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Fiberdyne Labs – Fiber Characterization Guide
Introduction
Fiber Characterization is defined as a series of tests taken on a fiber optic span to determine the
integrity of the fiber, installation practices, and performance for a desired transmission rate (OC-48 or
faster) and/or Service to be implemented (DWDM). There are 5 tests taken to qualify a fiber:
· Optical Return Loss (ORL)
1550 nm wavelengths, bi-directionally
· OTDR
1550 nm & 1625 nm wavelengths, bi-directionally averaged
· Power Meter and Light Source (Insertion Loss)
1550 nm & 1625 nm wavelengths, bi-directionally averaged
· Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD)
1550 nm wavelength
· Chromatic Dispersion
1520 nm to 1630 nm at 10 nm increments
Industry Standards
· Power Loss
FOTP-171 / EIA-455-171 Attenuation by Substitution Measurement for short length Single-mode
optical fiber cable assemblies
· Optical Return Loss (ORL)
FOTP-107 / TIA/EIA-455-107A Return Loss for Fiber Optic components
· OTDR
FOTP-59 / TIA/EIA-455-8 Measurement of Fiber Point Discontinuities Using an OTDR and FOTP-
8 TIA/EIA
· Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD)
TIA-455-124 – FOTP124 – Polarization-mode Dispersion Measurements for Single-mode Optical
Fibers by Interferometry Method
· Chromatic Dispersion
FOTP – 175 / TIA-455-175-B Measurement Methods and Test Procedures-Chromatic
Dispersion
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TEL: (800) 894-9694 FAX: (315) 895-8436
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Thresholds (Typical)
· ORL: > 27 dB
· Loss Readings:
< 0.25 dB/km + 0.3 dB/splice + 0.5 dB/connector pair (bi-directional)
· OTDR:
< 0.25 dB/km + 0.3 dB/splice + 0.5 dB/connector pair (bi-directional)
· PMD: < 40 ps for 2.5 GB/s, 10 ps for 10 GB/s, 2.5 ps for 40 GB/s
· CD: 16640 ps/nm for 2.5 GB/s, 1040 ps/nm for 10 GB/s, 65 ps/nm for 40 GB/s
Description of Tests
Optical Return Loss (ORL)
· ORL measures the total light reflected back to the transmitter caused by the fiber and the components
including connector pairs, mechanical splices, etc.
· ORL provides a reading of the light that does not reach the opposite end of the fiber
· ORL determines overall fiber plant efficiency
· Reflective events include all connector pairs and mechanical splices
· ORL is measured as a +dB reading
· The higher the ORL reading, the better the reflections in the fiber under test
127 Business Park Drive
Frankfort, NY 13340 USA
TEL: (800) 894-9694 FAX: (315) 895-8436
Http://www.fiberdyne.com
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OTDR
· The OTDR sends a light pulse down the fiber and measures the return signal power and travel time in
order to calculate the fiber distance as well as loss of the fiber under test. Once the loss and distance are
obtained they are plotted and a fiber trace is created.
As well as plotting the optical distance of a fiber, the trace will show events such as splices and connector
pairs.
· To accurately measure events, OTDR traces are taken bi-directionally and averaged.
· Typically, OTDR traces are taken at the 1550 nm and 1625 nm wavelengths to cover the C-band and L-
band transmission windows.
127 Business Park Drive
Frankfort, NY 13340 USA
TEL: (800) 894-9694 FAX: (315) 895-8436
Http://www.fiberdyne.com
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Power Meter and Light Source
· A Power Meter and Light Source combination (Loss Test Set) is the most accurate way to provide end to
end loss readings on an optical span, including the fiber attenuation and the initial and end connectors
of the fiber under test.
A power meter and light source is used to send continuous wave light from the source to the power meter.
The difference in power is the total span loss.
1550 1625 Avg. Avg. 1550 1625
Dist.
Site A Port Loss Loss Loss Loss Loss Loss Port Site B
(Km)
(dB) (dB) 1550 1550 (dB) (dB)
9 17.05 17.85 17.13 17.88 17.21 17.90 33
77.785
10 17.50 18.30 17.61 18.38 17.72 18.45 34
Polarization Mode Dispersion
· Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) is the result of light traveling down a fiber along different paths.
Each path will have a slightly different length which will result in different arrival times for each
component of light. The difference in arrival times is PMD. This “differential delay” is measured in
picoseconds (ps).
PMD is performed at 1550 nm with a broadband light source. The test is performed taking several scans
of the fiber under test. The result documented is the worst case result for the total delay and coefficient
of the fiber under test. PMD is fitted to a Gaussian curve and determined to pass or fail based on industry
standards.
127 Business Park Drive
Frankfort, NY 13340 USA
TEL: (800) 894-9694 FAX: (315) 895-8436
Http://www.fiberdyne.com
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Chromatic Dispersion
· Chromatic Dispersion is the result of different wavelengths traveling at different speeds of the non-zero
spectral width of transmitters. Since transmitters are actually made up of several wavelengths and each
wavelength travels at a different speed, the difference in arrival time of each wavelength causes pulse
spreading or (chromatic) dispersion. This phenomenon is measured in ps/nm.
Typical CD set up would measure from 1520 nm to 1630 nm in 10 nm increments. The results are then
plotted and graphed. The results include the dispersion slope, zero dispersion point and delay in ps/nm.
· Chromatic Dispersion is NOT a pass/fail reading
· The results determine if dispersion compensation is required
· The results are required for network engineering for proper transmission and network
element requirements and placement.
127 Business Park Drive
Frankfort, NY 13340 USA
TEL: (800) 894-9694 FAX: (315) 895-8436
Http://www.fiberdyne.com
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