Otdr Testing Launch Cable

Use of the receive reference cable is optional it is required if the far end connector loss is to be measured and included in total cable plant loss 2.

Otdr testing launch cable.

Most otdrs have an auto test function but these functions are not foolproof. Attach cable to test to end of launch cable. Acquire trace and analyze. Otdr testing with launch and receive cable.

Attenuation and event deadzones explained make sure that the otdr launch fiber used is of the same core diameter and connector type as the fiber link under test. Launch and receive cables consist of spools of fiber with specific distances. Attach launch cable to otdr. The launch fiber cable helps to negate blind spots or the dead zones of an otdr which occures when there is high launch power or faults near the.

The launch cable sometimes also called a pulse suppressor allows the otdr to settle down after the test pulse is sent into the fiber and provides a reference connector for the first connector on the cable under test to determine its loss. What is a launch cable used for. Using a shorter fiber launch cable may hide the first event within the fiber quickmap s dead zone. Both a launch and receive cable are needed to measure complete link loss of a fiber with an otdr.

Otdrs are always used with a launch cable and may use a receive cable. Fiber ring otdr launch cable connects the otdr to the link under test and relays insertion loss and reflectance of the near end connection. The launch cable is the link between the otdr test port and the fiber link being tested it is used to stabilize the test pulse and to enable the otdr to recover from transmitting the test pulse in order to see or characterize the first connector of the fiber under test. This help to avoid variations in loss and distance measurements when testing.

Let s see how well you understand otdrs. Attach receive cable if used to far end of cable. The length of the launch and receive cables depends on the link being tested. Noyes fiber rings from afl are a necessity when testing with an otdr.

Options for testing 1. Set up test parameters on otdr. Attach launch reference cable to otdr and to cable plant under test. They are usually connected to both ends of the fiber being tested in order to qualify the front end and the far end connectors using an otdr.

Attach optional receive cable to far end of cable under test. Quiz we have covered optical time domain reflectometer otdr testing a few times this year. Measurement using a launch cable launch cable launch cable otdr 1m patchcord bulkhead reflective event with loss fiber under test start of fut end of fut end of launch cable these reflections will be small if the connectors are clean in good condition clean protect the launch cable connectors 1m patchcord.