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The Fiber Optic Association, Inc.

Quickstart

Fiber Optic Testing

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QuickStart Guide:
Communications System Optical Power

FOA "Quickstart Guides" are short, simple guides to basic fiber optic tests. All are written in the same straightforward format: what equipment do you need, what are the procedures for testing, options in implementing the test, measurement errors and documenting the results. References to FOA "1 Page Standards" are provided to allow printing out the directions.

Other FOA Quickstart Guides are linked at right >

Insertion Loss of Cable Plants And Patchcords  


OTDR Testing  


 Fiber Optic Testing

This is your "QuickStart" guide to testing optical power in fiber optic communications systems with a fiber optic power meter. We'll give you the basic information you need and provide some printable references. Just go to the topics below to find the information you need. Links to videos and more comprehensive information will be provided in each section.




Testing Communications Equipment For Optical Power Levels

Fiber optic communications equipment depends primarily on having the proper optical power levels, especially the output power of the transmitter and the power at the receiver. The difference between these two power levels is the loss of the cable plant which can be tested as described above.

T
his test will measure the optical power exiting the end of a fiber optic cable. This test is commonly used to measure the coupled power of a fiber optic source in a transmitter using a reference cable or the patchcord connecting the source to the cable plant or the power into a receiver measured by unplugging the cable connected directly to the receiver. The method shown is on the FOA "1 Page Standard" FOA3 which you may print or download and insert in your documentation.

Equipment Needed To Perform This Test

Power meter for optical power testing


1.    Fiber optic power (#1) meter calibrated at the same wavelength as the source output (e.g. multimode: 850 or 1300nm, singlemode, 1310, 1490 and/or 1550 nm, POF 650 nm) capable of measuring optical power in the power range of the source.

2.    Optical power meter adapters (#2) to mate to connector type on cable.

3.    Reference cable (#3) or known good patchcord (tested using the method above)  that is the same fiber type and size as the cable plant and have connectors compatible to those on the source and cables.

4.    Cleaning supplies


Test Procedure

Measuring optical power in fiber optic communciations system




1.    Turn on meter and allow time to warm-up

2.    Set meter to wavelength of source and “dBm” to measure calibrated optical power.

3.    Clean all connectors and mating adapters.

4.    Attach reference cable or patchcord to source if testing source power or disconnect cable from receiver.

5.    Attach power meter to end of cable and read measured power.


Options For Testing

Power is generally measured in “dBm” or dB referenced to 1 milliwatt of optical power. Optical power measurements may also be made in Milliwatts (mW) or microwatts (µW)


Reducing Measurement Uncertainty

1.    Calibrate optical power meter according to manufacturer specified intervals.

2.    Clean all connectors and remove meter adapter periodically to clean the adapter and power meter detector.

3.    Do not bend fiber optic cables tightly to cause stress loss.


Documentation

Documentation
Record the following data to document your tests and keep copies for future reference:

1.    Date of the test

2.    System being tested and identification

3.    Operator

4.    Test equipment used

5.    Test wavelength

6.    Measured optical power


Learn More


Also see the FOA YouTube Video on optical power testing  




References

FOA Standard
FOA "1 Page Standard" FOA3

Online FOA Reference

FOA Reference Guide to Fiber Optics( general)
, Basics/Testing, Test Section 


Reference Textbooks

FOA Reference Guide to Fiber Optics, Chapter 8

FOA Reference Guide to Outside Plant Fiber Optics, Chapter 8
 


Videos

FOA YouTube Videos
, with individual links as appropriate


This information is provided by The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. as a benefit to those interested in teaching, designing, manufacturing, selling, installing or using fiber optic communications systems or networks. It is intended to be used as an overview and/or basic guidelines and in no way should be considered to be complete or comprehensive. These guidelines are strictly the opinion of the FOA and the reader is expected to use them as a basis for learning, as a reference and for creating their own documentation, project specifications, etc. Those working with fiber optics in the classroom, laboratory or field should follow all safety rules carefully. The FOA assumes no liability for the use of any of this material.


 

Table of Contents: The FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics

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