Yokogawa AQ1200 Otdr User Manual

User’s

Manual AQ1200 OTDR

Multi Field Tester

IM AQ1200-01EN

4th Edition

Thank you for purchasing the AQ1200 OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) Multi Field Tester. This user’s manual explains the features, operating procedures, and handling precautions of the AQ1200. To ensure correct use, please read this manual thoroughly before operation. Keep this manual in a safe place for quick reference in the event that a question arises.

This manual is one of three AQ1200 manuals. Please read all the manuals.

Manual Title	Manual No.	Description
AQ1200 OTDR Multi Field Tester	IM AQ1200-02EN This guide focuses on the handling precautions, basic
Operation Guide		operations, and specifications of the AQ1200.
AQ1200 OTDR Multi Field Tester	IM AQ1200-01EN This manual. Explains all AQ1200 features, except for
User’s Manual (included in CD)		the communication features, and how to use them.
AQ1200 OTDR Multi Field Tester	IM AQ1200-17EN Explains the features related to using communication
Communication Interface User’s		commands to control the AQ1200.
Manual (included in CD)

Notes

•The contents of this manual are subject to change without prior notice as a result of continuing improvements to the instrument’s performance and functionality. The figures given in this manual may differ from those that actually appear on your screen.

•Every effort has been made in the preparation of this manual to ensure the accuracy of its contents. However, should you have any questions or find any errors, please contact your nearest YOKOGAWA dealer.

•Copying or reproducing all or any part of the content of this manual without the permission of YOKOGAWA is strictly prohibited.

Trademarks

•Microsoft, Windows, and Windows XP are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

•Adobe, Acrobat, and PostScript are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

•In this manual, the TM and ® symbols do not accompany their respective registered trademark or trademark names.

•Other company and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.

Revisions

1st Edition: February 2010 2nd Edition: February 2011 3rd Edition: July 2012

4th Edition: July 2013

4th Edition: July 2013 (YMI)

All Rights Reserved, Copyright © 2010, Yokogawa Electric Corporation

All Rights Reserved, Copyright © 2011, Yokogawa Meters & Instruments Corporation

IM AQ1200-01EN

Conventions Used in This Manual

Notes

The notes and cautions in this manual are categorized using the following symbols.

WARNING

CAUTION

Improper handling or use can lead to injury to the user or damage to the instrument. This symbol appears on the instrument to indicate that the user must refer to the user’s manual for special instructions. The same symbol appears

in the corresponding place in the user’s manual to identify those instructions. In the manual, the symbol is used in conjunction with the word “WARNING” or “CAUTION.”

Calls attention to actions or conditions that could cause serious or fatal injury to the user, and precautions that can be taken to prevent such occurrences.

Calls attention to actions or conditions that could cause light injury to the user or cause damage to the instrument or user’s data, and precautions that can be

taken to prevent such occurrences.

Note

Calls attention to information that is important for proper operation of the instrument.

Symbols and Conventions Used in Procedural Explanations

The contents of the procedural explanations are indicated using the following symbols.

Procedure

Explanation

Carry out the procedure according to the step numbers. All procedures are written under the assumption that you are starting operation at the beginning

of the procedure, so you may not need to carry out all the steps in a procedure when you are changing the settings.

This section describes the setup items and the limitations regarding the procedures. It may not give a detailed explanation of the feature. For a detailed

explanation of the feature, see chapter 2.

Character Notations

Hard Key Names and Soft Key Names in Bold Characters

Indicate panel keys that are used in the procedure and soft keys and menu items that appear on the screen.

Unit

k Denotes 1000. Example: 12 kg, 100 kHz

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Contents

Conventions Used in This Manual.....................................................................................................ii

Chapter 1 Features
1.1	Overview...........................................................................................................................	1-1
1.2	Optical Pulse Measurement..............................................................................................	1-3
1.3	Waveform Display.............................................................................................................	1-5
1.4	Waveform and Event Analysis..........................................................................................	1-7
1.5	Light Source and Optical Power Meters (Options)..........................................................	1-12
1.6	Loss Test (Option)...........................................................................................................	1-14
1.7	Multi-Core Loss Test (Option).........................................................................................	1-15
1.8	Fault Locator...................................................................................................................	1-16
1.9	Checking Fiber End Faces..............................................................................................	1-17
1.10	IP Test (Option)...............................................................................................................	1-18
1.11	Multi-Core Fiber Measurement.......................................................................................	1-19
1.12	Event Mapper..................................................................................................................	1-20
1.13	Other Features................................................................................................................	1-21

Chapter 2 Common Operations

2.1	Top Screen........................................................................................................................	2-1
2.2	Key, Rotary Knob, and Arrow Key Operations..................................................................	2-5
2.3	Shortcut Keys....................................................................................................................	2-8
2.4	Entering Strings..............................................................................................................	2-10

Chapter 3 Optical Pulse Measurement and Analysis Conditions

3.1 Selecting the Measurement Mode.................................................................................... 3-1

Simple (Full Auto) Mode

3.2	Selecting the Wavelength.................................................................................................	3-3
3.3	Automatically Saving Measured Data...............................................................................	3-4
3.4	Selecting the Approximation Method (Marker)..................................................................	3-5

Detail Mode and Multi WL Mode

3.5	Setting Measurement Conditions......................................................................................	3-6
3.6	Setting Analysis Conditions.............................................................................................	3-12
3.7	Setting the Pulse Light Output Level...............................................................................	3-17
3.8	Giving Notifications When Installations Are Complete....................................................	3-18

Chapter 4 Measuring Optical Pulses

4.1	Performing Real-time Measurement.................................................................................	4-1
4.2	Performing Averaged Measurements................................................................................	4-3
4.3	Displaying Snapshot Waveforms......................................................................................	4-5

Chapter 5 Waveform Display

5.1	Waveform Display Screen.................................................................................................	5-1
5.2	Zooming the Waveform Display Scale..............................................................................	5-2
5.3	Moving the Waveform Display Position.............................................................................	5-5
5.4	Initializing the Waveform Display Scale............................................................................	5-6
5.5	Setting the Waveform Information Display........................................................................	5-7

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Index

Contents

Chapter 6 Waveform Analysis
6.1	How to Operate the Cursor and Markers..........................................................................	6-1
6.2	Measuring Distances........................................................................................................	6-8
6.3	Moving the Distance Measurement Reference Point........................................................	6-9
6.4	Measuring the Splice Loss..............................................................................................	6-10
6.5	Measuring the Return Loss..............................................................................................	6-11
6.6	Displaying Multiple Traces..............................................................................................	6-13
6.7	Combining Two Traces....................................................................................................	6-14
6.8	Displaying Differential Traces..........................................................................................	6-16
6.9	Analyzing Sections..........................................................................................................	6-18

Chapter 7 Event Analysis
7.1	Displaying the Event Screen.............................................................................................	7-1
7.2	Editing Events...................................................................................................................	7-4
7.3	Editing the Event List........................................................................................................	7-8

Chapter 8 Light Source (Option)

8.1	Producing Measurement Light..........................................................................................	8-1
8.2	Turning On the Visible Light..............................................................................................	8-3

Chapter 9 Optical Power Meter (Option)

9.1	Making Preparations for Measurements...........................................................................	9-1
9.2	Setting Optical Power Measurement Conditions and Holding the Display.......................	9-2
9.3	Logging Measured Values and Saving Logged Results....................................................	9-5
9.4	Selecting and Saving Core and Tape Numbers..............................................................	9-10

Chapter 10 PON Power Meter (Option)

10.1 Making Preparations for Measurements.........................................................................

10-1

10.2Setting PON System Optical Power Measurement Conditions and Holding the Display10-2

	10.3	Selecting and Saving Core and Tape Numbers..............................................................	10-5
Chapter 11 Loss Testing (Option)
	11.1	Making Preparations and Adjustments for Loss Testing..................................................	11-1
	11.2	Performing an Auto Loss Test..........................................................................................	11-3
	11.3	Performing a Loop-Back Loss Test..................................................................................	11-8
Chapter 12	Multi-Core Loss Testing (Option)
	12.1	Creating New Projects....................................................................................................	12-1
	12.2	Sharing Projects..............................................................................................................	12-3
	12.3	Performing a Multi-Core Loss Test..................................................................................	12-6
	12.4	Optical Power Adjustment...............................................................................................	12-9
Chapter 13	Fault Locator
	13.1	Locating Breaks (Faults) in Optical Fibers......................................................................	13-1
Chapter 14	Checking Fiber End Faces
	14.1	Using Fiber Inspection Probes to View the Status of Optical Fiber End Faces..............	14-1
Chapter 15	IP Testing (Option)
	15.1	Performing an IP Test......................................................................................................	15-1

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		Contents
Chapter 16 Multi-Core Fiber Measurement
16.1	Creating a New Project...................................................................................................	16-1
16.2	Loading a Project............................................................................................................	16-8
16.3	Measuring Multi-Core Fibers...........................................................................................	16-9
Chapter 17 Event Mapper
17.1	Displaying Optical Fiber Events as Icons........................................................................	17-1
Chapter 18 File Operation and Printing
18.1	Connecting a USB Storage Medium to the USB Port.....................................................	18-1
18.2	Saving and Loading Data................................................................................................	18-2
18.3	Deleting and Copying Files.............................................................................................	18-8
18.4	Changing File Names...................................................................................................	18-10
18.5	Creating Folders...........................................................................................................	18-12
18.6	Deleting and Copying Folders.......................................................................................	18-13
18.7	Initializing the Internal Memory.....................................................................................	18-15
18.8	Printing..........................................................................................................................	18-16
18.9	Specifying the Items That Are Displayed in the File List...............................................	18-17
Chapter 19 Other Operations
19.1	Configuring the Language, Beep, Start Menu, USB Function, and Screen Color..........	19-1
19.2	Configuring Power Save Settings...................................................................................	19-2
19.3	Resetting the AQ1200 to Its Factory Default Settings.....................................................	19-3
19.4	Setting Operation Restrictions........................................................................................	19-4
19.5	Assigning Menus Items That Are Displayed on the Top Menu........................................	19-6
19.6	Configuring Network Settings (Option)...........................................................................	19-7
Chapter 20 Troubleshooting, Maintenance, and Inspection
20.1	If a Problem Occurs........................................................................................................	19-1
20.2	Error Messages...............................................................................................................	19-2
20.3	Viewing the Product Information.....................................................................................	19-6
20.4	Performing a Self Test.....................................................................................................	19-7
20.5	Updating the Firmware....................................................................................................	19-8

20.6Backing Up Necessary Files to a PC and Initializing the Internal Memory (Firmware

	version 1.12 and later)....................................................................................................	19-9
20.7	Performing a Mechanical Inspection and Checking Operations...................................	19-10
20.8	Replacing the Battery Pack............................................................................................	19-11
20.9	Replacing an Optical Adapter.......................................................................................	19-14
20.10	Routine Maintenance....................................................................................................	19-16
20.11	Storage Precautions.....................................................................................................	19-17
20.12	Recommended Replacement Parts..............................................................................	19-18
20.13	Calibration.....................................................................................................................	19-19

Appendix

Appendix 1 Data File Formats...............................................................................................App-1

Index

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Index

Chapter 1		Features

1.1Overview

This instrument is an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) with the features listed below. It is used in the optical fiber and line installation and maintenance servicing of access networks, which link telephone exchanges and service providers with subscribers, and user networks, which enable communication within a corporation or building.

AQ1200

Measurement in cable installations

Optical fiber cable Telephone exchanges

Corporate user

Consumer

OTDR Features

•Optical pulse measurement Real-time, averaged measurement

•Waveform display

Can be zoomed and moved

•Waveform analysis

•Cursor/marker, distance, splice-loss, return-loss measurement

•Multi trace analysis

•2 way trace analysis

•Differential trace

•Section analysis

•Event analysis

•Event editing

•Event list editing

Loss Testing (/SLT or /HLT option)

•Loss-measurement light source and visible light source

•Optical power meter

•Loss measurement (loss testing)

•Multi-core loss testing

Visible light source (/VLS option)

Generation of visible light

Fault Locator

Location of breaks (faults) in optical fibers

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1.1 Overview

Checking Fiber End Faces

You can use a fiber inspection probe* to photograph a fiber end face and display its state on the screen.

*For information about compatible fiber inspection probes, contact your nearest YOKOGAWA dealer.

IP Testing (/LAN option)

Simple connection testing that uses PING

PON power meter (/PPM option)

Simultaneous measurement of the optical power of different signal wavelengths (1310 nm, 1490 nm, and 1550 nm) of a PON system

Multi-Core Fiber Measurement

Using screens and menus specific to multi-core fiber measurement, you can efficiently and completely measure multi-core fibers.

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1.2Optical Pulse Measurement

The AQ1200 applies an incident optical pulse to the connected optical fiber and measures the power level of the reflected light from the different sections of the optical fiber such as its splices, bent sections, and the open end of the fiber. The AQ1200 uses the measured power level to determine the distance to the different points (splices, breaks, etc.) of the optical fiber and the loss and other phenomena that occur at those points.

OTDR/Optical port	Optical pulse generation
(Optical port 2)	Optical fiber being measured
or
OTDR/Optical port	Reflection
(Optical port 3)	point
	Reflected light
AQ1200	Do not bend the optical fiber.

Measurement Mode

The following three measurement modes are available depending on the items that you specify for measurement conditions.

Simple

In this mode, you can set the optical wavelength and turn the automatic saving of measured data on and off. All other measurement conditions are automatically configured or are fixed.

Detail

In this mode, you can set all measurement conditions.

Multi WL

In this mode, in addition to the settings that you can specify in Detail mode, you can select up to two optical wavelengths. The optical pulse whose wavelength you specified first is generated

and measured. Next, the optical pulse whose wavelength you specified second is generated and measured. This operation is then repeated.

Analysis Mode

The following three analysis modes are available depending on the items that you specify for analysis conditions.

Simple

In this mode, you can set the approximation method. All other analysis conditions are automatically configured or are fixed.

Detail

In this mode, you can specify all analysis conditions.

Multi WL

In addition to the conditions in Detail mode, you can specify the index of refraction and the backscattering light level for each of the two wavelengths that you specified in the measurement Multi WL mode. You can also turn the macro bending (bending loss) display on and off.

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Features

1.2 Optical Pulse Measurement

Real-time Measurement

In real-time measurement, you can change measurement conditions such as the wavelength, distance range, and pulse width while waveform changes are being measured in real time.*

*The measurement conditions that you can change vary depending on the measurement mode. For details about the measurement conditions, see the explanation of the measurement modes in chapter 3.

Averaged Measurement

When you want to detect reflections, splice loss, and other faint events that are generated from connections or splice points but are buried in noise, use averaged measurement. The AQ1200 derives the measured data by averaging the specified number of optical pulse measurements or by averaging optical pulse measurements over the specified duration. During averaged measurement, you cannot change the measurement conditions. You can stop the averaged measurement before it completes.

Multi-Core Fiber Measurement

Using screens and setup menus specific to multi-core fiber measurement, you can efficiently and completely measure multi-core fibers.

Fiber-in-Use

Some models in the AQ1200 Series use the same wavelength that is used in real communication to make measurements.

If communication light is present in the optical fiber that you want to measure (the fiber is in use), the communication will be affected. In this situation, the AQ1200 will not be able to perform measurements correctly either. Take appropriate precautions to avoid communication interference. Check that there is no communication light present in the optical fiber before you use the AQ1200.

The AQ1200 has a feature for checking whether there is communication light (fiber-in-use alarm; see section 3.5).

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1.3Waveform Display

You can display the measured result as a waveform on the screen. You can zoom the displayed waveform and move the position that is displayed.

How to View Optical Pulse Waveforms

The optical pulse applied to the optical fiber is reflected at different points of the optical fiber such as its connections, bent sections, and the open end of the fiber. These sections generate loss. The measured result is displayed as a waveform that has distance represented in the horizontal direction and loss level represented in the vertical direction. On the waveform, detected points where loss or reflection occurs are known as events.

Incident ray

Backscatter Splice

Connector

Bend

Optical fiber

Open end of the fiber

Near-end reflection

Approximated

line

Splice loss Reflection caused by a connector

Loss caused by bending

Reflection at the open end

of the fiber (Fresnel reflection)

Dynamic range (SNR = 1)

Near-end Reflection

This is the reflection that occurs at the point where the AQ1200 and the optical fiber are connected. This also includes the AQ1200’s internal reflection. In the section where this near-end reflection is detected, even if there are other connections, the loss and reflections that occur at these points cannot be detected. This section is the near-end dead zone.

When you are measuring a short distance, connect a dummy fiber to reduce the effect of the near-end reflection.

Backscatter

When light travels through an optical fiber, Rayleigh scattering caused by changes in the density of materials that are smaller than the light’s wavelength and inconsistencies in the fiber’s composition generates loss in the optical fiber itself. The portion of the scattered light that travels in the direction opposite to the direction of propagation is known as backscatter.

Optical fiber

	Incident ray		Small
		Backscatter	material

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1.3 Waveform Display

Splice Loss

Because spliced sections of optical fibers have a great number of changes in the material’s density and inconsistencies in the fiber’s composition, loss due to Rayleigh scattering becomes large, and splice loss occurs in these sections.

Reflection at the Connection Point of Connectors

Using a connector to connect two optical fibers is different from splicing them together in that a small gap remains between the two fibers. Because this gap has a different index of refraction, reflection occurs.

Connector

Gap

Optical fiber			Optical fiber

Fresnel Reflection at the Open End of the Fiber

This is the reflection that occurs at locations where the index of refraction changes (glass to air) such as where there are tears in the optical fiber or at the end of the optical fiber. When the optical fiber end face is vertical, approximately 3% of the incident optical power (–14.7 dB) is reflected.

Glass	Air
Incident ray (100%)
	Light
	(97%)
Reflected light (3%)

Dynamic Range

Dynamic range refers to the range of optical power levels that can be measured. The larger the dynamic range, the greater the distance that optical pulses can be measured over.

Measurement waveform

Dynamic range

(SNR = 1)

Noise peak

2.6 dB

RMS level of the noise

Zooming the Waveform Display Scale

You can zoom the displayed waveform in the direction of the optical power level (vertically) or in the direction of the distance (horizontally). A rectangular frame that shows the zoom position is displayed on the overview screen that appears in the bottom right of the screen.

Moving the Waveform Display Position

You can move the displayed waveform in the direction of the optical power level (vertically) or in the direction of the distance (horizontally). A rectangular frame that shows the display position is displayed on the overview screen that appears in the bottom right of the screen. This is the same rectangular frame that shows the zoom position.

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1.4Waveform and Event Analysis

Waveform Analysis

You can use the cursor and markers to measure values such as the distance, splice loss, return loss, or reflection level between two points.

Measuring Distance

The AQ1200 measures the time that it takes for an incident optical pulse to be reflected and return to the device. It uses this information and the following equation to calculate the distance (L).

L = C×T/(2N) [m]

C: The speed of light in a vacuum 2.99792 × 108 [m/s]

T: The time measured from when the incident pulse was generated to when the reflected light was received [s]

N: Index of refraction

In the above equation, the division by two accounts for the fact that the measured time represents the total time taken by the optical pulse to reach the reflection point and to return from it.

If the correct index of refraction is not specified, there will be errors in the distance measurement.

Setting the Index of Refraction

The AQ1200 has preset indices of refraction that correspond to each wavelength. For details on the settings, see section 3.6. Contact the optical fiber manufacturer for the fiber’s correct index of refraction.

Distance Range

You must select a distance range that is longer than the cable length of the optical fiber that you want to measure. As the distance becomes greater, the measurement time also increases. For details on the setting range, see section 3.5.

Pulse Width

There are the following features depending on the length of the pulse width. The pulse width that you can select varies depending on the distance range that you have specified. For details on the settings, see section 3.5.

•Short pulse width

You can separate and measure adjacent events (reflection points and losses). However, you cannot measure long distances.

•Long pulse width

You can measure long distances. However, multiple adjacent events may be seen as one single event.

Pulse width

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1.4 Waveform and Event Analysis

Dead Zone

An area where the influence of a large event such as a connector’s connection point makes it impossible to recognize other events that exist in that area is a dead zone. There are the following two types of dead zones.

•Event dead zone

An area where adjacent reflections cannot be separated. This is the area represented by the pulse width between the two points on the waveform at the level that is 1.5 dB below the peak value.

•Attenuation dead zone

An area where, because there is a large reflection, the surrounding splice losses cannot be measured.

1.5 dB

Event dead zone

Attenuation dead zone

Near-end Dead Zone Prevention

In sections where near-end reflection is detected, loss and reflections that occur at connections cannot be detected. If you are measuring a short distance, connect a dummy fiber to move events that are hidden in the near-end reflection the distance of the dummy fiber.

									Optical fiber being
								Event generation measured
Dummy fiber								point

Do not bend the optical fiber.

AQ1200

Small reflection that was hidden within a large reflection

Splice Loss

The AQ1200 measures the distance and the loss between the specified points.

2 Point Markers

The AQ1200 measures the distance and the loss between two points. If reflection is detected between the two points, the return loss is also measured. The splice loss value changes depending on the approximation method that you have specified. This can be used when Marker Mode is set to Marker or Line.

1 (n when Marker Mode is set to Line)

	Splice loss a (dB)		(E when Marker Mode is set to Line)
	(Total loss)
		2
			d (km)

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1.4 Waveform and Event Analysis

4 Point Markers

The AQ1200 uses the following four points to perform the measurement: the measurement start point 1 , the splice loss start point 2 , the splice loss end point Y2, and the measurement end point 3 . At position 2 , the level difference between the approximated line 2 – 1 and the approximated line Y2– 3 is calculated as the splice loss. The splice loss changes greatly depending on the position of 2 . Set the correct position for 2 . The splice loss value changes depending on the approximation method that you have specified. This can only be used when Marker Mode is set to Marker.

1

2

b(dB)

			Y2
Approximated line Y2–	3	e (dB)	3
	c (km)		f (km)

5 Point Markers

The AQ1200 uses the following five points to perform the measurement: the near-end point (n), a point (N) that is used to calculate the near-end side’s approximated line, a point (E) where splice loss is detected, a point (F) that is used to calculate the far-end side’s approximated line, and the far-end point (f). At position E, the level difference between the approximated line n–N and the approximated line F–f is calculated as the splice loss. The splice loss changes greatly depending on the position of E. Set the correct position for E. The splice loss value changes depending on the approximation method that you have specified. This can only be used when Marker Mode is set to Line.

n

N E F

f

Approximated

b (dB)

line n–N

a (dB)

Approximated

e (dB)

line F–f

c (km)

f (km)

Return Loss

Return loss RL is the ratio, in dB, of the reflected optical power level Pr to the incident optical power level Pi. It is calculated using the following equation. The larger the return loss, the smaller the reflected optical power. This implies that the performance of the measured optical line is good.

RL = –10log(Pr/Pi) [dB]

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1.4 Waveform and Event Analysis

Multi Trace Analysis

You can load up to four traces that have been measured on the AQ1200 and display them simultaneously for comparison.

You can adjust the vertical display position of each loaded trace.

2 Way Trace Analysis

Trace events that have been measured from optical fiber cable end A to end B and those measured from end B to end A can be combined. This combination enables displaying of events that could not otherwise be measured because of dead zones.

In the figure below, the event that is in the near-end dead zone (point S) when measured from end A is detected as event number 5 when measured from end B. In the 2 way trace analysis display, it is displayed as event number 1.

		End A							End B
End A → End B	AQ1200
			▲		▲	▲	▲	▲	▲
			S		1	2	3	4	E
End A ← End B
										AQ1200
			▲		▲	▲	▲	▲	▲
2 way trace analysis			E	5	4	3	2	1	S
			▲	1	▲	▲	▲	▲	▲
			S		2	3	4	5	E

An event of the other trace that exists within 6% of the position of an event of the current trace will be considered part of the current trace event.

If multiple events of the other trace that exists within 6% of the position of an event of the current trace, the closest event will be considered part of the current trace event.

Traces that meet the following conditions can be combined.

•Both have the same wavelength.

•Both have the same pulse width.

•Their end position offset is within 6%.

•Both have event lists.

Differential Trace

You can load two traces that have been measured on the AQ1200 and display their difference as a trace.

The screen can display the loaded traces and the differential trace simultaneously.

The differential trace is the result of subtracting the values of the current trace from those of the other trace.

You can use markers to read the following values of the differential trace.

•Loss between markers (dB)

•Distance between markers (km)

•Loss per unit distance between markers (dB/km)

•Distance to each marker

Section Analysis

You can set two markers, start point S and end point E, to measure the return loss and total loss in the section that you have specified. If you specify the reference point marker B for the return loss measurement, you can measure the return loss in the area between B and E.

S E

B

E

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1.4 Waveform and Event Analysis

Event Analysis

You can search for events in the optical pulse measurement waveform and measure the splice loss and the return loss.

Event Editing

You can insert and delete events on the event screen. When you edit an event marker, the splice loss and the return loss can be recalculated.

Measurement reference point

		Event number 1	Event number 2
				Detected fiber-end event E
▲		▲
S
		1	▲
			2	▲
				E

Event List Editing

You can set indices of refraction for each event period on the event list. Setting the indices of refraction in accordance with the connected fiber makes accurate distance measurements possible.

These indices only affect event analysis. The do not affect the waveform display.

You can also change event distances. However, the events shown on the screen will not change.

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1.5Light Source and Optical Power Meters (Options)

The features listed for the loss-measurement light source and optical power meters are available on models with the /SLT, /HLT, or /PPM option. The features listed for the visible light source are available on models with the /VLS option.

Loss-Measurement Light Source

The following measurement light wavelengths can be generated.

Model	Measurement Light Wavelength
AQ1200A	SM 1310 nm, SM 1550 nm
AQ1200B	SM 1625 nm
AQ1200C	SM 1650 nm
AQ1200E	SM 1310 nm, SM 1550 nm, SM 1625 nm
AQ1205A	SM 1310 nm, SM 1550 nm
AQ1205E	SM 1310 nm, SM 1550 nm, SM 1625 nm
AQ1205F	SM 1310 nm, SM 1550 nm, SM 1650 nm

You can produce continuous light or light that has been modulated at the selected frequency (modulation mode).

Visible Light Source

You can produce visible light to visually identify breaks in the optical fiber under test. You can turn the visible light on and off independently of the measurement light source.

Optical Power Meter

The two instrument types listed below are available for measuring different types of optical power.

	Item	Models with /SLT or /HLT	Models with /PPM Suffix Codes
			Normal power meter	PON power meter
		Suffix Codes
			selected	selected
	Wavelength	Yes	Fixed10, 11	Fixed10, 11
	Wavelength mode1	Yes	—	—
	Modulation mode2	Yes	—	—
	Unit	Yes (dB, dBm, W)	Yes (dB, dBm, W)	Yes (dBm, W)
	Reference3	Yes	Yes	—
	Measured value display hold	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Measured value logging	Yes	Yes	—
	Zero set4	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Average count5	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Maximum and minimum value	Yes	Yes	—
	display6
	Interlocking of light source and	Yes	Yes	—
	optical power meter settings7
	Offset8	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Threshold9	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Measurement of the optical
	power from ONU to OLT for a	—	—	Yes
	particular signal wavelength10
	Measurement of the optical
	power from OLT to ONU for a	—	—	Yes
	particular signal wavelength11
			Yes: Can be set or executed, —: Not available

1Wavelengths can be set with the wavelength mode set to Simple, Detail, or CWDM.

•Simple: You can select from a list of preset wavelengths.

•Detail: You can set the wavelength to a value from 800 to 1700 nm in 1 nm steps.

•CWDM: You can set the wavelength to a value from 1270 to 1610 nm in 20 nm steps along the CWDM wavelength grid.

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1.5 Light Source and Optical Power Meters (Options)

2You can select the modulation frequency of the incident rays from a list of presets. You can also select CW (continuous).

3You can make the displayed measured value the reference and display subsequent measured values as relative values.

4You can adjust the internal deviation of the optical power measurement section and obtain more accurate absolute optical power values.

5You can display averaged measured values.

6You can display the maximum and minimum measured values.

7You can interlock the light source and optical power meter settings when you connect an optical fiber between the light source port of an AQ1200 and the optical power measurement port of another AQ1200.

8You can add a specified value (the offset value) to measured optical power values.

9You can set upper and lower threshold values and determine whether or not the measured values fall within them.

10You can measure the optical power of an upstream signal from the ONU (optical network unit: the user’s optical terminal) to the OLT (optical line termination: the telephone exchange’s optical terminal). The optical power of the 1310 nm (data wavelength) signal is measured.

11You can measure the optical power of downstream signals from the OLT to the ONU. The optical power of the 1490 nm (data wavelength) and 1550 nm (video wavelength) signals is measured.

Logging

You can measure short-term optical power stability. The optical power value during logging can be displayed on a graph, and you can calculate the maximum, minimum, and average. In addition, you can use cursors to calculate the optical power at a specified location or the maximum, minimum, and average within a specified area. The logging results can be saved to a file in CSV format.

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1.6Loss Test (Option)

You can easily measure optical fiber and optical line degradation. This feature is available on models with the /SLT or /HLT option.

Auto Loss Test (Using one AQ1200 as the light source and another as the optical power meter)

Using the AQ1200 as a light source and optical power meter, you can easily measure optical fiber and line degradation. You can also use the AQ1100 multi-field tester series instead of the AQ1200 as the light source or optical power meter.

Light Source

You can set up to two measurement light wavelengths and produce them in order. You can produce a constant level of light if you use the optical power adjustment feature.

Optical Power Meter

The AQ1200 automatically identifies the measurement light from the AQ1200 that it is connected to and measures the optical power.

•The following items can be specified or executed. For details about these items, see section 1.5. The unit, reference, offset, and threshold values can be specified.

The zero set and measured value display hold operations can be executed.

•You can attach fiber information to the measured values and save them.*

*Because the AQ1200 is capable of identifying optical fiber and line cores, it is possible to number cores and tapes.

Light source (AQ1200)				Optical power meter (AQ1200)
				Optical power
Light source		Fiber under
		loss test		measurement
port
				port

Loop-Back Loss Test (Using one AQ1200)

You can use the light source and optical power meter features on a single AQ1200 to perform a loopback loss test on an optical fiber or line. To perform loss testing, connect one end of the fiber that you want to perform loss testing on to the AQ1200 light source port, and connect the other end to the optical power measurement port of the same AQ1200.

Light source and optical power meter

(AQ1200)

Light source
port
		Fiber under
Optical power		loss test
measurement
port

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1.7Multi-Core Loss Test (Option)

You can efficiently measure multi-core optical fiber and optical line degradation. This feature is available on models with the /SLT or /HLT option.

Master and Slave

Connect two AQ1200s and specify the optical power meter as the master and the light source as the slave. You can also use the AQ1100 multi-field tester series instead of the AQ1200 as the master or slave.

Specifying the Optical Communication Fiber

To transfer, between the master and slave, project setup information and information about the fiber under loss test, you must specify a fiber from the multi-core optical fiber to use for communication. Connect one end of the optical communication fiber to the master’s light source port (optical port 2), and connect the other end to the slave’s optical power measurement port (optical port 1).

Information That Is Transferred from Master to Slave

The following information can be transferred through the optical communication fiber from the master to the slave.

•Project information (see below for further details)

•Loss test results*

*Each time that the selected fiber’s loss test finishes, that fiber’s loss test result is automatically transferred.

Connecting the Optical Fiber under Loss Test

All fibers other than the optical communication fiber can be tested. For each optical fiber under loss test, connect one end to the master’s optical power measurement port, and connect the other end to the slave’s light source port. The core and tape numbers of the fibers under loss test are transferred from the master to the slave.

Master (AQ1200)										Slave (AQ1200)
										Optical power
Light source port				Communication fiber
										measurement port
(optical port 2)
										(optical port 1)
Optical power										Light source port
					Fiber under
measurement port
					loss test

Executing a Loss Test

Transmit light from the slave. The master will automatically identify different wavelengths in the light from the slave and measure the optical power. Continue the loss test, switching the cores between the master and the slave in order.

Projects

You can create projects with the master. You can specify the following project information:

The project name, the number of the core to start loss testing at, the tape number type, the number of cores, and the transmitted or measured measurement light wavelengths (up to 2).

•You can transfer projects from the master to the slave and share information.

•When the master and the slave share a project and use that project to perform loss testing, if testing is stopped, the data up to the stop point is saved and you can begin testing again from the next core.

•You can save and load projects as CSV files.

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1.8Fault Locator

This feature enables you to search for breaks (faults) in an optical fiber or line. If there are no faults in the middle of a fiber, the fiber end face is detected as a fault. You can specify the wavelength and the loss level that is used to determine if a fault is a fiber end face or not when the AQ1200 searches for faults. You can also zoom the display scale of the measured waveform and move the display position.

Break (fault)

Loss level that is used to determine whether this is the fiber end face or not

You can make measurements on the selected route.

The following five routes are available.

•Normal

Searches for faults in the fiber that connects the OLT1 and ONU2

•OLT -> Splitter

Searches the route from the OLT to the splitter

•OLT -> Splitter -> ONU

Searches the routes from the OLT through the splitter to each ONU

•ONU -> Splitter

Searches the route from an ONU to the splitter

•ONU -> Splitter -> OLT

Searches the route from an ONU through the splitter to the OLT

1OLT (optical line termination): the telephone exchange’s optical terminal

2ONU (optical network unit): the user’s optical terminal

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1.9Checking Fiber End Faces

You can use a fiber inspection probe* to take a photograph that shows the state of a fiber end face. You can display this photograph on the AQ1200 screen and save it.

*For information about compatible fiber inspection probes, contact your nearest YOKOGAWA dealer.

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1.10 IP Test (Option)

You can check whether or not the network layer of an Ethernet LAN line is established. Before performing an IP test, make sure that the optical fiber or line is connected physically.

IP testing is available on models with the /LAN option.

Ping Test

To ping an address (perform a simple IP test), specify the address and configure the Tx frame settings listed below. The results of pinging the address appear on the screen.

The frame length, Tx mode (continuation, number of frames to send, and transmission time), and measurement interval

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1.11 Multi-Core Fiber Measurement

Multi-core fiber measurement takes time and effort. This feature makes it possible to efficiently measure multi-core fibers through a dedicated menu.

Projects

Items that you need to specify in order to make multi-core measurements such as measurement conditions, analysis conditions, and core information are managed in projects.

By creating a project before a measurement, you can measure cores under the same conditions.

You can save projects to files. You can load a previously saved project and make measurements under the same conditions.

List

Cores are listed. You can easily distinguish between cores that have been measured, cores that have not been measured, and cores that do not to be measured. This list prevents you from forgetting measurements and from making unnecessary measurements. (You can make measurements efficiently.)

Measurement Result Storage

Measurement results of each core are automatically saved to a folder that is automatically created in the folder that the project file is saved in. The folder will have the same name as the project file.

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1.12 Event Mapper

You can display measured result events as icons on the screen. Detailed event analysis results are displayed along with the displayed icons. In addition, if fault events (see section 3.6) are specified, icons are displayed in different colors depending on the results of pass/fail judgments.

Each event is displayed as an icon. You can also switch to the waveform display using soft keys.

Near-end reflection

Splice loss

Reflection caused by a connector Loss caused

by bending

Reflection caused by a splitter

Reflection at the open end

of the fiber (Fresnel reflection)

If an event is determined to be a fault event, the icon background is displayed in orange.

Detailed analysis results of the selected icon (event)

Distance between events

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1.13 Other Features

The AQ1200 also has the following features.

•Data saving and loading

•Language selection

•Beep on/off

•Startup menu selection

•USB function selection (storage/communication)

•Screen color selection

•Current date and time configuration (see the operation guide, IM AQ1200-02EN)

•Power save settings

•Network settings (on models with the /LAN option)

•Setup information initialization (to the factory default values)

•AQ1200 information display (model, serial no., suffix code, version, etc.)

•Self test execution

•Firmware version updating

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Chapter 2 Common Operations

2.1Top Screen

When you turn the AQ1200 on and it starts, the top screen appears. First select a feature from this top screen, and then configure the feature or carry out the measurement that corresponds to the feature you have selected.

1.Turn on the AQ1200.

2.Use the rotary knob to select the feature.

An image that shows the selected feature is displayed, and the feature name is displayed in the upper left of the screen.

3.Press the center of the rotary knob or ENTER to confirm your selection.

The setup or measurement operation menu for the selected feature is displayed.

In this manual, steps 2 and 3 above are described as shown below. Example: To select the OTDR feature and confirm it:

“Using the rotary knob and ENTER, select OTDR.”

Displays an image that shows	Top Menu
the selected feature

Displays a term that represents the selected feature

•OTDR

•LS_OPM

•Auto Loss Test

•Multi-Core Loss Test

•IP Test

•Fiber Inspection Probe

•Fault Locator

•Visible Light Source

•PON_OPM

•Multi-Core Fiber Meas

•OTDR Event Mapper

Rotary knob

The center of the rotary knob

ENTER key

Displays an explanation of the selected feature

Procedural Explanations of Features

For explanations of the procedures to perform after you have selected and confirmed a feature, see the chapters or sections that are listed in the following table.

Function	Reference
OTDR (optical pulse measurement)	Chapters 3 to 7
LS_OPM (power meter and light source)	Chapters 8 and 9
Auto loss test (auto loss test and loopback loss test)	Chapter 11
Multi-core loss test	Chapter 12
IP test	Chapter 15
Fiber inspection probe (fiber end face check)	Chapter 14
Fault locator	Chapter 13
Visible light source	Section 8.2
PON_OPM (PON power meter)1	Chapter 10
Multi-Core Fiber Meas (multi-core fiber measurement)2	Chapter 16
OTDR Event Mapper3	Chapter 17

1AQ1200 firmware versions 1.10 and later support this feature.

2AQ1200 firmware versions 2.01 and later support this feature.

3AQ1200 firmware versions 2.03 and later support this feature.

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Operations Common

2.1 Top Screen

Top Menu

•You can also use the soft keys (F1 to F5) on the right side of the top menu to select a feature and display its setup or measurement operation menu.

•The feature that you have used the rotary knob and ENTER to select is displayed in the top position (soft key F1) of the top menu.

•If you use the rotary knob and ENTER to select a feature that is already displayed in the top menu, the feature will move to the top position of the top menu. If you press a soft key (F1 to F5), the feature that you have selected will also be moved to the top position.

•Up to five features can be displayed. When you exceed this number, the feature that was displayed in the position by soft key F5 is deleted from the top menu.

•You can configure the top menu that is displayed when the AQ1200 starts. For details, see section 19.1.

OTDR Top Menu

If you select the OTDR feature from the top menu, the OTDR menu (OTDR top menu) will appear. On AQ1200s with firmware version 2.03 and later, the OTDR top menu varies depending on the suffix code.

If the Suffix Code Is Not -HE (-HJ for example)

The OTDR top menu is the same as that of the previous version.

•The OTDR top menu will contain waveform analysis commands.

•During real-time measurement, marker and measurement condition commands appear. The F4 soft key will show the attenuation command.

•When real-time measurement finishes, the menu will return to displaying waveform analysis commands.

• OTDR Top Menu (during real-time measurement)

When not	During real-time	After real-time
measuring	measurement	measurement

Attenuation command

Waveform	Measurement	Waveform
Analysis	Condition	Analysis
Command	Command	Command

•During averaged measurement, the marker command appears.

•When averaged measurement finishes, the menu will return to displaying waveform analysis commands.

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2.1 Top Screen

	• OTDR Top Menu (during averaged measurement)
	When not			During averaged		After averaged
	measuring			measurement		measurement	2
						Waveform Analysis	Operations Common
	Waveform Analysis			Marker
	Command			Command		Command

If the Suffix Code Is -HE

•The OTDR top menu will contain measurement condition setting commands. The F4 soft key will show the average duration command.

The F5 soft key will show a command for switching to waveform analysis commands.

•During real-time measurement, measurement condition setting commands appear.

•When real-time measurement finishes, the menu will change to displaying waveform analysis commands.

• OTDR Top Menu (during real-time measurement)

When not	During real-time
measuring	measurement

Average duration command

(see section 3.5)

		Switches to			Marker
		waveform analysis			command
		commands
Measurement			Measurement
Condition			Condition
Command			Command

After real-time measurement

[Detail mode]

Displays/clears snapshot waveforms

Switches to measurement condition setting commands

Multi WL mode

Switches the displayed waveform

Waveform Analysis

Command

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