connectorization, fiber optic cable fusion splicing provides the lowest-loss connection so that it always the preferred method when the cable runs are too long for a single length of fiber or when joining two different types of fiber cable together. In addition, fiber optic splicing is also used to restore fiber optic cables when a buried cable is accidentally severed.

fiber optic splicing

There are two optical fiber splicing methods which are available for permanent joining of two optical fibers:
Fusion splicing – Insertion loss < 0.1dB
Mechanical splicing – Insertion loss <0.3 – 0.5dB
By looking at the data above, we can know that both fiber optic splicing methods could provide much lower insertion loss compared to fiber connectors or terminators.

Mechanical Splicing Method vs Fusion Splicing Method
Mechanical Splice
Mechanical splice is a device for fiber optic cable splicing. It is designed to hold the two fiber ends in a precisely aligned position and reduce loss and reflection with a transparent gel or optical adhesive between the fibers that matches the optical properties of the glass.

mechanical splice

Fusion Splice
Fusion splice uses an electric arc or heat to weld two fiber-optic cables together which can produce a continuous connection between the fibers enabling very low loss light transmission.

fusion-splice

Which is better?
In general, the initial investment of a mechanical splice seems much lower than a fusion splice. But the splice component itself, which includes a precision alignment mechanism, is more expensive than the simple protection sleeve needed by a fusion splice. For the performance, mechanical splice generally has higher loss and greater reflectance than fusion splice. Additionally, fusion splice is used primarily with single mode fiber while mechanical splice works with both single and multi-mode fiber.

Nowadays, many companies in this industry, such as the telecom or CCTV, invest in fusion splicers for their long distance singlemode networks, but have still use mechanical splicer for shorter, local cable runs. But as signal loss and reflection are minor concerns for most LAN applications, LAN industry has the choice of either method. Therefore, what the best is the suitable, you should choose a best suitable splicer according to your item.

Fiber Optic Splicing Procedure(Fusion Splicing)
The splicing process begins by preparing each fiber end for fusion. We should firstly strip the outer jackets, polymer coating and so on to leave only bare fiber. And then a thorough cleaning of cable is needed. After cleaning, cables should be precisely cleaved to form smooth, perpendicular end faces. When everything was ready, you could place the fiber into the guides in the fusion splicing machine and clamp it in place. Repeat the above steps for the other fiber to be spliced. Here, we begin to run the splicer. Choose the proper program for fusion splicing, the fiber types being spliced. And then uses an electrical arc or heat to melt the fibers, permanently welding the two fiber ends together. The detail splicing processes could see the following video.

Warm Tips

  • Thoroughly and frequently clean your splicing tools
  • Properly maintain and operate your cleaver
  • Fusion parameters must be adjusted minimally and methodically (fusion splicing only)

YOKOGAWA AQ1200 MFT-ODTR Handheld Optical Fiber Test Tool Operating Guide

Overview
Fiberstore is specialized in supplying fiber optic components and network equipment. Famous YOKOGAWA AQ series ODTR is also on sale in Fiberstore. In this article we will introduce AQ1200 handheld OTDR(Figure 1.) which is the newest addition to Yokogawa’s OTDR product family offering an even smaller and lighter alternative to the AQ7275 models. The AQ1200A (1310/1550nm) is a standard model with the same wavelengths used for communication services. Some of AQ1200’s basic functions and operating notes will be decribed in this paper.
AQ1200 MFT-OTDR

Figure 1. YOKOGAWA AQ1200 MFT-ODTR Handheld Optical Fiber Test Tool

Operating Guide
Checking the package first
After receiving your oderd AQ1200 MFT-ODTR Handheld Optical Fiber Test Tool from Fiberstore, you may check out the pacakage items as the Figure 2. . If the wrong items have been delivered, if items are missing, or if there is a problem with the appearance of the items, contact Fiberstore as soon as possible.
YOKOGAWA AQ1200 MFT-OTDR Handheld Optical Fiber Test Tool

Figure 2. Package of AQ1200 MFT-ODTR Handheld Optical Fiber Test Tool

Safety Precautions
Everyone who use AQ1200 must comply with the safety precautions. If instrument is impaired by being used in a manner not specified in the safety precautions, Fiberstore assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.

Following symbols are used on AQ1200 handheld OTDR
SYMBOLE

Warining

  • Make sure that the power supply voltage matches the AC adapter’s rated supply voltage and that it does not exceed the maximum voltage range specified for the power cord;
  • Only use the power cord and AC adapter that were included with the AQ1200;
  • Only use the AQ1200 battery pack;
  • Do not look directly or indirectly into the laser beam or at a specular reflection of the beam without protective equipment;
  • Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere;
  • Do Not Remove Covers.

Names and Functions of Parts
AQ1200 MFT-ODTR Handheld Optical Fiber Test Toola is a compact and lightweight handheld OTDR with functionality optimized for the installation and maintenance of optical fiber cables and equipped with functions and operability that make the field testing easier. Names and Functions of parts will be clearly decribed in Figure 3. and Figure 4..
overview

Figure 3. Names and Functions of Parts 1

overview2

Figure 4. Names and Functions of Parts 2

Application

  • Loss Testing
  • Visible light source
  • Fault Locator
  • Checking Fiber End Faces
  • IP Testing
  • PON power meter
  • Multi-Core Fiber Measurement

Why choose Fiberstore?
Same brand, same quality, same warrenty, why not choose the cheaper one? This is the directly answer why choose Fiberstore as your YOKOGAWA AQ1200 MFT-ODTR Handheld Optical Fiber Test Tool supplier.

Fiberstore supplys OTDR of famous brands except YOKOGAWA AQ series, such as JDSU MTS series, EXFO FTB series and so on. In addition, OEM portable and handheld OTDRs (manufactured by Fiberstore) are also available. All OTDRs are saled with a very reasonable price and warrenty for one year. Want to know more, welcome to our website: http://www.fs.com.

FS7002 series fiber optic light sources

FS7002 series fiber optic light sources include : FS7002 (1310/1550nm), FS7002A (850/1300nm),
FS7002B (850/1310/1550nm), FS7002P (1490/1310/1550nm).

6c5e54abad6572536cfd67958f09b1fd.image.550x550 09fb40ca0be171307a2746735ba436ef.image.550x550fabac8fee39bc99d13055768dc1d9413.image.550x550

Manufacturers: Fiberstore

FS7002 Handheld Laser source series is microprocessor-controlled intelligent Handheld Laser source. It can be used to test the usual single-mode optical fiber connector loss, a single-mode fiber-optic network, LAN, FDDI, ATM, FTTH fiber optic systems, It also can test the telecommunications networks, CATV systems which need large dynamic range test system maintenance. The handheld stable source with the international advanced level in the micro-processing hardware ,software technology , microelectronic technology, and surface mount (SMT) technology provides its users with high performance, high reliability, which are the best performance at home and the most practical appearance of the light source. With the current international advanced level, handheld light source provides continuous or modulated light output (2 KHz) in the state of the two working conditions.

Our typical FS7002 series fiber optic light source provide 5 wavelength optional in the 850nm and 1300/1310/1550/1490nm

Fiberstore fiber optic light sources are compact size and user friendly design, they are hand-held equipment with big LCD displaying screen, stable and powerful output, single button to change wavelength, and the light sources are with FC/SC/ST universal adapters to fit different kinds of connectors.

Features
Larger and more stable output power comparable to desktop source stabilized output
Using the single key to switch the wavelength is flexible and convenient
High reliability
Universal interface has three types of adapter: FC /SC / ST
Easy to operate
Small size/light weight
Battery-powered, convenient field work, omnipotence joint Backlight at night

Applications
Fiber production and research devices
Fiber Network Testing and Maintenance
Optical Communication Teaching and Test

Fiberstore is your reliable supplier of optical light source, and all of it have been 100% tested before delivery. If you need this fiber optic light source FS7002 with three different wavelengths at a large quantity or have any problems or special requirement, please feel free to contact us. http://www.fs.com/

Fiber Loopbacks Tutorial

Fiber loopback cable and fiber loopback plugs are called fiber loopbacks. They can provide a simple and effective means of testing the capabilities of your optical networking equipment. Typically used for fiber optic testing applications or network restorations. For the testing applications, the loopback signal is used for diagnosing a problem. Sending a loopback test to network equipment, one at a time, is a technique for isolating problems.

In the past, in order to test the optical continuity of optical fibers originating at a central office that pass through a tap point and terminate at a multi-fiber ferrule, it was necessary for a field technician and/or optical signal detection equipment to be physically present at the end of the tether in order to measure signal strength or loss through the total length of optical fiber. This time consuming procedure results in increased deployment costs in FTTx networks. Further, by having to measure signal strength and loss at the physical downstream location, it is often necessary to remove the dust cap in order to provide access to the ferrule, thus exposing the ferrule to contaminants and potential physical damage. That comes to fiber loopback cable.

They are designed for testing, engineering and the burn-in stage of boards or other equipment. Optical loopback adapters provide system test engineers a simple but effective way of testing the transmission capability and the receiver sensitivity of network equipment.

Fiberstore loopbacks are precision terminated and feature extremely low loss characteristics for transparent operation in the test environment and in form of cable and module types.

Similar as fiber optic patch cords, fiber loopback can be with various jacket types and cable diameters, and they can be with different terminations and length. We make fiber optic loopbacks strictly according to industry standard. Each of the loopback is functionally tested before shipping. And we offer custom assemblies for fiber optic loopbacks such as custom connector configurations and special polishing.

The two most commonly used loopback cable fiber patch cord are SC and LC fiber Connector type, just like fiber patch cord assemblies, loopback fiber patch cord are classified by single mode type and multimode type. Typically single mode SC and LC type fiber loopback patch cord are blue color, typical multimode SC and LC type loopback fiber patch cord are beige color, and this also goes with the practice of fiber patch cords. fiber loopback plug fiber patch cord can be 9/125 single mode or 50/125 multimode, or 62.5/125 multimode.

Fiber optic loopbacks are with compact design, and they are compliant with fast ethernet, fiber channel, ATM and Gigabit ethernet. we also offer custom assemblies for fiber optic loopback. the common fiber optic loopbacks types are: SC fiber optic loopback, FC fiber optic loopback, LC fiber optic loopback and MTRJ fiber optic loopback.

Fiber Optic Loopback Specifications:
Insertion loss: Less than 0.2dB
Exchangeability = 0.2 (500 cycle passed)
Operating temperature range: Less than 0.2 dB ( -40 to +80°C)

Applications
R&D
Fiber labs
Telecom testing
FTTX testing

Fiber Optic Cleaning Kits

Fiber Optic Cleaning Kit on the market can be divided to four types based on the cleaning method.

Dry Cleaning: Optic cleaning without the use of any solvent.
Wet Cleaning: Optic cleaning with a solvent. Typically IPA (isopropyl alcohol).
Non-Abrasive Cleaning: Cleaning without abrasive material touching the fiber optic connector end face. Examples are air dusters or pressured solvent jet used in automated in-situ connector cleaners.
Abrasive Cleaning: The popular lint free wipes, reel based Cletop fiber connector cleaners and optic cleaning swabs.

Wipe Paper or Cloth

The traditional way of fiber optic cleaning is to use wipe paper or cloth to clean the optical fiber connector endface. This fiber optic cleaning method is inherently abrasive and sometimes can induce scratches. This dry cleaning step is also necessary after a wet cleaning to remove solvent residue. Lint free cleaning condition is necessary in fiber optic industry. Used with alcohol, this nearly lint free tissue is ideal for fiber and connector end face cleaning.

Connector Reel Cleaner
Connector reel cleaner is a dry cleaning method with a quick, reliable operation and uniform results. They use 2 micrometer weaved polyester cloth to clean optical fiber connectors. One reel cleaner tape may be used for over 400 cleanings. Additional replacement tapes are available and allow continued use of the outer case. This is an abrasive fiber optic cleaning method but pad underneath cleaning cloth mitigates this significantly. Cletop and Optipop are the two most popular brands for reel connector cleaners. We also have the cheaper OAM reel connector cleaners.

Swabs
Precision swabs with mini top. These swabs come in 2.5mm and 1.25mm versions. They are designed for dry cleaning fiber optic connector mating sleeves, bulkhead adapters and receptacles. To clean the endface of connectors already installed in patch panels and hardware devices, you insert the connector cleaning swabs into the bulkhead adapter or receptacle, make the tip contact the connector endface, make a single turn and then pull the stick out and dispose. You should never reuse a cleaning swabs. This is an abrasive fiber optic cleaning method but a resilient stick head mitigates.

One-push Cleaner

This pen cleaner or One-push method is specially designed for fiber optic connectors plugged in patch panels and hardware devices. It’s more like an automated swabs, which allows the cleaning of the end-faces of fiber connectors and in-adapter ferrules with one simple action. The replaceability of the cleaning thread enables the re-utilisation of the cleaning tool, thus avoiding the disposal of the whole tool when the thread is due to be changed. Each replaceable thread provides over 750 ferrule cleaning cycles. The pen cleaner features a special microfiber tissue that removes all contaminations and secures them. Its antistatic property prevents static load that could bring new contamination after the cleaning.They can be used on PC and APC (angled) polished connectors. Both 1.25mm and 2.5mm versions are available. AFL Fujikura, Neoclean and Huxcleaner are popular brands for the one-click cleaners.

We also have the cheaper one-SKU01808O, which is is designed to effectively and quickly clean connector endfaces, both the unmated patchcord and through the adaptor. It cleans the ferrule end faces removing dust, oil, and other debris without nicking or scratching the end face. It is very easy to use and suitable for all 1.25mm and 2.5mm ferrule connectors.

Fiber Optic Cleaning products is being highly recommended as a kind of very important tool for electrical manufactures. One of the most basic and important procedures for the maintenance of fiber optic systems is to clean the fiber optic equipment. With the increasingly growth of using Gigabit Ethernet in our daily life, the importance of keeping the fiber clean is not allowed to be ignored. Any contamination in the fiber connection can cause failure of the component or failure of the whole system. We fiberstore provide many kinds of fiber cleaners such as fiber connector cleaner, Fujikura cleaner, Optical Connector Cleaning Cards, etc. to ease or remove all kind of dirty particles, such as dust, dripping, moist. And the quality is highly confirmed. Buy it with 100% confidence.