With the development and construction of fiber optical network, the fiber optic cables detection and maintenance are becoming more and more important. Optical Time Domain Reflectometer, also called OTDR, it is an important tool for detecting the integrity of fiber optical cables. OTDR is a precision optoelectronic integrated instrument made by utilizing the backscattering caused by Rayleigh scattering and Fresnel reflection when light is transmitted in optical fiber. At present, OTDR is mainly used to measure optical fiber length, optical fiber attenuation, connector loss, optical fiber fault point location, and understand optical fiber event point loss, etc. It is an indispensable tool in optical cable line maintenance, construction, and monitoring.
Key features and functions of an OTDR include:
Distance Measurement: OTDRs can measure the distance to faults or discontinuities in the optical fiber by analyzing the time delay of the reflected light.
Reflectometry: OTDRs use the principle of reflectometry to analyze the backscattered light in the optical fiber. This allows them to identify and locate events such as splices, connectors, and breaks.
Attenuation Measurement: OTDRs can measure the attenuation of the optical signal as it travels along the fiber. This information is crucial for assessing the health and quality of the optical link.
Fault Detection: OTDRs can detect and locate faults in the fiber, such as breaks, bends, or other issues that may cause signal loss or degradation.
Fiber Characterization: OTDRs provide a detailed profile of the optical fiber, showing the variations in attenuation along its length. This information helps in understanding the overall quality of the fiber optic link.
Documentation: OTDRs often generate trace files or reports that can be used for documentation and analysis. These reports provide a visual representation of the fiber optic network and help in troubleshooting and maintenance.
Applications
LAN/WAN testing
Metro network testing
Lab and Factory testing
Optical Network construction and troubleshooting
FTTX test with PON networks（optional)
How to set parameters for OTDR optical fiber testing
Before using the OTDR to connect and test the pigtail, you need to clean the pigtail, then insert the pigtail vertically into the instrument test socket, and fully connect the raised U-shaped part of the pigtail with the recessed U-shaped part of the test socket, and Tighten appropriately.
Wavelength : Different wavelengths correspond to different light characteristics. During testing, the wavelength consistent with the test fiber should be selected;
Test Range : OTDR test range refers to the maximum distance over which the OTDR can obtain data. It should be selected according to the length of the optical fiber under test. The optimal test range is between 1.5 and 2 times the length of the optical fiber under test.
Pulse Width : The longer the pulse width, the larger the dynamic measurement range, the longer the measurement distance, and the larger the blind zone in the OTDR curve waveform. On the contrary, the smaller the pulse width, the shorter the sampling distance, and the more accurate the test.
Averaging Time : Since the backscattered light signal is very weak, the statistical averaging method is generally used to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. The longer the averaging time, the higher the signal-to-noise ratio. The higher the test accuracy, but not the longer the time, the better. It is generally selected within 0.5-3 minutes.
Refractive Index : According to the actual value of the test optical fiber to select. Incorrect refractive index selection will affect the test length.
Event Threshold Setting : Before testing, preset the attenuation of the optical fiber continuation point or loss point. When an event exceeding the threshold is encountered, OTDR will automatically analyze and locate it.
Learn more about OTDR information and product models. Feel free to contact us anytime. Sopto Technology can provide a variety of OTDR devices. Email :[email protected]
Tags : OTDR, fiber optic cable
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