TIA

DOCUMENT
OFSTP-7
Measurement of Optical Power Loss of
Installed Single-mode Fiber Cable Plant
TIA-526-7
ANSI APPROVAL WITHDRAWN JUNE 2003

FEBRUARY 2002

TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

The Telecommunications Industry Association

represents the communications sector of

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TMIA-526-7
OFSTP-7
MEASUREMENT OF OPTICAL POWER LOSSOF INSTALLED
SINGLE-MODE FIBER CABLE PLANT
CONTENTS
.
Title

Section

Pane

............................................

.................................

...........................................

...............................

...........................................

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10

......................................

11

...............................

I1

Cable Plant Measured Valuesfor Methods A.l, A.2

and
A.3
............................................

I.

Introduction

2.

Applicable
Documents

3.

Apparatus

4.

Sampling
and
Specimens

5.

Procedure

6.

Calculations or Interpretation of Results

7.

Documentation

8.

Specification
Information

FIGURES
Figure 1.

..............

.................

............

..................

..............

................

................

Figure 2 .

ReferencePowerMeasurement

Figure 3.

CablePlantMeasurementfor

Figure 4 .

ReferencePowerMeasurement

Figure 5.

CablePlantMeasurementforMethodA.2

Figure 6 .

ReferencePowerMeasurement for Method A.3

Figure 7 .

Cable
Plant
Measurement

Figure 8.

CablePlantMeasuredValue

Figure 9 .

CablePlantAttachment

FigureO
I.

CablePlantMeasurement

ANNEX

Comparison with IEC or fTU/TS Requirements

for Method A.1

Method A.l
for MethodA.2

for Method A.3

for Method B

for Method B
for Method 3

....................

..................

............

TIAJEIA-526-7

nhis page left blank.]

..

11

TIMEM-526-7
OFSTP-7
MEASUREMENT OF OPTICAL POWER LOSS OF INSTALLED
SINGLE-MODE FIBER CABLE PLANT
(From TIA Standards ProposalNo. 2974-A, formulated under the cognizance the
of TIA
FO-2.1, Subcommittee on Optical Fiber Telecommunications Systems.)
This OFSTP is a part of the series of test procedures included within Recommended Standard
TINEIA-526.
This OFSTP was originally publishedin TINEIA-526-7 as OFSTP-7.
1.

INTRODUCTfON

1.1

Intent

The intent of this procedureis to ensurethatmeaningfuldatadescribing

the optical loss
performance ofinstalledsingle-modecable
plant canbeobtained.
It is not intended for
component testing, nor does it define those elements ofan installation that mustbe measured.
The document that invokesthisprocedureshallestablishtherequirements
for installation,
maintenance, repair, and conformance testing.
1.2

Scope

This procedure can be used to measure the optical loss between any two passively-connected
points, including end terminations, of a single-mode optical fiber cable plant. The optical fiber
cable plant, as the term is used here, may consistof optical fiber cables, connectors, mounting
panels, jumper cables, and other passive components, but may not include active components.
Two methods for measuring the installed cableplant loss are described, Method A uses optical
power measurementequipment.Method
B uses an OpticalTimeDomainReflectometer
(OTDR). Method B provides an indirect estimate of the loss of the cable plant, and
although
calibration is possible, generally, more accurate or reliable values may be obtained by using
Method A. If the values obtainedby Method A and Method B differ from each other, the results
B isnotrecommended for cable plants
of Method A shall be acceptedascorrect.Method
containing branching devices andlor isolators,
I.3

Hazards

All tests performed on optical fiber communication systems that use a laser
or LED in a test set
shall be carried out in accordance with the safety precautionsof ANSI Z136.2.

TINEIA-526-7
2.

APPLICABLE
DOCUMENTS

The following documents form

a part of this OFSTP to the extent specified herein:
ANSI Z136.2

American National Standard

for the safe useof optical fiber
communication systems utilizing laser diode and
LD
sources

E IA-440-A

Fiber optic terminology

EIA/TlA-455-A

Standardtestprocedures
for fiberopticfibers,cables,
transducers,sensors,connectingand
t ~ ~ ~ ndevices,
a ~ i n ~
and other fiber optic components

FOTP-8 (TINEIA-455-8)I

Measurement of splice
using an OTDR

FOTP-61 (TIA/EIA-455-61A)2

Measurement of fiber or cable attenuation usingOTDR

an

FOTP-77 (E IA/TlA-455-77)

Procedures
to
gualiv higher-order
a
mode
fiiter
for
measurements on single-modefibers

FOTP-78 (EIA/TIA-455-7&A)

Spectral-attenuation cutback measurement for single-mode

optical fibers

FOTP-95 (ElA-455-95)

Absolute opticat power test

for optical fibers and cables

FOTP-I'71(EIA-455-171)

Attenuationbysubstitutionmeasurement
for s ~ o ~ - l e n ~ t ~
multimode graded-index and single-mode optical fiber cable
assemblies

TINEIA-526

Standard test procedures

for fiber optic systems

3.

or connector toss and reflectance

APPARATUS

The following apparatus is required to perform this test:

3.1

Method A, Optical Power Meter

1 In preparation.
Use TlNEIA-455-61 pending publication ofTlAlEIA-455-61A.

TMIA-526-7
03.1.1 Light Source

Use an optical source at the wavefength(s) of light used in the system being tested, or at the
wavelength(s)specifiedin theDetailSpecification,Usethelaunchconditionsdescribed
in
FOTP-78 and employ a method to remove high-order propagating modes, A method to select
a mode filter is described in FOTP-77. Use a light source that
is sufficiently stable over the
period of the measurement to meet the measurement precision requirement stated
in the Detail
Specification.
3.1.2

Optical Power Measurement Equipment

Use an optical power meter capable of measuring optical power over an adequate dynamic
range at the wavelength(s) of light used in the test.The linearity of the meter over its dynamic
range, and stability over variationsin environmental conditions, shall be sufficientto provide the
required accuracy and precision. Calibrate the optical power meter per FOTP-95.
3.1.3

TestJumpers

Unless otherwise specified, the test jumpers fiber shall have a mode field diameter nominally
equal to that of the cable plant being measured. Test jumpers shall be 1
to 5 meters (3.3 to
16.4 Ut) long,andshallcontainfiberswithcoatingsthatremovecladdinglight.Testjumper
connectorsshouldbeofsufficientquality
so as tohaveanegligibleeffectuponthe
measurement result (e.g., reference quality). FOTP-171 provides an example of requirements
for reference quality cablesand components.
3.2

Method B, Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR)

Use an OTDR possessing an optical transmitter and other features as described in FOTP-61.
The central wavelength(s) and spectral width@) shall be periodically verified using a suitable
measuring instrument, suchas an optical spectrumanalyzer. Dead zone fiber connectors shall
be perFOTP-61.Calibrationshallbeper
IEC 1746. For additionalinformationonOTDRs,
refer to the Annex of FOTP-8 or FOTP-61.
The launch conditions shouldbe in accordance with FOTP-78 and employ a methodto remove
high-order propagating modes. The mode filter to remove high-order modesin the wavelength
range above the cutoff wavelength is typically a mandrel wrap, although a somewhat tighter
wrap than that used in FOTP-78 may be necessary. One method for selecting a mode filter is
described in FOTP-77.
4.

SAMPLING
AND

SPECIMENS

The test specimenis a point-to-point linkas specified in the Detail Specification.

TIAEIA-526-7
5.

PROCEDURE

Toachieveconsistentresults,clean
all connections(ferrulesandcouplingsleeves)atthe
optical test points prior to measurement. Measure the optical loss of the cable plant according
to one of the following methods. For U.S. military applications, use methodA I or A2.
5.1

Method A, Insertion Loss UsingAnOptical PowerMeter

Method A refers to the conduct of this test procedure usingan Optical Power Meter. Method A
includesthreespecificmethods.Thethreemethodsaredefinedaccording
to hawthe
reference power measurementis performed, and are named as follows:
Method A.1
Method A.2
Method A.3

-- Two
One Jumper-Cable Measurement
Jumper-Cable Measurement
- Three Jumper-Cable Measurement

TheMethod A.1 measurementresultincludesthe

loss within thecableplantand
two
connection losses. The MethodA.2 result includes those losses within the cable plant and one
connection loss. TheMethod A.3 resultincludesonlythe
loss withinthecableplant.The
measured value for the three methods are depicted
in Figure 1.

Jumpeh,,

losses

plant

(includes cable plant losses

plus one connectionloss)

Method A.3

cable (includes

(includes cable plant losses

-twoconnection' losses)

Figure I.Cable Plant Measured Vaiuesfor Methods A.4, A.2 and A.3
As described in 3.1.3, the test jumper connectors shall be of sufficient quality so as to have a
negligible effect upon the measurement result. Due to their short length, jumper fiber losses
areignored.Selection
of amethod is baseduponease of access,need for adapters,or
requirements stated in the Detail Specification.
Method A.1 shall be considered the standard option.

5.1 .I Method A.1, One Jumper-Cable Measurement

TINEIA-526-7
5.1.1 .I Method A.1 Reference Power Measurement
Connect test jumper 1 betweenthe light source and the optical power meter, as shown in
Figure 2. Record the optical power,P7, which is the reference power.

Tst
Jumper

-l
Optical

Light
Source

Meter

Figure 2. Reference Power Measurement for Method

A.l

5.1.1.2 Method A.1 Cable Plant Insertion Measurement

Separate test jumper 1 at its point of connection with the power meter without disturbing the
attachmenttothe
light source, or introducingbends that could affect themeasurement.
Reattach test jumper 1 to one end of the cable plant to be measured and test jumper 2 to the
other end, as shownin Figure 3.

1
n\
Test Jumper

Test Jumper2
Optical
Power
Meter

Light
Source

Figure 3. Cable Plant Measurement for Method A.1

5.1.I
.3 Method A.1 Test Power Measurement
Record the displayed power,P2, which is the test power. Perform the calculations described in
Section 6, Calculations or Interpretationof Results,
5.1.2

Method A.2, Two Jumper-Cable Measurement

TIA/EW-526-7
5.1 -2.1 Method A.2 Reference Power Measurement
Connect test jumpers 1 and 2 between the light source and the optical power meter,as shown
in Figure 4. Record the optical power,PI,which is the reference power.

Figure 4. Reference Power Measurement for MethodA.2

5.1.2.2 Method A.2 Cable Plant Insertion Measurement
Separate the two jumpers at their point of connection without disturbing their attachment to the
test equipment or introducing bends that could affect the measurement. Reattach test jumper
I
to one end of the cable plant to be measured and test jumper 2 to the sther end, as shown in
Figure ti.

Figure 5. Cable Plant.Measurement for MethodA.2

5.1.2.3 Method A.2 Test Power Measurement
Record the displayed power,P2, which is the test power. Perform the calculations described in
Section 6, Calculations or Interpretationof Resutts.
5.1.3

Method A.3, Three Jumper-Cable Measurement

TIA/EIA-526-7
5.1.3.1 Methad A.3 Reference Power Measurement

Connect test jumpers 1 and 2, and the reference jumper between the light source and the
optical power meter,as shown in Figure 6. Record the optical power, P f , which is the reference
power.

- Optical

Light
Source

PI

Power
Meter

Reference Jumper
Figure 6. Reference Power Measurementfor Method A.3
5.1.3.2 Method A.3 Cable Plant Insertion Measurement

Separatethe reference jumper withoutremovingtheinterconnectionsleeves

from thetest
jumpers at their point of connection. Do not disturb their attachment to the test equipment or
introduce bends that could affect the measurement. Reattach test jumper 1 to one end of the
cable plant to be measured and test jumper 2 to the other end, as shown in Figure
7. The
reference jumper is not used in insertion measurement.

Test Jumper

-f

Cable Plant

r Test JumDer 2

I n I I A
Reference Jump

Figure 7. Cable Plant Measurementfor Method A.3

5.1.3.3 Method A.3 Test Power Measurement

Record the displayed power, P2, which is the test power. Perform the calculations described in
Section 6, Calculations or Interpretation of Resutts.

TINEIA-526-7
5.2

Method 13, Insertion Loss Usingan OTDR

Method 6 includes one connection loss in the measurement of the cable plant in addition to all
losses contained withinthe cable plant, as is shownin Figure 8.

DeadZoneFir

r---r

Cable Plant

- 1
(includes cable plant losses
plus one connection loss)
Figure 8, Cable Plant Measured Value for Method B
5.2.1

CalibrationVerification

For U.S. Militaryapplications,thisstep

is mandatoryprior to makinganymeasurements.
Details on how to verify calibration shall be given
in the specification or referencedocument that
invokes this procedure. In all other operations, the step is optional unless the test operator has
reason'to believe that calibration verification
is necessary.

5.2.2

Gable Plant Attachment

Connect the cable plant

to be testedto the end of the dead-zone fiber. Connectthe other end of
the dead-zone fiber to the OTDR as shown
in Figure 9.

Cable Plant
~

Dead Zone Fiber

Figure 9. Cable Plant Attachmentfor Method B

TXNEXA-526-7
5.2.3 OTDR Setup
Enter OTDR parameters such as source wavelength, pulse duration, length range, and signal
averaging into theinstrument,alongwiththe
effective groupdelay index (if required). The
values of some of these parameters may be preset the
in instrument.
5.2.4

initial Adjustment

Adjust the instrument to displayabackscattersignal

from the cable plant.It
may be
to maximize the length
advantageous to beginwithcoarseverticalandhorizontalscaling
displayed. An example is given in Figure 10.
5.2.5

First Cursor Placement

Place a cursor near the end of the linear portion of the dead zone fiber, but just before the
reflection pulse associated with theinitial connector in the cable ptant.

If the connector pulse is not apparent due to minimal discontinuity, apply a tight bend at this
location and vary the radius to assist in cursor placement. Remove the tight bend prior to the
measurement.
Obtain
the
power
level,
P7, and the distance
coordinate,
Z$, via the
alphanumeric display.

OTDR Input Connector Rellection

Dead Zone Fiber

bli

P,
0.

Near-End Connector Reflection

Connector

Far-End
Reflection

First Cursor,

**:",.

>.7<7
it
%.$*;....2

Distance (km)

Figure O
I .Cable Plant Measurement for Method3
5.2.6

Second Cursor Placement

Place the same or another cursor near the end of the linear portion of the cable plant under
test, but before thelastconnector in the cable plant. The end
should be apparent and not
buried in the noise floor. Obtain the power level, P2, and the distance coordinate, 22 , via the
alphanumeric display.

TINEIA-526-7

5.2.7

Bi-directionalMeasurement

Repeat the test for a~signallaunched in the opposite direction at the same wavelength. The
two
bi-directionaltraces of the fiber are averaged to eliminatethe effects of length-varying
backsca1:terproperties (such as apparent gain). More accurate loss estimates will result. Refer
to FOTP-8 or to FOTP-61 for additional details. PerForm the calculations described in Section
6, Calculations orInterpretation of Results.
6.CALCULATIONS
6.1

OR INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

Method
A

Calculate theloss for each measurement specified in the reference document as follows (for P#
and P2 in the same units of power):

Note:Foropticalpowermeasurementequipmentsupplyingunits
equation:

6.2

in dBm,use the following

Method 6

An estimate of the loss of the cable pfantis given by:

Some OTDRs can automatically perform the 2-point subtraction. Some OTDRs can also utilize
a least-squares averaging (LSA) fit.The least-squares fit to a line should not be used whenever
discrete :slope changes are evident on the OTDR display.
6.3

Precision & Bias

6.3.1 No round-robin testing has been conducted to determine the level of precision of this
test. Precision can be improved by using test jumpers which meet the criteria for "reference"
jumpers per EIA/TlA-455-'17lv

6.3.2 Due to the lack of standard reference materials and readings, no definitive statement
can be made. The value determined by this test may differ from the loss actually encountered
in use due to the variability in components encountered in the field.

TIAfEIA-526-7
6.3.3 The use of light sources with significantly difTering center wavelengths allowed in
Section 3.4 .Imay yield variations in the measured loss the same span. This
is due to the
change in measured fiber attenuation at different source wavelengths.

6.4

Judgments

If several successive tests exceed the permissible loss specification, substitute another jumper
to determine whether the jumper has become defective.
If a defective jumper is found, discard it
and retest the failed sections.
7.

DOCUMENTATION

7.1

Report the followinginformation for eachtest:

7.1.1

Date of test.

7.1.2 Test procedure (OFSTP-7) and method (A.1, A.2, A.3 or 6)used.
7.1.3

Loss measurement results with location, path, andwavelength identification.

7.2
United States military applications require that the following information also be reported
for each test. For other (nonmilitary) applications, this information need not be reported but
shall be availablefor review upon request:
7.2.1

Description of the test equipment used.

7.2.2

Date of latest calibration of test equipment used.

7.2.3 Test personnel.

8.

SPECIFICATION
INFORMATION

The following information shall be specifiedin the documentthat invokes this test method.
or B) used.

8.1

Test procedure (OFSTP-7) and method (A.1, A.2,A.3,

8.2

Description of the elements of the cable plant that are to be measured.

8.3

Test wavelength(s),spectralwidth(s).

8.4

Calibration verificationmethod, if required.

8.5

Failure of acceptancecriteria.

11

TIAEiIA-526-7

APPENDIX

COMPARISON BETWEEN THIS QFSTP AND IEC OR ITUfTS REQUIREMENTS

I.

IEC

There are no references to any test equivalent to this OFSTP known to exist in IEC documents.
2.

ITU/TS (Formerly called CCITT)

There are no references to any test equivalent to this OFSTP known to exist in ITUTTS
documents.