Introduction to Basic Measurements

2007
 Overview

 Fiber-optic theory refresh

 Basic testing
 Loss budget
 Operating an optical power meter and
light source: hands-on session
 Fiber-Optic Theory Refresh

Telecommunication fibers are made of glass (core and cladding)

allowing the light to propagate by total internal reflection.
 Fiber-Optic Theory Refresh

“Total internal reflection” is achieved in the fiber by having two

different indices of refraction (IOR).
 Fiber-Optic Theory Refresh
Fiber types and typical specifications

Major fiber types:

Singlemode fiber
 Size = 8.6 to 9.5/125 µm
 Applications = Long-haul, access, metropolitan and high-speed networks
 Outside plant installations

Multimode fiber: 50/125 µm and 62.5/125 µm

 50/125 µm is mostly used in Europe
 Some LAN networks in North America use 50/125 µm
 50/125 µm used for high-speed networks (10 GigE applications)
 Lower data speed than singlemode fibers, due to modal dispersion
 62.5/125 µm is widely used in North America for LAN networks
 Normally used inside buildings
 Fiber-Optic Theory Refresh
Connector typical specifications

Main connector specifications:

 Fiber-Optic Testing: Main Optical Tests

The two main optical tests to be performed during construction are:

 End-to-end optical loss measurement

 Using an optical source and power meter
 Using a loss test set
 Using an automated loss test set
 Using an OTDR (single end test set)

 End-to-end link characterization

 Using an OTDR
 Basic Testing: Loss Budget Assessment

Loss budget assessment

 Loss is wavelength-dependent
 Multi wavelength testing must be performed at transmitted wavelengths
 Basic Testing: Loss Budget Assessment

Measurement units: dB or dBm?

We use the dBm unit when we talk about power,

which is an absolute value measured at a specific
point in a link.
 Example: Power coming out of a transmitter

We use the dB unit when we talk about loss, which

is a referenced value.
 Example: Loss of a fiber section

Memory aid:
A loss of 3 dB = 50% of power lost!
 Basic Testing: Loss Budget Assessment

Measurement units: dBm or watts?

The dBm scale is logarithmic, which is the most common scale for
telecommunication applications.
The formula to convert dBm into watts, or vice versa, is:
 Watt-to-dBm conversion: P [in dBm] = 10 x LOG10 (Pout / 1 mW)
 dBm-to-watt conversion: P [in mW] = 1 mW x 10 (P [dBm] / 10)
 Basic Testing: Loss Budget Assessment

Measuring loss with a power meter and source

 Connector Cleaning and Inspection

Inspection techniques
 A microscope or fiber probe can be used to inspect connectors
 A microscope acts as a magnifying glass. If you inspect a connector on a
live fiber, your eyes can suffer permanent damage!

 Using a fiber probe is the safest way to inspect a connector

 Connector Cleaning and Inspection

Cleaning techniques
The best way to clean connectors is to follow these three easy steps:
 Clean the ferrule using a wet pad or isopropyl alcohol
 Dry the connector using a dry pad or a cleatop reel
 Inspect the connector using a microscope or fiber probe
 Connector Cleaning and Inspection

Cleaning techniques
To clean detector windows, special care must be taken:
 Do not push on detector windows, the glass window can break!
 If you use compressed air, always blow with an angle, as air pressure can
break the glass window!

Cleaning steps
 Using a wet pad or cleaning tip, gently wipe the detector window
 Using a dry pad or cleaning tip, dry out the window
Thank you for your interest in EXFO’s products
and services!