Extech PM100, PM200 Operating Manual

User's Guide

PM200 Fiber Optic Power Meter

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech PM200 Fiber Optic Power Meter. The PM200 is a high accuracy high resolution optical power meter. It is NIST traceable at 850, 1300, 1310 and 1550nm making it ideal for both single-mode and multimode fiber testing. The PM200 can store up to 100 measured datapoints. This stored data can be downloaded via the software to produce formatted certification reports. Careful use of this meter will provide years of reliable service.

Table of Contents

Specifications 3

Description 4

Operation 6

1.0 Applications 6

1.1 Precautions 6

1.1.1 Safety 6

1.1.2 Operational 6

1.2 Required Accessories 6

1.2.1 Cleaning Supplies 6

1.2.2 Patch Cords 6

1.2.3 Optical Fiber Adaptors 6

1.3 Typical Applications 7

1.3.1 Optical Power Measurement 7

1.3.2 Optical Loss Measurement 7

1.4 Optical Power Measurement 8

1.5 Optical Loss Measurement (Set Reference) 9

1.6 Optical Loss Measurement 10

1.7 Data Storage 11

1.8 Downloading Data into PC with Reporter Software 12

1.8.1 Standard Selection 13

1.8.2 Fiber Type Selection 14

1.8.3 Fiber Length Input 15

1.8.4 Connectors and Splices Input 16

1.8.5 Company Selection 17

1.8.6 Name Input 18

1.8.7 Summary View 19

1.8.8 Report Printing 19

1.8.9 Example Printout 20

1.9 Clearing Data 21

2.0 PC Based Meter Control 22

3.0 Battery Replacement 23

4.0 PM200 Data Storage Error Codes 23

Warranty 24

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Specifications

Optical Specifications

Detector Type Germanium (Ge)

Calibrated Wavelengths (nm) 850, 1300, 1310, 1550

Measurement Range (dBm) +5 to -60

Accuracy (dB) ±0.15

Resolution (dB) 0.01

General Specifications

Battery Life 100+ hours (9-volt) Optical Connector 2.5mm universal Data Storage up to 100 storage points Download DB-9 serial Software Reporter Dimensions 4.94 x 2.75 x 1.28 in Weight (with battery) 10 ounces

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Meter Description

1. Battery Charging Port

2. Download Port

3. Detector Port

4. Tone Mode

5. Power Reading

6. Battery Indicator

7. Data Indicator.

8. Units Indicator

9. Wavelength Indicator

10. SAVE / DOWNLOAD button

11. ON / OFF / Backlight button

12. λ / AUTO button

13. UNITS / ZERO button

123

-20.28

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1. Battery Charging Port - If rechargeable 9-volt batteries are used in the PM200, the battery charging port is used to re-charge them when used with an approved wall transformer. NOTE: DO NOT USE BATTERYCHARGING PORT WITH NONRECHARGEABLEBATTERIES. THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOREXPLOSION AND DAMAGE MAY OCCUR TO THE UNITAND/OR THE USER.

2. Download Port - The download port is used to download stored data into a PC via the supplied serial cable.

3. Detector Port - The detector port is a fixed 2.5mm universal port, and connects to ST, SC, or FC connectors equally well without any loss of accuracy. There is no need to change or maintain expensive adapter caps.

4. Tone Mode - When ‘Hz’ is visible on the display, the PM200 is checking for the presence of a modulated optical signal. These modulated signals are used to automatically switch wavelengths when they are sent by an OWL light source with modulation capability.

5. Power Reading - The power reading displays the level of optical power being received by the photo detector, and is displayed in either dBm, dB, milliwatts, or microwatts.

6. Battery Indicator - The battery indicator shows the amount of life is remaining in the battery. Also, when the battery recharger is in use, the bars in the battery icon are animated to show that the recharger is active.

7. Data Indicator - This icon shows whether there is data stored in the PM200.

8. Units Indicator - The units indicator shows which units are being currently displayed. Units are shown in either dBm, dB, uW, or mW.

9. Wavelength Indicator - The wavelength indicator shows the currently selected wavelength in nanometers (nm).

10. SAVE / DOWNLOAD button - To store a data point, press this button. Hold the button to down load data points in comma-delimited format. This button can also be used to erase all stored data if it is held while the meter is being powered ON.

11. ON / OFF / Backlight button - When the unit is off, press this button to power on. When the unit is on, press this button to toggle the backlight on and off. When the unit is on, hold this button to power off.

12. λ / AUTO button - Press this button to change wavelengths. Hold this button to set the meter in AUTO mode. AUTO mode scans incoming power for modulated optical signals, and switches wave lengths automatically when a corresponding modulated signal is received (for use with WaveSource light sources only.)

13. UNITS / ZERO button - Press this button to change display units - either dBm, dB, uW or mW. Holding this button will set a ZERO reference for the currently selected wavelength.

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Operation

1.0 Applications

1.1 Precautions

1.1.1 Safety - Caution must be exercised when working with optical equipment. Most transmission equipment and light sources use light that is invisible to the human eye. High energy light is potentially dangerous, and can cause serious, irreparable damage to the eye. Thus, it is recommended to look into the connector port of a light source or the end of a fiber.

1.1.2 Operational - In order to ensure accurate and reliable readings, it is vitally important to clean ferrules containing optical fibers and optical connector ports. If dirt, dust, and oil is allowed to build up inside connector ports, this may scratch the surface of the photodetector, producing erroneous results. Replace dust caps after each use.

1.1.3 Operational - In order to ensure accurate and reliable readings, it is vitally important to clean ferrules containing optical fibers and optical connector ports. If dirt, dust, and oil is allowed to build up inside connector ports, this may scratch the surface of the photodetector, producing erroneous results. Replace dust caps after each use.

1.2 Required Accessories

1.2.1 Cleaning Supplies - It is recommended to clean fiber ferrules before each insertion with 99% or better isopropyl alcohol and a lint free cloth. A can of compressed air should be available to dry off the connector after wiping, and to blow out dust from bulkheads.

1.2.2 Patch Cords - Patch cords may be needed to connect the PM200 to the system under test. The connector styles on the patch cord must match the type on the PM200 and the type of the system under test.

1.2.3 Optical Fiber Adapters - Optical fiber adapters are used to connect two connectorized fibers together, and may be necessary to adapt your patch cords to the system under test.

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1.3 Typical Applications

PM200 test kits can be used as diagnostic and measurement tools of optical transmission systems and fiber optic links. These applications can be found in several industries, including premise, LAN, CATV, and Telco. Two types of measurements are possible with the PM200 optical power meter: optical power and optical loss.

1.3.1 Optical Power Measurement - When displaying power in dBm mode, the PM200 will measure the absolute amount of power being received in the 2.5mm Universal detector port. Absolute power is shown in dBm (decibels referenced to a milliwatt), meaning the power being received by the photodetector is compared to 1 milliwatt of optical energy. Optical power measurement is useful for checking the output power and/or stability of an optical transmission system or stabilized fiber optic light sources.

1.3.2 Optical Loss Measurement - When displaying power in dB mode, the PM200 can be used to measure the optical power through a fiber optic link relative to an optical reference point. Setting a reference point is also known as “zeroing” the meter with a light source. Optical loss measurements are useful for measuring the attenuation, or loss, of a fiber link. The loss value can then be compared to a precalculated link budget, which is used to determine if the fiber link will operate within the parameters of the transmission equipment.

The formula for calculating loss in a fiber link is: L = P - P a r where L is the amount of optical loss in dB, P is the absolute power in dbm, and P

is the reference power in a r dBm. Optical loss measurements can also be used for fiber optic link certification. Link certification is a process where optical loss measurements are compared to a link budget calculated using fiber optic cabling standards. Data stored in the PM200 can be downloaded into the Reporter certification report software. Fiber optic links can be certified against one of several popular fiber optic cabling standards or one of two user configurable standards. Many fiber optic installation bids are requiring certification reports, which makes the PM200 an invaluable tool for fiber optic professionals.

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1.4 Optical Power Measurement

a) Connect the PM200 to the

equipment under test (EUT). In the example below, the EUT is a fiber optic light source.

b) Power on the EUT, set it to the

desired wavelength, and allow it to stabilize.

c) Power on the PM200, and set it to

match the wavelength of the EUT.

d) Set the units to dBm. The resultant

reading is the output power. (The example in Figure 2 shows an optical output power of -20.58 dBm).

This reading should be within the light source manufacturer’s specified power level. If the reading is not within the specification, clean and check the connections and take another measurement.

dBm

-20.58

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Figure 2

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