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: 17.0.6
iiFTB-7000 Series
Contents
Contents
Certification Information ..................................................................................................... viii
1 Introducing the Optical Time Domain Reflectometer ................................ 1
Main Features .........................................................................................................................3
Index .............................................................................................................. 315
OTDRvii
Certification Information
Certification Information
FCC 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.
Use of shielded remote I/O cables, with properly grounded shields
and metal connectors, is recommended in order to reduce radio
frequency interference that may emanate from these cables.
IMPORTANT
viiiFTB-7000 Series
Certification Information
Application of Council Directive(s): 2006/95/EC - The Low Voltage Directive
2004/108/EC - The EMC Directive
2006/66/EC - The Battery Directive
93/68/EEC - CE Marking And their amendments
Manufacturer’s Name: EXFO 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.: LAN / WAN ACCESS OTDR / FTB-7200D
Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:
EN 61010-1:2001 Edition 2.0 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 60825-1:2007 Edition 2.0 Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification,
requirements, and user’s guide
EN 55022: 2006 + A1: 2007 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
OTDRix
Certification Information
Application of Council Directive(s): 2006/95/EC - The Low Voltage Directive
2004/108/EC - The EMC Directive
2006/66/EC - The Battery Directive
93/68/EEC - CE Marking And their amendments
Manufacturer’s Name: EXFO 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.: FTTx-PON / MDU OTDR / FTB-7300E
Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:
EN 61010-1:2001 Edition 2.0 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 60825-1:2007 Edition 2.0 Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification,
requirements, and user’s guide
EN 55022: 2006 + A1: 2007 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
xFTB-7000 Series
Certification Information
Application of Council Directive(s): 2006/95/EC - The Low Voltage Directive
2004/108/EC - The EMC Directive
2006/66/EC - The Battery Directive
93/68/EEC - CE Marking And their amendments
Manufacturer’s Name: EXFO 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.: METRO / CWDM OTDR / FTB-7400E
Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:
EN 61010-1:2001 Edition 2.0 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 60825-1:2007 Edition 2.0 Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification,
requirements, and user’s guide
EN 55022: 2006 + A1: 2007 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
OTDRxi
Certification Information
Application of Council Directive(s): 2006/95/EC - The Low Voltage Directive
2004/108/EC - The EMC Directive
2006/66/EC - The Battery Directive
93/68/EEC - CE Marking And their amendments
Manufacturer’s Name: EXFO 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.: METRO / LONG-HAUL OTDR / FTB-7500E
Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:
EN 61010-1:2001 Edition 2.0 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 60825-1:2007 Edition 2.0 Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification,
requirements, and user’s guide
EN 55022: 2006 + A1: 2007 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
xiiFTB-7000 Series
Certification Information
Application of Council Directive(s): 2006/95/EC - The Low Voltage Directive
2004/108/EC - The EMC Directive
2006/66/EC - The Battery Directive
93/68/EEC - CE Marking And their amendments
Manufacturer’s Name: EXFO 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.: ULTRA-LONG-HAUL OTDR / FTB-7600E
Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:
EN 61010-1:2001 Edition 2.0 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 60825-1:2007 Edition 2.0 Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification,
requirements, and user’s guide
EN 55022: 2006 + A1: 2007 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
OTDRxiii
1Introducing the Optical Time
SM / MM OTDR
FTB-7200D
SM
MM
LIVE
Handle
Visual fault locator (VFL) port
(optional)
OTDR port (singlemode)
OTDR port (multimode)
Singlemode and
multimode models
Singlemode and
singlemode live
models
SM OTDR
FTB-7300E
SM
SM
OTDR port (for live-fiber testing)
Domain Reflectometer
The Optical Time Domain Reflectometer 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 Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
OTDR
OTDR port
(singlemode or multimode)
Other models
Handle
Visual fault locator
(VFL) port (optional)
2FTB-7000 Series
Introducing the Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
Main Features
Main Features
The OTDR:
³ Offers impressive dynamic range with short dead zones.
³ Performs quick acquisitions with low noise levels to enable accurate
low-loss splice location.
³ Acquires OTDR traces made of up to 256 000 points that provide a
sampling resolution as fine as 4 cm.
³ Includes a light source and can include an optional visual fault locator.
OTDR3
Introducing the Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
Trace Acquisition Modes
Trace Acquisition Modes
The OTDR application provides the following trace acquisition modes:
parameters, acquires traces, and displays event tables and acquired
traces.
³ Advanced: Offers all the tools needed to perform integral OTDR tests
and measurements and gives you control over all test parameters.
³ Temp l at e (op t ional ): 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.
³ 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.
Optional Software Packages
An optional software package is offered with the application. With this
package, you can find macrobends, view the related information. The
software package also give you access to the “linear view”, which displays
the events sequentially, from left to right.
Note: Optional Software Packages were meant to function on FTB-200 v2 units
and not on FTB-200 units.
Data Post-Processing
You can install the OTDR Viewer (available on the CD that came with your
product) on a computer to view and analyze traces without having to use
an FTB-200 v2 Compact Modular Platform and an OTDR. You can also
access more features such as:
³ customized printout
4FTB-7000 Series
Introducing the Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
Bidirectional Analysis Application
³ batch printing
³ conversion of traces to many formats such as Telcordia or ASCII
Bidirectional Analysis Application
You can improve the accuracy of your loss measurements with the
bidirectional analysis application. This utility uses OTDR acquisitions from
both ends of a fiber span (singlemode traces only) to average loss results
for each event.
Available OTDR Models
A wide variety of multimode and singlemode OTDR models is offered at
several wavelengths to cover all fiber applications from long-haul or WDM
networks to metropolitan networks.
OTDR ModelsDescription
Singlemode
FTB-7200D-B
OTDR5
³ 1310 nm and 1550 nm.
³ 35 dB dynamic range and 1 m event dead zone, useful
to locate closely spaced events.
³ High-resolution feature to obtain more data points per
acquisition. Data points will be closer to each other,
resulting in a greater distance resolution for the trace.
Introducing the Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
Available OTDR Models
OTDR ModelsDescription
Singlemode and
multimode
FTB-7200D-12CD-23B
Singlemode and
singlemode live (SM Live)
FTB-7300E-XXXB
Singlemode
FTB-7400E-XXXXB
³ Four wavelengths: two multimode (850 nm and
1300 nm) and two singlemode (1310 nm and 1550 nm)
in a single module.
³ 26 dB (850 nm)/25 dB (1300 nm)/35 dB
(1310 nm)/34 dB (1550 nm) dynamic range and 1 m
event dead zone, particularly useful to locate closely
spaced events.
³ 4.5 m of attenuation dead zone for both singlemode
and multimode.
³ Allows tests on both 50 μm (C type) and 62.5 μm
(D type) multimode fibers.
³ Optimized for metro network installation and
troubleshooting, access and FTTx test applications
(end-to-end links), and inside plant testing.
³ Test through splitter for FTTH PON characterization.
³ Live fiber out-of-band testing with filtered SM Live port
at 1625 nm or 1650 nm.
³ Attenuation and event dead zone of, respectively, 4 m
and 0.8 m.
³ 38 dB dynamic range.
³ Attenuation dead zone of 4 m for pinpoint event
location
³ Up to 40 dB dynamic range with 0.8 m event dead
zone.
³ Acquires up to 256 000 data points while sampling a
single trace.
³ Up to four test wavelengths (1310 nm, 1383 nm,
1550 nm,1625 nm) for CWDM and DWDM link
characterization
6FTB-7000 Series
Introducing the Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
OTDR ModelsDescription
Available OTDR Models
Singlemode
FTB-7500E-XXXXB
Singlemode
FTB-7600E-XXXXB
³ Event dead zone of 0.8 m and attenuation dead zone of
4 m for pinpoint event location
³ Up to 45 dB dynamic range (on NZDSF with a 20 μs
pulse)
³ High-launch power level minimizes noise effects on
signal.
³ Acquires up to 256 000 data points while sampling a
single trace.
³ Suitable for long-range applications and recommended
when measuring time is a key factor.
³ Up to 50 dB dynamic range (on NZDSF with a 20 μs
pulse)
³ Event dead zone of 1.5 m and attenuation dead zone of
5 m with a 5 ns pulse for high resolution
³ Acquires up to 256 000 data points while sampling a
single trace
³ Suitable for characterization of ultra long cables
³ Best in class analysis for accurate measurement of
loss, reflectance and attenuation.
OTDR7
Introducing the Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
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)
8FTB-7000 Series
Introducing the Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
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.
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.
When the full trace is displayed, each point represents an average of many
sampling points. You will have to zoom to see each point.
OTDR9
Introducing the Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
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.
10FTB-7000 Series
2Safety Information
Affixed to module’s
side panel
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 (Models 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.
OTDR11
Safety Information
Affixed to module’s
side panel
Laser Safety Information (Models with VFL)
Laser Safety Information (Models 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:
12FTB-7000 Series
3Getting Started with Your
OTDR
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
CAUTION
Never insert or remove a module while the FTB-200 v2 Compact
Modular Platform 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, 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.
OTDR13
Getting Started with Your OTDR
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
To insert a module into the FTB-200 v2 Compact Modular
Platform:
1. Turn off your unit.
2. Position the unit so that its front panel is facing you.
14FTB-7000 Series
Getting Started with Your OTDR
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
3. Take the module and place it vertically so that the retaining screw hole
is at the left of the connector pins.
4. Insert the protruding edges of the module into the grooves of the unit’s
module slot.
5. Push the module all the way to the bottom of the slot, until the
retaining screw makes contact with the unit casing.
6. Place the unit so that its bottom panel is facing you.
OTDR15
Getting Started with Your OTDR
Turn retaining screws
clockwise
Bottom panel
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
7. While applying slight pressure to the module, lift the mobile part of the
retaining screw and use it to 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.
16FTB-7000 Series
Getting Started with Your OTDR
Turn retaining screws
counterclockwise
Bottom panel
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
To remove a module from the FTB-200 v2 Compact Modular
Platform:
1. Turn off your unit.
2. Position the unit so that the bottom panel is facing you.
3. Lift the mobile part of the retaining screw and use it to turn the
retaining screw counterclockwise until it stops.
The module will be slowly released from the slot.
4. Place the FTB-200 v2 Compact Modular Platform so that the top panel
is facing you.
OTDR17
Getting Started with Your OTDR
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
5. Hold the module by its sides or by the handle (NOT by the connector)
and pull it out.
CAUTION
Pulling out a module by a connector could seriously damage both
the module and connector. Always pull out a module by its casing.
6. Cover empty slots with the supplied protective covers.
18FTB-7000 Series
Starting Module Applications
Starting Module Applications
Your modules can be configured and controlled from their dedicated
applications in Compact ToolBox.
To start a module application:
1. From Compact ToolBox, select the module to use.
It will turn blue to indicate that it is highlighted.
2. Under Applications, select an application, then press Start.
To start the Power Meter or Probe application:
From Main Menu, press Power Meter or Probe.
OTDR19
Timer
Data
display
Function
tabs
Button bar
The main window (shown below) contains all the commands required to
control the OTDR:
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.
20FTB-7000 Series
4Preparing Your OTDR for a Test
Bare metal
(or blue border)
indicates UPC
option
Green border
indicates APC
option
234
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.
OTDR21
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:
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.
22FTB-7000 Series
Preparing Your OTDR for a Test
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.
OTDR23
Preparing Your OTDR for a Test
Naming Trace Files Automatically
Naming Trace Files Automatically
Each time you start an acquisition, the application suggests a file name
based on autonaming settings. This file name appears on the upper part of
the graph and the linear view.
The file name is made of a static part (alphanumeric) and a variable part
(numeric) that will be incremented or decremented, according to your
selection, as follows:
If you choose incrementation...If you choose decrementation...
Variable part increases until it
reaches the highest possible value
with the selected number of digits
(for example, 99 for 2 digits), then
restarts at 0.
After saving a result, the unit prepares the next file name by incrementing
(or decrementing) the suffix.
Note: If you choose not to save a particular trace file, the suggested file name will
remain available for the next trace you acquire.
This function is particularly useful when working in Template mode or
when testing multiple-fiber cables.
If you deactivate the automatic file naming function, the application will
prompt you to specify a file name. The default file name is Unnamed.trc.
By default, traces are saved in native (.trc) format, but you can configure
your unit to save them in Bellcore (.sor) format (see Selecting the Default File Format on page 93).
Variable part decreases until it
reaches 0, then restarts at the highest possible value with the selected
number of digits (for example, 99 for
2 digits).
24FTB-7000 Series
Preparing Your OTDR for a Test
Naming Trace Files Automatically
Note: If you select the Bellcore (.sor) format, the unit will create one file per
wavelength (for example, TRACE001_1310.sor and TRACE001_1550.sor, if
you included both 1310 nm and 1550 nm in your test). The native format
contains all wavelengths in a single file.
To configure the automatic file naming:
1. From the button bar, press OTDR Setup.
2. Select the Acquisition tab.
3. Press Default Trace Information.
OTDR25
Preparing Your OTDR for a Test
Number of digits
composing the
variable part
Value at which the
autonumbering
sequence starts
The variable part will
increase or decrease
depending on your
choice
Naming Trace Files Automatically
4. Fill out the required information in the corresponding boxes and select
the direction for your trace files.
5. Press the button appearing next to the Fiber ID box to change the
contents of the fiber identification.
6. Change the criteria as needed, then press OK to confirm your new
settings and return to the Default Trace Information window.
26FTB-7000 Series
Preparing Your OTDR for a Test
This preview is
updated
automatically as you
make your selections
Items that can be
included in the file
name
To select the separator in
the automatic
numbering section
To add personalized
information not included
in the filename criteria
To modify the order of appearance of the
selected components in the file name
Naming Trace Files Automatically
7. Press File Autonaming to set up the trace file name options.
8. In the File Name window, select the desired components to include in
the file name. You can change the order of apparition with the up and
down arrow buttons.
OTDR27
9. Press OK to confirm your new settings.
Preparing Your OTDR for a Test
Enabling or Disabling the First Connector Check
Enabling or Disabling the First Connector
Check
Note: This function is available in all OTDR modes. However, the first connector
check parameter used in Fault Finder mode is independent from the one
used in the other OTDR modes (Auto, Advanced and Template).
The first connector check feature is used to verify that the fibers are
properly connected to the OTDR. It verifies the injection level and displays
a message when an unusually high loss occurs at the first connection,
which could indicate that no fiber is connected to the OTDR port. By
default, this feature is not enabled.
Note: The first connector check is only performed when you test at singlemode
wavelengths.
To enable or disable the first connector check:
1. From the Main Menu, press OTDR Setup then press the General tab.
2. To enable the first connector check, select the First connector check
box.
OR
To disable it, clear the box.
28FTB-7000 Series
Preparing Your OTDR for a Test
Setting Macrobend Parameters
Setting Macrobend Parameters
Note: This function is available both in Advanced and Auto modes.
Your unit can locate macrobends by comparing the loss values measured
at a certain location, for a certain wavelength (for example, 1310 nm) with
the loss values measured at the corresponding location, but for a greater
wavelength (for example, 1550 nm).
The unit will identify a macrobend when comparing two loss values if:
³ Of the two loss values, the greater loss occurred at the greater
wavelength.
AND
³ The difference between the two loss values exceeds the defined delta
loss value. The default delta loss value is 0.5 dB (which is suitable for
most fibers), but you can modify it.
You can also disable macrobend detection.
Note: Macrobend detection is only possible with singlemode wavelengths.
Filtered wavelengths or wavelengths of dedicated OTDR ports are not
available for macrobend detection.
For information on how the information about macrobends is available
after an acquisition, see Linear View on page 108 and Summary Table on
page 110.
OTDR29
Preparing Your OTDR for a Test
Setting Macrobend Parameters
To set macrobend parameters:
1. From the Main Menu, press OTDR Setup then select the General tab.
2. To enable the macrobend detection, select the Show macrobend
check box.
OR
To disable it, clear the check box.
3. If necessary, set the delta value as follows:
3a. From the Wavelengths list, select the pair of wavelengths for
which you want to define the delta value.
Only the combinations of wavelengths your module can support
will be available.
For more significant results, EXFO recommends to always select
the combination of wavelengths including the smallest possible
wavelength and the greatest wavelength (for example, if your
module supports 1310 nm, 1550 nm, and 1625 nm, you would
select the 1310 nm/1625 nm combination).
3b. In the Delta (loss) box, enter the desired value.
3c. Repeat steps 3a and 3b for all combinations of wavelengths.
To revert to default settings:
1. Press Default.
2. When the application prompts you, answer Yes if you want to apply the
settings to all combinations of wavelengths.
30FTB-7000 Series
Preparing Your OTDR for a Test
Launch Conditions for Multimode Measurements
Launch Conditions for Multimode
Measurements
In a multimode fiber network, the attenuation of a signal is highly
dependent on the mode distribution (or launch condition) of the source
that emits this signal.
In the same way, the attenuation reading performed by any test instrument
will also depend on the mode distribution of its light source.
A single light source cannot be conditioned for both 50 μm (50 MMF) and
62.5 μm (62.5 MMF) fibers at the same time:
³ A source conditioned for 50 MMF testing will be under-filled for
62.5 MMF testing.
³ A source conditioned for 62.5 MMF will be overfilled for 50 MMF testing.
TIA/EIA-455-34A (FOTP34, Method A2) is providing a target launch
condition that is obtained when using an overfilled source followed by
mandrel-wrap mode filter (five close-wound turns around a mandrel tool
of a given diameter).
Your product has been conditioned for 62.5 MMF testing. However, you can
also test with 50 MMF fibers.
OTDR31
Preparing Your OTDR for a Test
Launch Conditions for Multimode Measurements
The table below gives information about tests with the 50 μm and 62.5 μm
fibers.
Fiber typeRecommended mode filterRemarks
50 μmPerform a five-turn
mandrel-wrap (wrapping the
patchcord a minimum of five
turns around the mandrel tool)
on the patchcord connecting
the OTDR to the fiber under
test.
As per FOTP-34:
³ For fibers with 3 mm
jacket: use a mandrel tool
with a diameter of 25 mm.
³ For fibers without jacket:
use a mandrel tool with a
diameter of 22 mm.
62.5 μmNo mode filter required.Loss measurements similar to
Nominal launch conditions are
overfilled.
Loss measurements can be
slightly pessimistic (higher loss)
when compared to loss
measurements done with a
50 MMF source compliant to
FOTP34, Method A2.
those obtained with a power
meter and a source that is
conditioned according to
FOTP34, Method A2.
IMPORTANT
If you test with 50 μm fibers, EXFO recommends that you use a
mode filter (mandrel-wrap). Otherwise, you may obtain results with
a 0.1 to 0.3 dB excess loss.
32FTB-7000 Series
5Testing Fibers in Auto Mode
Auto mode automatically evaluates fiber length, sets acquisition
parameters, acquires traces, and displays event tables and acquired traces.
In Auto mode, you can set the following parameters directly:
³ Test w a ve lengt h s ( all selected by default)
³ Fiber type (singlemode, singlemode live, or multimode) for models
supporting these fiber types
³ Autorange acquisition time
³ IOR (group index), RBS coefficient and helix factor
For all other parameters, the application uses those defined in Advanced
mode, except that analysis is always performed after acquisitions.
If you ever need to modify other parameters, go to Advanced mode (see
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode on page 37 and Preparing Your OTDR for
a Test on page 21).
In Auto mode, the application will automatically evaluate the best settings
according to the fiber link currently connected to the unit (in less than
5 seconds). If you interrupt it, no data will be displayed.
Fiber characteristics are evaluated only once per session. Other fibers you
connect to, within the same cable, will be tested with the same settings.
When you start testing another link, you can reset these parameters.
Once this evaluation is complete, the application starts acquiring the trace.
The trace display is continually updated.
Note: You can interrupt the acquisition at any time. The application will display
the information acquired to that point.
OTDR33
Testing Fibers in Auto Mode
Event
pane
Tra ce
display
Once the acquisition is complete or interrupted, the analysis starts for
acquisitions of 5 seconds or more.
After analysis, the trace is displayed and events appear in the events table.
The application will also display status messages if you have selected to
display pass/fail messages (see Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds on page 53).
You can save the trace after analysis. If former results have not been saved
yet, the application prompts you to save them before starting a new
acquisition.
34FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Auto Mode
To acquire traces in Auto mode:
1. Clean the connectors properly.
2. Connect a fiber to the OTDR port.
If your unit is equipped with two OTDR ports, ensure that you connect
the fiber to the appropriate port (singlemode, singlemode live, or
multimode), depending on the wavelength you intend to use.
CAUTION
Never connect a live fiber to the OTDR port without a proper setup.
Any incoming optical power ranging from –65 dBm to –40 dBm will
affect the OTDR acquisition. The way the acquisition will be
affected depends on the selected pulse width.
Any incoming signal greater than –20 dBm could damage your
OTDR permanently. For live-fiber testing, refer to the SM Live port
specifications for the characteristics of the built-in filter.
3. Set the autorange acquisition time (see Setting the Autorange
Acquisition Time on page 42).
4. Go to the OTDR tab.
5. If your OTDR supports singlemode, singlemode live, or multimode
wavelengths, under Wavelengths, from the list, select the desired fiber
type (for live-fiber testing, select SM Live; for C fiber, select 50 μm and
for D fiber, select 62.5 μm).
OTDR35
Testing Fibers in Auto Mode
6. Select the boxes corresponding to the desired test wavelengths. You
must select at least one wavelength.
7. If you want to clear the settings the OTDR has determined to start with
a new set of OTDR settings, press Reset.
8. Press Start or from the keypad.
If the first connector check feature is enabled, a message will appear if
there is a problem with the injection level (see Enabling or Disabling the First Connector Check on page 28).
9. Once the analysis is complete, save the trace by pressing Quick Save
in the button bar or from the keypad.
The application will use a file name based on the autonaming
parameters you defined (see Naming Trace Files Automatically on
page 24). This file name appears at the top of the graph and at the top
of the linear view table.
Note: The application will only display the Save File dialog box if you have
activated the feature to always be prompted when you save a file. From
this dialog box, you can change the location, the file name and the file
format.
9a. If necessary, change the folder to which the file will be saved by
pressing the Location button.
9b. If necessary, specify a file name.
IMPORTANT
If you specify the name of an existing trace, the original file will be
overwritten and only the new file will be available.
10. Press OK to confirm.
36FTB-7000 Series
6Testing Fibers in Advanced
Mode
Advanced mode offers all the tools you need to perform complete OTDR
tests and measurements manually and gives you control over all test
parameters.
Note: Most parameters can only be set if you select Advanced mode first. Once
you have finished selecting your settings, you can simply return to the test
mode you prefer.
By default, in Advanced mode, all available test wavelengths are selected.
In this mode, you can either set the acquisition parameters yourself or let
the application determine the most appropriate values.
In the latter case, the application will automatically evaluate the best
settings according to the fiber link currently connected to the unit:
³ The pulse width will be determined using a factory-defined
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) requirement specified where the
End-of-Fiber (EoF) event has been detected.
The EoF event detection algorithm uses the end-of-fiber threshold
defined in the tab of the application setup. If you are not sure about
which value to choose, revert to the factory default value for this
parameter.
³ The range will then be set automatically. This optimum value may
differ from the values currently associated with the Distance dial of the
main window. In this case, the application will “add” the required
value and mark it with a * symbol.
³ The application uses the acquisition time defined in the Acquisition
tab of the OTDR setup (for more information, see Setting the Autorange
Acquisition Time on page 42). The default value is 15 seconds. Longer
acquisitions give better OTDR results.
OTDR37
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Event
pane
Tra ce
display
Although the application sets the acquisition parameters, you can modify
these values as needed, even while the acquisition is in progress. The
OTDR simply restarts the averaging each time a modification is made.
Note: You can interrupt the acquisition at any time. The application will display
the information acquired to that point.
Once the acquisition is complete or interrupted, the analysis starts for
acquisitions of 5 seconds or more.
After analysis, the trace is displayed. Events appear both in the events table
and in the linear view (if you purchased the optional software package).
The application will also display pass/fail messages if you have selected
this feature. For more information, see Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds on
page 53.
You can save the trace after analysis. If former results have not been saved
yet, the application prompts you to save them before starting a new
acquisition.
38FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
To acquire traces:
1. Clean the connectors properly (see Cleaning and Connecting Optical
Fibers on page 22).
2. Connect a fiber to the OTDR port.
If your unit is equipped with two OTDR ports, ensure that you connect
the fiber to the appropriate port (singlemode, singlemode live, or
multimode), depending on the wavelength you intend to use.
CAUTION
Never connect a live fiber to the OTDR port without a proper setup.
Any incoming optical power ranging from –65 dBm to –40 dBm will
affect the OTDR acquisition. The way the acquisition will be
affected depends on the selected pulse width.
Any incoming signal greater than –20 dBm could damage your
OTDR permanently. For live-fiber testing, refer to the SM Live port
specifications for the characteristics of the built-in filter.
3. If you want the application to provide automatic acquisition values, set
the autorange acquisition time (see Setting the Autorange Acquisition Time on page 42).
4. If you want to set your own IOR (group index), RBS coefficient or helix
factor, see Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient, and Helix Factor on
page 43.
5. Go to the OTDR tab.
6. If you want to test in high resolution, simply select the feature (see
Enabling the High-Resolution Feature on page 49).
OTDR39
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
7. If your OTDR supports singlemode, singlemode live, or multimode
wavelengths, under Wavelengths, from the list, select the desired fiber
type (for live-fiber testing, select SM Live; for C fiber, select 50 μm and
for D fiber, select 62.5 μm).
8. Select the boxes corresponding to the desired test wavelengths. You
must select at least one wavelength.
9. Select the desired distance, pulse, and time values. For more
information, see Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width, and Acquisition Time on page 45.
10. Press Start or from the keypad. If the first connector check
feature is enabled, a message will appear if there is a problem with the
injection level (see Enabling or Disabling the First Connector Check on
page 28).
You can modify the acquisition parameters as needed, while the
acquisition is in progress. The OTDR simply restarts the averaging each
time a modification is made.
11. Once the analysis is complete, save the trace by pressing Quick Save
in the button bar or from the keypad.
The application will use a file name based on the autonaming
parameters you defined (see Naming Trace Files Automatically on
page 24). This file name appears at the top of the graph and at the top
of the linear view table.
40FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Note: The application will only display the Save File dialog box if you have
activated the feature to always be prompted when you save a file. From
this dialog box, you can change the location, the file name and the file
format.
11a.If necessary, change the folder to which the file will be saved by
pressing the Location button.
11b.If necessary, specify a file name.
IMPORTANT
If you enter the name of an existing trace, the original file will be
replaced with the new file.
12. Press OK to confirm.
OTDR41
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Setting the Autorange Acquisition Time
Setting the Autorange Acquisition Time
Note: This function is available both in Advanced and Auto modes.
When performing automatic acquisitions in Advanced mode (see Te st in g
Fibers in Advanced Mode on page 37) or before activating Auto mode (see
Testing Fibers in Auto Mode on page 33), you can set an autorange
acquisition time for the OTDR to average acquisitions over a set time
period.
The application uses this value to determine the best settings for the test.
Note: In Template mode, the acquisition time of the reference trace is used for all
trace acquisitions, not the autorange acquisition time.
To set the autorange acquisition time:
1. From the button bar, press OTDR Setup then go to the Acquisition tab.
2. Go to the Autorange acquisition time box and press the up or down
arrow to select your preference. The default value is 30 seconds.
3. Press Exit OTDR Setup to return to the OTDR application.
42FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient, and Helix Factor
Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient, and Helix
Factor
Note: This function is available both in Advanced and Auto modes.
You s ho u ld s et t he I O R ( g rou p in dex ) , RBS coefficient and helix factor
before performing tests in order to apply them to all newly acquired traces.
However, if you are in Advanced mode, you can also set them at a later
time in the Trace Info. tab to reanalyze a specific trace.
³ The index of refraction (IOR) value (also known as group index) is
used to convert time-of-flight to distance. Having the proper IOR is
crucial for all OTDR measurements associated with distance (event
position, attenuation, section length, total length, etc.). IOR is provided
by the cable or fiber manufacturer.
The test application determines a default value for each wavelength.
You can set the IOR value for each available wavelength. You should
verify this information before each test.
³ The Rayleigh backscatter (RBS) coefficient represents the amount of
backscatter in a particular fiber. The RBS coefficient is used in the
calculation of event loss and reflectance, and it can usually be
obtained from the cable manufacturer.
The test application determines a default value for each wavelength.
You can set the RBS coefficient for each available wavelength.
³ The helix factor takes into consideration the difference between the
length of the cable and the length of the fiber inside the cable. Fibers
within a cable are spiraling around the cable core. The helix factor
describes the pitch of that spiral.
By setting the helix factor, the length of the OTDR distance axis is
always equivalent to the physical length of the cable (not the fiber).
To set the IOR, RBS, and helix factor parameters:
1. From the button bar, press OTDR Setup.
OTDR43
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Wavelength for which
RBS and IOR will be
defined
Index of refraction
Rayleigh backscatter
coefficient
Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient, and Helix Factor
2. From the OTDR Setup window, go to the Acquisition tab.
3. Use the up or down arrow located on the side of the wavelength box to
select the desired wavelength.
IMPORTANT
Change the default RBS coefficient only if you have values provided
by the fiber manufacturer. If you set this parameter incorrectly, your
reflectance measurements will be inaccurate.
4. Select the default settings by pressing Default. When the application
prompts you, answer Yes only if you want to apply the new settings to
all wavelengths.
OR
Enter your own values in the boxes, for each available wavelength.
Note: You cannot define a different helix factor for each wavelength. This value
takes into account the difference between the length of the cable and the
length of the fiber inside the cable; it does not vary with wavelengths.
5. Press Exit OTDR Setup.
44FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width, and Acquisition Time
Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width, and
Acquisition Time
The distance range, pulse width and acquisition time are set with the
controls in the Advanced main window.
³ Distance: corresponds to the distance range of the fiber span to be
tested according to the selected measurement units (see Selecting the Distance Units on page 96).
Changing the distance range alters the available settings of the pulse
width and leaves only the settings available for the specified range. You
can select either Auto or one of the predefined values.
If your OTDR model is FTB-7000D or later, youYou can customize the
available distance range values (see Customizing the Acquisition Distance Range Values on page 98). If you select Auto, the application
will evaluate the fiber length and set the acquisition parameters
accordingly.
³ Pulse: corresponds to the pulse width for the test. A longer pulse
allows you to probe further along the fiber, but results in less
resolution. A shorter pulse width provides higher resolution, but less
distance range. The available distance ranges and pulse widths
depend on your OTDR model.
Note: Not all pulse widths are compatible with all distance ranges.
You can select either Auto or one of the predefined values.
If you select Auto, the application will evaluate the fiber type and length
and set the acquisition parameters accordingly.
OTDR45
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width, and Acquisition Time
³ Time: corresponds to the acquisition duration (period during which
results will be averaged). Generally, longer acquisition times generate
cleaner traces (this is especially true with long-distance traces)
because as the acquisition time increases, more of the noise is
averaged out. This averaging increases the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
and the OTDR’s ability to detect small events.
The time settings will also determine how the timer (displayed in the
toolbar) counts time during testing (see Timer on page 20).
If the predefined values do not suit your needs, you can customize one
or all of them. For more information, see Customizing the Acquisition Time Values on page 100.
In addition to the displayed values, the following time modes are
available:
³ Real: used to immediately view changes in the fiber under test. In
this mode, the SNR of the trace is lower and the trace is refreshed
instead of averaged until you press Stop.
You can alternate between real mode and averaging time interval
mode while an acquisition is in progress.
Note: The Real item will be available if only one wavelength is selected.
³ Auto: the application will use the autorange acquisition time that
you have previously defined (see Setting the Autorange Acquisition
Time on page 42). It will also evaluate the fiber type and length and
set the acquisition parameters accordingly.
You can use the same distance range, pulse width and acquisition time
parameters for testing at all wavelengths on a multiwavelength OTDR.
IMPORTANT
To test using the high-resolution feature, the acquisition time must
be of at least 15 seconds.
46FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Parameters setting dials
Selection
marker
Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width, and Acquisition Time
To set the parameters:
From the OTDR tab:
³ Press the dial corresponding to the parameter you wish to set (the
selection marker will move clockwise) or use the selection dial located
on the front of the unit.
OR
³ Press directly the value to select it. The selection marker will go to that
value immediately.
If you want the application to provide automatic acquisition values, move
at least one dial to the Auto position. The other dials are automatically set
accordingly.
Note: If your OTDR supports singlemode, singlemode live, or multimode
wavelengths, settings would be applied to either singlemode, singlemode
live, or multimode wavelengths, depending on the selected fiber type
(same settings for 50 μm and 62.5 μm).
OTDR47
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width, and Acquisition Time
To use the same pulse and acquisition time for all wavelengths:
1. From the button bar, press OTDR Setup, then go to the Acquisition
tab.
2. Select the Apply settings to all wavelengths box.
The modifications you make to pulse, time, and range settings will now be
applied to all wavelengths.
48FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Enabling the High-Resolution Feature
Enabling the High-Resolution Feature
If your OTDR model is FTB-7000D or later, You can select the
high-resolution feature to obtain more data points per acquisition. This
way, the data points will be closer to each other, which will result in a
greater distance resolution for the trace.
Note: When you test with the high-resolution feature, you should use a longer
averaging time to maintain a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) that will be
equivalent to the one you would have got with the standard resolution.
Note: You can use high resolution with any test mode (except when you monitor
fiber in real time), but you must be in Advanced mode to select it. In
Template mode, you will have to acquire the reference trace using high
resolution. This way, all subsequent acquisitions will use this feature
automatically.
IMPORTANT
To test using the high-resolution feature, the acquisition time must
be of at least 15 seconds.
OTDR49
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Enabling the High-Resolution Feature
To enable the high-resolution feature:
1. From the button bar, press OTDR Setup.
2. Go to the Acquisition tab.
3. Select the High-resolution acquisition box.
Note: If your OTDR supports singlemode, singlemode live, or multimode
wavelengths, the high-resolution feature will be activated either for the
singlemode, singlemode live, or multimode wavelengths, depending on the
selected fiber type.
4. Press Exit OTDR Setup to return to the main window.
50FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Enabling or Disabling Analysis After Acquisition
Enabling or Disabling Analysis After
Acquisition
The OTDR trace acquisition procedure will be completed by the analysis.
You can either choose to automatically analyze each trace immediately
after the acquisition, or perform the analysis whenever it suits you best.
When the analysis process is disabled, the Event table of a newly acquired
trace will be empty.
You can also set a default fiber span, which will be applied during the
analysis of all traces to display test results. For details, see Setting a Default Span Start and Span End on page 58.
Note: In Auto mode, the application always performs an analysis after the
acquisition.
OTDR51
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Enabling or Disabling Analysis After Acquisition
To enable or disable the analysis after trace acquisition:
1. From the button bar, press OTDR Setup.
2. Go to the Analysis tab.
3. If you want the OTDR to automatically analyze an acquired trace,
select the Automatically analyze data after acquisition box.
If you clear the check box, the trace will be acquired without being
analyzed.
Note: By default, traces are automatically analyzed as they are acquired.
4. Press Exit OTDR Setup to return to the main window.
52FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds
You can activate and set Pass/Fail threshold parameters for your tests.
You can set thresholds for splice loss, connector loss, reflectance, fiber
section attenuation, span loss, span length, and span ORL. You can apply
the same pass/fail thresholds to all test wavelengths or apply them
separately to each one.
You can set different pass/fail thresholds for each available test
wavelength. These pass/fail thresholds will be applied to the analysis
results of all newly acquired traces with the corresponding wavelength.
By default, the application provides threshold values for the following
wavelengths: 1310 nm, 1383 nm, 1390 nm, 1410 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm,
1625 nm, and 1650 nm. However, if you work with files containing other
wavelengths, the application will automatically add these custom
wavelengths to the list of available wavelengths. You will then be able to
define thresholds for these new wavelengths. You can revert all thresholds
to their default values, except if they are associated with custom
wavelengths.
The loss, reflectance and attenuation thresholds that you set are applied to
all events where such values can be measured. Setting these thresholds
allows you either to ignore events with known lower values, or to ensure
that all events are detected—even the ones for which very small values are
measured.
OTDR53
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds
The following table provides the default, minimum and maximum
thresholds.
TestDefaultMinimumMaximum
Splice loss (dB)1.0000.015 5.000
Connector loss (dB)1.0000.015 5.000
Reflectance (dB)–40.00 –80.00.0
Fiber section attenuation (dB/km)0.4000.0005.000
Span loss (dB)45.0000.00045.000
Span length (km)0.000.0000300.0000
Span ORL (dB)15.0015.0040.00
Once the thresholds are set, the application will be able to perform
Pass/Fail tests to determine the status of the various events (pass or fail).
The Pass/Fail test is performed on two occasions:
³ when analyzing or reanalyzing a trace
³ when you open a trace file
Values that are greater than the predefined thresholds are displayed in
white on a red background in the events table.
The Pass/Fail threshold LED, located on the front of the unit, will also
indicate the status (green for pass, red for fail).
You can also set the application to display pass/fail messages when the
Pass/Fail test is performed.
54FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Threshold to set
Value associated
with the
threshold to set
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds
To set pass/fail thresholds:
1. From the button bar, select OTDR Setup, then select the Event Table
tab.
2. From the Wave l e n gth list, select the wavelength for which you want to
set thresholds.
3. Select the boxes corresponding to the thresholds that you want to use,
and enter the desired values in the appropriate fields.
Note: If you no longer want the application to take into account a particular
threshold, simply clear the corresponding box.
4. If you want the application to display messages when events fail the
test, select Display Pass/Fail message.
OTDR55
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds
5. If you want to apply the thresholds you have just defined to one or
several other wavelengths, proceed as follows:
5a. Press the Copy to Other Wavelengths button.
5b. Select the boxes corresponding to the wavelengths for which you
want to use the same thresholds.
Note: You can use the Select All button to quickly select all boxes at the same
time.
5c. Press OK to confirm you selection.
6. Press Exit OTDR Setup to return to the main window.
56FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds
To revert to default threshold values and to delete custom
wavelengths:
1. From the button bar, select OTDR Setup, then select the Event Table
tab.
2. Press the Revert to Factory Settings button.
3. When the application prompts you, confirm the modification with Yes.
All threshold values of all wavelengths are returned to their default values,
except for thresholds that are associated with custom wavelengths.
IMPORTANT
When you revert thresholds to their default values, custom
wavelengths will be deleted from the list of available wavelengths,
except if a file using at least one of these wavelengths is still open.
OTDR57
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Setting a Default Span Start and Span End
Setting a Default Span Start and Span End
By default, the span start and span end of a fiber are assigned, respectively,
to the first event (the launch level event) and the last event (often a
non-reflective or reflective end event) of a trace.
You can change the default fiber span that will be applied during the initial
trace analysis.
You can set the span start and span end on a particular event or at a certain
distance value from the beginning or end of the trace. You can even define
a fiber span for short fibers by placing the span start and the span end on
the same event.
³ By default, the number of available events is set to 10 and, therefore,
does not necessarily reflect the actual number of events displayed.
³ When you set a distance value for the span start or end, the application
searches for a nearby event. If it finds one, the span start or end is
assigned to that event, rather than at the exact distance you have set.
Changes to the span start and span end will modify the contents of the
events table. The span start becomes event 1 and its distance reference
becomes 0. Events excluded from the fiber span are grayed out in the
events table, and do not appear in the trace display. The cumulative loss is
calculated within the defined fiber span only.
Note: You can also change the fiber span of a single trace after the analysis and
reanalyze the trace (see Analyzing or Reanalyzing a Trace on page 151).
However, if you want to keep working with the original parameters, you
must reenter them.
58FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Setting a Default Span Start and Span End
To change the default span start and span end for traces:
1. From the button bar, press OTDR Setup.
2. From the OTDR Setup window, go to the Analysis tab.
3. If you want to set the span start and end with a distance value, under
Span start and Span end, select Set by distance.
Go to the Position box and enter the desired value, using the distance
units displayed to the right of the field.
Under Span end, indicate whether the span end position is from the
fiber span start or from the end of the fiber.
OR
If you want to set the span start and end on a particular event, under
Span start and Span end, select Set on event.
From the Event number field, use the up or down arrow to select the
number of the event that you want to designate as span start or span
end.
The span event parameters are applied to all newly acquired traces.
OTDR59
7Testing Fibers in Template
Mode
Template mode allows you to test fibers and compare them to a reference
trace that was previously acquired and analyzed.
Template Principle
Cables contain numerous fibers. Theoretically, on all these fibers, you will
find the same events at the same location (due to connectors, splices,
etc.). Template mode allows you to test these fibers one after the other
quickly and efficiently and ensures that no event remains undetected.
The Template mode concept is to acquire a reference trace (template),
add information and comments on the current job, then save the trace.
For a more accurate reference trace, you can update it with new events
that may occur during the first acquisitions (up to fifteen).
The test application will flag possible problems and discrepancies between
the reference trace and other traces.
Each new acquisition will be compared to the reference trace and the
software will mark and measure any missing event.
If the reference trace was created with the ToolBox software on an
FTB-500 or a computer, the event-related comments inserted in the
reference trace, as well as the reference trace report, are automatically
copied to subsequent traces.
Note: You cannot add comments to events or to a reference trace.
OTDR61
Testing Fibers in Templa t e Mo d e
Restrictions of Template Mode
You can save the trace after analysis. If former results have not been saved
yet, the application prompts you to save them before starting a new
acquisition.
Template mode can be used on an unlimited number of traces, as long as
you have at least one reference trace. Thus, you can use Template mode to
automate trace acquisition.
Restrictions of Template Mode
To speed up trace acquisition in Template mode, certain restrictions apply.
³ The parameters used to acquire the reference trace are automatically
applied when acquiring subsequent traces (including the
high-resolution feature, when applicable).
³ The reference trace and subsequent traces must be acquired using
identical wavelength(s), but pulse settings can be adjacent and still be
accepted.
³ The OTDR that you intend to use must support at least one wavelength
that was used to acquire the reference trace.
³ The reference trace and subsequent traces (or recalled traces) must
Fiber typesCompare singlemode traces with singlemode traces.
Compare multimode traces with multimode traces.
Number of
events
Acquisition
mode
Traces must have at least two events (span start and span end) and a
fiber section.
Reference trace must not be acquired in Real mode (see Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width, and Acquisition Time on page 45).
Wavelengths Reference wavelengths and wavelengths of subsequent (or reloaded)
traces must be identical.
When you process traces using an OTDR, you acquire the traces as you go
along. When you process traces on a computer, you use traces stored on
disk; therefore, applying the span length is optional.
OTDR63
Testing Fibers in Templa t e Mo d e
Acquiring the Reference Trace
Acquiring the Reference Trace
You must acquire a reference trace before you start the Template mode.
The acquisition parameters you define for this reference trace will be used
to acquire subsequent traces.
To acquire the reference trace:
1. Clean the connectors properly (see Cleaning and Connecting Optical
Fibers on page 22).
2. Connect a fiber to the OTDR port.
If your unit is equipped with two OTDR ports, ensure that you connect
the fiber to the appropriate port (singlemode, singlemode live, or
multimode), depending on the wavelength you intend to use.
Never connect a live fiber to the OTDR port without a proper setup.
Any incoming optical power ranging from –65 dBm to –40 dBm will
affect the OTDR acquisition. The way the acquisition will be
affected depends on the selected pulse width.
Any incoming signal greater than –20 dBm could damage your
OTDR permanently. For live-fiber testing, refer to the SM Live port
specifications for the characteristics of the built-in filter.
CAUTION
3. Acquire a trace in Auto or Advanced test mode. If you want to test
using high resolution, you will have to select this feature before
acquiring the reference trace. For more information, see Te s tin g Fi ber s in Auto Mode on page 33 or Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode on
page 37.
4. If necessary, define the span start and end (see Analyzing the Fiber on
a Specific Fiber Span on page 153).
5. Once the analysis is complete, save the trace by pressing Quick Save
in the button bar or from the keypad.
64FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Template Mode
Acquiring the Reference Trace
The application will use a file name based on the autonaming
parameters you defined (see Naming Trace Files Automatically on
page 24). This file name appears at the top of the graph and at the top
of the linear view table.
Note: The application will only display the Save File dialog box if you have
activated the feature to always be prompted when you save a file. From
this dialog box, you can change the location, the file name and the file
format.
OTDR65
Testing Fibers in Templa t e Mo d e
Acquiring Traces in Template Mode
Acquiring Traces in Template Mode
To acquire traces in Template mode, you must first open your reference
trace in the application.
If you want your reference trace to be more accurate, you can update it
with the new events that might be found.
The application will automatically switch to Template mode once the
reference update is complete, that is, after 15 acquisitions or after you stop
the update manually.
To acquire traces in Template mode:
1. If necessary, clean the connectors (see Cleaning and Connecting
Optical Fibers on page 22) and connect a fiber to the OTDR port.
If your unit is equipped with two OTDR ports, ensure that you connect
the fiber to the appropriate port (singlemode, singlemode live, or
multimode), depending on the wavelength you intend to use.
Never connect a live fiber to the OTDR port without a proper setup.
Any incoming optical power ranging from –65 dBm to –40 dBm will
affect the OTDR acquisition. The way the acquisition will be
affected depends on the selected pulse width.
Any incoming signal greater than –20 dBm could damage your
OTDR permanently. For live-fiber testing, refer to the SM Live port
specifications for the characteristics of the built-in filter.
CAUTION
2. When the application prompts you, select the trace you want to use as
the reference trace. If you do not select it immediately, you will have to
select it manually before starting your test (see Selecting a Reference Trace on page 74). By default, all wavelengths are selected, but you
can adjust the selection to your needs.
66FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Template Mode
3. Set test parameters.
3a. From the button bar, press OTDR Setup.
3b. Select the Create Ref./Template tab.
Acquiring Traces in Template Mode
If necessary, select Create reference trace to update your
reference trace for the next acquisitions.
This mode will use the first 15 traces (or less, if you stop the
process manually) to continue compiling events.
Note: You can disable the mode by clearing the Create reference trace box
between two acquisitions.
OTDR67
Testing Fibers in Templa t e Mo d e
Acquiring Traces in Template Mode
Once the first 15 acquisitions have been performed, or if you stop
the reference update manually, the only way to reactivate it will be
to close the application and start a new acquisition in Template
mode.
3c. Set the Template mode option you want to use on the current
trace acquisition:
³ Consider only the events already indicated on the reference trace
and ignore any other event occurring on the current trace.
³ Keep all the events on the current trace, whether they are on the
reference trace or not. You can delete these events later.
3d. Press Exit OTDR Setup to return to the main window.
3e. If you selected Create reference trace at step 4b, update your
reference trace as follows:
3f. Press Start or from the keypad.
IMPORTANT
If the first connector check feature is enabled, a message will
appear if there is a problem with the injection level (see Enabling or Disabling the First Connector Check on page 28).
All traces will automatically be acquired and analyzed, and the
events will be identified.
68FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Template Mode
Acquiring Traces in Template Mode
4. If applicable, the application will display the number of new events
detected for each wavelength.
4a. Press OK to close the dialog box.
Note: You can only add events to the reference trace during reference update.
Note: If you chose the Keep all events feature for the acquisitions that will be
performed after the update, you may find it useful to add newly detected
events to obtain a more accurate reference trace.
OTDR69
Testing Fibers in Templa t e Mo d e
Acquiring Traces in Template Mode
5. Question marks will appear in the Event table to identify new events
not found on the reference trace. If you want to add these marked
events to the reference trace, press Add to Ref. You can also delete
unwanted events with the Delete button.
³ Asterisks (“*”) identify events that were not found on the main trace,
but that were added because they exist on the reference trace.
³ Question marks identify events found on the main trace that do not
exist on the reference trace. Numbers will be assigned to new events
when the trace is analyzed.
Asterisks and question marks are used to identify events without
modifying the existing event numbers. This way, you can match the
events of the reference trace with those of the main trace more easily.
Note: If you select the Analyze Reference Events Only feature (from OTDR
setup), the Add to Ref. and Delete buttons are unavailable. Events that are
not on the reference trace, but that are detected on the acquired trace, are
deleted.
70FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Template Mode
Acquiring Traces in Template Mode
5a. Once the analysis is complete, save the trace by pressing
Quick Save in the button bar or from the keypad.
The application will use a file name based on the autonaming
parameters you defined (see Naming Trace Files Automatically on
page 24). This file name appears at the top of the graph and at the
top of the linear view table.
Note: The application will only display the Save File dialog box if you have
activated the feature to always be prompted when you save a file. From
this dialog box, you can change the location, the file name and the file
format.
5b. Repeat steps 3f to 5a as necessary to update your reference trace.
OTDR71
Testing Fibers in Templa t e Mo d e
Acquiring Traces in Template Mode
6. Once the reference update is complete (or if you did not select the
reference update), the application automatically switches to Template
mode. New events will be managed according to the option you
selected at step 3c. Perform acquisitions in Template mode as follows:
6a. Press Start or from the keypad.
If the first connector check feature is enabled, a message will
appear if there is a problem with the injection level (see Enabling or Disabling the First Connector Check on page 28).
All traces will automatically be acquired and analyzed, and the
events will be identified.
6b. The application will prompt you if new events are found.
72FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Template Mode
Acquiring Traces in Template Mode
6c. Once the analysis is complete, save the trace by pressing
Quick Save in the button bar or from the keypad.
The application will use a file name based on the autonaming
parameters you defined (see Naming Trace Files Automatically on
page 24). This file name appears at the top of the graph and at the
top of the linear view table.
Note: The application will only display the Save File dialog box if you have
activated the feature to always be prompted when you save a file. From
this dialog box, you can change the location, the file name and the file
format.
6d. Repeat steps 3c to 6c as necessary.
OTDR73
Testing Fibers in Templa t e Mo d e
Selecting a Reference Trace
Selecting a Reference Trace
In Templ at e OTDR mode, you can only select a file as a reference trace.
This operation is closely related to opening a trace file. All the traces, will
be displayed using the zoom and markers settings saved along with the
reference trace file (see Opening Trace Files on page 159).
Note: The following procedure will be useful if you did not select a reference
trace file when the Open Reference Trace File dialog box appeared during
the activation of Template OTDR mode or if you want to use another
reference trace.
To select a reference trace:
1. From the Main Menu window, press Storage, then Open Reference.
2. If necessary, select the storage location from where you want to open
the file.
3. Select the file to be used as a reference and press OK.
The application opens the selected trace file automatically.
74FTB-7000 Series
8Testing Fibers in Fault Finder
Mode
The application offers you a special testing feature to rapidly locate fiber
ends. It also displays the length of the fiber under test.
This could be useful if you want to perform a quick test without having to
set all the acquisition parameters.
Acquiring Traces in Fault Finder Mode
The unit will determine the more appropriate wavelength (singlemode or
multimode, depending on your test configuration). It will use the default
IOR (group index), RBS coefficient, and helix factor. The duration of
acquisition is 45 seconds.
To acquire traces in Fault finder mode:
1. Clean the connectors properly (see Cleaning and Connecting Optical
Fibers on page 22).
2. Connect a fiber to the OTDR port.
If your unit is equipped with two OTDR ports, ensure that you connect
the fiber to the appropriate port (singlemode, singlemode live, or
multimode), depending on the wavelength you intend to use.
CAUTION
Never connect a live fiber to the OTDR port without a proper setup.
Any incoming optical power ranging from –65 dBm to –40 dBm will
affect the OTDR acquisition. The way the acquisition will be
affected depends on the selected pulse width.
Any incoming signal greater than –20 dBm could damage your
OTDR permanently. For live-fiber testing, refer to the SM Live port
specifications for the characteristics of the built-in filter.
OTDR75
Testing Fibers in Fault Finder Mode
Acquiring Traces in Fault Finder Mode
3. From the Port list, specify to which port you connected your fiber (for
C fiber, select 50 μm and for D fiber, select 62.5 μm).
4. Press Start or from the keypad. If the first connector check
feature is enabled, a message will appear if there is a problem with the
injection level (see Enabling or Disabling the First Connector Check for Fault Finder on page 85).
76FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Fault Finder Mode
Acquiring Traces in Fault Finder Mode
5. Once the analysis is complete, save the trace by pressing Quick Save
in the button bar or from the keypad.
The application will use a file name based on the autonaming
parameters you defined (see Naming Fault Finder Files Automatically
on page 78). This file name appears at the top of the graph.
Note: The application will only display the Save File dialog box if you have
activated the feature to always be prompted when you save a file and if
you did not disable the storage features. From the Save File dialog box, you
can change the location, the file name and the file format.
5a. If necessary, change the folder to which the file will be saved by
pressing the Location button.
5b. If necessary, specify a file name.
IMPORTANT
If you specify the name of an existing trace, the original file will be
overwritten and only the new file will be available.
5c. Press OK to confirm.
OTDR77
Testing Fibers in Fault Finder Mode
Naming Fault Finder Files Automatically
Naming Fault Finder Files Automatically
Each time you start an acquisition, the Fault Finder application suggests a
file name based on autonaming settings. This file name appears on the
upper part of the graph.
Note: The autonaming settings used in Fault Finder mode are independent from
those used in Auto, Advanced or Template modes. File names are built
following the same principle, but there is one set of settings for Fault Finder
and one set of settings for the other OTDR modes.
The file name is made of a static part (alphanumeric) and a variable part
(numeric) that will be incremented or decremented, according to your
selection, as follows:
If you choose incrementation...If you choose decrementation...
Variable part increases until it
reaches the highest possible value
with the selected number of digits
(for example, 99 for 2 digits), then
restarts at 0.
After saving a result, the unit prepares the next file name by incrementing
(or decrementing) the suffix.
Note: If you choose not to save a particular trace file, the suggested file name will
remain available for the next trace you will acquire.
By default, traces are saved in native (.trc) format, but you can configure
your unit to save them in Bellcore (.sor) format (see Selecting the Default File Format for the Fault Finder Traces on page 80).
78FTB-7000 Series
Variable part decreases until it
reaches 0, then restarts at the highest possible value with the selected
number of digits (for example, 99 for
2digits).
Testing Fibers in Fault Finder Mode
Number of digits composing
the variable part
Static partVariable part (incremented)
The value appearing in this box will be used in
the next file name.
File name extension
(corresponds to the current file
format)
Naming Fault Finder Files Automatically
To configure the automatic file naming:
1. From the button bar, press Setup.
2. From the Setup window, select the General tab then press the File
Autonaming button.
3. From the Autonaming Setup dialog box, set the parameters.
If you want the variable part to increase each time a file is saved, select
Increment. If you want it to decrease, select Decrement.
4. Press OK to confirm your new settings.
OTDR79
Testing Fibers in Fault Finder Mode
Selecting the Default File Format for the Fault Finder Traces
Selecting the Default File Format for the Fault
Finder Traces
You can define the default file format the Fault Finder application will use
when you save your traces.
Note: The default file format used in Fault Finder mode are independent from the
file format used in Auto, Advanced or Template modes. There is one default
file format for Fault Finder and one default file format for the other OTDR
modes.
By default, traces are saved in native (.trc) format, but you can configure
your unit to save them in Bellcore (.sor) format.
You can only modify the file format from the Save File dialog box, which
means you need to save at least one trace in the desired format before it
becomes the new default file format.
Note: The application will only display this dialog box if you have activated the
feature to always be prompted when you save a file (see Enabling or Disabling the Confirmation of Fault Finder File Name on page 82) and if you
did not disable the storage features.
80FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Fault Finder Mode
Selecting the Default File Format for the Fault Finder Traces
To select the default file format:
1. From the button bar, press Quick Save.
2. From the Save File dialog box, select the desired format.
3. Press OK to save your file in the new format. The next files will be
saved in the new format.
OTDR81
Testing Fibers in Fault Finder Mode
Enabling or Disabling the Confirmation of Fault Finder File Name
Enabling or Disabling the Confirmation of
Fault Finder File Name
By default, each time you save a file, the application prompts you to
confirm the file name.
Note: The file name confirmation parameter used in Fault Finder mode is
independent from the one used in the other OTDR modes (Auto, Advanced
and Template).
The application will use a file name based on autonaming settings
(see Naming Fault Finder Files Automatically on page 78).
If you prefer to hide the Quick Save button, see Enabling or Disabling the Storage Feature on page 84.
82FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Fault Finder Mode
Enabling or Disabling the Confirmation of Fault Finder File Name
To enable or disable file name confirmation:
1. From the button bar, press Setup, then go to the General tab.
2. If you want to confirm file name each time you press Quick Save,
select the Always show confirmation window on save check box.
OR
If you never want to be prompted, clear the check box.
Note: You can also disable the confirmation of the file name by clearing the
Always show this window on save check box directly from the Save File
dialog box.
3. Press Exit Setup to return to the main window. The changes are
applied automatically.
OTDR83
Testing Fibers in Fault Finder Mode
Enabling or Disabling the Storage Feature
Enabling or Disabling the Storage Feature
By default, the Quick Save button is displayed in the button bar. However,
if you only want to perform quick tests without having to save the results,
you may prefer to hide the Quick Save button.
To enable or disable the storage feature:
1. From the button bar, press Setup, then go to the General tab.
2. If you want to hide the Quick Save button, select the
Disable storage features check box.
OR
If you want to display the button, clear the check box.
3. Press Exit Setup to return to the main window. The changes are
applied automatically.
84FTB-7000 Series
Testing Fibers in Fault Finder Mode
Enabling or Disabling the First Connector Check for Fault Finder
Enabling or Disabling the First Connector
Check for Fault Finder
The first connector check feature is used to verify that the fibers are
properly connected to the OTDR. It verifies the injection level and displays
a message when a unusually high loss occurs at the first connection, which
could indicate that no fiber is connected to the OTDR port. By default, this
feature is not enabled.
Note: The first connector check is only performed when you test at singlemode
wavelengths.
Note: The first connector check parameter used in Fault Finder mode is
independent from the one used in the other OTDR modes (Auto, Advanced
and Template).
OTDR85
Testing Fibers in Fault Finder Mode
Enabling or Disabling the First Connector Check for Fault Finder
To enable or disable the first connector check:
1. From the button bar, press Setup then select the General tab.
2. To enable the first connector check, select the First connector check
check box.
OR
To disable it, clear the check box.
3. Press Exit Setup to return to the main window. The changes are
applied automatically.
86FTB-7000 Series
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