Test Equipment and Measurements

Overview

Types of instrument Optical power measurement Other fibre instruments Optical time domain reflectometers

Optical Fibre Test and Measurement Overview

Optical Test and Measurement

Optical measurements takes place at a variety of levels

Design & research laboratories Production and manufacture Component characterisation Network test and measurement Network performance monitoring

Transmission characterisation

Optical Test and Measurement Equipment

Wide variety of equipment is in use......
Optical source and power meter
Optical test set (source and power meter combined) Optical Time Domain Reflectometer

Optical spectrum analyser

Optical waveform analyser/optical oscilloscope Dispersion analyser Polarization mode dispersion analyser Optical return loss test sets Fibre talk sets Connector inspection microscopes

Instruments for Optical Fibre Systems

Optical source Optical power meter Talk-set
Typically used in most fibre systems

Live fibre detector

Optical test set (source and power meter combined) Optical Time Domain Reflectometer

Optical spectrum analyser/monochromator

Optical waveform analyser/optical oscilloscope Dispersion analyser Polarization mode dispersion analyser Optical return loss test sets Connector inspection microscopes

Optical Network T&M Challenges

Endangered Species....

Single channel/wavelength measurements... Attenuation as the main concern...

Responding after faults occur...

Reporting with pen and paper...

Future Challenges

Optical network measurement challenges:

Multiple channels / wavelengths

A variety of new parameters to measure

Must be completed quickly May need to be carried out remotely Will require a high degree of automation High optical power levels > +20 dBm

Extensive data reporting/recording abilities

LAN Attenuation Test Requirements

Test Requirements within TIA/EIA568-B and ISO 11801

Attenuation testing is the only required test for fibre in TIA/EIA-568-B and ISO 11801 Attenuation tests need to carried out and documented for:
All patchpanel-to-patchpanel fibres in a system Permanent patchcords

Maximum attenuation limits for measured attenuation should be provided to installers Maximum limits can be worked out from TIA/EIA-568-B and ISO 11801 Testing is carried using:
An optical source/power meter combination An Optical-Time-Domain-Reflectometer (OTDR)

Specifying Maximum Limits on Attenuation

120 m patchpanel to patchpanel fibre under test
120m
Connector plug
or

Fibre Optic Span

Source A

Meter
Jumper or patchcord

B
Splice (fusion or mechanical)

Maximum limit on attenuation between points A and B for multimode fibre at 1320 nm as per TIA/EIA-568-B is: 2 mated connector pairs @ 0.75 dB each = 1.5 dB 2 splices @ 0.3 dB each = 0.6 dB

Mated connector pair

Reference lead

Symbols as per BS 7718

120 m fibre @ 1.5 dB/km = 0.18 dB

Enclosure

Total = 2.28 dB

Typical Instrumentation for Attenuation Measurements

Typical power meter and OTDR shown Measurements are wavelength specific OTDR is more accurate, gives more information and can be used to detect faults and other problems OTDR is more expensive and can be more difficult to use

OTDR

Power meter

Attenuation / Insertion Loss Measurement

Attenuation (Insertion Loss)

Most common measurement Correctly referred to as "attenuation" but also called "insertion loss" Carried out using a source and power meter combination Value is in dB Typical attenuation for a mated pair of optical connectors is 0.35 dB
Fibre Joint
P1 P2

Insertion Loss in dB = -10 Log 10

P2 P1

Optical Power and Loss Testing for Systems

Optical power and loss testing is used to:
Determine if the output power of a transmitter is as specified

To measure the output power of a fibre just prior to a receiver

To determine the loss in a length of fibre To measure the loss in a device or component To measure the loss between two patchpanels

Loss measurement

System/Subsystem under test

Optical Source

Power Meter

Portable Optical Sources

Optical sources or light sources are used to provide a stable source of light for loss test purposes. Typically handheld devices with common connector adapters (ST, FC/PC, SC etc..) LED and Laser based units available
LED units operate circa 850 nm and 1310 nm with typical power outputs of -20 dBm (50/125 fibre) Laser units operate circa 1310 nm and/or 1550 nm with typical power outputs of -7 dBm (9/125 fibre) Some LED units can be used with singlemode fibre, very low power though (-36 dBm typ)

Modulation with a tone (normally 2 kHz) is provided for use with live fibre detectors

Units available from Megger, Exfo, Laser Precision, Noyes etc..

Typical Portable Optical Sources

Output connectors

Exfo FOS-120A series LED based 850 or 1310 or 1550 nm Dual wavelength available (1310/1550 nm) Output power -20 dBm into 50/125 micron fibre Stable to within 0.08 dB over 1 hour

Exfo FOS-130A series Laser based 1310 or 1550 nm only Dual wavelength available (1310/1550 nm) Output power -7 dBm into all fibre types Stable to within 0.08 dB over 1 hour

Typical Portable Power Meter

Calibrated at 850 nm, 1300 nm and 1550 nm Measurements in microwatts, dBm and dBr (relative dB) Range +3dBm to -50 dBm (0.001 microwatts) 0.1 dB resolution Wide range of adapters including ST, FC/PC and SC 9V battery powered

More sophisticated units have a larger number of calibrated wavelengths

Typical High-end Production Light Source

Wavelength options available, with LED and Laser sources Output level using laser option is -3 dBm +/- 1 dBm

Variable attenuation 0-6 dB in 0.01 dB steps

Short term stability better than 0.02 dB Wide range of adapters including ST, FC/PC and SC

Anritsu MG9001A Stabilised Optical Light Source

Typical Production Power Meter

Wavelength range options available as different "sensor heads" Measurements in microwatts, dBm and dBr (relative dB)

Range +10 dBm to -70 dBm

0.01 dB resolution Wide range of adapters including ST, FC/PC and SC

Anritsu ML9001A GPIB Optical Power

Optical Power Meter Fundamentals

Measurement of Optical Power is of fundamental importance in optical systems

Photodiode detectors are normally used in power meters for optical fibre systems.
Large-surface area preferred to ensure detection of all of the light from the fibre.

Photodiode

Optical Fibre

Photodiode active area

Spot formed on detector by light from fibre

Power Meter Block Diagram

Large Area Photodiode

Electronic Processing

LCD Display

User Controls

Power Supply

Three type of photodiode are used: Silicon, Germanium and InGaAs (Indium Gallium Arsenide)

Different photodiodes are sensitive to different wavelength ranges

Photodiode Wavelength Ranges

Silicon photodiodes work only in the first window circa 850 nm InGaAs is only suitable for windows circa 1300 and 1550 nm Germanium photodiodes are the only type suitable for all windows

Photodiodes Types

Silicon Photodiodes: Used from 400 nm to 1000 nm Typical dynamic range from 1 pW to 1 mW Typical area 1 cm squared

Germanium Photodiodes: Used from 500 nm to 1800 nm Typical dynamic range from 1 pW to 1 mW Typical area 1 cm squared

InGaAs Photodiodes:

Used from 1000 nm to 1600 nm

Higher cost Typical area is small, 0.5 mm diameter, 0.007 cm squared

Attenuation/Loss Measurement Practice

Production Attenuation Measurement Tips

Measured loss values for say connectors are small (0.1 dB to 0.5 dB) Any fluctuations in the source and/or leads will directly affect attenuation measurement Source:
Ideally use a source with a stability ten times better than lowest attenuation to be measured Eg. to measure down to 0.1 dB use a source with a stability better than 0.01 dB Perform a periodic reference check every 1-2 hours to eliminate long term drift For very high stability use a splitter and power meter to monitor reference continuously

Leads
Use high quality test leads Keep leads clean and perform periodic checks Consider fixing leads in place to eliminate random bend fluctuations Consider using a fixing jig for test lead adapters

Launch Conditions (Multimode)

In use in real systems patchcords, connectors etc. are normally distant from the transmitter. At a distance the mode distribution reaches a steady state or equilibrium distribution When measurements are undertaken with launch leads devices under test will be close to the source. Mode distribution is not at equilibrium: misleading results Standards such as IEC 60874-1 insist on equilbrium mode distribution Using long leads to achieve equilibrium is difficult Better to use some form of Equilibrium Mode Simulator

Also known as a Optical Mode Conditioner

Launch Conditions (Singlemode)

In use in real systems patchcords, connectors etc. are normally distant from the transmitter
When measurements are undertaken with launch leads devices under test will be close to the source. Multiple modes may exist close to the source, inaccurate results Using long singlemode leads to achieve equilibrium is difficult A mode filter consisting of two or more 40-50 mm diameter loops in the source lead should ensure that the DUT sees a true singlemode signal

Mode filter
Optical Source

Loss Measurement Length of fibre only

Attenuation for a length of fibre only (connectors not included)

Optical power source

Launch lead

Tail lead

Optical power meter

A short reference lead is used for X and the received power P1 is recorded The lead X is replaced by the length of fibre and received power P2 is recorded Attenuation in the fibre length is P1 - P2 Fibre length under test and the reference lead must have the same geometry and connectors from the same manufacturer Most power meters incorporate a dBr (dB relative) function to assist in measurements = Mated pair of optical connectors

Loss Measurement Patch-panel to Patch-panel

Setting reference

Optical power source

Launch lead

Launch lead A
Patch-panels

Optical power meter

Tail lead

Making the measurement

Optical power source

Installed fibre

Optical power meter

A launch reference lead is connected as shown and the optical power P1 is recorded The power P1 represents the power in the launch lead at point A The launch lead from the source is connected to the local patch panel The power meter is taken to the remote patch panel and connected by a reference tail lead The power level P2 is then measured and the loss between A and B is P1 - P2 Fibre under test and the reference lead must have the same geometry and connectors from the same manufacturer

Standard EN 50346 Method 1

IEC 61280-4-2 Method 1a

= Mated pair of optical connectors

Loss Measurement Patch-panel to Patch-panel

Patch-panel to Patch-panel with non standard connectors

Patch-panel to Patch-panel with non standard connectors

Total Loss Measurement: Connectorised Device

Setting reference

Optical power source

Launch lead

Launch lead A

Optical power meter

Tail lead

Making the measurement

Optical power source

Device under test

Optical power meter

A launch reference lead is connected between the source and meter as shown The optical power P1 is recorded The power P1 represents the power in the launch lead at point A The launch lead from the source is connected to the device input The power meter connected to the device output by a reference tail lead The power level P2 is then measured and the loss between A and B is found as P1 - P2 Fibre under test and the reference lead must have the same geometry and connectors

Alternative Method of Measuring Patchpanel-Patchpanel Atten.

Setup Reference Measure Attenuation

Diagrams from the instruction sheet of manufacturer for attenuation test on cable ONLY Measurement is for cable and a SINGLE mated pair of connectors

Loss Measurement (I): Patchcord as per IEC 60874-1

Optical power source Launch lead Ra R b Tail lead A Reference connector pair Ra and Rb Optical power meter

Optical power source

Launch lead A

Ra Ca
Patchcord under test

Cb Rb B

Tail lead

Optical power meter

Assumes equilibrium mode conditions reached in launch lead = Mated pair of optical connectors

Loss Measurement (II): Patchcord as per IEC 60874-1

Non-destructive method as per IEC 60874-1 A launch and tail reference leads are connected between the source and meter The reference connectors Ra and Rb are used connect the launch and tail leads The optical power P1 is recorded in dBm

The power P1 represents the power in the tail lead at point A

The launch lead from the source is connected to the patchcord input connector Ca The power meter connected to the patchcord output by the tail lead using Cb The power level P2 in dBm is then measured The patchcord loss/attenuation is found as P1 - P2 (dB) Fibre under test and the reference lead must have the same geometry and connectors

Loss Measurement (I): Device as per IEC 60874-1

Optical power source Launch lead Ra R b Tail lead A Reference connector pair Ra and Rb Optical power meter

Optical power source

Launch lead

Ra Ca A

Cb Rb B

Tail lead

Optical power meter

Device under test

Assumes equilibrium mode conditions reached in launch lead = Mated pair of optical connectors

Loss Measurement (II): Device as per IEC 60874-1

Non-destructive method as per IEC 60874-1 A launch and tail reference leads are connected between the source and meter The reference connectors Ra and Rb are used connect the launch and tail leads The optical power P1 is recorded in dBm The power P1 represents the power in the tail lead at point A The launch lead from the source is connected to the DUT input connector Ca The power meter connected to the DUT output by the tail lead using Cb The power level P2 in dBm is then measured The DUT loss/attenuation is found as P1 - P2 (dB) All fibres in the test must have the same geometry and connectors

Loss Measurement: Unterminated Device

Optical power source Launch lead 8/125

10 cm 8/125 fibre

Tail lead 62.5/125

Optical power meter

AMP FibrLok SM mechanical splices

Step 1: setting reference

Optical power source

Launch lead 8/125

Pigtailed device under test

Tail lead 62.5/125

Optical power meter

AMP FibrLok SM mechanical splices

Step 2: measurement

Return Loss Measurement

Return Loss Measurement

Measured with dedicated return loss (RL) test set or an Optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) OTDR has a deadzone and is too coarse for accurate measurements Dedicated test sets can measure RL to 60 dB and better Inherent RL of the test set needs to be 15-20 better than the best RL to be measured. Thus to measure a RL down to -55 dB, the test set must have an inherent RL of -70 dB or better

Non-Reflective Terminations for Return Loss

When measuring RL non-reflective terminations are needed for calibration, RL measurement etc..
The common techniques are

Mandrel wrap Termination connector Gel block Index matching gel or fluid

Index matching gel Mandrel wrap

Integrated Attenuation and Return Loss Measurement

Integrated Measurement

Combines attenuation and return loss measurements

Combines a variety of features for a production environment Can be used as the basis of tracking and recording data

Products from EXFO, JDS-Fitel etc..

Typical Integrated Measurement Features

Automatic batch counter Detailed DUT identification Database browser Test and DUT type specified at the touch of a button Automatic label printing when a device passes all predetermined tests Label and report configuration using the various data fields Pass/fail limit and threshold warning assigned to various connector types Foot switch operation

Standards for Test for Atten and RL

Measurement Standards for Patchcords/Connectors

Other Fibre Test Equipment

Live Fibre Detectors

Determines if a fibre is "live" or not Applications include:
Verifying fibre colour coding during installation Identifying active and inactive fibre prior to rerouting or maintenance Continuity testing during repair

Clamps onto fibre using a low-loss macrobending technique

Insertion loss typically < 0.4 dB at 1310 nm Works with 250 and 900 micron fibres

Can detect:
Data traffic down to -35 dBm or lower Modulated test tones from optical sources (2 kHz typically)

Some units provide a display of an approximate optical power Units available from BIT, Laser Precision, Exfo, Noyes

Exfo LFD-100 Live Fibre Detector

Talk-Sets
A Talk-set is used to provide communication between personnel during installation/repair where no other means is available Operates over fibre Simple designs are half-duplex
Only one user can talk at one time Voice activated systems are available

More sophisticated digital systems provide simultaneous communication in both directions LED and Laser based systems available
LED at 1310 nm gives 45 km on 62.5 micron fibre Laser at 1310 gives 62 km on singlemode fibre

Exfo VCS-10 Talk-set

Units available from FiberFone, Ixian, Exfo

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer

Understanding an OTDR Display

Light is reflected back to the OTDR from along the fibre the because of Rayleigh scattering in the fibre Much larger reflections occur at joints with small airgaps and at the fibre end or at a break Light reflected back from joints, breaks etc.. produces a spike on the display that looks like "gain". Indicates joints between fibres with different backscatters

Key to diagram: 1. Fresnel reflection from first connector 2. Back scattered light from fibre 3. Increase in loss at fusion splice 4. Fresnel reflection from fibre end

Understanding an OTDR Display

Light is reflected back to the OTDR from along the fibre the because of Rayleigh scattering in the fibre
Much larger reflections occur at joints with small airgaps and at the fibre end or at a break Light reflected back from joints, breaks etc.. produces a spike on the display that looks like "gain". Indicates strong reflection from joint

Optical Time Domain Reflectometry

An Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) displays loss in a fibre link as a function of distance. Works by transmitting laser light pulses down an optical fibre and by measuring the reflected light coming back to the OTDR as a function of time and level. The OTDR converts time to distance and from the returned levels the loss at various distances is estimated The result is a display of loss versus distance for the fibre.

Splice Pulsed Laser Optical Coupler

Fibre

Basic OTDR block diagram

APD Detector

Processing

Display

Animation

What can an OTDR provide?

An OTDR can typically provide the following information:
total fibre loss loss per unit length connector insertion loss connector return loss (reflection) splice loss inter-splice loss absolute fibre length evidence of macro/micro bending position of cable defects or breaks

Sample OTDR Display

Splice Optical Input Pulse Fibre End

Display shows total span

Loss 2.5 dB/div Distance 10 km/div Markers show a total loss of 24.87 dB Span is displayed as 70.155 km

Zoomed OTDR Display

Splice Optical Input Pulse

Display shows zoomed span Loss 1 dB/div Distance 100 m/div Markers show a total connector loss of 0.651 dB Distance to connector is displayed as 32.196 km

OTDR Characteristics
Distance range: Maximum distance at which the OTDR can detect a reflection Two point resolution: Defined as the minimum distance between two reflection points, such as splices, which can be accurately distinguished Resolution depends on a number of factors, for example using a shorter pulse width improves the resolution. Accuracy: Distance accuracy depends on a number of factors, including the refractive index (IOR) value used:

Table shows effect of using incorrect IOR Correct IOR is 1.468

2 km 20 km 40 km

1.477 13 m 138m 271m

2 % error 39.6 m 387m 775 m

All OTDRs have a so called Dead Zone. This is the distance from the OTDR in which the ODTR is unable to provide accurate measurements. Typically this is 20 m for many modern OTDRs

Typical OTDR
Wide variety of benchtop, handheld and PC based OTDRs available Ranges from single km to 100's of km, resolutions from <1 m to 50 m Cost is still high relative to other instrumentation IR 10K and higher

Exfo FTB-300 OTDR Available at 850, 1310 and 1550 nm

Can be configured with different modules for LAN to long range distances
Multimode ranges from 0.1 km to 40 km Singlemode ranges from 625 m to 160 km

Dead zone < than 25 m, Accurate to +/- 1m

Class 1 laser source (eye safe)

Software Prediction of OTDR Traces

Wavetek and other companies have produced software which allows the system designer to predict the OTDR trace in advance. Predicted trace can then be compared to actual during installation to determine if problems exist

Screen from NetTrace Software (from Wavetek)

Network maintenance and fault location

Overview

Network maintenance is critical, given the value of traffic

Key instrument is an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Optical power measurement still required Connector inspection and maintenance vital for DWDM

Remote Fibre Test Systems (RFTS)

Allows many faults/weaknesses to be identified prior to failure

Uses plug-in OTDR modules

OTDR communicates directly with a control system Can be part of an integrated fault location and maintenance system

Control System

Remote OTDR

Fibre under test

Fibre under test

Remote OTDR Remote OTDR

Fibre under test

Inspecting High Power System Connectors

Aggregate power in many DWDM systems is now close to 1W Dirt on fibre end absorbs power and heating results Photo shows permanent damage caused by heating 1W over 1 minute with a dirty connector may cause permanent

Cleaning/inspection is critical in DWDM systems

Dispersion measurement

Why Measure Dispersion?

Dispersion is a critical factor in telecoms systems

Dispersion management needed

For DWDM dispersion influences crosstalk Dispersion specs are now a key differentiator for SM fibre Precise compensation for chromatic dispersion needs measurement Can measure chromatic and polarisation mode dispersion

Measuring PMD
PMD varies randomly with time,

Makes measurement difficult, successive measurements can differ by up to 20%

Key instrument specifications:

0.05 to 80 ps range Short measurement time, < 30 s Accurate to 1% and High dynamic range, 50 dB

Bit rate

Maximum PMD

PMD coefficient for 400 km link (ps/km1/2)

PMD values for various bit rates for a 1 dB penalty

STM-16 STM-64 STM-256

2.5 Gbits/s 10 Gbits/s 40 Gbits/s

40 10 2.5

<2 < 0.5 < 0.125

Measuring PMD
PMD varies randomly with time, temperature. Makes measurement difficult, successive measurements can differ by up to 20%

Table shows maximum expected PMD coefficient values at various bit rate to ensure maximum 1 dB power budget penalty
PMD coefficient for 400 km link (ps/km1/2)

Bit rate STM-16 STM-64 STM-256

Maximum PMD

2.5 Gbits/s 10 Gbits/s

40 10

<2 < 0.5

40 Gbits/s

2.5

< 0.125

PMD values for various bit rates for a 1 dB penalty

Measuring PMD
Specialist and thus expensive instrumentation Key instrument specifications:

0.05 to 80 ps range Short measurement time, < 30 s

Accurate to 1%
High dynamic range, 50 dB

NetTest PMD 440 PMD Analyser

Measuring Chromatic Dispersion

Number of different techniques, phase shift method is one of the best Very important for DWDM systems, Impact of chromatic dispersion rises with bit rate and channel count Key instrument specifications:

1310 nm and C & L band operation

Separate T/X and R/X units for field testing

Better than 1 nm accuracy

l0 is estimated by curve fitting

Measured chromatic dispersion

Summary
Power/Loss measurements are among the simplest yet the most important in fibre systems
Live fibre detectors and talk-sets are valuable aids in installation, maintenance and repair An OTDR has multiple uses, such as loss measurement and fault finding Software prediction of an OTDR trace is a recent useful development

Laser Diode Test

Laser Diode Test Stages

Completed laser module Fibre coupled laser TEC mounted laser Chip on carrier Laser diode chip

Laser Diode Test Setup for Volume Manufacture

Laser diode current source

Laser diode Optical Power Meter

Optical Fibre

Thermistor

Peltier heatpump

Temperature Controller

ATE Control

Laser diode current source

Laser diode Optical Power Meter Optical Fibre Thermistor

Peltier heatpump

Temperature Controller

ATE Control

Completed laser module Fibre coupled laser TEC mounted laser Chip on carrier Laser diode chip