UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPUR BRITISH MALAYSIAN INSTITUTE

LABORATORY 2 : OTDR

Course: Optoelectronics & Optical Fibre

Code: BTB46303

Group: L01 – B01

Prepared For: Dr. Zarina Bte Mohd Hussin

Prepared By:

No. Name ID

1. MUHAMMAD ALIFF AZIM BIN HAMZAH 51220221037

2. MUHAMMAD RIDZWAN BIN AHMAD YUSRI 51220221018

3. MUHAMMAD ZULHAKIM BIN NOOR AZMI 51221121289

 UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPUR
ASSESSMENT BRIEF

COURSE DETAILS
INSTITUTE UNIKL BRITISH MALAYSIAN INSTITUTE
COURSE NAME OPTOELECTRONICS AND OPTICAL FIBRE
COURSE CODE BTB46303
COURSE LEADER ZMH
LECTURER ZMH
SEMESTER & YEAR MARCH 2024

ASSESSMENT DETAILS
TITLE/NAME LABORATORY 2 / OTDR
WEIGHTING 20%
DATE/DEADLINE 19 APRIL 2024 / 2 WEEKS
COURSE LEARNING CLO2: Manage the laboratory work on optical light guide and the usage of tool
OUTCOME(S) in troubleshooting the Fibre Network. (P5, PLO5)

INSTRUCTIONS Perform the following tasks:

1. Submit lab report individually.
2. Report and answer all in English language only.

Student Name: ID: Group:

1. MUHAMMAD ALIFF AZIM BIN HAMZAH 1. 51220221037

L01 – B01
2. MUHAMMAD RIDZWAN BIN AHMAD YUSRI 2. 51220221018

3. MUHAMMAD ZULHAKIM BIN NOOR AZMI 3. 51221121289

Assessor’s Comment: Marks:

Verified by: Course Leader QSC format PC/HOS content

[ZMH] Prepared by: [ZMH] verification validation

I hereby declare that all my team members have agreed with

this assessment. All team members are certain that this
assessment complies with the Course Syllabus.

Signature: 22 March 2024

Date : 8 / 3 / 2024

i
TASK NO CLO MARKING SCHEME MARKS
 Correct components, equipment and method
20
used for Task 1.
1 2
 Acceptable experimental results obtained from
25
ALL TWELVE (12) experiments for Task 1.
 Write and submit an individual report with regard to
the experiments in Task 1. The submission date is
within two weeks after lab date. Report should
include the following items:
 Theoretical related 3
2 2
 Results 5
 Analysis 5
 Discussion 5
 Conclusion 5
 References 2
 Answer the online lab written assessment
3 2 where the questions are based on the 30
theoretical related for the experiment.

TOTAL 100

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ASSESSMENT BRIEF ATTACHMENT INFORMATION ON SK_SP-TA FOR
COURSE

Course Code & Name : BTB46303 (OPTOELECTRONICS AND OPTICAL FIBRE)

PLO : 5

Please tick ( 🗸 ) in the box provided.

Knowledge Profiles (SK) A programme that builds this type of knowledge and develops the attributes listed below is typically
achieved in 4 years of study
SK1 A systematic, theory‐based understanding of the natural sciences applicable to the sub‐discipline
Conceptually‐based mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics and aspects of computer and information
SK2
science to support analysis and use of models applicable to the sub‐discipline
A systematic , theory‐based formulation of engineering fundamentals required in an accepted sub‐
SK3
discipline
Engineering specialist knowledge that provides theoretical frameworks and bodies of
SK4
knowledge for an accepted sub‐discipline
SK5 Knowledge that supports engineering design using the technologies of a practice area
SK6 Knowledge of engineering technologies applicable in the sub‐discipline 🗸
Comprehension of the role of technology in society and identified issues in applying
SK7 engineering technology: ethics and impacts: economic, social, environmental and
sustainability
SK8 Engagement with the technological literature of the discipline

Definition of Broadly‐Defined Problem Solving (SP)

Broadly‐defined Engineering Problems have characteristic SP1 and some or all
No. Attribute
of
SP2 to SP7:
Cannot be resolved without engineering knowledge at the level of one or
SP1 Depth of Knowledge Required more of SK 4, SK5, and SK6 supported by SK3 with a strong emphasis on 🗸
the application of developed technology
Range of conflicting
SP2 Involve a variety of factors which may impose conflicting constraints.
requirements
SP3 Depth of analysis required Can be solved by application of well‐proven analysis techniques
Belong to families of familiar problems which are solved in well‐accepted
SP4 Familiarity of issues
ways
May be partially outside those encompassed by standards or codes of
SP5 Extent of applicable codes
practice 🗸
Extent of stakeholder
Involve several groups of stakeholders with differing and occasionally
SP6 involvement and level
conflicting needs
of conflicting
requirements
SP7 Interdependence Are parts of, or systems within complex engineering problems 🗸

Range of Engineering Activities (TA)

No. Attribute Broadly‐defined activities
Involve a variety of resources (and for this purposes resources includes people,
TA1 Range of resources money, equipment, materials, information and technologies)
Require resolution of occasional interactions between technical, engineering and
TA2 Level of interactions
other issues, of which few are conflicting
TA3 Innovation Involve the use of new materials, techniques or processes in non‐standard ways
Consequences to
Have reasonably predictable consequences that are most important locally, but
TA4 society and the
may extend more widely
environment
TA5 Familiarity Require a knowledge of normal operating procedures and processes

iii
Contents
Results From Task 1 Experiment...................................................................................1
A. OTDR Trace with Pulse Width = 3 ns for wavelengths 1310 nm and 1550 nm 1
i. Complete image version.................................................................................1
ii. Zoomed image version...................................................................................2
B. OTDR Trace with Pulse Width = 50 ns for Wavelengths 1310 nm and 1550 nm
3
i. Complete image version.................................................................................3
ii. Zoomed image version...................................................................................4
C. OTDR Trace with Pulse Width = 100 ns for Wavelengths 1310 nm and 1550
nm 5
i. Complete image version.................................................................................5
ii. Zoomed image version...................................................................................6
Theoretical Related........................................................................................................7
Principles of OTDR Operation...................................................................................7
Key Parameters in OTDR Measurement....................................................................7
Analysis..........................................................................................................................8
Discussion......................................................................................................................9
Conclusion......................................................................................................................9
Refference......................................................................................................................9
ASSESSMENT COVERSHEET.................................................................................10
Answer Rubric for Laboratory 2..................................................................................12

iv
Results From Task 1 Experiment

A. OTDR Trace with Pulse Width = 3 ns for wavelengths 1310 nm and 1550
nm
i. Complete image version.
1310nm

1550nm

1
ii. Zoomed image version.
1310nm

1550nm

2
B. OTDR Trace with Pulse Width = 50 ns for Wavelengths 1310 nm and 1550
nm
i. Complete image version.
1310nm

1550nm

3
ii. Zoomed image version.
1310nm

1550nm

4
C. OTDR Trace with Pulse Width = 100 ns for Wavelengths 1310 nm and
1550 nm
i. Complete image version.
1310nm

1550nm

5
ii. Zoomed image version.
1310nm

1550nm

6
 Verification of Lab Completion

………………………………….
(Signature & Date)

7
Theoretical Related
Introduction to Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR)
In fibre optics, an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) is a vital instrument for assessing and
debugging optical fibre networks. It works by putting a sequence of light pulses into the fibre and
calculating how much of the light is reflected or scattered back. This light that has been backscattered
highlights different occurrences and abnormalities and gives a profile of the fiber's state along its length.
Principles of OTDR Operation
The principles of Fresnel reflections and Rayleigh scattering underpin the operation of OTDR:

Rayleigh Scattering: Light scatters in all directions because of minute fluctuations in the fibre’s core. The
attenuation of the fibre is measured by the OTDR by measuring the backscattered light.

Fresnel Reflections: These happen at locations like fibre breaks, connections, and splices where there is a
noticeable shift in the refractive index. The OTDR measures these reflections to identify occurrences and
calculate losses.
Key Parameters in OTDR Measurement
Situation Dead Zone: The smallest separation that allows two separate reflecting events to be distinguished
from one another. It is essential for precisely identifying closely spaced occurrences.

The attenuation dead zone is the bare minimum of distance needed to precisely gauge an event's loss
following a reflecting event.

The maximum range that the OTDR can reliably measure the backscatter signal is known as the "dynamic
range." It has an impact on long-range weak signal detection.

The width of the light pulse that enters the fibre is measured. Longer pulse widths broaden the dynamic
range, whereas shorter pulse widths improve resolution and make it possible to discern finer details.
Wavelength: 1310 nm and 1550 nm are the usual wavelengths used by OTDRs. Depending on the type of
fibre and the nature of the measurements, different wavelengths can enter the fibre in different ways.

8
Analysis
Observations: Trace Display Analysis: Event Dead Zone:

Identified as the zone immediately following a significant reflection where no additional events can be
precisely recognised.
Shorter dead zones were seen with narrower pulse widths (for example, 3 ns).
Attenuation Dead Zone:
This is the region following an event in which the OTDR is unable to reliably measure attenuation.
Larger pulse widths (e.g., 100 ns) resulted in longer attenuation dead zones due to greater pulse spread.
Dynamic Range:
The OTDR can detect events across vast distances.
In comparison to 1310 nm, the 1550 nm wavelength has a wider dynamic range, allowing for more accurate
detection of distant events.
Pulse width:
Shorter pulse widths (3 ns) improved resolution, enabling for the detection of closely spaced events.
Longer pulse widths (100 ns) provided greater detection over longer distances but had lower resolution.

1550 nm versus 1310 nm

Because of its increased attenuation, 1310 nm is typically employed for shorter distance measurements.
More accurate in identifying occurrences near their origin.
1550 nm: More appropriate for longer ranges due to its lower attenuation.
increased sensitivity to the fiber's bends and microbends.
Pulse Widths:
3 ns: High resolution, able to resolve events that are tightly spaced apart.
restricted dynamic range.
50 ns: Achieved a balance between dynamic range and resolution.
Ideal for measurements in the middle range.
100 ns: Extended dynamic range of makes it perfect for long-distance measurements.
Reduced resolution for events to be discernible, they must be farther apart.

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Discussion
The OTDR lab experiment gave important new information about the fundamentals and uses of OTDR in
fibre network research. Through an examination of crucial characteristics such pulse width, dynamic range,
attenuation dead zone, and event dead zone, we were able to comprehend how they affected the trace
results. Tests using various wavelengths and pulse widths showed that longer pulse widths (100 ns) have a
larger dynamic range but a lower resolution, whereas shorter pulse widths (3 ns) have a higher resolution
but a smaller dynamic range. On the trace displays, events including bends, splices, connectors, adapters,
and PLC splitters were recognised and described. The wavelengths 1310 nm and 1550 nm were compared,
and the results indicated that while 1550 nm is better for longer distances due to lower attenuation, 1310 nm
is better for shorter distances. These results highlight how crucial it is to choose the right OTDR settings
depending on the particular needs of the network.

Conclusion
The OTDR experiment proved how important OTDR is for maintaining and debugging fibre networks. The
best performance and reliability of fibre optic networks can be ensured by precisely identifying and
characterising network events through the effective configuration of measurement settings and the
interpretation of trace displays. For accurate fibre analysis, it is necessary to comprehend the trade-offs
between various pulse widths and wavelengths, which makes OTDR a crucial instrument for
communication infrastructure management.

Refference
1.https://www.viavisolutions.com/en-us/resources/learning-center/what-otdr-testing#:~:text=An%20OTDR
%20sends%20a%20pulse,nm%20for%20single%2Dmode%20fiber.

2. https://www.anritsu.com/en-US/test-measurement/support/resource-center/knowledge-hub-
otdr#:~:text=Optical%20Time%20Domain%20Reflectometer%20(OTDR)%20Testing&text=It%20is
%20the%20first%20model,through%20to%20analysis%20of%20results.

3. https://www.flukenetworks.com/expertise/learn-about/otdr#:~:text=The%20primary%20purpose%20of
%20an,relative%20to%20the%20launch%20pulse.

10
 ASSESSMENT COVERSHEET
Attach this coversheet as the cover for your submission. All sections must be completed.

Section A: Submission Details

Programme : Bachelor Of Electrical Engineering Technology with Honours_________________________

Course Code & Name : BTB46303 Optoelectronics & Optical Fibre_______________________________________
Course Lecturer(s) : Dr. Zarina Bte Mohd Hussin___________________________________________________
Submission Title : Laboratory 2 : OTDR________________________________________________________
Deadline
: Day 24 Month 5 Year 2024 Time
Penalties :  5% will be deducted per day to a maximum of four (4) working days, after which the submission
will not be accepted.
 Plagiarised work is an Academic Offence in University Rules & Regulations and will be penalised
accordingly.

Section B: Academic Integrity

Tick (√) each box below if you agree:

I have read and understood the UniKL’s policy on Plagiarism in University Rules & Regulations. This submission is my own,
√
unless indicated
√ with proper referencing.
√
This submission has not been previously submitted or published. This submission follows the
√
requirements stated in the course.

Section C: Submission Receipt

(must be filled in manually)

11
 Office Receipt of Submission

Date & Time of

Student Name(s) Student ID(s)
Submission (stamp)

1. MUHAMMAD ALIFF AZIM BIN 1. 51220221037

HAMZAH

2. MUHAMAD RIDZWAN BIN AHMAD 2. 51220221018

YUSRI

3. MUHAMMAD ZULHAKIM BIN NOOR 3. 51221121289

AZMI

Student Receipt of Submission

This is your submission receipt, the only accepted evidence that you have submitted your work. After this is stamped
by the appointed staff & filled in, cut along the dotted lines above & retain this for your record.

Date & Time of Student ID(s)

Course Code Submission Title
Submission (stamp) & Signature(s)

12
 OPTOELECTRONICS AND OPTICAL FIBRE (BTB46303):

Answer Rubric for Laboratory 2

VERY POOR POOR SATISFACTORY GOOD EXCELLENT
TOPIC MARKS
1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0
THEORETICAL Optical Time Optical Time Optical Time Optical Time Optical Time
RELATED Domain Domain Domain Domain Domain
Reflectometer Reflectometer Reflectometer Reflectometer Reflectometer
(OTDR) should (OTDR) should (OTDR) should (OTDR) should (OTDR) should
include any 2 include any 4 include any 6 include any 8 include all
elements: elements: elements: elements: elements:
 Definition  Definition  Definition  Definition  Definition
 Technique  Technique  Technique  Technique  Technique
 Fresnel  Fresnel  Fresnel  Fresnel  Fresnel
reflection reflection reflection reflection reflection
 Rayleigh  Rayleigh  Rayleigh  Rayleigh  Rayleigh
reflection reflection reflection reflection reflection
 Dead zone  Dead zone  Dead zone  Dead zone  Dead zone
 Dynamic  Dynamic  Dynamic range  Dynamic range  Dynamic range
range range  Ghost  Ghost  Ghost
 Ghost  Ghost  Back scattered  Back scattered  Back scattered
 Back  Back light light light
scattered scattered  Pulse width  Pulse width  Pulse width
light light  Advantages  Advantages  Advantages
 Pulse width  Pulse width
 Advantages  Advantages

RESULT Step #1 1310nm

Attach all images for the results obtained from the two wavelengths: 2 marks
+
(a) 1310nm for pulse widths of 3ns, 50ns and 100ns: Complete image and Zoomed images
1550nm
(b) 1550nm for pulse widths of 3ns, 50ns and 100ns: Complete image and Zoomed image 2 marks
Step #2

Acceptable
Acceptable data Correct Correct
data
measurements components, components,
obtained from equipment measurements equipment
all six and method obtained from and method
experiments used for all six used for
for Task 1 Task 1 experiments Task 1
( /25) ( /20) for Task 1 ( /20)
( /25)
25 20 8 8

13
EXCELLENT 24 19 7 7
POOR
23 18 6 6
22 17 5 5
21 16 4 4
GOOD
20 15 VERY 3 3
18 14 POOR 2 2
16 13 1 1
14 12
SATISFACTORY
12 11
10 10

14
 9 9

Step #3

Acceptable data measurements

Report Result
obtained from all six
( /5)
experiments for Task 1
EXCELLENT 24 - 25 5
GOOD 18 4
SATISFACTORY 12 3
POOR 6 2
VERY POOR 1 1

TOPIC VERY POOR POOR SATISFACTORY GOOD EXCELLENT MARKS

1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0
ANALYSIS Analysis Analysis Analysis paragraph Analysis Analysis
paragraph paragraph includes brief paragraph paragraph
includes the includes brief explanation related includes brief includes detail
explanation explanation to the results of the explanation explanation
related to the related to the experiment: related to the related to the
experiment. experiment: i. Wavelength: 1310 results of the results of the
i. Wavelength: nm and 1550 nm experiment: experiment:
1310 nm and ii. Pulse Width: i. Wavelength: i. Wavelength:
1550 nm 3 ns & 50 ns & 1310 nm and 1310 nm and
ii. Pulse Width: 100 ns. 1550 nm 1550 nm
3 ns & 50 ns & (both 2 ii. Pulse Width: 3 ii. Pulse Width: 3
100 ns. wavelengths ns & 50 ns & 100 ns & 50 ns & 100
(any 1 and any ns. ns.
wavelength and 2 pulse widths) (both 2 (both 2
any 1 pulse wavelengths and all wavelengths and all
width) 3 pulse widths) 3 pulse widths)

TOPIC VERY POOR POOR SATISFACTORY GOOD EXCELLENT MARKS

1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0
DISCUSSION Discussing Discussing Discussing Discussing Discussing
paragraph paragraph paragraph paragraph includes paragraph includes
includes general includes brief includes the explanation in-depth
explanation explanation in-depth which is based on explanation which
related to the related to the explanation the result analysis is based on the
experiment. experiment. related to the with the finding result analysis
experiment. objectives of the relevant to the
experiment. theory with the
finding objectives
of the experiment.

TOPIC VERY POOR POOR SATISFACTORY GOOD EXCELLENT MARKS

1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0
CONCLUSION Concluding Concluding Concluding Concluding Concluding
paragraph which paragraph which paragraph which paragraph which paragraph with in-
is related to the briefly includes: briefly includes: briefly includes: depth, includes:
experiment. i. the finding i. the finding i. the finding i. the finding
objectives of the objectives of the objectives of the objectives of the
experiment. experiment. experiment. experiment.
ii. any errors from ii. any errors from ii. any errors from ii. any errors from
the finding of the the finding of the the finding of the the finding of the
experiment. iii. experiment. experiment. experiment.

15
 the real iii. the real iii. the real iii. the real
application of the application of the application of the application of the
experiment. experiment. experiment. experiment.
(any 1 of 3) (any 2 of 3) (all three) (all three)

TOPIC POOR SATISFACTORY GOOD EXCELLENT MARKS

0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
References Some resources Some resources Some resources All resources
- are generally - are related to lab experiments. - are related to lab - are specifically
related to lab - are not labelled in the report with experiments. related to the
experiments. reference to the given published - are not labelled experiment. -
- are not labelled papers. in the report with are labelled in the
in the report with reference to the report with
reference to the given published reference to the
given published papers. given published
papers. - are to be included papers and correct
with the last date formatting.
accessed from the - are to be included
website. with the last date
accessed from the
website.

16