EXFO FTB-5600 User Manual
FTB-5600
Distributed PMD Analyzer for FTB-500
User Guide
Copyright © 2009 EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering 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 Electro-Optical Engineering 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.
Version number 2.0.0
ii FTB-5600
Contents
Contents
Certification Information ........................................................................................................v
1 Introducing the FTB-5600 Distributed PMD Analyzer ................................ 1
Basic Distributed PMD Analyzer Operation .............................................................................2
Frequently Used Terms ............................................................................................................3
Conventions ............................................................................................................................5
2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 7
3 Getting Started with your FTB-5600 ........................................................... 9
Inserting and Removing Test Modules ....................................................................................9
Starting the Distributed PMD Analyzer Application ..............................................................14
Exiting the Application .........................................................................................................16
4 Setting up and Operating your Distributed PMD Analyzer ..................... 17
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers ...............................................................................18
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI) .........................................................................20
Setting up General Acquisition Parameters ...........................................................................21
Setting up the Graph Display ................................................................................................23
Setting up Storage Options ..................................................................................................25
Displaying PMD-Related Columns in the Main Window ........................................................29
Setting up Cable Information ...............................................................................................31
Performing an Acquisition ....................................................................................................33
Using the Bidirectional File Creator .......................................................................................47
5 Managing Results ....................................................................................... 55
Opening an Existing File .......................................................................................................57
Saving a File ..........................................................................................................................59
Using Zoom Controls ............................................................................................................62
Section Event Table ...............................................................................................................63
Section Status .......................................................................................................................65
Positioning Markers on the Display .......................................................................................69
Editing Sections ....................................................................................................................70
Using Markers to Measure PMD Differences (Delta PMD Tab) ...............................................81
Estimating Results ................................................................................................................83
Viewing Trace Information ....................................................................................................85
Generating Reports ...............................................................................................................93
Distributed PMD Analyzer iii
Contents
6 Maintenance ................................................................................................95
Cleaning EUI Connectors ......................................................................................................96
Recalibrating the Unit ...........................................................................................................98
Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) ....................................................99
7 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................101
Obtaining Online Help ........................................................................................................101
Contacting the Technical Support Group ............................................................................102
Transportation ....................................................................................................................103
8 Warranty ....................................................................................................105
General Information ...........................................................................................................105
Liability ...............................................................................................................................106
Exclusions ...........................................................................................................................107
Certification ........................................................................................................................107
Service and Repairs .............................................................................................................108
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ........................................................................................109
A Technical Specifications ............................................................................111
B Distributed Cumulative PMD Measurement Theory ...............................113
C Acquisition Data .......................................................................................117
D Optimizing Measurements .......................................................................121
Basic Verification Steps .......................................................................................................121
Use a Larger Number of SOPs and Wavelengths .................................................................122
Perform Two-Sided Measurements .....................................................................................123
Perform Multiple Measurements .........................................................................................123
Select an Optimized PMD Scale for the Acquisition ............................................................124
Use an Appropriate Residual PMD for the Acquisition ........................................................125
Use an Optimized Number of Averagings ...........................................................................127
Use an Appropriate OTDR Pulse Length ..............................................................................128
Use an Appropriate Spatial Smoothing Filter Value ............................................................129
Use a Receive Fiber .............................................................................................................134
Index ...............................................................................................................135
iv FTB-5600
Certification Information
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.
Distributed PMD Analyzer v
Certification Information
Application of Council Directive(s): 2006/95/EC - The Low Voltage Directive
2004/108/EC - The EMC Directive
And their amendments
Manufacturer’s Name: EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc.
Manufacturer’s Address: 400 Godin Avenue
Quebec, Quebec
Canada, G1M 2K2
(418) 683-0211
Equipment Type/Environment: Test & Measurement / Industrial
Trade Name/Model No.: FTB-5600
Distributed PMD Analyzer
Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:
EN 61010-1:2001 Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,
Control, and Laboratory Use, Part 1: General Requirements.
EN 61326-1:2006 Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory
Use - EMC Requirements – Part 1: General requirements
EN 60825-1:1994 +A2:2001
+A1:2002
Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification,
requirements, and user’s guide
EN 55022: 1998 +A2: 2003 Information technology equipment - Radio disturbance
characteristics - Limits and methods of measurement
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above Directive and Standards.
Manufacturer
Signature:
Full Name: Stephen Bull, E. Eng
Position: Vice-President Research and
Development
Address: 400 Godin Avenue, Quebec (Quebec),
Canada, G1M 2K2
Date: January 09, 2009
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
vi FTB-5600
1 Introducing the FTB-5600
FTB-5600
DISTRIBUTED PMD ANALYZER
Handle
Detector port
Distributed PMD Analyzer
The FTB-5600 is composed of an OTDR, a tunable laser source and a
polarization scrambler. It characterizes PMD along a link. Its key feature is
to identify fiber sections with a strong PMD value, then enabling the
correction of the link by replacing faulty sections.
The results include:
³ A cumulative PMD curve and an OTDR trace
³ A PMD section table that provides the PMD for each section identified
by the instrument.
³ An estimation table that can be used to analyze the effect of removing
strong PMD sections of the link.
The result of the acquisition will be displayed as a graph, as well as several
Distributed PMD Analyzer 1
result tables to help you analyze the data better.
Introducing the FTB-5600 Distributed PMD Analyzer
Basic Distributed PMD Analyzer Operation
Basic Distributed PMD Analyzer Operation
IMPORTANT
In order to use the FTB-5600 to its most optimised level, you must
have a solid knowledge on how OTDRs function.
You can make acquisitions according to three different modes:
³ Quick Check
³ Standard
³ Advanced
Each mode is explained in Setting up General Acquisition Parameters on
page 21.
The FTB-5600 does a series of actions in taking a measurement.
³ The instrument takes an OTDR trace and displays it. This step only
takes a few seconds. At this point, you should inspect the trace to see if
there are any problems.
³ Then, the instrument measures the SOPs. This will take more or less
time depending on the accuracy and sensitivity requested. The
remaining time and SOPs to measure are indicated in the status bar of
the application. After measuring about 10 SOPs, you will see a
temporary cumulative PMD curve.
³ Once all of the SOPs are acquired, the instrument computes the actual
PMD curve.
2 FTB-5600
Introducing the FTB-5600 Distributed PMD Analyzer
Frequently Used Terms
Frequently Used Terms
Some specific terms are used frequently in this user guide.
Term Definition
APD Avalanche photo diode.
Beating length Length required in the fiber for the Fast Polarization to
be ahead by one complete period over the Slow
Polar iza tio n.
Bidirectional A combination of two traces taken from opposite
directions of a same fiber. The trace can overlap fully,
partly, or not at all.
Cumulative PMD The PMD value up to a distance in a fiber.
Depolarization Light that is not polarized. In the case of the FTB-5600,
we use this term to define zone on the fiber where the
instrument cannot perform a measurement since light
is entirely depolarised. For more information, see page
67.
DGD Differential group delay.
Estimation table Table used to estimate the PMD value of a link by
changing values of target strong PMD sections.
FUT Fiber under test
OTDR Optical time domain reflectometer.
PBS Polarization beam splitter
PMD Polarisation mode dispersion.
PMD coefficient Represents the PMD characteristics of one particular
length of the fiber. Since PMD adds to the square, its
unit is typically calculated in picoseconds per square
root of kilometer.
PMD resolution Sets the minimum PMD value to be measured on the
link.
Distributed PMD Analyzer 3
Introducing the FTB-5600 Distributed PMD Analyzer
Frequently Used Terms
Term Definition
PMD scale Sets the best scale to measure a PMD of this value.
PMD section The PMD value of a fiber section
Pulse width Width of the OTDR pulse, in nanoseconds, used to
measure the link. A longer pulse allows you to probe
further along the fiber, but results in a lower resolution.
A shorter pulse width provides higher resolution , but a
smaller distance range.
RS-POTDR Random-scrambling tuneable polarization-sensitive
OTDR
Sensitivity Sets the electronic sensitivity.
SOP State of polarisation. Here, SOP has a broader sense: it
means a group of OTDR traces taken at different
frequencies, but with the same SOP. The SOP is the unit
that is used to compute the distributed PMD curve.
SOA Semiconductor optical amplifier
4 FTB-5600
Introducing the FTB-5600 Distributed PMD Analyzer
Conventions
Conventions
Before using the product described in this manual, 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.
Distributed PMD Analyzer 5
2 Safety Information
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
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.
Your instrument is a Class 1 laser product in compliance with standards
IEC60825-1: 2001, 2007 and 21CFR1040.10. Laser radiation may be
encountered at the output port.
The following label indicates that a product contains a Class 1 source:
Note: Label shown for information purposes only. It is not affixed to your product.
Distributed PMD Analyzer 7
3 Getting Started with your
FTB-5600
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
CAUTION
Never insert or remove a module while the FTB-500 is turned on.
This will result in immediate and irreparable damage to both the
module and unit.
WARNING
When the laser safety LED ( ) is flashing on the FTB-500, at least
one of your modules is emitting an optical signal. Please check all
modules, as it might not be the one you are currently using.
To insert a module into the FTB-500:
1. Exit ToolBox and turn off your unit.
2. Position the FTB-500 so that its right panel is facing you.
Distributed PMD Analyzer 9
Getting Started with your FTB-5600
Protruding
edges on top
Identification sticker
facing up
Connector
pins at the
back
Retaining screw
hole at the
back
FTB-500 right panel
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
3. Take the module and place it so that the connector pins are at the
back, as explained and shown below.
Identification sticker must be facing up and connector pins at the right
of the retaining screw hole.
4. Insert the protruding edges of the module into the grooves of the
receptacle’s module slot.
5. Push the module all the way to the back of the slot, until the retaining
screw makes contact with the receptacle casing.
6. Place the FTB-500 so that its left panel is facing you.
10 FTB-5600
Getting Started with your FTB-5600
Turn retaining screw knob
clockwise
FTB-500 left panel
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
7. While applying slight pressure to the module, turn the retaining screw
clockwise until it is tightened.
This will secure the module into its “seated” position.
When you turn on the unit, the startup sequence will automatically detect
the module.
Distributed PMD Analyzer 11
Getting Started with your FTB-5600
Turn retaining screw knob(s)
counterclockwise
FTB-500 left panel
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
To remove a module from the FTB-500:
1. Exit ToolBox and turn off your unit.
2. Position the FTB-500 so that the left panel is facing you.
3. Turn the retaining screw counterclockwise until it stops.
The module will be slowly released from the slot.
4. Place the FTB-500 so that the right panel is facing you.
12 FTB-5600
Getting Started with your FTB-5600
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
5. Hold the module by its sides or by the handle (NOT by the connector)
and pull it out.
Distributed PMD Analyzer 13
Getting Started with your FTB-5600
Starting the Distributed PMD Analyzer Application
Starting the Distributed PMD Analyzer
Application
Your FTB-5600 Distributed PMD Analyzer module can be configured and
controlled from its dedicated ToolBox application.
Note: For details about ToolBox, refer to the FTB-500 user guide.
To start the application:
1. From the main window, select the module to use.
It will turn blue to indicate that it is highlighted.
2. Click the corresponding button in the Module Applications box.
14 FTB-5600
Getting Started with your FTB-5600
Data
display and
control
center
Title bar
Function
buttons
Status bar
Starting the Distributed PMD Analyzer Application
The main window (shown below) contains all the commands required to
control the Distributed PMD Analyzer:
Distributed PMD Analyzer 15
Getting Started with your FTB-5600
Current date and time
Local: Module controlled locally only.
Remote: Module controlled remotely, but local
commands can also be used (some products only).
Lockout: Module controlled remotely only.
Battery indicator
Control mode
Exiting the Application
Status Bar
The status bar, located at the bottom of the main window, identifies the
current operational status of the FTB-5600 Distributed PMD Analyzer.
Exiting the Application
Closing any application that is not currently being used helps freeing
system memory.
To close the application from the main window:
Click in the top right corner of the main window.
OR
Click the Exit button located at the bottom of the function bar.
16 FTB-5600
4 Setting up and Operating your
Distributed PMD Analyzer
IMPORTANT
In order to use the FTB-5600 to its most optimised level, you must
have a solid knowledge on how OTDRs function. This includes:
³ Interpreting OTDR traces
³ Understanding the effect of the pulse on a trace
³ Understanding the contents of an event trace
³ Manipulating events on a trace
The instructions and theory in this user documentation take into
account that such notions are already known by you.
Distributed PMD Analyzer 17
Setting up and Operating your Distributed PMD Analyzer
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers
IMPORTANT
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:
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.
18 FTB-5600
Setting up and Operating your Distributed PMD Analyzer
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.
Distributed PMD Analyzer 19
Setting up and Operating your Distributed PMD Analyzer
Bare metal
(or blue border)
indicates UPC
option
Green border
indicates APC
option
2 3 4
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI)
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.
20 FTB-5600
Setting up and Operating your Distributed PMD Analyzer
Setting up General Acquisition Parameters
Setting up General Acquisition Parameters
The general acquisition parameters influence how the acquisition occurs.
³ You can select whether the unit beeps after each measurement or not.
³ You can set the acquisition to be continuous, or requiring that you start
each measurement manually.
³ You can set the default spatial smoothing filter, in meters. The spatial
smoothing filter helps improving the measurement results in filtering
the cumulative PMD curve. The default value is 4000 m. Increase this
value if the PMD cumulative curve is appropriate, but wavy, for
example. Decrease this value if you are interested in seeing where the
PMD begins to increase. You can find more information on the spatial
smoothing filter in Use an Appropriate Spatial Smoothing Filter Value
on page 129.
To change the general acquisition parameters:
1. From the main window, press Setup.
Distributed PMD Analyzer 21
Setting up and Operating your Distributed PMD Analyzer
Setting up General Acquisition Parameters
2. Select the General tab.
3. Modify the parameters as desired under General setup.
4. Press Apply to use the new settings, or OK to use the new settings and
close the window.
22 FTB-5600
Setting up and Operating your Distributed PMD Analyzer
Setting up the Graph Display
Setting up the Graph Display
The graph display parameters will help you improve how result graphs are
displayed.
³ You can display or hide the grid.
³ You can use the high contrast view if the lighting quality prevents you
from seeing the graph properly (glare from the sun, darkness).
³ You can show or hide the section contribution histogram. This
histogram is a graphic representation of the contents of the Contr.%
column in the section table.
To change the graph display parameters:
1. From the main window, press Setup.
Distributed PMD Analyzer 23
Setting up and Operating your Distributed PMD Analyzer
Setting up the Graph Display
2. Select the Display tab.
3. Modify the parameters as desired under Graph display setup.
4. Press Apply to use the new settings, or OK to use the new settings and
close the window.
24 FTB-5600
Loading...