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Melrose, MA 02176
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MicroMeter
Optical Power Meter
Operations Manual
Firmware Version 1.20e
September 15, 2003
Part Numbers: MO500, MO510, MO520Extech
Table of Contents
Preface ii
Why Use An Optical Power Meter? ii
Checking the MicroMeter Firmware Version ii
Unit 1 - Introduction
Description 1-1
Applications 1-1
General Features 1-2
Keyboard Entry Method 1-2
Unit 2 - Meter Functions
Power ON 2-1
Power Units Supported by the MicroMeter 2-1
Wavelengths Supported by the MicroMeter 2-2
“Zeroing” the MicroMeter 2-2
Monitor Mode 2-2
Main Menu 2-3
Meter Setup 2-3
Manual Reference Method 2-4
Stored Data Menu 2-5
Power OFF 2-5
Unit 3 - Fiber Certification
Overview 3-1
Operation 3-1
Power ON 3-1
Fiber Certification 3-1
Definition of a Link 3-1
Required Equipment 3-1
Preparation 3-1
Reference Method 3-1
Step 1 - Select Link 3-2
Step 2 - Define Link 3-2
Step 3 - Take Readings 3-3
Step 4 - Stored Data 3-3
UNIT 4 - Appendices
Appendix A - Decibel Review 4-1
Appendix B - Dynamic Range Review 4-2
Appendix C - Glossary 4-2
Appendix D - MicroMeter Specifications 4-6
Appendix E - Warranty Information 4-6
Appendix F - Cleaning and Care Instructions 4-7
Appendix G - Accessories 4-8
Appendix H - Link Budget Calculation Worksheet 4-9
Appendix I - Reference Jumper Setup 4-10
i
PREFACE
Why Use An Optical Fiber Power Meter?
Standards organizations such as the TIA or the ISO/IEC provide performance standards that the cabling plant must adhere to in order
to support high-speed protocols such as Gigabit Ethernet. Fiber can be tested against these standards, ensuring that it is able to
handle the high amount of traffic with a maximum amount of reliability.
These standards organizations also provide standards for administration of the cabling plant. These standards require a fiber link to be
certified; that is, a report must be generated from appropriate test equipment for tracking and auditing purposes. These reports can
also be used as verification of compliance to performance standards in case a question comes up about the quality of an installation.
These signed documents cover the installer from liability provided that the link meets specified performance standards.
Our optical fiber power meters are designed with these standards in mind because we understand the importance of qualifying your
fiber installations with standards-compliant test equipment. The meter you have just purchased also prints professionally formatted
reports showing the conformity to these popular industry standards. You can print out these reports as a record of the original
conformity to quality set by the standards. These documents signed by all associated parties may prove valuable in any future disputes
concerning the installation.
Checking The MicroMeter Firmware Version
This manual is written for the MicroMeter firmware version 1.20e. Follow the instructions below to verify the meter’s firmware version.
1) Press to start up the meter.
2) After the initial boot-up screen, the display should look like the diagram below. This screen only remains viewable for
approximately 2 seconds.
If the firmware version is not V1.20e, contact our tech support for the correct version of the manual.
ON
Company Name
Company Phone
Serial Number
Firmware Version
.................
.............
SN:MX10001
V1 20e.
ii
INTRODUCTIONUNIT 1
Description
The MicroMeter is a high accuracy, high resolution, microprocessor controlled optical power meter. The meter has a wide dynamic
range making it ideal for both single and multi-mode fiber testing.
It has an attractive handheld case, a backlit graphical liquid crystal display, and 18-key keypad for easy data entry. The
with a small state-of-the-art UNIVERSAL adapter that is fully reliable for the use of ST, SC, FC or any 2.5 mm connectors which saves
money on consumables (test cables wear out).
The MicroMeter includes a built-in link wizard that helps the user easily calculate the allowable loss for the fiber runs that they will be
measuring. The meter stores physical fiber information for up to four links. Link information includes: link name, date, fiber type, fiber
length, connectors, splices, temperature, and calculated or entered reference power values for four wavelengths. In addition the meter
will store up to 1000 measured data points with labels. Each value includes the fiber type and link.
The stored information can be selectively viewed, edited (measured again), printed, or deleted. The meter will print formatted reports
of selected stored data directly using the built in serial port, or all of the stored data can be downloaded to a computer spreadsheet or
our free Reporter software to produce professional-looking formatted certification reports.
It will operate for over 100 hrs on a single 9v battery and has built in auto shutdown.
meter comes
Applications
The MicroMeter can be used for several applications. A listing of these applications and their descriptions follows:
Attenuation and Loss Measurements - After a fiber cable has been installed and terminated, it must be tested to determine if the
fiber is installed correctly. A comparison of the actual power measurement and the reference value determines the loss of the fiber link.
Fiber Network Certification - The MicroMeter uses a loss wizard that is used for fiber certification against the popular industry
cabling standard called the TIA/EIA 568. The user is prompted to enter several parameters, which allows the MicroMeter to calculate
a certification reference value and store it in the meter. As the user stores data points in the meter using the loss wizard, the actual
power level of the link is also stored. The data is then downloaded into our Reporter software, where the actual power value is
compared to the reference value. Certification reports can be printed out with details or summaries of the fibers being certified.
Fiber Continuity Testing - Continuity can be measured with the MicroMeter by placing a calibrated light source on one end of the
fiber and the MicroMeter on the other end. This is also a simple way to measure the attenuation of the fiber.
Patch Cord Testing - Fiber links that are producing incorrect results may have bad patch cords. The MicroMeter can be used to test
the attenuation of a patch cord to see if it is usable, or should be thrown out.
Active Equipment Optical Power Measurements - Active equipment needs to be measured periodically for correct power
levels and stability. The transmitters in this equipment have a known power value. The MicroMeter can be directly attached to this
equipment via a patch cord to check whether the transmitter is stable and is within the manufacturer’s specified power range.
1-1
General Features
1
2.5mm UNIVERSAL ADAPTER PORT - accepts standard 2.5mm ferrule connectors
(ST, SC, FC).
2
COMPUTER PORT - port for downloading data from the meter to a PC via serial cable.
3
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) - displays power readings, menus, and
information necessary for operation of the meter. The elements of the display are
discussed in the appropriate units.
4
FUNCTION KEYS - activate the options on the Function Options Menu.
5
ALPHA NUMERIC KEYS - enter letters, numbers, and symbols into field prompts.
INTRODUCTIONUNIT 1
1
2
6
3
4
6
OPTIONAL LED LIGHT SOURCE - press the key to activate the optional LED light
source
7
MENU KEY - used to enter the menu system.
8
DONE KEY - activates certain menu options.
9
BACK LIGHT KEY - toggles the LCD back light ON or OFF.
10
ON/OFF KEYS - turns the meter ON or OFF.
4
7
9
10
5
8
Keyboard Entry Method
Several screens in the MicroMeter menu system require the user to enter some input, e.g. a fiber length measurement or a descriptive
name for a fiber run. This feature allows the MicroMeter to become more user-friendly.
ALPHA-NUMERIC FIELDS. These fields allow the user to enter either a number, a letter, or a special character. This is accomplished by
pressing and holding the key until the desired character appears. When the key is released, the cursor automatically advances to the
next position.
NUMERIC FIELDS. These fields are for numeric input only, e.g. fiber length, user-defined reference values, etc. The cursor will
automatically advance once a number key is pressed. EXCEPTION: some numeric operators may be required, such as the minus sign,
or a decimal point. Special characters reside under the key. In this case, they are treated like alpha-numeric fields.
Press the key when character input is complete.
DONE
0
1-2
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176 - FAX 781.665.0780 - TestEquipmentDepot.com
Operation
Power On
METER FUNCTIONSUNIT 2
1) Press the button.
2) After a few seconds, a screen will appear that looks like the one below, which is called Immediate Mode.
ON
Power
Measurement
Link Name
Run Number
Power Units
dBm
ABS
|
.
STORE
F2
Store
Power
Reading
-20 45
............
FBR:00
_____________________
UNITS
F1
Toggle
Power
Units
|
82
68%
850nm
WAVE
F3
Toggle
Wave
Lengths
dBm (ABS)
dB (REL)
µW (ABS)
Temperature
Battery Life
Wavelength
850nm
1300nm
1310nm
1550nm
Immediate Mode
Power Units
The MicroMeter is capable of displaying power readings in three different units. The user may toggle through these units by pressing
F1.
dBm (ABS) - This is an absolute (ABS) power measurement. It shows how much optical power is being received by the photodetector
in decibels referenced to a milliwatt (dBm).
dB (REL) - This is a relative (REL) power measurement. It shows the amount of optical power being received by the photodetector
relative to a user-defined reference power (i.e. “zeroing” the meter). If a reference value has been set, toggling to REL mode will show
the user how much optical power is being lost in the link.
µW (ABS) - This is an absolute (ABS) power measurement. It shows the amount of optical power being received by the photodetector
in microwatts, or millionths of a watt.
2-1
METER FUNCTIONSUNIT 2
Operation, cont.
Wavelengths
Measurements can be taken for four different wavelengths in the MicroMeter. These wavelengths are 850, 1300/1310, and 1550nm.
All wavelengths are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The user may toggle through these
wavelengths by pressing .F3
“Zeroing” the MicroMeter in Immediate Meter mode
This function allows the user to set references for each wavelength for fiber attenuation
testing.
After connecting a light source to the MicroMeter:
1. Toggle the wavelength until it matches the wavelength of the source.
2. Press to zero the meter. The user will be prompted to verify the set reference.
3. Press either to set the reference, or to abort.
NOTE: When using laser sources, allow the laser to warm up according
to the manufacturer specifications to ensure accurate references.
NOTE: When zeroing multiple wavelengths, do NOT remove the patch
cord from the light source. Removing the patch cord from the light
source will invalidate the optical reference for the wavelength that was
just set. Use a separate patch cord for each light source port.
Monitor Mode
Monitor Mode sends absolute power measurements in a comma delimited format to the
serial port in real time. A terminal program is required to view data in real time.
To enter Monitor Mode, press , and press to exit Monitor Mode..5 DONE
0
F1 F3
dBm
ABS
82
68%
850nmFBR:00
WAVE
|
.
STORE
|
-20 45
............
_____________________
UNITS
0
dBm
ABS
82
68%
850nmMonitor...
| WAVE
|
STORE
.
-20 45
FIBER LINK #1
_____________________
UNITS
2-2
Operation, cont.
Main Menu
METER FUNCTIONSUNIT 2
Advanced meter functions can be configured from the Main Menu. Options 1 through
4 are listed in a step-by-step order for certifying fiber links and will be explained in
greater detail later in this manual. Option 5 is explained below. Press to enter
the menu.
<1>SELECT LINK
test, as well as editing its descriptive name and test date.
<2>DEFINE LINK
are used to calculate the link’s PASS/FAIL threshold.
<3>TAKE READINGS
points, and switch wavelengths.
<4>STORED DATA
<5>METER SETUP
Pressing from the MAIN MENU will return the user to the power reading display screen.
DONE
- This option allows the user to select the fiber link to be used for the
- This option is used to define the parameters of the fiber link which
- This option takes the user to the main display screen, where they can view power readings, store data
- This option allows the user to view and download the data points previously stored in the meter.
- This option allows the user to edit the owner information, and adjust the LCD contrast.
MENU
<1>SELECT LINK
<2>DEFINE LINK
<3>TAKE READINGS
<4>STORED DATA
<5>METER SETUP
MAIN MENU
Meter Setup
From the MAIN MENU, press to enter the METER SETUP menu. From this menu the user can change company information, such as
name and phone number, and can also adjust the contrast of the LCD screen.
5
– changes the company name. Edit the company name and press to continue.
F1 DONE
– change the company telephone number. Edit the company telephone number and press to continue.
F2 DONE
– adjust the contrast of the LCD display. Press or to set the contrast down or up. Press to continue.
F3 F1 F3 DONE
2-3
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