Inspection
Visual inspection
Although it is not necessary, visual inspection of ber ends can be helpful.
Contamination and/or imperfections on the cable endface can be detected as
well as cracks or chips in the ber itself.
Several ber inspection scopes are on the market, but any microscope with
an enlargement range of 100X to 200X can be used. It is helpful to devise
some method to hold the ber in place while viewing in this range.
Inspect the entire endface for contamination, raised metal, or dents in the
metal, as well as any other imperfections. Inspect the ber core for cracks
and chips.
Visible
imperfections
not
touching
the
ber
core
may
not
aect
the
performance of
the lightwave
connection (unless
the imperfections
keep
the
bers
from contacting).
Consistent optical
measurements
are
the
best
assurance
that
your lightwave
connection is
performing
properly
.
Optical
performance
testing
Introduction
Consistent
measurements
with
your
lightwave
equipment
are
a
good
indication
that
you have
good
connections
.
However
,
you
may
wish
to
know
the
insertion
loss and/or
return
loss
of
your
lightwave
cables
or
accessories
.
If
you
test
your cables
and accessories
for
insertion
loss
and
return
loss
upon
receipt,
and
retain the
measured data
for
comparison,
you
will
be
able
to
tell
in
the
future if
any degradation
has
occurred.
Insertion
loss
Insertion loss can be tested using a number of dierent test equipment
congurations. Some of these are:
an HP 8702B or HP 8703A lightwave component analyzer system with a
lightwave source and receivers
an
HP 83420
lightwave
test
set
with
an
HP
8510
network
analyzer
an
HP 8153A
lightwave
multimeter
with
a
source
and
a
power
sensor
module
Many other possibilities exist. The basic requirements are an appropriate
lightwave source and a compatible lightwave receiver
. Refer to the manuals
provided with your lightwave test equipment for information on how to
perform an insertion loss test.
xxv
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
