Optical time domain Reflectometer
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An OTDR is an instrument used to test optical fibers which works like an optical radar. It evaluates fiber optic link characteristics and measures fiber parameters such as attenuation, length, and loss. The document discusses OTDR operational principles, basic setup requirements including range, pulse width, and index of refraction. It also covers OTDR types, testing and trace analysis procedures, and limitations in testing short-distance fibers.
Optical time domain Reflectometer
- 2. Outlines What is OTDR? Basic principle of operation. Basic requirements for setup of OTDR. Types of OTDRs available. Testing using OTDR Trace Analysis Limitations 2
- 3. What is OTDR? OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) is a versatile portable instrument that is used widely to evaluate the characteristics of an installed fiber optic link. It also measures optical fiber parameters such as attenuation, length, optical connector and splices loss. OTDR technology is designed to provide a single ended test of any cable. OTDR fundamentally is an Optical RADAR. 3
- 4. Basic operational principle OTDR LASER Signal processor and display Photodetector Fiber under test Return Signals Optical Circulator Input signal 4
- 5. OTDR Setup 5
- 6. OTDR Setup- RANGE The first one to consider is “Range” or distance of fiber to test. Many OTDRs have automatic length detection functions, but if the length is known, the user can set the range manually. The range setting should be adjusted to no less than 1.5 to 2x the fiber span under test. 6
- 7. Range…. 7
- 8. OTDR Setup- Pulse Width Longer pulse widths are used for longer range tests. As distance increases, pulse width must go up, otherwise traces will appear “noisy” and rough. Similarly, short traces will be inconclusive if long pulse widths are used (events may be missed or clipped). 8
- 10. OTDR Setup- Index of Refraction In review, the Index of Refraction is a way of measuring the speed of light in a material. Light travels fastest in a vacuum, such as outer space. The actual speed of light in a vacuum is 300,000 kilometers per second, or 186,000 miles per second. Index of Refraction is calculated by dividing the speed of light in a vacuum by the speed of light in some other medium. Index of Refraction = Speed of Light in a Vacuum Speed of Light in a Medium 10
- 11. Index of Refraction… If the Group Index of Refraction (GIR) setting in the OTDR does not match that of the fiber under test, the results will show incorrect distances as a result. 11
- 12. OTDR Setup- Averaging Time Averaging time refers to how long the user allows the device to take samples (how long the test “runs”). The longer the testing/averaging time allowed, the better the result. Eventually, enough data is averaged for a good test and continuing to test won’t yield any more of an accurate result. 12
- 13. OTDR Setup- Averaging Time… 13
- 14. OTDR Types Most common OTDRs use a “console” design allowing the user to upgrade or swap between MM and SM modules. These offer similar analytical features to the lab quality OTDRs, but are more rugged and field portable. Files can be saved to various media and later downloaded to a PC. 14
- 15. Micro OTDRs Micro-OTDRs are the next generation of fast, economical test sets for field use. These models offer fewer features than the larger console design and are currently not upgradeable. 15
- 16. OTDR Testing Generates a baseline trace: A “visual” of the link. Can identify and evaluate specific events in the link. Cable acceptance tool. Fault location tool. Excellent documentation capabilities. 16
- 18. OTDR Trace Analysis Connect the OTDR to a launch (suppression/reference) cable. The secondary end of the launch cable will be connected to an access panel at one end of the fiber optic span under test. Optionally, a receive cable can be attached at the far end. 18
- 21. Trace Analysis…. Most commonly, users manipulate two cursors, “A” and “B”, to illustrate what is referred to as “two point loss” on an OTDR result. This can be used to show loss in a single event or in a group of events. These cursors can be individually moved left and right to specific points on the result. 21
- 22. Trace Analysis…. Use cursor/markers to isolate individual events, such as the repair splice location (above)… 22
- 23. Trace Analysis…. …or the two point loss (attenuation) of an entire network span (above) … 23
- 24. Trace Analysis…. …or the physical length of a fiber span (above). 24
- 25. OTDR Limitations The limited distance resolution of the OTDR makes it very hard to use in a LAN or building environment where cables are usually only a few hundred meters long. The OTDR has a great deal of difficulty resolving features in the short cables of a LAN and is likely to show "ghosts" from reflections at connectors, which confuses the user. 25
- 26. Refrences Optical Fiber Communications- John M. Senior Optical Fiber Communication- Gerd Keiser http://www.lanshack.com/fiber-optic-tutorial-testing.aspx www.fibernext.com http://www.jimhayes.com/OTDR/otdrs_c.htm 26
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- 28. Where to find me.. 28 [email protected] www.facebook.com/chd.naveen www.slideshare.net/NaveenKumar11 Website: www.elixir-india.com