EXFO AXS-100 User Manual

AXS-100 Series

OTDR

User Guide

Copyright © 2007–2010 EXFO Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, be it electronically, mechanically, or by any other means such as photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of EXFO Inc. (EXFO).

Information provided by EXFO is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by EXFO for its use nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent rights of EXFO.

EXFO’s Commerce And Government Entities (CAGE) code under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is 0L8C3.

The information contained in this publication is subject to change without notice.

Trademarks

EXFO’s trademarks have been identified as such. However, the presence or absence of such identification does not affect the legal status of any trademark.

Units of Measurement

Units of measurement in this publication conform to SI standards and practices.

Patents

EXFO’s Universal Interface is protected by US patent 6,612,750.

Version number: 8.0.1

ii AXS-100 Series

Contents

Certification Information ......................................................................................................vii

1 Introducing the AXS-100 Series OTDR ......................................................... 1

Main Features .........................................................................................................................1

Power Sources ........................................................................................................................5

Typical Applications ................................................................................................................5

OTDR Basic Principles ..............................................................................................................6

Conventions ............................................................................................................................8

2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 9

Laser Safety Information (Units without VFL) ..........................................................................9

Laser Safety Information (Units with VFL) .............................................................................10

Electrical Safety Information .................................................................................................10

3 Getting Started with Your OTDR ............................................................... 11

Turning the Unit On and Off .................................................................................................11

Using Menus and Keypad .....................................................................................................13

4 Customizing Your OTDR ............................................................................. 15

Selecting the Distance Units .................................................................................................15

Selecting the Language of Operation ...................................................................................16

Setting the Date and Time ....................................................................................................17

Adjusting the Brightness .......................................................................................................18

Selecting a Printer .................................................................................................................19

Configuring the Power Management Settings ......................................................................20

5 Setting Up Your OTDR ................................................................................ 21

Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI) .........................................................................21

Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers ...............................................................................22

Setting General OTDR Parameters .........................................................................................24

Setting the Acquisition Parameters .......................................................................................26

Setting Analysis Parameters ..................................................................................................29

Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds ..................................................................................................31

Setting Macrobend Parameters .............................................................................................33

Setting Storage Parameters ..................................................................................................35

OTDR iii

Contents

6 Testing Fibers ..............................................................................................37

Testing in Auto Mode ...........................................................................................................38

Testing in Fault Finder Mode ................................................................................................42

Testing in Manual (Advanced) Mode .....................................................................................44

Monitoring Fiber in Real Time Mode .....................................................................................47

Launch Conditions for Multimode Measurements ................................................................50

7 Managing Test Results ................................................................................53

Summary Pane ......................................................................................................................53

Events Pane ..........................................................................................................................54

Trace Pane .............................................................................................................................55

Trace Info. Pane ....................................................................................................................56

Using Markers .......................................................................................................................58

Using Zoom Controls ............................................................................................................59

Printing Test Results ..............................................................................................................62

Opening Trace Files ...............................................................................................................63

Saving Files ...........................................................................................................................64

Checking Available Memory ..................................................................................................65

Creating Folders ....................................................................................................................66

Copying, Renaming, or Deleting Files and Folders ................................................................67

Transferring Results to a Computer .......................................................................................70

8 Using Your OTDR as a Light Source ............................................................75

Activating/Deactivating a Light Source .................................................................................76

Modulating the Source Signal ..............................................................................................77

9 Measuring Power or Loss ...........................................................................79

Defining the List of Favorite Wavelengths .............................................................................80

Setting a Power Correction Factor ........................................................................................81

Reverting to Factory Settings ................................................................................................82

Nulling Offsets ......................................................................................................................83

Referencing Your Power Meter to a Source ...........................................................................84

Measuring Power or Loss ......................................................................................................86

10 Identifying Fiber Faults Visually ................................................................89

11 Inspecting Fibers with the FIP ....................................................................91

Adjusting Brightness and Contrast for the FIP ......................................................................92

Setting Storage Parameters for Images .................................................................................93

iv AXS-100 Series

Contents

12 Testing Network Connections ................................................................... 95

Performing a Ping Test ..........................................................................................................95

Performing a Trace Route Test ...............................................................................................97

Setting Storage Parameters for Ping Tests .............................................................................98

Setting Storage Parameters for Trace Route Tests .................................................................99

13 Maintenance ............................................................................................. 101

Cleaning EUI Connectors ....................................................................................................102

Cleaning Detector Ports ......................................................................................................104

Recharging Main Batteries ..................................................................................................105

Replacing Batteries .............................................................................................................106

Recalibrating the Unit .........................................................................................................107

Upgrading the AXS-100 Series OTDR Software ...................................................................108

Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) ..................................................110

14 Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 111

Solving Common Problems .................................................................................................111

Obtaining Online Help ........................................................................................................115

Contacting the Technical Support Group ............................................................................116

Transportation ....................................................................................................................117

15 Warranty ................................................................................................... 119

General Information ...........................................................................................................119

Liability ...............................................................................................................................120

Exclusions ...........................................................................................................................121

Certification ........................................................................................................................121

Service and Repairs .............................................................................................................122

EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ........................................................................................123

A Technical Specifications ........................................................................... 125

OTDR v

Contents

B Description of Event Types ......................................................................127

Span Start ..........................................................................................................................127

Span End ...........................................................................................................................127

Continuous Fiber ...............................................................................................................128

End of Analysis ..................................................................................................................129

Non-Reflective Event ..........................................................................................................130

Positive Event .....................................................................................................................131

Launch Level ......................................................................................................................132

Fiber Section ......................................................................................................................133

Reflective Event (Possible Echo) .........................................................................................134

Echo ..................................................................................................................................135

Merged Reflective Event ....................................................................................................136

Reflective Event .................................................................................................................138

Index ...............................................................................................................139

vi AXS-100 Series

Certification Information

F.C.C. Information

Electronic test equipment is exempt from Part 15 compliance (FCC) in the United States. However, compliance verification tests are systematically performed on most EXFO equipment.

 Information

Electronic test equipment is subject to the EMC Directive in the European Union. The EN61326 standard prescribes both emission and immunity requirements for laboratory, measurement, and control equipment. This unit has undergone extensive testing according to the European Union Directive and Standards.

OTDR vii

Certification Information

Application of Council Directives: 2006/95/EC - The Low Voltage Directive 2004/108/EC - The EMC Directive 2006/66/EC - The Battery Directive

And their amendments Manufacturer’s Name: EXFO Inc. Manufacturer’s Address: 400 Godin Avenue Quebec, Quebec Canada, G1M 2K2 Equipment Type/Environment: Test & Measurement / Industrial

Trade Name/Model No.: Handheld OTDR Series/ AXS-(100/110)

Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:

EN 61010-1:2001 Edition 2.0 Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,

EN 61326-1:2006 Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory

EN 60825-1:2007 Edition 2.0 Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification and

EN 55022: 2006 + A1: 2007 Information technology equipment — Radio disturbance

I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above Directives and Standards.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMIT

93/68/EEC - CE Marking

Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 1: General Requirements.

Use - EMC Requirements

requirements

characteristics — Limits and methods of measurement

Manufacturer

Signature:

Full Name: Stephen Bull, E. Eng

Position: Vice-President Research and

Address: 400 Godin Avenue, Quebec (Quebec),

Date: January 9, 2009

Development

Canada, G1M 2K2

viii AXS-100 Series

1 Introducing the AXS-100

Series OTDR

The AXS-100 Series OTDR is a compact handheld OTDR optimized for access/FTTx network testing. The unit can be equipped with optional power meter, visual fault locator (VFL), and fiber inspection probe.

Main Features

³ Test can be started by pressing a single key

³ Possible to test with acquisition duration as short as 5 seconds

³ One or two OTDR ports (singlemode, multimode, or singlemode live)

³ Screen optimized for outdoor use

³ USB ports (host and client)

³ FTTx software package (optional): macrobend, fault finder, and

pass/fail indicators

³ Network testing (ping and trace route)

Shoulder strap eyelet

RJ-45 connector

AC adapter/charger connector

Battery charge

status LEDs (one per battery)

Stand

OTDR 1

Display

Keypad

Introducing the AXS-100 Series OTDR

Main Features

Visual fault locator port

and soft cap

Singlemode OTDR port

Infrared port (for printer)

On some models only:

Singlemode live port for

in-service testing

Multimode OTDR port

(for data transfer using memory drive)

(for data transfer via ActiveSync)

Power meter detector port

Inspection probe

connector

USB host port

USB client port

Note: Ports and connectors on your unit may differ from the illustration.

2 AXS-100 Series

Introducing the AXS-100 Series OTDR

Other test utilities:

³ Visual fault locator to inspect or identify fibers (optional)

³ Video fiber inspection probe (optional)

³ Power meter (optional)

Safety label and serial number (under the stand)

Quick reference labels

Battery compartment (two rechargeable batteries)

Main Features

OTDR 3

Introducing the AXS-100 Series OTDR

Main Features

Other useful characteristics:

³ Customizable test thresholds with visual pass/fail analysis

³ Memory for 500 OTDR traces and possible data transfer to a computer

³ Energy-saving features: automatic backlight or unit shutdown

³ Multilingual graphical user interface

³ Comprehensive online help available from each function and Quick

Reference labels affixed to back of unit

³ Data post-processing: You can install the OTDR Viewer software

(provided on the installation CD) on a computer to view and analyze OTDR traces. You can access more features such as:

³ customized printout

³ batch printing

³ conversion of traces to many formats such as Telcordia or ASCII.

4 AXS-100 Series

Introducing the AXS-100 Series OTDR

Power Sources

The unit operates with the following power sources:

³ AC adapter/charger (connected to standard power outlet—indoor use

only). Compatible car outlet adapter available upon request.

³ Two lithium-ion rechargeable batteries (automatically take over if you

disconnect the AC adapter/charger). Battery recharge is automatic when the AC adapter/charger is connected.

Typical Applications

You can use the OTDR for several applications, such as:

³ Short-link testing

³ Service activation

³ Fault finder

³ Troubleshooting (dark and live fibers)

OTDR 5

Introducing the AXS-100 Series OTDR

OTDR Basic Principles

An OTDR sends short pulses of light into a fiber. Light scattering occurs in the fiber due to discontinuities such as connectors, splices, bends, and faults. An OTDR then detects and analyzes the backscattered signals. The signal strength is measured for specific intervals of time and is used to characterize events.

The OTDR calculates distances as follows:

Distance

where

c = speed of light in a vacuum (2.998 x 10

t = time delay from the launch of the pulse to the reception of the

pulse

n = index of refraction of the fiber under test (as specified by the

manufacturer)

-- -

×=

m/s)

6 AXS-100 Series

Introducing the AXS-100 Series OTDR

OTDR Basic Principles

An OTDR uses the effects of Rayleigh scattering and Fresnel reflection to measure the fiber condition, but the Fresnel reflection is tens of thousands of times greater in power level than the backscatter.

³ Rayleigh scattering occurs when a pulse travels down the fiber and

small variations in the material, such as variations and discontinuities in the index of refraction, cause light to be scattered in all directions. However, the phenomenon of small amounts of light being reflected directly back toward the transmitter is called backscattering.

³ Fresnel reflections occur when the light traveling down the fiber

encounters abrupt changes in material density that may occur at connections or breaks where an air gap exists. A very large quantity of light is reflected, as compared with the Rayleigh scattering. The strength of the reflection depends on the degree of change in the index of refraction.

generator

Set of

instructions

Laser

diode

Pulse

Light pulses

Optical coupler

Returned signal

Avalanche

photodetector (APD)

Analog-to-digital

converter (A/D)

Analyzed signal

Microprocessor

Light pulses

OTDR

port

Reflections coming

Display

Fiber

back to the OTDR

When the full trace is displayed, each point represents an average of many sampling points. You will have to zoom to see each point (see Using Zoom Controls on page 59).

OTDR 7

Introducing the AXS-100 Series OTDR

Conventions

Before using the product described in this manual, you should understand the following conventions:

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. Do not proceed unless you understand and meet the required conditions.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. Do not proceed unless you understand and meet the required conditions.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in component damage. Do not proceed unless you understand and meet the required conditions.

WARNING

CAUTION

IMPORTANT

Refers to information about this product you should not overlook.

8 AXS-100 Series

2 Safety Information

WARNING

Do not install or terminate fibers while a light source is active. Never look directly into a live fiber and ensure that your eyes are protected at all times.

WARNING

Use of controls, adjustments and procedures for operation and maintenance other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure or impair the protection provided by this unit.

Laser Safety Information (Units without VFL)

Your instrument is a Class 1M laser product in compliance with standards IEC 60825-1 and 21 CFR 1040.10. Invisible laser radiation may be encountered at the output port.

The product is safe under reasonably foreseeable conditions of operation but it may be hazardous if you use optics within a diverging or collimated beam. Do not view directly with optical instruments.

Affixed to back (under the stand)

OTDR 9

Safety Information

Laser Safety Information (Units with VFL)

Your instrument is a Class 3R laser product in compliance with standards IEC 60825-1 and 21 CFR 1040.10. It is potentially harmful in direct intrabeam viewing.

The following label(s) indicate that the product contains a Class 3R source:

Affixed to back

(under the stand)

Indicated on

connector panel

Electrical Safety Information

The AC adapter/charger provided with this unit (14.4 W/9 V) is specifically designed to work with your AXS-100 Series OTDR.

WARNING

Use the AC adapter/charger indoors only.

Any other AC adapter/charger or power source (for example, car outlet) must output at least 12 W.

10 AXS-100 Series

3 Getting Started with Your

OTDR

Turning the Unit On and Off

When you turn the unit on, you may use it immediately under normal conditions.

When the unit is turned off, it keeps the following parameters in its internal memory:

³ Test parameters

³ User-defined thresholds

³ Regional, LCD, and energy-saving settings

³ Saved test results

IMPORTANT

If you remove batteries (and the AC adapter/charger is disconnected), the unit will turn off without saving the above elements.

OTDR 11

Getting Started with Your OTDR

Turning the Unit On and Off

There are two ways to turn off the AXS-100 Series OTDR

³ Suspend: the next time you turn your unit on, you will quickly return to

your work environment.

³ Shutdown: completely cuts power to the unit; the unit will perform a

complete restart routine the next time you use it. You should perform a shutdown if you do not intend to use your unit for a week or more.

To turn the unit on:

Press . The unit initializes for a few seconds and displays the OTDR Parameters pane.

To enter the suspend mode:

Hold down the key for about two seconds. Release the key as soon as you hear a beep.

To perform a shutdown:

Hold down the key for about five seconds. You will hear a first beep; release the key after you hear a second beep.

12 AXS-100 Series

Getting Started with Your OTDR

Using Menus and Keypad

You can access optical tools from the keypad or menu. Menu options may differ depending on your unit configuration.

Status Bar

Utility name (OTDR, File Manager, VFL, etc.)

Tra ce na me

VFL status (on/off)

OTDR status (active/not active)

Battery status and AC adapter/charger status

OTDR 13

Getting Started with Your OTDR

Using Menus and Keypad

To activate the function

displayed directly above

Keypad

To scroll through available functions

To cancel/exit current function

To start (or stop) an acquisition

To adjust brightness (four levels)

To access main features:

1. Press the Menu key.

2. Use the arrows to select a feature and press Enter.

To activate F1/F2 functions:

1. Use the left/right function arrows (on each side of the F1/F2 keys) to

display the desired function or parameter.

2. Press the F1 or F2 key located just below.

To access and modify on-screen parameters:

1. Use the arrows to select an on-screen item (list, check box, etc.).

2. Press Enter to activate or open it.

To enter text or numbers with an on-screen keyboard:

³ Use the left/right function arrows (on each side of the F1/F2 keys) to

move the cursor in the text.

To turn unit on/off

To access the main menu

To move around, select items, and change parameters

To access help about current function

³ Use the up/down and left/right arrows to select a character, and then

press Enter to add it.

³ Press OK (F1 key) to accept the element, and then hide the keyboard.

14 AXS-100 Series

4 Customizing Your OTDR

Selecting the Distance Units

There are three distance units available: meters, miles, and kilofeet.

Note: The attenuation values are always expressed in dBs per kilometer.

To select distance units:

1. Press Menu, select Setup > Unit, and then

press Enter.

2. Use the left/right function arrows until you see Regional Settings, and then press F2 to display the pane.

3. Press Enter to open the Distance unit list.

4. With the current distance unit highlighted, use the up/down arrows to

select the desired unit, and then press Enter to activate it.

OTDR 15

Customizing Your OTDR

Selecting the Language of Operation

You may display the user interface in one of the available languages (default is English). If other languages become available in the future, you could access them by replacing the unit software (see Upgrading the AXS-100 Series OTDR Software on page 108). Values are kept in memory when you turn the unit off.

To select a new interface language:

1. Press Menu, select Setup > Unit, and then

press Enter.

2. Use the left/right function arrows until you see Regional Settings, and then display the pane (F1/F2 key).

3. Use the up/down arrows to select the Language list, and then press Enter to open it.

4. With the current language highlighted, use the up/down arrows to select the desired language, and then press Enter to activate it.

Once you have modified the language, you will be prompted to restart your unit.

16 AXS-100 Series

Customizing Your OTDR

Setting the Date and Time

When saving results, the unit also saves the corresponding date and time.

You must enter the date according to the year-month-day format and the time according to the 24-hour format.

You can also modify the time zone.

To set the date and time:

1. Press Menu, select Setup > Unit, and then

press Enter.

2. Use the left/right function arrows until you see Regional Settings, and then display the pane (F1/F2 key).

3. Use the arrows to select any of the date or time settings, and then press Enter to display the on-screen keyboard (for details about using keyboards, see Using Menus and Keypad on page 13).

4. Enter the new value and press OK (F1/F2 key).

To modify the time zone:

1. Press Menu, select Setup > Unit, and then

press Enter.

2. Use the left/right function arrows until you see Regional Settings, and then display the pane (F1/F2 key).

3. Use the arrows to select the Time zone list, and then press Enter to open it.

4. With the current time zone highlighted, use the up/down arrows to select the desired time zone, and then press Enter to activate it.

OTDR 17

Customizing Your OTDR

Adjusting the Brightness

To fit your work environment, you may adjust the LCD brightness. Values are kept in memory when you turn the unit off.

To adjust the display brightness:

Press the key repeatedly to switch between brightness levels (0-3-6-9).

1. Press Menu, select Setup > Unit, and then press Enter.

2. If necessary, use the left/right function arrows until you see General, and then display the pane (F1/F2 key).

By default, the Brightness slider is selected.

3. Use the left/right arrows to adjust the brightness level.

18 AXS-100 Series

Customizing Your OTDR

Selecting a Printer

To print reports, you must configure the printer first. Your unit supports the Printek 2” printer only and communicates with it via the infrared port located on the top panel.

If you want to print on a network printer or if you want to print other type of reports, you must transfer the desired files on a computer on which ToolBox 6 (or later), FastReporter or OTDR Viewer is installed.

To select a printer:

1. Press Menu, select Setup > Unit, and then

press Enter.

2. If necessary, use the left/right function arrows until you see General, and then display the pane (F1/F2 key).

3. Use the up/down arrows to select the Printer list, and then press Enter to open it.

4. With the current printer highlighted, use the up/down arrows to select the desired printer, and then press Enter to activate it.

OTDR 19

Customizing Your OTDR

Configuring the Power Management Settings

When you do not use the unit for a while, the display may be dimmed to save power.

You can set idle durations for AC adapter/charger and battery operation. The unit goes in suspend mode after the specified duration has expired (see Turning the Unit On and Off on page 11).

Values are kept in memory when you turn the unit off.

Note: When the backlight is dimmed, the unit operation is not interrupted. Press

any key to return to normal operation.

To configure the power management settings:

1. Press Menu, select Setup > Unit, and then

press Enter.

2. Use the left/right function arrows until you see Power, and then display the pane (F1/F2 key).

3. Use the up/down arrows to go to the Tur n off backlight or Turn off unit section.

4. Use the up/down arrows to select the battery or AC adapter/charger duration list, and then press Enter to open the list.

5. With the current duration highlighted, use the up/down arrows to select the desired duration (or Never), and then press Enter to confirm.

20 AXS-100 Series

5 Setting Up Your OTDR

Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI)

The EUIfixed baseplate is available for connectors with angled (APC) or non-angled (UPC) polishing. A green border around the baseplate indicates that it is for APC-type connectors.

Green border indicates APC

option

To install an EUI connector adapter onto the EUI baseplate:

1. Hold the EUI connector adapter so the dust cap opens downwards.

Bare metal

(or blue border)

indicates UPC

option

2 3 4

2. Close the dust cap in order to hold the connector adapter more firmly.

3. Insert the connector adapter into the baseplate.

4. While pushing firmly, turn the connector adapter clockwise on the

baseplate to lock it in place.

OTDR 21

Setting Up Your OTDR

Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers

To ensure maximum power and to avoid erroneous readings:

³ Always inspect fiber ends and make sure that they are clean as

explained below before inserting them into the port. EXFO is not responsible for damage or errors caused by bad fiber cleaning or handling.

³ Ensure that your patchcord has appropriate connectors. Joining

mismatched connectors will damage the ferrules.

To connect the fiber-optic cable to the port:

1. Inspect the fiber using a fiber inspection microscope. If the fiber is

clean, proceed to connecting it to the port. If the fiber is dirty, clean it as explained below.

2. Clean the fiber ends as follows:

IMPORTANT

2a. Gently wipe the fiber end with a lint-free swab dipped in isopropyl

alcohol.

2b. Use compressed air to dry completely.

2c. Visually inspect the fiber end to ensure its cleanliness.

22 AXS-100 Series

+ 125 hidden pages

EXFO AXS-100 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Certification Information

Main Features

Power Sources

Typical Applications

OTDR Basic Principles

Conventions

2 Safety Information

Laser Safety Information (Units without VFL)

Laser Safety Information (Units with VFL)

Electrical Safety Information

Turning the Unit On and Off

Using Menus and Keypad

4 Customizing Your OTDR

Selecting the Distance Units

Selecting the Language of Operation

Setting the Date and Time

Adjusting the Brightness

Selecting a Printer

Configuring the Power Management Settings

5 Setting Up Your OTDR

Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI)

Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers