EXFO FTB-700 User Manual
FTB-700 Series
OTDR for FTB-1
User Guide
Copyright © 2006–2013 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).
Information provided by EXFO is believed to be accurate and reliable.
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.
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
Feature(s) of this product is/are protected by one or more of US patent
6,612,750; and Canadian patent 2,800,361 and equivalent patents pending
and/or granted in other countries.
Version number: 20.0.0
ii FTB-700 Series
Contents
Contents
Certification Information ..................................................................................................... viii
1 Introducing the FTB-700 OTDR .................................................................... 1
Main Features .........................................................................................................................2
Trace Acquisition Modes .........................................................................................................2
Optional Software Packages ...................................................................................................3
Data Post-Processing ..............................................................................................................3
Bidirectional Analysis Application ...........................................................................................4
OTDR Basic Principles ..............................................................................................................5
Conventions ............................................................................................................................7
2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 9
General Safety Information .....................................................................................................9
Other Safety Symbols on Your Unit .......................................................................................10
Laser Safety Information .......................................................................................................11
3 Getting Started with Your OTDR ............................................................... 13
Inserting and Removing Test Modules ..................................................................................13
Starting Module Applications ...............................................................................................18
Timer ....................................................................................................................................20
4 Preparing Your OTDR for a Test ................................................................. 21
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI) .........................................................................21
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers ...............................................................................22
Naming Trace Files Automatically .........................................................................................24
Enabling or Disabling the First Connector Check ..................................................................28
Setting Macrobend Parameters .............................................................................................29
5 Testing Fibers in Auto Mode ...................................................................... 31
6 Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode ............................................................. 35
Setting the Autorange Acquisition Time ...............................................................................40
Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient, and Helix Factor ................................................................41
Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width, and Acquisition Time .................................................43
Enabling the High-Resolution Feature ...................................................................................46
Enabling or Disabling Analysis After Acquisition ...................................................................48
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds ..................................................................................................50
Setting a Default Span Start and Span End ...........................................................................55
OTDR iii
Contents
7 Testing Fibers in Template Mode (optional) ..............................................57
Template Principle .................................................................................................................57
Restrictions of Template Mode ..............................................................................................58
Acquiring the Reference Trace ..............................................................................................60
Acquiring Traces in Template Mode ......................................................................................62
Selecting a Reference Trace ...................................................................................................69
8 Testing Fibers in Fault Finder Mode ...........................................................71
Acquiring Traces in Fault Finder Mode ..................................................................................71
Naming Fault Finder Files Automatically ...............................................................................74
Selecting the Default File Format for the Fault Finder Traces .................................................76
Enabling or Disabling the Confirmation of Fault Finder File Name ........................................78
Enabling or Disabling the Storage Feature ............................................................................80
Enabling or Disabling the First Connector Check for Fault Finder .........................................81
Enabling or Disabling the Touchscreen Keyboard ..................................................................83
Setting Trace Display Parameters ..........................................................................................84
Selecting the Distance Units .................................................................................................86
9 Customizing Your OTDR ..............................................................................89
Selecting the Default File Format ..........................................................................................89
Enabling or Disabling File Name Confirmation .....................................................................91
Selecting the Distance Units .................................................................................................93
Customizing the Acquisition Distance Range Values .............................................................95
Customizing the Acquisition Time Values .............................................................................97
Enabling or Disabling the Touchscreen Keyboard ..................................................................99
Displaying or Hiding the Optional Features ........................................................................100
iv FTB-700 Series
Contents
10 Analyzing Traces and Events ................................................................... 101
Graph View .........................................................................................................................102
Linear View .........................................................................................................................104
Summary Table ...................................................................................................................106
Events Tab ...........................................................................................................................108
Measure Tab .......................................................................................................................112
Trace Info. Tab ....................................................................................................................112
Displaying the Graph in Full Screen ....................................................................................113
Selecting the Default View ..................................................................................................115
Automatically Displaying the Event Table after Acquisitions ...............................................117
Automatically Zooming in on the Fiber Span ......................................................................118
Using Zoom Controls ..........................................................................................................119
Setting Trace Display Parameters ........................................................................................122
Customizing the Event Table ...............................................................................................124
Displaying or Hiding a Trace ...............................................................................................126
Clearing Traces from the Display .........................................................................................128
Viewing and Modifying Current Trace Settings ...................................................................129
Modifying Events ................................................................................................................134
Inserting Events ..................................................................................................................138
Deleting Events ...................................................................................................................140
Managing Comments .........................................................................................................142
Changing the Attenuation of Fiber Sections .......................................................................144
Setting the Analysis Detection Thresholds ..........................................................................146
Analyzing or Reanalyzing a Trace ........................................................................................149
Analyzing the Fiber on a Specific Fiber Span .......................................................................151
Enabling or Disabling the Detection of Reflective Ends of Fiber ..........................................152
Swapping Traces .................................................................................................................155
Opening Trace Files .............................................................................................................156
11 Analyzing the Results Manually .............................................................. 161
Selecting the Attenuation and Loss Values that Will Be Displayed ......................................161
Using Markers .....................................................................................................................163
Getting Event Distances and Relative Powers ......................................................................164
Getting Event Loss (Four-Point and Least-Square Approximation) ......................................165
Getting Attenuation (Two-Point and Least-Square Approximation) ....................................170
Getting Reflectance ............................................................................................................172
Getting Optical Return Loss (ORL) .......................................................................................173
12 Managing Trace Files from the OTDR Test Application .......................... 175
Saving a Trace in a Different Format ...................................................................................175
OTDR Trace File Compatibility .............................................................................................176
Copying, Moving, Renaming, or Deleting Trace Files ..........................................................178
OTDR v
Contents
13 Creating and Generating Reports ............................................................179
Adding Information to the Test Results ...............................................................................179
Generating a Report ...........................................................................................................181
14 Using the OTDR as a Light Source ............................................................187
15 Analyzing Traces with the Bidirectional Analysis Application
(Optional) ..................................................................................................191
Starting and Exiting the Bidirectional Analysis Application .................................................193
Creating Bidirectional Measurement Files ...........................................................................195
Opening Existing Bidirectional Measurement Files ..............................................................199
Displaying Traces and Bidirectional Measurement ..............................................................200
Viewing Results ..................................................................................................................202
Reanalyzing Traces and Regenerating the Bidirectional Measurement ................................213
Modifying the Alignment of Unidirectional Traces ..............................................................215
Using Zoom Controls ..........................................................................................................219
Using Markers to Edit Events ..............................................................................................223
Inserting Events ..................................................................................................................225
Modifying Events ................................................................................................................229
Deleting Events ...................................................................................................................233
Changing the Attenuation of Fiber Sections .......................................................................235
Setting General Parameters ................................................................................................238
Customizing the Events Table .............................................................................................241
Saving the Span-Start and Span-End Information ...............................................................244
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds ................................................................................................245
Modifying Trace Analysis Settings .......................................................................................250
Saving Traces ......................................................................................................................255
Exporting Unidirectional Traces from Bidirectional Files ......................................................257
Adding Information to the Test Results ...............................................................................259
Creating Reports .................................................................................................................261
16 Maintenance ..............................................................................................265
Cleaning EUI Connectors ....................................................................................................265
Verifying Your OTDR ...........................................................................................................268
Recalibrating the Unit .........................................................................................................276
Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) ..................................................277
17 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................279
Contacting the Technical Support Group ............................................................................282
Transportation ....................................................................................................................283
vi FTB-700 Series
Contents
18 Warranty ................................................................................................... 285
General Information ...........................................................................................................285
Liability ...............................................................................................................................286
Exclusions ...........................................................................................................................286
Certification ........................................................................................................................286
Service and Repairs .............................................................................................................287
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ........................................................................................288
A Technical Specifications ........................................................................... 289
B Description of Event Types ...................................................................... 293
Span Start ..........................................................................................................................294
Span End ...........................................................................................................................294
Short Fibers .......................................................................................................................294
Continuous Fiber ...............................................................................................................295
End of Analysis ..................................................................................................................296
Non-Reflective Event ..........................................................................................................297
Reflective Event .................................................................................................................298
Positive Event .....................................................................................................................299
Launch Level ......................................................................................................................300
Fiber Section ......................................................................................................................301
Merged Event ....................................................................................................................302
Echo ..................................................................................................................................308
Reflective Event (Possible Echo) .........................................................................................309
Index .............................................................................................................. 311
OTDR vii
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.
viii FTB-700 Series
1 Introducing the FTB-700 OTDR
OTDR port (singlemode)
OTDR port (singlemode
live and On-line power
meter)
Active LED
FTB-720 / FTB-720G / FTB-720G+
FTB-730 / FTB-730G / FTB-730G+
OTDR port (singlemode)
OTDR port (multimode)
Active LED
OTDR port
(singlemode live)
The FTB-700 OTDR allows you to characterize a fiber-optic span, usually
optical fiber sections joined by splices and connectors. The optical time
domain reflectometer (OTDR) provides an inside view of the fiber, and can
calculate fiber length, attenuation, breaks, total return loss, and splice,
connector and total losses.
OTDR 1
Introducing the FTB-700 OTDR
Main Features
Main Features
The OTDR:
Offers impressive dynamic range with short dead zones
Performs quick acquisitions with low noise levels to enable accurate
low-loss splice location.
Acquires OTDR traces made of up to 256 000 points that provide a
sampling resolution as fine as 4 cm.
Includes a light source.
Trace Acquisition Modes
The OTDR application provides the following trace acquisition modes:
Auto: Automatically calculates fiber length, sets acquisition
parameters, acquires traces, and displays event tables and acquired
traces.
Advanced: Offers all the tools needed to perform integral OTDR tests
and measurements and gives you control over all test parameters.
Template (optional): Tests fibers and compares the results to a
reference trace that was previously acquired and analyzed. This allows
you to save time when testing a large number of fibers. Reference trace
documentation is also automatically copied to new acquisitions.
Fault Finder: Rapidly locates fiber ends and displays the length of the
fiber under test. This allows you to perform quick tests without having
to set all the acquisition parameters.
2 FTB-700 Series
Introducing the FTB-700 OTDR
Optional Software Packages
Optional Software Packages
There are two optional software packages offered with the application.
With the optional Auto Diagnostic (AD) software package you can:
Have access to the “linear view”, which displays the events
sequentially, from left to right.
Find macrobends and view the related information.
View the summary table, which gives, for each wavelength, the global
status of the results, the span loss and span ORL values.
Test in Fault Finder mode, to rapidly locate fiber ends.
With the optional Event Characterization (EC) software package you can:
Have access to the OTDR Bidirectional application and perform a
bidirectional analysis on two unidirectional OTDR traces.
Test in Template Mode, test fibers and compare the results to a
reference trace.
Data Post-Processing
You can install the FastReporter application (available on the DVD that
came with your product) on a computer to view and analyze traces
without having to use the FTB-1 and an OTDR. You can also access more
features such as:
customized printout
batch printing
conversion of traces to many formats such as Telcordia or ASCII
OTDR 3
Introducing the FTB-700 OTDR
Bidirectional Analysis Application
Bidirectional Analysis Application
Note: This function is available with the optional Event Characterization (EC)
software package only.
You can improve the accuracy of your loss measurements with the
bidirectional analysis application (available with OTSView). This utility
uses OTDR acquisitions from both ends of a fiber span (singlemode traces
only) to average loss results for each event.
4 FTB-700 Series
Introducing the FTB-700 OTDR
Distance
c
n
---
t
2
---
=
OTDR Basic Principles
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:
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)
8
m/s)
OTDR 5
Introducing the FTB-700 OTDR
Microprocessor
Pulse
generator
Avalanche
photodetector (APD)
Display
Reflections come back
to the OTDR
Set of
instructions
Light pulses
Light pulses
Analog-to-digital
converter (A/D)
Returned signal
Analyzed signal
Laser
diode
Optical
coupler
OTDR
port
Fiber
OTDR Basic Principles
An OTDR uses the effects of Rayleigh scattering and Fresnel reflection to
measure the fiber’s condition, but the Fresnel reflection is tens of
thousands of times greater in power level than the backscatter.
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.
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.
When the full trace is displayed, each point represents an average of many
sampling points. You will have to zoom to see each point.
6 FTB-700 Series
Introducing the FTB-700 OTDR
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.
Conventions
IMPORTANT
Refers to information about this product you should not overlook.
OTDR 7
2 Safety Information
General 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 other than those
specified herein may result in exposure to hazardous situations 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.
OTDR 9
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
Both direct and 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)
10 FTB-700 Series
Safety Information
Affixed to module’s
side panel
Laser Safety Information
Laser Safety Information
Your instrument is a Class 1M 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.
WARNING
Viewing the laser output with certain optical instrument (for
example, eye loupes, magnifiers, and microscopes) within a
distance of 100 mm may pose an eye hazard.
The following label(s) indicate that the product contains a Class 1M source:
For more information on product safety and equipment ratings, refer to the
user documentation of your platform.
OTDR 11
3 Getting Started with Your
OTDR
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
CAUTION
Never insert or remove a module while the FTB-1 is turned on. This
will result in immediate and irreparable damage to both the
module and unit.
CAUTION
To avoid damaging your unit, use it only with modules approved by
EXFO.
To insert a module into the FTB-1:
1. Turn off your unit (Shutdown).
2. Position the unit so that its front panel rests on a flat surface such as a
table.
OTDR 13
Getting Started with Your OTDR
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
Place the module on the platform making sure that the bumpers and the
shorter sides of the module are flush with those of the platform. If
necessary, slightly move the module until alignment is correct.
14 FTB-700 Series
Getting Started with Your OTDR
Turn screws
clockwise
Back panel
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
3. Using a flat screwdriver, turn the screws (4) clockwise until they are
tightened.
This will secure the module into its “seated” position.
When you turn on the unit, the startup sequence will automatically detect
the module.
OTDR 15
Getting Started with Your OTDR
Turn screws
counterclockwise
Back panel
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
To remove a module from the FTB-1:
1. Turn off your unit (Shutdown).
2. Position the unit so that its front panel rests on a flat surface such as a
table.
3. Using a flat screwdriver, turn the screws (4) counterclockwise until
they are loose. Since they are captive screws, you cannot remove them
completely.
16 FTB-700 Series
Getting Started with Your OTDR
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
4. Hold the module by its sides (NOT by the connectors) and pull it up.
CAUTION
Pulling a module by its connectors could seriously damage both the
module and connector. Always pull a module by its casing.
OTDR 17
Starting Module Applications
Starting Module Applications
Your modules can be configured and controlled from their dedicated
applications in Mini ToolBox.
To start a module application:
From Mini ToolBox, at the bottom of the window, press the button
corresponding to the desired application.
18 FTB-700 Series
Starting Module Applications
For the FTB-700G Series, from Mini ToolBox, select the OTDR module,
then press the button corresponding to the desired application. Only one
application can run at a time, either NetBlazer or one OTDR application.
Note: To start the NetBlazer application, refer either to the Transport Application
user guide or to the Ethernet/Packet Sync/FC/Wireless user guide for more
information.
OTDR 19
Timer
Data
display
Function
Ta bs
Button bar
To start the Power Meter or Probe application:
From Main Menu, press Power Meter or Probe.
The main window (shown below) contains all the commands required to
control the OTDR:
Note: Due to screen resolution, the appearance of your OTDR application may
vary slightly from the illustrations presented in this user guide.
Timer
Once the acquisition has begun, a timer is displayed on the right-hand side
of the screen, indicating the remaining time until the next acquisition.
20 FTB-700 Series
4 Preparing Your OTDR for a Test
Bare metal
(or blue border)
indicates UPC
option
Green border
indicates APC
option
2 3 4
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.
OTDR 21
Preparing Your OTDR for a Test
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers
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:
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 FTB-700 Series
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