Module
99
OCEANEERING TRAINING CENTER
Distance Training Module Series
Module Ninety-Nine: FOTEC Fiber Optic Test Kit
OCEANEERING TRAINING CENTER
MODULE NINETY-NINE
FOTEC FIBER OPTIC TEST KIT
Rev. 1.0 Nov 2003
© Oceaneering Training Center
777 Delmar Rd. Bayou Vista La, 70380
Phone 985-395-5247 • Fax 985-395-8524
Table of Contents
MODULE LAYOUT ............................................................................................................ 1
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................. 2
DEFINITIONS ...................................................................................................................... 3
FS380 “SMART SOURCE”................................................................................................. 6
FM310 “SMART METER” ................................................................................................. 7
SAFETY NOTE .................................................................................................................... 8
CALIBRATING THE LAUNCH CABLE ......................................................................... 8
TESTING FIBERS ............................................................................................................... 9
CARE AND STORAGE ..................................................................................................... 10
MODULE REVIEW ..................................................................................................... 11
REVISION CHANGES ...................................................................................................... 13
M O D U L E N I N E T Y - N I N E R E V 1 . 0
Module
99
Module Layout
T he following information gives a basic outline of how to use this module. The ICON
KEY below graphically represents key items used throughout this module.
Valuable information is information that the user will find most
ICON KEY beneficial in relation to the subject being presented.
Valuable Test your knowledge are questions to test what you have
information learned.
Test your Tech Tips are quick technical aspects that the user will find
knowledge resourceful.
Module review is a summary of what the user has learned through
Tech Tips out the various chapters.
Module review
Oceaneering Training Center 1
M O D U L E N I N E T Y - N I N E R E V 1 . 0
Chapter
1
INTRODUCTION
The FOTEC “Smart Test” Kit is used on many ROV Systems for
Fiber Optic Testing. The most common use is in checking fiber
losses after a re-termination. The fibers with the lowest losses
are normally hooked up in the Telemetry System. Readings for
the remaining fibers are recorded in the System Logbook for
future reference. This Module is intended as a basic reference.
Please consult the Manufacturer’s Literature for more detailed information.
The Basic Kit consists of a
Laser Source and Power
Meter. The Test Kit used for
this Module is an “FT330”.
The Source is an “FS380”
and the Meter is an “FM310”.
Sources are available for the
different wavelengths used
by the Fiber Optic Equipment
on a particular ROV System.
The Accessories include an AC
Adapter / Battery Charger, short
fiber cables and connectors, as well
as an RS-232 cable for use in
conjunction with the “FOtest” and
“FOdoc” programs. Launch and
Receive cables are shown, along
with two types of FC/ST adaptors.
Oceaneering Training Center 2
M O D U L E N I N E T Y - N I N E R E V 1 . 0
DEFINITIONS
It is important to understand some basic terminology used in dealing with fiber optic
testing and power measurements. The most important concept is the DECIBEL. The
decibel (dB) represents the RATIO of output power to input power. The decibel does
NOT represent a specific power level. It is a logarithmic expression used to calculate
“gain” or “loss” of an amplifier or other device.
dB = 10 log P out
P in
The origin of the “logarithm” is beyond the scope of this Module; however it is important
to understand a couple of basic concepts. A gain or loss of 10dB will increase or
decrease the input by a factor of ten. A -3dB loss (attenuation) is a loss of HALF the
input. A +3dB gain (amplification) means the output is DOUBLE the input. When
decibel amounts are added, the power levels are multiplied. In the example below, there
are two amplifiers and two attenuators. The input is 1 watt, and the final output is 50
watts.
By adding the decibel numbers, we find the total gain is +17 dB. An easy way to
determine the total amplification or attenuation is to combine the stages in groups of
10dB and 3dB changes. Adding the first three stages yields a +20 dB gain. This is
equal to an output 100 times the input, or 100 watts. Remember the dB’s are added
(10+10) but the power levels are multiplied (10X10). We can now subtract the final
stage. Its attenuation is –3dB, which means that the output of the final stage will be half
its input, or 50 watts.
Oceaneering Training Center 3
M O D U L E N I N E T Y - N I N E R E V 1 . 0
RELATIVE POWER. In many applications, we need a logarithmic expression of the
actual power level, rather than a ratio. A standard reference is the dBm. dBm stands for
“Decibels per milliwatt”. The dBm is a RELATIVE amount of power, referenced to one
milliwatt. This is useful in measuring receiver sensitivity. A value of zero dBm is equal to
1 mw. Minus dBm
(-dBm) represents a power level below one milliwatt, while plus dBm (+dBm) represents
a power level greater that one milliwatt. dBu or “decibels per microwatt” is sometimes
used. Since 1 uw = 1/1000 mw, 0 dBu = -30 dBm.
ABSOLUTE POWER. Power is measured in milliwatts or microwatts, with 1mw =
1000 uw. The following table is used to compare these units:
+20 dBm = 100 mw
+10 dBm = 10 mw
+ 6 dBm = 4 mw
+ 3 dBm = 2 mw
0 dBm = 1 mw (1000 uw) = +30 dBu
- 3 dBm = 0.5 mw (500 uw) = +27 dBu
-10 dBm = 0.1 mw (100 uw) = +20 dBu
-20 dBm =0.01 mw (10 uw) = +10 dBu
-30 dBm =0.001mw (1 uw) = 0 dBu
Oceaneering Training Center 4
M O D U L E N I N E T Y - N I N E R E V 1 . 0
WAVELENGTH: Fiber Optic equipment operates at a wavelength above the visual
spectrum. 850, 1310 and 1550 nanometers (nm) are popular wavelengths.
850 nm may be visible as a red light. 1300 and 1550 nm are not visible, but severe eye
damage is possible. Please follow the appropriate safety precautions every time.
The Fiber Optic Systems used on Oceaneering’s ROV Systems use different modes and
wavelengths. If testing a multimode System, testing must be conducted at both
wavelengths. A multiple wavelength source will also be used.
PRIZM is a Single-mode System, operating at 1310 nm.
FOCAL is Multimode. The wavelengths are 1310 nm “Uplink” and 1550 nm “Downlink”.
MATH ASSOCIATES is also Multimode, and operates at 850 and 1310 nm.
The following table shows the rated fiber losses at the various wavelengths:
WAVELENGTH FIBER LOSS
850 nm - 2.5 dB / Km
1310 nm - 0.5 dB / Km
1550 nm - 0.1 to –0.2 dB / Km
Oceaneering Training Center 5
M O D U L E N I N E T Y - N I N E R E V 1 . 0
FS380 “SMART SOURCE”
The FS380 is an LED light source, operating at a
wavelength of 1300 nanometers. FOTEK makes
other sources that operate at 850nm, 1300nm, and
1550nm. The various Fiber Optic Systems use a
combination of these wavelengths. Some sources
use LED, while some are lasers.
Two RJ-43 phone jacks are
located on the right side:
RS-232 TO COMPUTER
RS-232 TO METER
The unit’s ON / OFF switch is at the left. The arrow buttons are used to set the output
power level in dBm, dBu or microwatts. At the top are a jack for the power supply /
battery charger and a fiber connector. This connector is usually an “FC”, however “ST”
adaptors are available. The “Smart Source” button starts the calibration / test sequence.
Oceaneering Training Center 6
M O D U L E N I N E T Y - N I N E R E V 1 . 0
FM310 “SMART METER”
The FS310 is a light meter, capable of operating at
850nm, 1300nm of 1550nm. Since the source used is at
1289.2 nm, only this wavelength will be used in testing. It
also has an ON / OFF switch on the left, as well as a
power plug and fiber connector at the top. Only one RS-
232 connector is present, and can be hooked up to the
source by a phone cable.
The “wavelength” switch is used to
select the proper wavelength for
testing. Holding this button for 2
seconds will change the resolution
between 1/10 and 1/100 for more
accuracy.
The “dB–uW” switch selects the
unit of measurement. The choices
are dBm, dBu, dB and uW.
Holding this button for 2 seconds
will “zero out” the reference level
for the “launch cable” in use.
Oceaneering Training Center 7
M O D U L E N I N E T Y - N I N E R E V 1 . 0
Chapter
2
SAFETY NOTE
Never look into a fiber optic cable. Harmful optical radiation
may be present. While the possibility is very remote, permanent
eye damage may result. Use the power meter to determine if a
signal is present. Consult the Manufacturer’s Literature for
information on power meter operation.
CALIBRATING THE LAUNCH CABLE
Hook up the cable from the source to the meter.
For this test, “uW” (microwatts) was selected on the
meter. The arrow keys on the source were used to
set the output to 10 uW (+10 dBu or –20 dBm).
Set the meter for “dB”
“Press the “smart source”
button. Observe “SS””
flashing on the source.
A -0.5 to -1.0 dB loss is acceptable. This is the
combined loss of the cable and connectors. For this
cable it was –0.2 dB.
Holding down the “dB-uW” button for 2 seconds
will “zero” the reference level. The launch
cable’s losses will not be included in future
measurements. All launch and receive cables
should be tested in this manner. Obviously a
“questionable” launch cable will give you
“questionable” readings.
Oceaneering Training Center 8
M O D U L E N I N E T Y - N I N E R E V 1 . 0
TESTING FIBERS
LAUNCH AND RECEIVE CABLES are used in testing. They must be of good quality, or
the measurements will be inaccurate or misleading. Note that launch and receive cables
are not combined for the initial reference. A two-cable reference would remove one
connector loss from the measurement.
CARE OF FIBER AND CONNECTORS. Fiber is very thin, so the slightest blockage,
dust, fingerprints or contamination can affect operation. Clean the connectors with lint-
free alcohol pads. Use dust caps on fibers not hooked up. Take care not to drop the
connector. The glass can crack as a result. You should also avoid over tightening ty-
wraps if they are used.
LOOPBACK TESTING The
following is a test using a 100-
meter spool with two fibers, and
simulates checking the Tx and Rx
fibers as a pair for a “single mode”
System (Prizm). The fibers are
“looped back” at the far end using
a splice bushing (barrel
connector). The launch and
receive cables are then connected
to the fibers at the near end using
ST-to-FC adaptors.
We are measuring the total losses of the 2 fiber cables, 4 connectors and 3 adaptors.
The total loss is 2.4 dB. NOTE: This is not an “industry standard” test method, but can
quickly eliminate the fibers as a cause of high system losses. If unacceptably high
losses occur, test each fiber separately to determine which one is at fault.
Oceaneering Training Center 9
M O D U L E N I N E T Y - N I N E R E V 1 . 0
SINGLE FIBER TESTING
The fiber with the black tape at each end has a loss of
0.4 dB. This is testing one fiber cable, 2 connectors and 2
adaptors. The other fiber has a loss of 1.6 dB. In the
previous test, the splice bushing and 2 connectors caused
the additional 0.4 dB in losses (0.4 + 1.6 + 0.4 = 2.4dB).
CARE AND STORAGE
The Test Kit should be kept in a cool dry place, preferably in its storage case. Launch
and receive cables should be checked periodically to ensure they are good. It’s also
wise to have a spare 9-volt battery for the power meter, and keep the ni-cad battery in
the source charged. Keep the connectors and adaptors clean.
Oceaneering Training Center 10
M O D U L E N I N E T Y - N I N E R E V 1 . 0
MODULE
Module Review REVIEW
The FOTEC “Smart Test” Kit is one type of Test Equipment used
to check the quality of Fiber Optic cables and their associated
connectors. The kit consists of a Light Source, Light Meter, test
cables, adaptors and connectors. Different kits may be used, depending on the Fiber
Optic System (Mainly PRIZM or FOCAL).
Optical power is measured using various units. The Decibel (dB) is a ratio of output to
input power. The dB is a logarithmic expression of the amplification (+ dB) or attenuation
(- dB) of power. +/- 3dB is equivalent to double or half, while +/- 10dB multiplies or
divides the input by 10. In multi-stage circuits, decibels are added, and power levels are
multiplied to determine the actual power level.
Decibels per milliwatt (dBm) and decibels per microwatt (dBu) are known as “relative”
measurements, in reference to 1 mW or 1 uW. Absolute power is expressed in watts,
milliwatts or microwatts.
The wavelengths commonly used in today’s Fiber Optic equipment are 850, 1310 and
1550 nanometers. Although these wavelengths are invisible to the naked eye, the
unseen optical radiation can cause irreversible, permanent damage to the retina.
The FS380 Light Source operates at 1310 nanometers. Others are available for the 850
and 1550 nm ranges. The output power can be adjusted by arrow keys on the source.
Pressing the “smart source” button will begin the testing sequence.
The FM310 Light Meter can be used for 850, 1310 or 1550 nm. The wavelength is
selectable, as well as the units of measurement in use (dBm, dBu, dB or uW). It can be
used as a power meter, however its purpose here is to check the fiber losses with a
known power level being transmitted by the Light Source.
Oceaneering Training Center 11
M O D U L E N I N E T Y - N I N E R E V 1 . 0
Some critical elements of the Smart Test Kit are the Launch and Receive Cables. These
short cables must be checked periodically to ensure they do not have excessive losses.
These cables are calibrated by connecting each between the Light Source and Meter.
The “dB / uW” switch is held for 2 seconds to “zero” this reference.
Fiber connectors, adaptors and splice bushings are also an important link in Fiber Optic
transmission. All connectors should be clean, and protected by dust caps when not
hooked up. Care should be taken not to drop the connectors, as the glass may crack
and render the connector unusable.
The most common application of the Test Kit is in checking the fiber losses after a re-
termination. Launch and receive cables connect the Source and Meter to the fiber being
tested. The fiber and its connectors are being tested. If multi-mode fibers are used,
each fiber must be checked at each wavelength.
Each individual fiber is tested, and the results recorded in the System Logbook. The
fibers with the smallest losses are normally used in the Telemetry System, with the
others used as spares.
Oceaneering Training Center 12
M O D U L E N I N E T Y - N I N E R E V 1 . 0
REVISION CHANGES
DATE REV CHANGE MADE BY APPROVED
BY
11/06/2003 1.0 Initial Release Richard Kelly Nick Gallien
Oceaneering Training Center 13
