EXFO FTB-3930 User Manual
FTB-3930
Multifunction Loss Tester
User Guide
Copyright © 2004–2014 EXFO Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted
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as photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of EXFO Inc. (EXFO).
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However, no responsibility is assumed by EXFO for its use nor for any
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its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent
rights of EXFO.
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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.
Version number: 9.0.2
ii FTB-3930
Contents
Contents
Certification Information ........................................................................................................v
1 Introducing the FTB-3930 Multifunction Loss Tester ................................. 1
Main Features .........................................................................................................................1
Typical Applications ................................................................................................................3
Conventions ............................................................................................................................4
2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 5
Other Safety Symbols on Your Unit .........................................................................................6
Laser Safety Information (Units without VFL) ..........................................................................7
Laser Safety Information (Units with VFL) ...............................................................................7
Electrical Safety Information ...................................................................................................8
3 Customizing Your Multifunction Loss Tester .............................................. 9
4 Setting Up Your Multifunction Loss Tester ............................................... 11
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI) .........................................................................11
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers ...............................................................................12
Setting Autonaming Scheme ................................................................................................14
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds ..................................................................................................16
5 Measuring Power or Loss .......................................................................... 19
Defining the List of Favorite Wavelengths .............................................................................20
Nulling Electrical Offsets .......................................................................................................22
Referencing Your Power Meter to a Source ...........................................................................23
Measuring Power or Loss ......................................................................................................26
6 Measuring Optical Return Loss ................................................................. 29
Performing ORL Reference and Setting ORL Zero Value ........................................................30
Performing and Saving ORL Measurements ..........................................................................32
7 Performing Automated IL/ORL/Length Measurements (FasTesT) ............ 35
Setting Up the FasTest ...........................................................................................................36
Referencing Units for FasTesT ................................................................................................38
Performing the FasTesT .........................................................................................................43
8 Managing Test Results ............................................................................... 49
Viewing and Deleting Results ...............................................................................................49
Customizing Result Display ...................................................................................................52
Customizing and Printing Reports (FTB-500) ........................................................................54
9 Using a Light Source .................................................................................. 57
Multifunction Loss Tester iii
Contents
10 Identifying Fiber Faults Visually ................................................................61
11 Communicating with Other Users .............................................................63
Sending and Receiving Text Messages ..................................................................................63
Communicating by Voice ......................................................................................................66
12 Maintenance ................................................................................................69
Cleaning EUI Connectors ......................................................................................................69
Cleaning Detector Ports ........................................................................................................72
Cleaning VFL-Type Connectors ..............................................................................................73
Recalibrating the Unit ...........................................................................................................74
Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) ....................................................75
13 Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................77
Solving Common Problems ...................................................................................................77
Obtaining Online Help ..........................................................................................................80
Contacting the Technical Support Group ..............................................................................81
Transportation ......................................................................................................................82
14 Warranty ......................................................................................................83
General Information .............................................................................................................83
Liability .................................................................................................................................84
Exclusions .............................................................................................................................84
Certification ..........................................................................................................................84
Service and Repairs ...............................................................................................................85
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ..........................................................................................86
A Technical Specifications ..............................................................................87
Index .................................................................................................................89
iv FTB-3930
Certification Information
Certification Information
North America Regulatory Statement
This unit was certified by an agency approved in both Canada and the
United States of America. It has been evaluated according to applicable
North American approved standards for product safety for use in Canada
and the United States.
Electronic test and measurement equipment is exempt from FCC part 15,
subpart B compliance in the United States of America and from ICES-003
compliance in Canada. However, EXFO Inc. makes reasonable efforts to
ensure compliance to the applicable standards.
The limits set by these standards are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in
a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the user guide, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.
European Community Declaration of Conformity
An electronic version of the declaration of conformity for your product is
available on our website at www.exfo.com. Refer to the product’s page on
the Web site for details.
Multifunction Loss Tester v
1 Introducing the FTB-3930
FTB-3930
MULTITEST
Headset connector (for any
commercially available
headset equipped with a
microphone, and having a
2.5 mm connector)
Power meter detector port
Visual fault locator port
Multimode port
(F
ASTEST and light source)
or talk set port
Singlemode port (F
ASTEST,
light source and ORL meter)
Multifunction Loss Tester
The FTB-3930 Multifunction Loss Tester integrates a power meter and light
sources with an optical return loss meter, optional talk set and visual fault
locator.
Main Features
The unit features FASTEST™, EXFO’s one-touch automated measurement.
In 10 seconds, you can simultaneously test IL and ORL at up to four
wavelengths, in both directions. During the same test, the unit also
determines fiber length.
Note: Optical ports and connectors may differ from the illustration.
Multifunction Loss Tester 1
Introducing the FTB-3930 Multifunction Loss Tester
Main Features
The power meter has the following characteristics:
Ge, GeX or InGaAs detector with 40 calibrated wavelengths to measure
absolute power or link loss
Editable list of favorite wavelengths for easy access
Modulated signal detection
No offset nulling required in normal operation
The light source has the following characteristics:
Singlemode port (two or three wavelengths), also used for FASTEST and
ORL.
AND/OR
Multimode port (two wavelengths), also used for F
Modulated or high-power signal compatible with other EXFO units
ASTEST only.
2 FTB-3930
Introducing the FTB-3930 Multifunction Loss Tester
Typical Applications
Other test utilities:
Text messaging
Full-duplex digital talk set (optional)
Visual fault locator to inspect or identify fibers (optional)
Result processing and analysis features (also available in the FastReporter
application):
Analyze data acquired on the field using a tabular format
Customizable test thresholds with visual pass/fail analysis
Transfer data from the FOT-930 Multifunction Loss Tester (using the
Handheld Data Transfer application) for easier management and
greater storage capacity
Save your OLTS data in popular text formats (XML, ASCII, etc.) or
convert older result files to the new format for analysis
Customize user settings and cable identification parameters
Generate and print reports about OLTS data, including user and test
location information and operator comments
FASTEST results displayed according to FTTx usage and terminology
Typical Applications
You can use the Multifunction Loss Tester for several applications, such as:
Fiber installation and maintenance applications
FTTx: testing of passive optical networks (PONs)
Absolute power or link loss measurements
Bidirectional loss and ORL testing
Length measurement
All-in-one tool for contractors
Multifunction Loss Tester 3
Introducing the FTB-3930 Multifunction Loss Tester
Conventions
Conventions
Before using the product described in this guide, you should understand
the following conventions:
WARNING
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.
CAUTION
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.
CAUTION
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.
IMPORTANT
Refers to information about this product you should not overlook.
4 FTB-3930
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
The use of controls, adjustments and procedures, namely for
operation and maintenance, other than those specified herein may
result in hazardous radiation exposure or impair the protection
provided by this unit.
IMPORTANT
When you see the following symbol on your unit , make sure
that you refer to the instructions provided in your user
documentation. Ensure that you understand and meet the required
conditions before using your product.
IMPORTANT
Other safety instructions relevant for your product are located
throughout this documentation, depending on the action to
perform. Make sure to read them carefully when they apply to your
situation.
Multifunction Loss Tester 5
Safety Information
Other Safety Symbols on Your Unit
Other Safety Symbols on Your Unit
One or more of the following symbols may also appear on your unit.
Symbol Meaning
Direct current
Alternating current
The unit is equipped with an earth (ground) terminal.
The unit is equipped with a protective conductor terminal.
The unit is equipped with a frame or chassis terminal.
On (Power)
Off (Power)
6 FTB-3930
Safety Information
Affixed to
side of module
Indicated on
front panel
Laser Safety Information (Units without VFL)
Laser Safety Information (Units without VFL)
Your instrument is a Class 1 laser product in compliance with standards
IEC 60825-1: 2007 and 21 CFR 1040.10, except for deviations pursuant to
Laser Notice No. 50, dated June 24, 2007. Invisible laser radiation may be
encountered at the output port.
The following label indicates that a product contains a Class 1 source:
Note: The label is shown for information purposes only and are not necessarily
applied on your module.
Laser Safety Information (Units with VFL)
Your instrument is a Class 3R laser product in compliance with standards
IEC 60825-1: 2007 and 21 CFR 1040.10, except for deviations pursuant to
Laser Notice No. 50, dated June 24, 2007. Laser radiation is emitted at the
output port. It is potentially harmful in direct intrabeam viewing.
The following label(s) indicate that the product contains a Class 3R source:
The maximum input power for the FTB-3930 Multifunction Loss Tester
is 1.48 W. For more information on equipment ratings, refer to the user
documentation for your platform.
Multifunction Loss Tester 7
Safety Information
Electrical Safety Information
Electrical Safety Information
When you use the unit outdoors, ensure that it is protected from
liquids, dust, direct sunlight, precipitation, and full wind pressure.
CAUTION
8 FTB-3930
3 Customizing Your
Multifunction Loss Tester
Note: Your screen display may differ slightly from the figures in this user
documentation depending on the platform you are using.
To set a length/distance unit and data display color (for the
FTB-500):
1. From the main window, press Setup, then select the Preferences tab.
2. Select the desired unit. In the case of the FTB-500 platform, you can
also select the background color.
Note: The length unit affects thresholds and fiber length only.
Multifunction Loss Tester 9
Customizing Your Multifunction Loss Tester
To automate adding and saving results:
1. From the main window, press Setup, then select the Preferences tab.
2. Select one or more of the following options:
Save file after adding each result to list: if you select this option,
you will not need to manually save your file (with Save or Save As)
after adding your result to the Te s te d fibe r s list. The asterisk will
never appear in the title bar. In the case of the FTB-200 v2 platform,
the file is saved after adding 10 results to the list.
Add result to list on this unit after FASTEST: if you select this
option, you will not need to press Add to add your result to the
Test e d fi b ers list. When your Multifunction Loss Tester is the
remote unit, it consequently ignores automatic save settings from
the master unit.
Add result to remote unit after FASTEST: if you select this option
and your Multifunction Loss Tester is the master unit, the result will
automatically be sent and stored on the remote unit.
Note: For details about naming settings, see Setting Autonaming Scheme on
page 14.
10 FTB-3930
4 Setting Up Your Multifunction
Bare metal
(or blue border)
indicates UPC
option
Green border
indicates APC
option
2 3 4
Loss Tester
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI)
The EUI fixed 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.
To install an EUI connector adapter onto the EUI baseplate:
1. Hold the EUI connector adapter so the dust cap opens downwards.
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.
Multifunction Loss Tester 11
Setting Up Your Multifunction Loss Tester
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers
IMPORTANT
To ensure maximum power and to avoid erroneous readings:
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.
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:
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.
12 FTB-3930
Setting Up Your Multifunction Loss Tester
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers
3. Carefully align the connector and port to prevent the fiber end from
touching the outside of the port or rubbing against other surfaces.
If your connector features a key, ensure that it is fully fitted into the
port’s corresponding notch.
4. Push the connector in so that the fiber-optic cable is firmly in place,
thus ensuring adequate contact.
If your connector features a screwsleeve, tighten the connector
enough to firmly maintain the fiber in place. Do not overtighten, as this
will damage the fiber and the port.
Note: If your fiber-optic cable is not properly aligned and/or connected, you will
notice heavy loss and reflection.
EXFO uses good quality connectors in compliance with EIA-455-21A
standards.
To keep connectors clean and in good condition, EXFO strongly
recommends inspecting them with a fiber inspection probe before
connecting them. Failure to do so will result in permanent damage to the
connectors and degradation in measurements.
Multifunction Loss Tester 13
Setting Up Your Multifunction Loss Tester
Setting Autonaming Scheme
Setting Autonaming Scheme
When starting a new file, the unit suggests an initial fiber name. After
adding a result to the Tes t ed fi be rs list, the unit prepares the next fiber
name by incrementing the suffix.
When you manually change the name for the first time (in Power Meter,
ORL Meter or F
ASTEST), the unit then ignores autonaming settings.
IMPORTANT
To start using new autonaming settings, you must close the current
file.
Cable names: maximum 60 characters for prefix, plus 3-digit suffix
(or Microsoft Windows limitations when name is manually set)
Fiber names: maximum 11 characters for prefix, plus 3-digit suffix
(duplicate names allowed when name is manually set)
Note: If you manually change a fiber name, then turn the unit off without saving
at least one result, this name will be discarded.
14 FTB-3930
Setting Up Your Multifunction Loss Tester
Setting Autonaming Scheme
To set the autonaming scheme:
1. From the main window, press Setup, then select the Results tab.
2. Set the names/values, then press OK.
Note: The cable name you set here will be the suggested file name when saving.
Multifunction Loss Tester 15
Setting Up Your Multifunction Loss Tester
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds
You can define groups of thresholds to specify acceptable power (in W or
dBm), power reference (in dB), F
unit) and ORL values (in dB) for each wavelength.
Thresholds are supplied by system manufacturers and depend on the
system deployed.
Measurements exceeding a threshold are shown with an exclamation
mark. In the test tabs, these measurements also have a red background.
ASTEST loss (in dB and dB per distance
IMPORTANT
Thresholds are not saved with measurements. Results are compared
to the threshold group currently associated to the file (for F
results, not necessarily the master unit).
Note: When transferring results from handheld unit to computer, thresholds are
not transferred along with results.
ASTEST
16 FTB-3930
Setting Up Your Multifunction Loss Tester
Delete thresholds for
selected wavelength
Default
threshold group
(applies to FasTesT,
Power Meter and
ORL Meter tabs)
Edit thresholds for
selected wavelength
Add wavelength and
its thresholds
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds
To set power, loss or ORL thresholds:
1. From the button bar, press Setup, then select the Thresholds tab.
2. In the Threshold groups list, select a group to modify.
OR
Create a new group by pressing New. Duplicate names are allowed,
but you should always use distinct names to avoid confusion.
3. Select loss units (dB or dB/distance; distance units are selected in the
Preferences tab). In the case of the FTB-200 v2, you can select also the
power units.
Multifunction Loss Tester 17
Setting Up Your Multifunction Loss Tester
dBm power units
selected in Results tab
Watt power units
selected in Results tab
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds
4. In the Thresholds list, select a wavelength for which you want to set
thresholds, then press Edit.
OR
Add a new wavelength to the list by pressing New. Wavelengths that
are not supported by F
ASTEST are simply ignored in FASTEST result
tables.
5. In the text boxes, modify threshold values for the selected wavelength,
then press OK to confirm the new thresholds (or Cancel to return to
previous values).
You s ele ct F
ASTEST loss units (dB or dB/distance) on the Thresholds
tab (and distance units on the Preferences tab).
Note: For the FTB-500, you select power units on the Results tab.
6. Press OK to return to the main window.
To rename a threshold group:
1. From the Thresholds tab, select a group in the Threshold groups list.
2. Press Rename, then set the new name (maximum 64 characters) and
press OK.
18 FTB-3930
5 Measuring Power or Loss
FTB-3930
MULTITEST
Power meter port
Power meter port
Measured
power/loss
Modulation
detected
Reference
power
Value under
threshold
Add current value
to Te s t ed f ib e r s
(to actually save
data, press Save
on function bar)
Perform offset
nulling
Set reference for
loss measurement
Display power
(W or dBm)
or loss (dB)
Change name of
next saved fiber
Switch between
favorite wavelengths
The FTB-3930 Multifunction Loss Tester is equipped with an optical power
meter to measure absolute power (in dBm or W) or insertion loss (in dB).
The power meter port is independent of the F
The following functions are available on your power meter:
ASTEST port.
Multifunction Loss Tester 19
Measuring Power or Loss
Defining the List of Favorite Wavelengths
Defining the List of Favorite Wavelengths
You must put the wavelengths you want to use on a list of favorite
wavelengths. Only wavelengths selected from this list are available for
measurements.
By default, the list contains 22 of the 40 calibrated wavelengths. It can
contain a maximum of 30 wavelengths.
Specifications are guaranteed for calibrated wavelengths only. For other
wavelengths, the unit will determine values based on the calibrated
wavelengths (3-point interpolation).
Detector
Type
InGaAs
Ge
800, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, 870,
880, 910, 980, 1270, 1280, 1290,
1300, 1310, 1320, 1330, 1340, 1390,
1450, 1460, 1470, 1480, 1490, 1500,
1510, 1520, 1530, 1540, 1550, 1560,
1570, 1580, 1590, 1600, 1610, 1620,
1630, 1640, 1650.
GeX All the above, plus 1370 and 1060. Same as above.
Calibrated
Wavelengths (nm)
Default Favorite
Wavelengths (nm)
800, 840, 850,
860, 910, 980,
1280, 1300, 1310,
1320, 1450,
1470, 1480, 1490,
1510, 1520, 1530, 1540,
1550, 1560,1570, 1625.
Note: The list must always contain at least one selected wavelength.
20 FTB-3930
Measuring Power or Loss
Defining the List of Favorite Wavelengths
To customize the list of favorite and selected wavelengths:
1. From the button bar, press Setup, then select the Power Meter tab.
2. Scroll through the list.
3. Press on the highlighted wavelength to select/deselect it. An X appears
beside selected wavelengths.
4. If a wavelength does not appear on the list, enter its value in the New
wavelength box and press (or Add in the case of the FTB-200 v2).
You can also remove a wavelength from the list by pressing (or
Delete in the case of the FTB-200 v2).
5. Repeat these steps for other wavelengths as necessary.
6. Press OK to return to the main window.
To revert to the factory-default list:
1. From the button bar, press Setup, then select the Power Meter tab.
2. Press Revert to factory settings.
Multifunction Loss Tester 21
Measuring Power or Loss
Nulling Electrical Offsets
Nulling Electrical Offsets
Temperature and humidity variations affect the performance of electronic
circuits and optical detectors. Nulling the electrical offsets eliminate these
effects.
Your unit has been designed not to require offset nulling under normal
operation, but you should perform it whenever environmental conditions
change significantly or when measuring very low power values.
IMPORTANT
Light must not reach detectors when nulling offsets. Always use an
EUI or protective screw cap. Do not use a soft rubber cover.
Note: Starting a nulling automatically deactivates all light sources on the unit.
To perform an offset nulling:
1. From the main window, select the Power Meter tab.
2. Press Nulling.
3. Tighten the protective caps on the power meter and F
press OK.
The nulling process takes approximately 10 seconds. Nulling status is
indicated in the data display. If light is still detected, you will need to
place the caps properly and restart.
22 FTB-3930
ASTEST ports, then
Measuring Power or Loss
Reference
power
Measured loss
Referencing Your Power Meter to a Source
Referencing Your Power Meter to a Source
In reference mode, your unit displays the loss created by the fiber under
test only, since it subtracts a reference value from the measured power.
In the illustration, the reference value (-2.62 dBm) is subtracted from the
actual power measured (-2.465 dBm).
Note: The reference value you set for each wavelength remains in memory until a
new one is set for the same wavelength, even when you turn the unit off.
Multifunction Loss Tester 23
Measuring Power or Loss
FTB-3930
MULTITEST
Light
source
Power
meter
Adapter
Reference
patchcord
FTB-3930
MULTITEST
Light
source
Power
meter
Adapter
Reference
patchcord
Bulkhead
adapter
Reference
patchcord
Referencing Your Power Meter to a Source
To reference the power meter to a source:
1. From the main window, select the Power Meter tab.
2. Check your fibers and clean them properly for optimum performance
(see Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers on page 12).
3. Using one of the following methods, connect a light source to the
power meter port of your unit.
One single reference patchcord
Two reference patchcords and a bulkhead adapter
4. Activate the source at the desired wavelength.
24 FTB-3930
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