User Guide FTB-7000 PDF

Optical Time Domain
Reflectometer Series
FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
If the equipment described herein

bears the symbol, the said
User Guide
equipment complies with the
applicable European Union
P/N: 1035799
Directive and Standards mentioned September 2002
in the Declaration of Conformity.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, be it electronically,
mechanically, or by any other means such as photocopying, recording, or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of EXFO Electro-Optical
Engineering Inc. (EXFO).
Information provided by EXFO is believed to be accurate and reliable.

However, no responsibility is assumed by EXFO for its use nor for any
infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from
its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent
rights of EXFO.
EXFOs Commerce And Government Entities (CAGE) code under the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is 0L8C3.
The information contained in this publication is subject to change without

notice.
2002 EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc.
Words that EXFO considers trademarks have been identified as such.

However, neither the presence nor absence of such identification affects
the legal status of any trademark.
Units of measurement in this document conform to SI standards and

practices.
Contents
Contents
Certification Information ..................................................................................................... viii

1 Introducing the FTB-7000 OTDR .................................................................. 1
FTB-7000B and FTB-70000C OTDR Series ................................................................................2
Bidirectional Averaging Feature ..............................................................................................3
Template Trace Feature ...........................................................................................................3
OTDR Basic Theory ..................................................................................................................4
OTDR Internal Components ....................................................................................................5
New Features of the OTDR ......................................................................................................6
2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 7
Safety Conventions .................................................................................................................7
Laser Safety Information .........................................................................................................7
3 Getting Started with Your OTDR ............................................................... 11
Installing the Application on an FTB-400 or PC .....................................................................11
Inserting and Removing Test Modules ..................................................................................13
Launching the FTB-7000 OTDR Application ..........................................................................18
Adjusting Window Height ....................................................................................................21
Exiting the Application .........................................................................................................22
4 Setting Up Your OTDR ................................................................................ 23
Selecting a Testing Mode ......................................................................................................23
Setting Trace Display Parameters ..........................................................................................24
Setting Acquisition Parameters .............................................................................................29
Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and Helix Factor .................................................................32
Setting Analysis Parameters ..................................................................................................34
Setting a Default Span Start and Span End ...........................................................................39
Keeping the Span Start and Span End in Memory ................................................................41
Including the Loss Caused by Span Start and Span End Events .............................................42
Setting Cable Parameters ......................................................................................................43
Setting Event Table Parameters .............................................................................................61
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds ..................................................................................................65
Setting Optical Switch Parameters ........................................................................................68
Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width and Acquisition Time ..................................................74
Setting a Custom Acquisition Time .......................................................................................78
Saving an OTDR Setup ..........................................................................................................79
Selecting an OTDR Setup ......................................................................................................80
Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series iii

Contents
5 Preparing Your OTDR for a Test ..................................................................81

Connecting Optical Fibers .....................................................................................................81
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI) .........................................................................82
6 Testing Fibers in Auto Mode ......................................................................83
Selecting the Auto Mode ......................................................................................................83
Selecting a Test Wavelength .................................................................................................84
Setting Parameters ...............................................................................................................85
Acquiring Traces in Auto Mode .............................................................................................85
7 Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode ..............................................................87
Selecting the Advanced Mode ..............................................................................................87
Selecting a Test Wavelength .................................................................................................88
Setting the Autorange Acquisition Time ...............................................................................88
Setting Application Parameters .............................................................................................89
Acquiring Traces in Advanced Mode .....................................................................................90
8 Testing Fibers in Reference Creation/Template Mode ..............................95
Description of Reference Creation Mode ..............................................................................95
Description of Template Mode ..............................................................................................95
Restrictions of Reference Creation/Template Mode ...............................................................96
Processing Traces Online vs. Offline ......................................................................................96
Acquiring the Reference Trace ..............................................................................................97
Selecting the Reference Creation/Template Mode .................................................................98
Acquiring Traces in Reference Creation/Template Mode ......................................................101
9 Analyzing Traces and Events ....................................................................103
Trace Display and Event Table Description ...........................................................................104
Locating Events in the Trace Display and Event Table ..........................................................108
Using Markers .....................................................................................................................109
Using Zoom Controls ..........................................................................................................110
Zooming with the Magnifying Glass ...................................................................................111
Changing the Loss and Reflectance ....................................................................................112
Inserting Events ..................................................................................................................114
Deleting Events ...................................................................................................................117
Analyzing or Reanalyzing a Trace ........................................................................................118
Analyzing the Fiber on a Specific Fiber Span .......................................................................119
Entering Comments ............................................................................................................121
Viewing and Changing Trace Parameters in the Trace Info Tab ...........................................122
Modifying Current Trace Settings .......................................................................................124
Displaying or Hiding a Trace ...............................................................................................126
Swapping Traces .................................................................................................................128
iv FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Contents
10 Performing Specific Measurements on Traces ....................................... 129

Measuring Event Distances and Powers ..............................................................................129
Measuring Event Loss (Four-Point and Least-Square Approximation) ..................................130
Measuring Attenuation (Two-Point and Least-Square Approximation) ................................132
Measuring Reflectance ........................................................................................................133
Calculating Optical Return Loss (ORL) .................................................................................134
11 Managing Trace Files ............................................................................... 135
Changing the Storage Path .................................................................................................135
Naming Trace Files Automatically .......................................................................................139
Storing a Trace ....................................................................................................................140
Storing a Trace From the Main Window ..............................................................................142
Storing a Trace in a Different Format ..................................................................................143
OTDR Trace File Compatibility .............................................................................................145
Recalling a Trace File ...........................................................................................................147
Recalling a Reference Trace .................................................................................................149
Renaming a Trace File .........................................................................................................150
Clearing Traces from the Display .........................................................................................151
Deleting a Trace File ............................................................................................................152
12 Creating and Printing Trace Reports ....................................................... 153
Entering Report Information ...............................................................................................153
Customizing the Report ......................................................................................................156
Setting Up the Report Layout .............................................................................................158
Setting Printer Parameters ..................................................................................................159
Printing a Report ................................................................................................................161
13 Using the OTDR as a Light Source ........................................................... 163
Using the Light Source ........................................................................................................163
Using the Visual Fault Locator ............................................................................................165
14 Analyzing Bidirectional Traces ................................................................ 167
Starting the Bidirectional Analysis Utility ............................................................................168
Recalling Single-Wavelength Trace Files ..............................................................................169
Recalling Multiwavelength Trace Files .................................................................................172
Analyzing the Fiber on a Specific Fiber Span .......................................................................173
Aligning Traces for Bidirectional Analysis ............................................................................175
Analyzing Bidirectional Traces .............................................................................................178
Changing Event Tables ........................................................................................................180
Viewing and Changing Trace Parameters in the Trace Information Tabs .............................180
Changing the Event Tolerance Interval ................................................................................182
Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series v

Contents
Modifying Current Trace Settings .......................................................................................184

Creating a Report ...............................................................................................................185
Storing Bidirectional Traces .................................................................................................186
Printing a Bidirectional Trace ..............................................................................................187
15 Maintenance ..............................................................................................189
Cleaning the Front Panel .....................................................................................................189
Cleaning Fixed Connectors ..................................................................................................190
Cleaning Connectors Equipped with EUI/EUA Adapters ......................................................192
Recalibrating the Unit .........................................................................................................195
16 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................197
Error Messages ...................................................................................................................197
Measuring Deviation ...........................................................................................................199
Evaluating the Launch Level ................................................................................................200
Setting the OTDR to Zero ....................................................................................................201
Measuring Dead Zones .......................................................................................................202
Measuring the Dynamic Range ...........................................................................................203
Determining the Measurement Range ................................................................................205
Viewing Online Documentation ..........................................................................................206
Finding Information on the EXFO Web Site ........................................................................207
Contacting the Technical Support Group ............................................................................208
Transportation ....................................................................................................................210
17 Warranty ....................................................................................................211
General Information ...........................................................................................................211
Liability ...............................................................................................................................212
Exclusions ...........................................................................................................................212
Certification ........................................................................................................................212
Service and Repairs .............................................................................................................213
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ........................................................................................214
vi FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Contents
A Description of Event Types ...................................................................... 215

Span Start ..........................................................................................................................215
Span End ...........................................................................................................................215
Continuous Fiber ...............................................................................................................216
End of Analysis ..................................................................................................................217
Non-Reflective Fault ...........................................................................................................218
Reflective Fault ..................................................................................................................219
Positive Fault ......................................................................................................................220
Launch Level ......................................................................................................................221
Fiber Section ......................................................................................................................222
Merged Reflective Fault .....................................................................................................223
Echo ..................................................................................................................................225
Reflective Fault (Possible Echo) ..........................................................................................226
B Technical Specifications ........................................................................... 227
Index .............................................................................................................. 229
Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series vii

Certification Information
F.C.C. Information
Electronic test equipment is exempt from Part 15 compliance (FCC) in
the United States. However, compliance verification tests are performed on
all EXFO equipment.
Information
Electronic test equipment is subject to the EMC Directive in the European
Union. The EN61326 standard prescribes both emission and immunity
requirements for laboratory, measurement, and control equipment.
This unit has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device. Please refer to the Declaration of Conformity.
Independent Laboratory Testing

This unit has undergone extensive testing according to the European Union
Directive and Standards. All pre-qualification tests were performed
internally, at EXFO, while all final tests were performed externally, at an
independent, accredited laboratory. This guarantees the unerring
objectivity and authoritative compliance of all test results.
IMPORTANT
The AC adapter provided with this product is equipped with a
shielded three-wire power cord and plug. Use this power cord in
conjunction with a properly grounded electrical outlet to avoid
electrical shock and to reduce radio frequency interference that
may emanate from the power cord.
viii FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
IMPORTANT
Use of shielded remote I/O cables, with properly grounded shields
and metal connectors, is recommended in order to reduce radio
frequency interference that may emanate from these cables.
Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series ix

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Electro-Optical Engineering
Application of Council Directive(s): 73/23/EEC - The Low Voltage Directive

89/336/EEC - The EMC Directive
Manufacturers Name: EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENG.
Manufacturers Address: 465 Godin Avenue
Vanier, Quebec
Canada G1M 3G7
(418) 683-0211
Equipment Type/Environment: Industrial Scientific Equipment
Trade Name/Model No.: FTB-7000B Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
Year of Conformity Assessment: 2000
Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:
EN 61010-1: 1993/ Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and
A2: 1995 Laboratory Use, Part 1: General Requirements
EN 60825-1: 1993/ Safety of Laser Products-Part 1: Equipment Classification, Requirement, and

A11: 1996 Users guide
EN 61326: 1997/ A1: Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory
1998 Use - EMC Requirements
EN 55022: 1994/ A2: Limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of
1997 information technology equipment
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above Directive and Standards.
Manufacturer
Signature:
Full Name: Stephen Bull, E. Eng

Position: Vice-President Research and
Development
Address: 465 Godin Avenue Vanier, Quebec,
Canada
Date: March 29, 2002
x FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Electro-Optical Engineering
Application of Council Directive(s): 73/23/EEC - The Low Voltage Directive

89/336/EEC - The EMC Directive
Manufacturers Name: EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENG.
Manufacturers Address: 465 Godin Avenue, Vanier, Quebec
Canada G1M 3G7
(418) 683-0211
Equipment Type/Environment: Industrial Scientific Equipment
Trade Name/Model No.: FTB-74000C Singlemode OTDR Module
Year of Conformity Assessment: 2002
Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:
EN 60825-1:1993 Safety of laser products Part 1: Equipment classifications, requirements, and

/ A11: 1996 users guide
EN 55022: 1994/ Limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of

A2: 1997 information technology equipment
EN 61326:1997/ Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use EMC
A1: 1998 Requirements
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above Directive and Standards.
Manufacturer
Signature:
Full Name: Stephen Bull, E. Eng

Position: Vice-President Research and
Development
Address: 465 Godin Avenue Vanier, Quebec,
Canada
Date: February 25, 2002
Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series xi

1 Introducing the FTB-7000
OTDR
An optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) is used to characterize a
fiber-optic span, usually fiber sections joined by splices and connectors. An
OTDR provides an inside view of the fiber, and can calculate fiber length
attenuation, uniformity, breaks, as well as splice and connector losses.
A wide variety of singlemode OTDR modules is offered at four essential
wavelengths (1310 nm, 1410 nm, 1550 nm, and 1625 nm) to cover all fiber
applications from long-haul or WDM networks to metropolitan networks.
Each OTDR module provides a stable light source, as well as the option to
add a visual fault locator. The FTB-7000 OTDR is ideal for LAN applications
since it can host multimode OTDR modules.
The FTB-7000B and FTB-70000C OTDR Series modules can operate on an
FTB-400 Universal Test System platform, as well as on an FTB-100B
Mini-OTDR. You can also use the OTDR test application on a personal
computer for processing traces offline. For more information on the
FTB-400, refer to the FTB-400 Universal Test System user guide.
SM OTDR
Visual fault locator
(VFL) port (optional)
Source emission LED

V.F.L indicator (optional)
AVOID EXPOSURE
LASER RADIATION
OS EMITTED FROM
THIS APERTURE
Module handle
OTDR port
Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series 1

Introducing the FTB-7000 OTDR
FTB-7000B and FTB-70000C OTDR Series
FTB-7000B and FTB-70000C OTDR Series

The FTB-7000B and FTB-70000C OTDR Series offer an impressive dynamic
range with short dead zones to meet today's stringent network test
requirements. OTDR modules perform quick acquisitions with low noise
levels to enable accurate low-loss splice location. An OTDR trace, made of
up to 52 000 points, provides a sampling resolution as precise as 8 cm.
OTDR Module Description

FTB-7200B-C/D Dedicated to multimode applications and provides an
Multimode event dead zone of only two meters.
FTB-7300B-B Offers a 37.5 dB/35.5 dB dynamic range at high resolution
Singlemode with a three-meter event dead zone. To provide an
accurate trace, it acquires up to 52 000 data points while
sampling a single trace. Ideal for production testing on
typical short cable length and metro applications.
FTB-7400B-B Offers a 40 dB dynamic range with a three-meter event
Singlemode dead zone. Acquires up to 52 000 data points while
sampling a single trace.
FTB-74234C-B High power 1310 nm, 1550 nm and 1625 nm
Singlemode triple-wavelength module. Offers a 40 dB dynamic range
with a 3 m event dead zone; can acquire up to 52 000
data points while sampling a single trace. Particularly
suitable for measuring B-, C-, and L-band fiber
attenuation when dealing with mixed networks
(1310 nm and DWDM transmission).
FTB-7500B-B Offers a 45 dB dynamic range (on NZDSF with a 20 ns
Singlemode pulse) with a three-meter event dead zone. The
high-launch power level minimizes noise effects on the
signal. Acquires up to 52 000 data points while sampling
a single trace. Even though it is particularly suitable for
long-range applications, it is also recommended when
measuring time becomes a key factor.
2 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Bidirectional Averaging Feature
Bidirectional Averaging Feature

Improve the accuracy of your loss measurements with the bidirectional
averaging feature (available on singlemode OTDRs only), which uses
OTDR acquisitions from both ends of a fiber span to average loss results for
each event.
Template Trace Feature

Save valuable testing time when commissioning a large number of fibers
by using the Template Trace feature. This is a feature that dynamically
compares new OTDR results with a trace you assign as a reference or
template. Check for abnormal loss and continue to add previously
undetected low-loss events to the reference trace. Reference trace
documentation is also automatically pasted onto new acquisitions to save
you time.

OTDR Basic Theory
OTDR Basic Theory

An OTDR sends short pulses of light into a fiber. Light scattering occurs in
the fiber due to discontinuities such as connectors, splices, bends, and
faults. An OTDR then detects and analyzes the returned signals. The signal
strength is measured for specific intervals of time. The time lapse between
launch and detection, in relation to the speed of light in the glass material,
allows distances to be calculated and events to be characterized. The
following equation demonstrates how an OTDR measures distance:
ct
D = ----------
2n
where
D is the displayed distance
c is the speed of light in a vacuum (2.998 x 108 m/s)
t is the time delay from the launch of the pulse to the reception of
the pulse (which is divided by two)
n is the index of refraction of the fiber under test as specified by
the manufacturer
An OTDR uses the effects of Rayleigh scattering and Fresnel reflection to
measure the fibers condition.
Rayleigh scattering occurs when a pulse travels down the fiber and small
variations in the material, such as discontinuities in the index of refraction,
cause light to be scattered in all directions. However, the phenomenon of
small amounts of light being reflected directly back toward the transmitter
is called backscattering.
Fresnel reflections occur when the light traveling down the fiber
encounters abrupt changes in material density that may occur at
connections or breaks where an air gap exists. A very large quantity of light
is reflected, as compared with the Rayleigh scattering. The strength of the
reflection depends on the degree of change in the index of refraction.
4 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
OTDR Internal Components
The signal returned to the OTDR therefore consists of both Rayleigh

scattering and Fresnel reflection components, but the Fresnel reflection is
tens of thousands of times greater in power level than the backscatter.
OTDR Internal Components

In a typical OTDR setup, a microprocessor sends a set of instructions to the
pulse generator and laser, which provide the light pulses used by the OTDR
(An OTDR is usually equipped with two lasers, one specific to each
transmission window of the optical fiber).
These pulses pass through an optical coupler that allows the pulses to
travel through the OTDR port and out into the optical fiber being
characterized. As reflections come back into the OTDR, they are directed
away from the originating laser by the optical coupler and into the
avalanche photodetector (APD).
The signal is then converted by the analog-to-digital (A/D) converter, and
sent into the microprocessor for analysis and display. When the full trace is
being displayed, each point on the screen represents an average of a dozen
sampling points.
Light pulses travel

Laser Optical OTDR through the port
diode coupler port
Reflections come back
to the OTDR
APD
Pulse
generator
A/D
Microprocessor Display

New Features of the OTDR
New Features of the OTDR

Reference Creation/Template mode: You can use up to 15 traces to
form your reference trace.
Update Span Position button: This button will allow you to update the
Span Start and End fields in the Acquisition tab without having to
reenter the information later. This allows for a more detailed analysis
thresholds for splice loss, reflectance and end-of-fiber event detection.
Note: Because of the new analysis method implemented in the OTDR test
application for ToolBox 6.5, traces acquired using modules with older
OTDR cards are incompatible. You can recall them in the OTDR, but you
cannot reanalyze, resave, rename, delete, or use them as a reference trace.
All FTB-7XXXB-B, FTB-7XXXB-C/D, FTB-7XXXXC-B, and FTB-7XXX modules
manufactured as of September 1999 are compatible. For more information,
call EXFO Technical Support.
6 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
2 Safety Information
Safety Conventions
You should understand the following conventions before using the product
described in this manual:
WARNING
Refers to a potential personal hazard. It requires a
procedure which, if not correctly followed, may result
in bodily harm or injury. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
CAUTION
Refers to a potential product hazard. It requires a
procedure which, if not correctly followed, may result
in component damage. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
IMPORTANT
Refers to any information regarding the operation of
the product which you should not overlook.
Laser Safety Information
WARNING
Do not install or terminate fibers while a laser source is active.
Never look directly into a live fiber and ensure that your eyes are
protected at all times.
WARNING
Use of controls, adjustments and procedures for operation and
maintenance other than those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.

Safety Information
WARNING
Use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye
hazard.
CAUTION
Never connect a fiber carrying any kind of signal to the OTDR port.
This could result in permanent damage to the OTDR. Any incoming
signal greater than 30 dBm can affect the OTDR acquisition and
damage the OTDR module.
CAUTION
When the laser safety light is flashing, one (or more) of your
modules is emitting an optical signal. Please check all modules, as it
might not be the one you are currently using.
All FTB-7000 and FTB-70000 OTDR modules display the following safety
label on the faceplate.
On FTB-7200 OTDR modules, the following safety label is located on the

side panel.
8 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Safety Information
On FTB-7400D, FTB-74000C and FTB-7500B OTDR Series modules, the

following safety label is located on the side panel.
If your OTDR is equipped with a visual fault locator (VFL) option, the
following safety labels are located on the modules faceplate and side
panel, respectively.

3 Getting Started with Your
OTDR
Installing the Application on an FTB-400 or PC
If you have purchased an FTB-400 and a module, the software will have
been pre-installed and configured at the factory.
If you are using a PC for data post-processing, or if you ever need to
reinstall the software, use the CD-ROM that came with your product and
follow the instructions below.
Note: For help with connecting an external CD-ROM to the FTB-400, refer to the
FTB-400 Universal Test System instruction manual.
Minimum
Windows 98 (SE) Windows 2000
Requirements
CPU 120 MHz Pentium 133 MHz Pentium
RAM 64 MB 64 MB
Disk space 50 MB 50 MB
Display Super VGA, 800 x 600 Super VGA, 800 x 600
Note: Only administrator-level users can install software under Windows 2000.
To install the application:

1. Insert the installation CD in the CD-ROM drive.
2. Select Run... from the Windows Start menu.

Getting Started with Your OTDR
Installing the Application on an FTB-400 or PC
3. Type E:\ToolBox 6 Setup.exe in the Open text field (the drive letter may
vary according to the location of your CD-ROM drive).
4. Click on OK to start the InstallShield Wizard and follow the on-screen
instructions. If a previous version of ToolBox is found on your FTB-400,
you will be requested to uninstall it before proceeding.
5. In the Select Components window, select the component(s) you want
to install and click on Next to start the installation.
List of modules
may differ
from illustration
6. When the installation is complete, the Installation Completed

message appears. Click on OK to reboot your FTB-400 or PC.
12 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
CAUTION
Never insert or remove a module while the FTB-400 Universal Test
System is powered on. This will result in immediate and irreparable
damage to both the module and unit.
CAUTION
When the laser safety light is flashing on the FTB-400, one (or more)
of your modules is emitting an optical signal. Please check all
modules, as it might not be the one you are currently using.
To insert a module into the FTB-400 Universal Test System:

1. Exit ToolBox and power off your unit.
2. Position the FTB-400 so that its right panel is facing you.
3. Take the module and place it so that the connector pins are at the
back, as explained and shown below.
(2-slot unit) identification sticker must be on left side and retaining
screw hole under connector pins.
(7-slot unit) identification sticker must be facing down and
connector pins at the left of retaining screw hole.
CAUTION
Inserting a module upside down could result in permanent damage
to the module, as the connector pins might be bent.
Note: Some modules will only fit into the 7-slot unit.

Identification sticker
on left side
Connector
pins at the
back
Protruding edges
on right side
FTB-400 right panel
(2-slot unit)
Retaining
screw hole
at the back
Protruding
Retaining
edges on top
screw hole
at the back
Connector
FTB-400 right panel
pins at the
(7-slot unit)
back
Identification sticker
facing down
4. Insert the protruding edges of the module into the grooves of the units
module slot.
14 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
5. Push the module all the way to the back of the slot, until the retaining
screw makes contact with the unit casing.
6. Place the FTB-400 so that its left panel is facing you.
7. While applying slight pressure to the module, turn the retaining screw
clockwise until it is tightened. This will secure the module into its
seated position.
Turn retaining screw knob(s)

clockwise
FTB-400 left panel

(2-slot unit)
FTB-400 left panel

(7-slot unit)
When you turn on the FTB-400, the startup sequence will automatically
detect the module.

To remove a module from the FTB-400 Universal Test System:

1. Position the FTB-400 so that the left panel is facing you.
2. Turn the retaining screw counterclockwise until it stops. The module
will be slowly released from the slot.
Turn retaining screw knob(s)

counterclockwise
FTB-400 left panel

(2-slot unit)
FTB-400 left panel

(7-slot unit)
3. Place the FTB-400 so that the right panel is facing you.
16 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
4. Hold the module by its side or by the handle (NOT by the connector)
and pull it out.
CAUTION
Pulling out a module by a connector could seriously damage both
the module and connector. Always pull out a module by its casing.

Launching the FTB-7000 OTDR Application

Your FTB-7000 OTDR module may be fully configured and controlled from
its dedicated ToolBox application.
Note: For details about ToolBox, refer to the FTB-400 Universal Test System user
guide.
To launch the FTB-7000 OTDR application:

1. From the Current Modules function tab, click on the row
corresponding to the module application you wish to launch. It will
turn white to indicate that it is highlighted.
2. Click on the corresponding button in the Online Applications box to

start the application (you can also double-click on its row).
The main window (shown below) contains all the commands required to
control the FTB-7000 OTDR:
18 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
The main window of the OTDR test application will differ from the figure
illustrated above if you had traces recalled the last time you worked with
the OTDR.
WARNING
The OTDR, without a proper setup, should not be connected to a
live fiber. To avoid hazardous radiation exposure, as well as
permanent damage to the OTDR, make sure that all fibers under
test are inactive at the time of and during connection.
Note: You can also launch the OTDR test application to work on test results in
offline mode. For more information, refer to the FTB-400 Universal Test
System user guide. When in offline mode, the OTDR and Source tabs, as
well as the Start button are not displayed in the main window, nor is the
Acquisition tab in the Setup window.

Title Bar
The title bar is located at the top of the main window. It displays the
module name and its position in the FTB-400 Universal Test System. The
module position is identified with a number in parentheses.
Note: On some 7-slot backplanes, slots are marked with a letter (A to G).
Status Bar
The status bar, located at the bottom of the main window, identifies the
current operational status of the FTB-7000 OTDR.
Current date and time
Module status Battery indicator
20 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Adjusting Window Height
Adjusting Window Height

A split bar divides the data display region and option sheets. You can move
it up or down by dragging it to obtain a larger view of the graph or table
display.
Split bar

Exiting the Application
Exiting the Application

Closing any application that is not currently being used is a good way to
free up system memory.
To close the application from the main window:
Click on (in the top right corner of the main window).
Click on the Exit button located at the bottom of the function bar.
The ToolBox main interface will appear on the screen.
Note: Traces that are in the OTDR test application memory when you exit will be
recalled automatically upon startup, even if they were not previously
stored. This allows you to recover inadvertently unsaved trace files. Traces
are not stored in memory, should the unit crash or malfunction.
22 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
4 Setting Up Your OTDR
To configure the OTDR operation mode according to your requirements,
press the Setup button in the main window.
Note: This chapter refers to the parameters set for Advanced mode only.
The relevant parameters set in Advanced mode are also used in Auto
mode.
Selecting a Testing Mode

The FTB-7000 OTDR provides three test modes for acquiring traces:
Auto mode: This mode automatically evaluates fiber length, sets
acquisition parameters, acquires traces, and displays event tables and
acquired traces. For more information, see Testing Fibers in Auto Mode
on page 83.
Advanced mode: This mode offers all the tools needed to perform
integral OTDR tests and measurements manually and gives you control
over all test parameters. Use the Advanced mode to set parameters for
the Auto mode. For more information, see Testing Fibers in Advanced
Mode on page 87.
Create Ref./Template mode: This mode allows you to test fibers and
compare them to a reference trace that was previously acquired and
analyzed. While operating in Template mode, the reference trace can
also be updated by adding events detected on newly acquired traces.
For more information, see Testing Fibers in Reference
Creation/Template Mode on page 95.
Note: You select the desired testing mode from the Mode tab in the
Setup window.

Setting Up Your OTDR
Setting Trace Display Parameters

You can set display preferences such as the measurement unit, the grid
and zoom window display, the pulse width.
Zoom
window
Filename
Grid
Unit used
24 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Selecting the Measurement Unit

To select the unit of measurement for your display:
1. From the main window, press the Setup button or F5.
2. From the Setup window, select the General tab.
3. In the Distance Unit list box, scroll down to select the measurement
unit to appear in your display. The options available are: Kilometers,
Miles, and Kilofeet.
Once you exit the Setup window, on the bottom right-hand corner of the
trace display, you will notice that the distance unit abbreviation has
changed. It will read km for kilometers, mi for miles, or kf for kilofeet,
depending on the unit you selected.
Note: If you have selected Kilometers or Kilofeet, m and f may appear instead of
km and kf to display more precise measures.

Displaying or Hiding the Grid

You can choose to display or to hide the grid. By default, the grid is
displayed.
To display or hide the grid from your trace display:
3. To display the grid, toggle the Grid button to the On position. Once you
exit the Setup window, the grid will be visible.
OR
To hide the grid, toggle the Grid button to the Off position. Once you
exit the Setup window, the grid will no longer be visible.
Displaying or Hiding the Zoom Window

The zoom window is displayed on the upper right-hand corner of the trace
display.
To display or hide the zoom window:
3. To display the zoom window, toggle the Zoom Window button to the
On position. Once you exit the Setup window, the zoom window will
be visible.
OR
To remove the zoom window, toggle the Zoom Window button to the
Off position. Once you exit the Setup window, the zoom window will
no longer be visible.
Note: The zoom window is only visible in the display when the Measure tab or
the Change/Insert window is selected.
26 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Displaying or Hiding the Filename

By default, the filename is displayed at the top of your trace display.
To display or hide the filename from the trace display:
3. Toggle the Trace Name in Graph button to the On position to display
the filename. It will appear once you exit the Setup window.
OR
To remove the filename, toggle the Trace Name in Graph button to the
Off position. Once you exit the Setup window, the filename will no
longer be visible.
Note: You can move the filename on the trace display by dragging it to the desired
location.
Selecting a Trace Display Mode

To select a trace display mode:
3. Press the Trace Display Mode list box arrow and scroll down the list to
select the mode you want to display. The available options are:
Complete Trace: displays the whole trace and full acquisition
distance.
Markers: displays the trace from the span start to the span end.
Optimum: displays the trace with a minimum amount of noise
after the fiber end.
Once you exit the Setup window, you will see that the display has changed
according to your selection.

Selecting the Pulse Width Unit

To select the pulse width unit:
1. From the main window, press Setup or F5.
3. Press the Pulse Width list box arrow and scroll down the list to select
your preference. The available options are Time or Distance.
Once you exit the Setup window, your selection will be displayed in the
Trace Info tab, under Pulse/Time.
28 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Setting Acquisition Parameters

You can set the following acquisition parameters for the OTDR:
autorange acquisition time
first connector check
use same pulse and time for all wavelengths
IOR, Helix factor and RBS values

Setting the Autorange Acquisition Time

When performing automatic acquisitions (see Testing Fibers in Advanced
Mode on page 87) or before activating Auto mode (see Testing Fibers in
Auto Mode on page 83), you must set an autorange acquisition time for the
OTDR to average acquisitions over a set time period.
Note: In Template mode, the acquisition time of the reference trace is used for all
trace acquisitions, not the autorange acquisition time.
To set the autorange acquisition time:

2. From the Setup window, select the Acquisition tab.
3. Go to the Auto-Range Acquisition Time list box and press the arrow to
scroll down the list and select your preference. Six options are
available: 15 seconds (default value), 30 seconds, 1 minute,
1.5 minutes, 2 minutes, and 3 minutes.
Enabling or Disabling the First Connector Check

The first connector check is used to verify that the fibers are properly
connected to the OTDR. The first connector check verifies the injection
level and displays a message when an unusually high loss at the first
connection occurs. This function only applies to the launch level.
To enable or disable the first connector check:
3. To enable the first connector check, select First Connector Check.
OR
To disable the first connector check, deselect First Connector Check.
30 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
When the first connector check is enabled, a message similar to the

following appears if there is a problem with the injection level.
Using the Same Pulse for All Wavelengths

You can use a single pulse parameter for testing at all wavelengths on a
multiwavelength OTDR module.
To use the same pulse for all wavelengths:
2. Select the Acquisition tab.
3. Check the Use Same Pulse for All Wavelengths box.
When the box is selected, the Pulse dial is displayed in the OTDR tab.
When it is deselected, list boxes for each available test wavelength replace
the Pulse dial (for more information, see Setting Distance Range, Pulse
Width and Acquisition Time on page 74).

Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and Helix Factor
Using the Same Time for All Wavelengths

You can use a single acquisition time parameter for testing at all
wavelengths on a multiwavelength OTDR module.
To use the same time for all wavelengths:
1. In the main window, press the Setup button or F5.
2. Select the Acquisition tab.
3. Check the Use Same Time for All Wavelengths box.
When the box is selected, the Time dial is displayed on the OTDR window.
When it is deselected, list boxes for each available test wavelength replace
the Time dial (for more information, see Setting Distance Range, Pulse
Width and Acquisition Time on page 74).
Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and Helix

Factor
You should set the IOR, RBS and Helix factor before performing tests in
order to apply them to all newly acquired traces. However, you can also set
them at a later time in the Trace Info tab to reanalyze a specific trace (see
Modifying Current Trace Settings on page 124).
Note: In Auto mode, you can change the index of refraction (IOR), Rayleigh
backscatter (RBS) coefficient and Helix factor parameters after an
acquisition only if you have activated the Enable Current Trace Settings
Editing function (see details in Testing Fibers in Auto Mode on page 83).
You can always view these parameters for a specific trace by selecting the
Trace Info tab.
The IOR is a fiber characteristic that can be obtained through the cable or
fiber manufacturer. It should be verified before each test. You can enter
any value between 1.3 and 1.7, inclusively.
32 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and Helix Factor
The RBS coefficient represents the amount of backscatter in a particular

fiber. It can be obtained from the cable manufacturer. The test application
determines a default value for each wavelength. You can set the RBS
coefficient for each available wavelength.
The Helix factor takes into consideration the difference between the length
of the cable and the length of the fiber inside the cable. The Helix factor
value must be between 0 % and 10 %.
IMPORTANT
Change the default RBS coefficient only if you have actual values
provided by the fiber manufacturer. If you set this parameter
incorrectly, your reflectance measurements will be inaccurate.
To set the IOR, RBS and Helix factor parameters:

Index of
refraction
Rayleigh
backscatter
coefficient
Helix factor

Setting Analysis Parameters
3. Under Fiber Settings, select the Wavelength(s) list box to select the
wavelength you want to use to set these parameters.
4. Select the default settings by pressing Default.
OR
Enter your own value in the IOR, RBSand Helix Factor (%) text fields,
for each wavelength availablelist box.

The OTDR trace acquisition procedure will be completed by the analysis.
You can separate the two procedures, or analyze each trace automatically
immediately after the acquisition.
You can set the following analysis parameters for the OTDR:
analyze after acquisition
splice loss, reflectance and end-of-fiber thresholds
default fiber span
34 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Enabling or Disabling Analysis After Acquisition

Enable or disable analysis after acquisition according to your specific
testing needs.
Note: You can set the automatic trace analysis function only in Advanced mode.
To enable or disable the analysis after trace acquisition:

3. If you want the OTDR to automatically analyze an acquired trace,

select the Analyze After Acquisition box.
If you deselect the Analyze After Acquisition box, the trace will be
saved without being analyzed.
4. Press Exit Setup. You return to the main window of the OTDR test
application.
When the analysis process is disabled, the Event table of a newly acquired
trace will be empty. To generate the Event table, select the Analyze button
on the Event tab (for more information, see Analyzing or Reanalyzing a
Trace on page 118).

Setting the Analysis Detection Thresholds

To optimize event detection, analysis detection thresholds can be set. You
can set three analysis detection thresholds for a number of purposes:
Splice loss threshold: To display or hide small non-reflective events.
The lowest splice loss threshold setting is 0.020 dB and the highest is
5 dB.
Reflectance threshold: To hide false reflective events generated by
noise, transform non-harmful reflective events into loss events, or
detect reflective events that could be harmful to network and other
fiber-optic equipment. The lowest reflectance threshold setting is
72 dB and the highest is 14 dB.
End-of-fiber threshold: To stop the analysis as soon as an important
event loss occurs: for example, an event that could compromise signal
transmission towards the end of a network. The lowest end-of-fiber
threshold setting is 1 dB and the highest is 10 dB.
Note: The analysis detection thresholds can only be set in Advanced mode.
36 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
To set the analysis detection thresholds:

3. Under Detection Threshold Analysis, select the default settings by

pressing on Default.
OR
Enter the desired values in the Splice Loss Threshold, Reflectance
Threshold and End-of-Fiber Threshold text fields.
4. Press Exit Setup to return to the main window.
Analysis detection thresholds set in the Acquisition tab are applied to all
newly acquired traces. From the Trace Info tab in the main window, you
can also change these thresholds for a specific trace for reanalysis. For
details, see Modifying Current Trace Settings on page 124.

The following examples show how different splice loss threshold levels
can affect the number of displayed events, especially small non-reflective
events such as those caused by two splices. Three traces are shown,
corresponding to three threshold level settings.
Event location
Threshold at 0.05 dB
With the threshold set to 0.05 dB, two events are displayed at distances
corresponding to the location of the first and second splices.
Threshold at 0.1 dB
Only the first splice is displayed, as the threshold is set to 0.1 dB and
the second splice loss is lower than 0.1 dB.
Threshold at 0.15 dB
The first two splices are not displayed, as the threshold is set to 0.15 dB
and the first and second splice losses are lower than 0.15 dB.
38 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Setting a Default Span Start and Span End

By default, the span start and span end of a fiber are assigned to the first
event (the launch level event) and the last event (often a non-reflective or
reflective end event) of a trace, respectively.
You can change the default fiber span that will be applied during the initial
trace analysis.
To change the default span start and span end for traces:
3. In the Span Start and Span End group boxes, go to the Position text
field and enter the desired value, using the distance unit displayed to
the right of the field.
From the Span End group box, select the position to be measured
either from the span start or span end of a fiber by selecting the
appropriate function buttons.

Note: You can also change the span start and span end of a specific trace from
the Span tab without changing the default span start or span end in the
process (see Analyzing the Fiber on a Specific Fiber Span on page 119).
To keep a set fiber span during trace reanalysis, activate the fiber span
delimitation memory (for details, see Keeping the Span Start and Span End
in Memory on page 41), otherwise the span start and span end markers
are reset to zero in the process.
Changes to the span start and span end will modify the contents of the
Event table. The span start becomes Event 1 and its distance reference
becomes 0. Only events between the span start and span end will be
numbered in the trace display and Event table. The cumulative loss is
calculated within the defined fiber span only.
40 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Keeping the Span Start and Span End in Memory
Keeping the Span Start and Span End in

Memory
Note: This function can only be used in the Advanced mode.
Keeping modified span start and span end in memory allows you to
reapply the current span start and span end of a trace when you reanalyze,
instead of applying the default fiber span originally used for the acquisition.
For details on setting a default span start and end for trace acquisitions, see
Setting a Default Span Start and Span End on page 39.
To keep the span start and span end in memory:
2. Select the Event Table tab.
3. In the Fiber Span Delimitation group box, toggle the Memory button
to the On or Off position.

Including the Loss Caused by Span Start and Span End Events
Including the Loss Caused by Span Start and

Span End Events
Note: This function can only be used in Advanced mode.
You can set your OTDR test application to include the loss caused by the
span start and end events in the cumulative values of the Event table.
To include span start and span end event loss in the Event table:
1. In the main window, press Setup or F5.
2. Select the Event Table tab.
3. Under Fiber Span Delimitation, toggle the Include Loss button to On
if you want to include the loss caused by the span start and span end
events.
42 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Setting Cable Parameters

All information related to the cable, fiber, and file autonaming that you
want to be saved by default in newly acquired traces is entered in the
Cable tab (as shown in the following figure).
This information can be accessed for each trace from the Report window.
After a trace acquisition, you can change fiber and job information, as well
as comments for a specific trace. For more information, see Creating and
Printing Trace Reports on page 153.

Entering Cable Identification Data

To enter the cable name or identification:
1. From the main window, select the Setup button or F5.
2. From the Setup window, select the Cable tab.
3. Press the button next to the Cable ID text field to open the Cable ID
dialog box.
4. Enter a name in the Cable Name text field and select Add. The new
information appears in the Cable ID text field.
44 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Entering Location Information

To enter location data:
3. Press the button next to the Location A text field.
4. From the Location dialog box, enter a name in the Location Name text
field.
5. Select Add and then on OK. The new information appears in the
Location A text field.
Repeat the same procedure for Location B.

Entering Subset Identification Data

You can record subsets, such as buffer tubes or fiber ribbons, and enter a
ribbon name or identification. The subset identification data includes an
alpha-numeric name field that becomes the default subset name in
subsequent acquisitions and a numeric field that is automatically
incremented sequentially, as specified by the user.
To enter subset identification data:
3. Press the button next to the Subset ID text field to open the Subset
Setup dialog box.
4. Select the Use Subset box to set subset parameters.

5. Press the first Subset ID text field and enter a subset name.
6. Press the second Subset ID text field and enter the subset number you
wish to begin your first acquisition with.
46 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
7. In the Number of Digits text field, use the arrow buttons to increase or
decrease the number of digits used in the right-hand side text field.
Options in the Increment Mode group box are automatically updated.
If you set the Number of Digits option to one digit, the Subset
two-digit options are deactivated (grayed out).
8. Indicate if an incrementation is required or not by selecting one of the
following options: No Incrementation, Incrementation (upwards) or
Decrementation (downwards).
9. Press OK to return to the Cable tab.

Entering Fiber Identification Data

The fiber identification data must be entered. It includes an alpha-numeric
fiber name field that becomes the default fiber name in subsequent
acquisitions and a numeric field that is automatically incremented or
decremented in sequence, as chosen by the user.
To enter the fiber identification data:
3. Press the button next to the Fiber ID text field to open the Fiber Setup
dialog box.
.
4. Select the first Fiber ID text field and enter a fiber name.
5. Select the second Fiber ID text field and enter the number you wish to
begin your first acquisition with.
6. In the Number of Digits text field, use arrow buttons to increase or
decrease the number of digits used in the right-hand side text field.
Options in the Increment Mode group box are automatically updated.
48 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
If you set the Number of Digits option to one digit, the Subset
two-digit options are deactivated (grayed out).
7. Indicate if incrementation or decrementation is required by selecting
one of: No Incrementation, Incrementation or Decrementation.
8. If you select Incrementation or Decrementation, you must specify if
these increments or decrements should be
Continuous (0001-9999)
By Subset (0001-0004, 0001-004...): in groups of 4, 8, 12, 24, or
another value
These increments or decrements will then appear in subsequent trace
names, after the fiber name, and in sequential order, according to the
type you have chosen.

Entering Color Identification Data

You can identify your fibers by adding a color, based on the default ITU
color code. Or you can create, save and modify your own color codes. You
can also export and import them as needed.
To enter the color information:
3. Press the button next to the Color ID text field to open the Color Setup
dialog box.
4. From the Color Code In Use list, select a color code. By default, two
options are displayed:
None (no color information)
Default (ITU color code)
50 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
The color table displays the full and abbreviated color names for the
selected color code. The Number column shows the sequential order
of colors in the code.
5. Under Color Identification, select your preference between the Full
Name of the color, or its Abbreviation.
The color name will appear in subsequent trace names, after the fiber
number, and in sequential order, according to the color code you have
chosen.
Note: You can also select a color code you have created. For details, see the next
procedure.
To create a color code:

1. From the Color Setup dialog box, press New Code.
2. In the Color Name field, enter the desired color name.

3. Press OK. You return to the Color Setup dialog box.
The added color code is displayed in the Color Code in Use list. The color
table is empty. You must add color names to the new color code. For
details, see To add a color to a code: on page 55.

To delete a color code:

1. From the Color Setup dialog box, in the Color Code in Use list, select
the color code you whish to delete.
2. Press Delete Code.
3. Press Yes in the Confirmation dialog box. You return to the Color Setup
dialog box.
To export color codes:
1. From the Color Setup dialog box, press Export Code(s).
2. From the Export Color Code dialog box, in the Export Following
Code(s) area, select the desired color codes.
3. Press Export.
52 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
4. From the Store File dialog box, in the Filename text field, enter the
color code list name you want to use.
5. Scroll down the list of available drives and folders, and select the
storage location of your choice. Press OK. You return to the Color
Setup dialog box.
Note: By default, exported color code lists are saved in the ColorCode folder. The
factory default storage path is
C:\Program Files\EXFO\UserFile\OTDR\ColorCode.

To import color codes:

1. From the Color Setup dialog box, press Import Code(s).
2. In the Recall Main File dialog box, scroll through the list of available
files and folders and select the color code list file you whish to recall.
3. Press OK.
54 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
4. From the Import Color Code dialog box, in the Color Code(s) to
Import area, select the desired color codes.
Note: By default, the Recall Main File dialog box opens to the ColorCode folder.
The factory default path is C:\Program Files\EXFO\UserFile\OTDR
\ColorCode. However, you can import color code lists from the folder of
your choice.
To add a color to a code:

the color code to which you want to add a color.
2. Press Add Color.

3. From the New Color dialog box, in the Full Name field, enter the
desired color name.
4. In the Abbreviation field, enter the abbreviated color name.
The added color is displayed as the last item in the color table.
Note: To insert a new color between existing colors, use the Insert Color function
described below.
To insert a color into a code:

the color code in which you want to insert a color.
2. Select the color following the location where you want to insert the
new color.
3. Press Insert Color.
4. From the New Color dialog box, in the Full Name field, enter the
desired color name.
5. In the Abbreviation field, enter the abbreviated color name.
The added color is displayed before the item you selected in the color
table.
56 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
To modify a color name:

1. From the Color Setup dialog box, in the Color Code In Use list, select
the color code you want to modify.
2. In the color table, select the color you whish to modify.
3. Press Modify Color.
4. From the Modify Color dialog box, in the Full Name field, enter the
modifications to the color name.
5. In the Abbreviation field, enter the modifications to the abbreviated
color name.
To delete a color:
1. From the Color Setup dialog box, in the Color Code In Use list, select
the color code you whish to modify.
2. In the color table, select the color you whish to delete.
3. Press Delete Color.
4. Press Yes in the Confirmation dialog box. You return to the Color Setup
dialog box.

Entering File Naming Information

You can specify what information you want to appear in the filenames.
To enter file naming information:
3. Press the button next to the Filename text field to open the File
Autonaming dialog box.
a. Select the Use

File Autonaming
box
b. Select
filename c. Select a file
components extension
d. Customize
the filename, if
desired
4. Select Use File Autonaming to be able to set the file autonaming

parameters.
5. Select the information you wish to include in your filenames. You may
choose from the following: Cable ID, Location A, Location B, Ribbon
ID, Fiber ID or Color ID.
6. Select the information you would like to appear as the file extension.
Your choices are: .trc File, Color, Fiber Number, .A_B File, .B_A File,
or Custom extension.
58 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
7. You can also add data before the filename, by entering it in the Custom
text field from the Filename group box.
8. Press OK when you are done.
Note: You can use a maximum of 80 characters in the filename.
Entering Cable Manufacturer Information

You can enter information such as the manufacturers name for the cable
that houses the fiber being tested.
To enter cable manufacturer information:
3. Select the Cable Mfr. text field and enter the desired information. You
can enter up to 24 characters.
Entering Fiber Type Information

You can enter information such as the type of fiber being tested.
To enter fiber type information:
3. Select the Fiber Type text field and enter the desired information. You
can enter up to 14 characters.

Entering Job Information and Comments

You can enter job information that will be saved in all new traces.
To enter job information:
3. Press the Job and Comments button.
4. From the Job and Comments dialog box, select the desired text fields
and enter information. You can use to add those entries to a list;
they will be easy to recall if you use them often.
5. When all the information has been entered in the Job and Comments
dialog box, select Close to save the information, Clear to erase it, or
Cancel to ignore the changes you have made.
Note: This information is automatically copied into the OTDR report of each
acquisition made using this setup.
Clearing Cable Parameters

If you wish to clear the information appearing in the Cable tab, select the
Clear Fields button.
60 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Setting Event Table Parameters

You can set elements (such as fiber sections, failed events, comments) you
want displayed in your Event table by accessing the Event Table tab.

Displaying or Hiding Fiber Sections

You can display or hide fiber sections in the Event table.
To display or hide fiber sections:
1. From the Setup window, select the Event Table tab.
2. To display fiber sections, toggle the button next to Show Fiber
Sections to On.
OR
To hide fiber sections, toggle the button next to Show Fiber Sections to
Off.
Note: Turning off the fiber section displays will not delete them.
Displaying or Hiding Merged Events

You can display or hide merged events in the Event table.
To display or hide merged events:
2. To display merged events, toggle the button next to Show Merged
Events to On.
OR
To hide merged events, toggle the button next to Show Merged Events
to Off.
Note: Turning off the display of merged events will not delete them.
62 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Inserting or Removing Event Comments

You can display or hide the comments options at the bottom of the Event
table.
To display or hide the Event comments:
2. To display event comments, toggle the button next to Insert Event
Comments to On.
OR
To hide event comments, toggle the button next to Insert Event
Comments to Off.
Marking Faults in the Event Table

You can display or hide the asterisks, as well as the reverse typo (which
appears in red on color screen) that mark events in the Event table, for
which the measured value is greater than the predefined thresholds (see
Enabling or Disabling the Pass/Fail Test on page 66).
To mark faults in the Event table:
2. To flag failed events, toggle the button next to Mark Faults in Event
Table to On.
OR
To remove this option, toggle the button next to Mark Faults in Event
Table to Off.

Displaying or Hiding the Injection Level Marker

In the event table, the Launch Level event is represented by the icon.
In the Att. column, the injection level value for that event is identified by the
@ symbol.
To display or hide the injection level marker in the Att. column:
2. To display the injection level marker, toggle the button next to Show
Injection Level to On.
OR
To hide the injection level marker, toggle the button next to Show
Injection Level to Off.
Including Fiber Span Delimitations

The Fiber Span Delimitation group box allows you to record the span start
and span end points for the trace span of the current trace, to later reapply
them when trace is reanalyzed, and to instruct the OTDR to include the loss
caused by the span start and end events in the cumulative values of the
Event table.
To include fiber span delimitations:
2. In the Fiber Span Delimitation group box, toggle Span Start and Span
End buttons to the On or Off position, to reflect your choices.
Toggling the Include Loss button to On will add the span start and
span end losses to the total span loss.
Toggling the Memory button to On will reapply the span start or
span end to a trace after reanalysis (see Keeping the Span Start
and Span End in Memory on page 41).
64 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds

Your mini-OTDR allows you to activate and set Pass/Fail threshold
parameters for your tests.
Assigning Pass/Fail Thresholds to Test

52
Wavelengths
You can apply the same pass/fail thresholds to all test wavelengths, or
apply them separately to each one.
To assign pass/fail thresholds to test wavelengths:
1. From the Setup window, select the Thresholds tab.

2. Press the Apply Thresholds to All Wavelengths button to apply the

same pass/fail thresholds setup to trace acquisitions performed at all
wavelengths.
OR
From the Wavelength list, select the wavelength for which you want to
set specific pass/fail thresholds.
You can set different pass/fail thresholds from the list box for each available
test wavelength. These pass/fail thresholds will be applied to the analysis
results of all newly acquired traces with the corresponding laser
wavelength.
Enabling or Disabling the Pass/Fail Test

The Pass/Fail test displays a message at the end of an analysis to inform you
if one or more events exceed a threshold.
The Pass/Fail test is performed on two occasions:
when analyzing or reanalyzing a trace
after recalling a main trace
To enable the Pass/Fail test:
2. Under Pass/Fail Thresholds, select one of the following:
Pass: to perform a test and display a message indicating that all
events have passed.
Fail: to perform a test and display a message only when an event
has failed. Activating this box allows you to establish Fail
thresholds.
Warning: to perform a test and display a message only when an
event is approaching the Fail threshold. Activating this box allows
you to establish Warning thresholds.
3. Now you can set your Pass/Fail thresholds (see the following section).
66 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C

You can set thresholds for splice loss, connector loss, reflectance, fiber
section attenuation, total span loss, total span length, and ORL.
To set pass/fail thresholds:
2. In the Pass/Fail Thresholds panel, select the boxes corresponding to
the thresholds to set.
3. Enter the desired value in the chosen options corresponding field.
4. Repeat step 3 for each setting; press Exit Setup when you are done.
You can revert to the default values with the Default Settings button.
The following table provides the default thresholds, as well as the
minimum and maximum thresholds.
Test Default Minimum Maximum

Splice loss (dB) 1.000 0.015 5.000
Connector loss (dB) 1.000 0.015 5.000
Reflectance (dB) 40.00 80.00 0.00
Fiber section attenuation (dB/km) 0.40 0.00 5.000
Total span loss (dB) 45.000 0.000 45.000
Total span length (km) 0.00 0.000 300.000
ORL (dB) 15.00 15.00 40.000
Note: EXFO suggests that you set your Warning thresholds close to your Fail
thresholds (however, do not use the same value). Your Warning threshold
values might be modified automatically as a result, and vice-versa. Ensure
that the modified values are still good.

Setting Optical Switch Parameters

If you have inserted an optical switch module into your FTB-400, you can
couple it with the OTDR from the Integrated Applications window. For
more information, refer to the FTB-400 Universal Test System user guide.
Note: The switch setup is available only in Advanced mode and operates in
Advanced and Template modes, not in Auto mode.
Once you have started the OTDR and optical switch integrated application,
a Switch tab will appear in your Setup window. The Switch tab allows you
to select a switch operation mode, to set your channel configuration, and
to enable the first connector check.
68 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Selecting a Switch Operation Mode

There are two operation modes available when using an optical switch
with your OTDR.
Manual mode is used to acquire traces one at a time from the
available channels in your sequence configuration. Each time you
want to acquire a trace, you must press Start or F8. Before each
acquisition in Manual mode, you must select the desired channel from
the Channel dialog box, which displays the channels you had
previously configured.
Auto mode is used to perform a sequence of acquisitions. This
sequence can be performed once, or repeated at certain intervals.
If you choose to repeat the sequence, you must specify a time gap to
set the interval for repeating the sequence. If the set time gap is shorter
than the time needed to complete a sequence, there will be no pause
between repetitions. The sequence will be repeated until you press the
Stop button in your main window.
To select the operation mode:
1. From the Setup window, select the Switch tab.
2. Go to the Operation Mode group box. Press the Current Mode list box
arrow and scroll down the list to select your preference. The available
modes are Manual and Auto.
3. If you have chosen Manual mode, you can now set your channel
configuration. See the next section for details.
OR
If you have chosen Auto mode, go to the Repeat list box and select
Single if you only want one sequence, or Loop if you want to repeat
the sequence.

4. If you have chosen Single, you can now set your channel
configuration. See the next section for details.
OR
If you have chosen Loop, select the Time Gap text fields to specify the
amount of time between the sequences. For example, you can restart
the sequence every two hours and 45 minutes.
4a. To set the time, select the h text field and enter the number of
hours between the sequences.
4b. Select the m text field and enter the number of minutes.
70 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Setting the Channel Configuration

You can configure your switch to use any combination of channels in the
desired sequence.
To set the channel configuration:
2. Go to the Channel Configuration group box.
Activated
channels and
their order are
displayed here.
3. Using the graphic representation of the channels on your switch, select

the channels you wish to activate for your sequence. Once you have
activated the channels, these channels and their order will be
displayed in the Acquisition Sequence list.
4. You can perform the acquisitions in sequential order, by selecting
Sequential, or in the order you selected the channels by selecting
Custom.

Viewing Switch Test Results

At the end of an acquisition sequence, select the Results tab displayed in
the main window to access a report of the completed tests.
Fiber Test First connector Event pass/fail Maximum Total loss Fiber to be
identification wavelength check pass/fail status splice loss in dB retested
status in dB
Arrow
buttons
Note: The Results tab is only available in online mode, after having acquired
traces.
Scroll up and down the list with the arrow buttons on the right-hand side of
the screen.
To retest traces with a failed status, press Retest. After your confirmation,
all failed traces are automatically retested.
To retest all traces, press Retest All. After your confirmation, all traces in
the table are automatically retested.
You can also display any one of the traces listed in the Results tab in the
trace display.
72 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
To view a trace listed in the table:

1. Select the fiber ID with the desired test wavelength.
2. Press View.
Note: Contents of the Results table displays the results of pass/fail tests
performed at the time of trace acquisitions. Therefore, it will not be
updated if you modify existing traces later.
Enabling or Disabling the First Connector Check

The first connector check is used to verify all selected channels before
starting the acquisition sequence. For more information on selecting
channels, see Setting the Channel Configuration on page 71.
To enable the first connector check:
2. Go to the Fiber Settings group box. Toggle the Switch First Connector
button to the On position to enable the option or to the Off position
to disable it.

Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width and Acquisition Time
Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width and

Acquisition Time
In Auto mode, the OTDR automatically selects the pulse width and
distance range, optimized for the fiber under test, as well as a standard
acquisition time. These three parameters are indicated in the Fiber
Settings section of the Trace Info tab. Once these parameters are
evaluated, the application uses them for all subsequent acquisitions on the
same link, thereby saving time for each fiber. When you start testing
another link, you can reset these parameters by clicking Reset in the Test
Settings section of the OTDR tab. For more information, see Testing Fibers
in Auto Mode on page 83.
In Template mode, the acquisition parameters used are the ones that were
set when acquiring the reference trace. For more information about
Template mode, see Testing Fibers in Reference Creation/Template Mode
on page 95.
In Advanced mode, the distance range, pulse width, and acquisition time is
set with the controls in the OTDR tab.
Clicking on the dial moves the selection marker clockwise, while pointing
and clicking directly on the value moves the selection marker immediately
to that value.
Distance dial Pulse dial Time dial
74 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Distance: used to set the distance range of the fiber span to be tested.
Changing the distance range alters the available settings of the pulse
width and leaves only the settings available for the specified range.
For more information about measurement units, see Selecting the
Measurement Unit on page 25.
Pulse: used to set the pulse width for the test. A longer pulse width
travels further down the fiber, but results in less resolution. A shorter
pulse width provides higher resolution, but less distance. The available
distance ranges and pulse widths depend on your OTDR model.
In addition, not all pulse widths are compatible or available with all
distance ranges.
Note: The Pulse dial is replaced by the Pulse list boxes when the Use Same Pulse
for All Wavelengths function is deactivated (see Using the Same Pulse for
All Wavelengths on page 31).
Time: used to set the acquisition duration (period during which results
will be averaged). Generally, longer acquisition times generate cleaner
traces (this is especially true with long-distance traces) because as the
acquisition time increases, more of the noise is averaged out. This
averaging increases the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the OTDRs
ability to detect small events. The Time settings will also determine
how the timer displayed in the toolbar counts time during testing (see
Understanding the Timer on page 77).
Note: The Time dial is replaced by the Time list boxes when the Use Same Time
for All Wavelengths function is deactivated (see Using the Same Time for
All Wavelengths on page 32).

In addition to fixed time intervals, three time modes are available: Real,
Custom, and Auto.
Real time mode: used to immediately view sudden changes in the
fiber under test. In this mode, the signal-to-noise ratio of the trace is
lower than in Custom mode and the trace is refreshed instead of
averaged until you press Stop or F8.
You can alternate between real mode and an averaging time interval
mode while an acquisition is in progress.
Custom time mode: used to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the
trace.
In this mode, the detection of low-level events is enhanced and
acquisitions are averaged for up to 60 minutes or until you press Stop
or F8. When selecting Custom mode, the Change button beside the
Custom Acquisition Time fields is enabled (see Setting a Custom
Acquisition Time on page 78).
Auto time mode: If you select Auto, the OTDR will evaluate the fiber
type and length and set the acquisition parameters accordingly. The
acquisition time will be the one defined with the Auto-Range
Acquisition Time text fields (see Setting the Autorange Acquisition
Time on page 30).
76 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Understanding the Timer

Once the acquisition has begun, a timer is displayed on the right-hand side
of the screen. Depending on the settings selected, the timer will show
either the time remaining in the test or the time elapsed since the
beginning of the test.
Time dial Timer
With the Time dial set to a fixed value, the timer counts down to
indicate the time remaining.
With the Time dial set to Auto, the timer is not displayed.
With the Time dial set to Custom, the timer indicates the time elapsed
since the beginning of the acquisition.
If the time on the Time dial is increased during the acquisition, the
timer will update the countdown. The difference between the new
time and elapsed time is shown.
If the Distance or Pulse dial is modified during the acquisition, the
timer is reset.
Note: The timer is displayed on the right-hand side of the screen, in the toolbar, in
Advanced and Template mode, and in the Status section of the OTDR tab,
in Auto mode.

Setting a Custom Acquisition Time
Setting a Custom Acquisition Time

In the OTDR tab, you can manually set an acquisition time during which
the OTDR will average acquisitions.
To set a custom acquisition time:

1. From the OTDR tab, press the Change button.
2. In the Custom Acquisition Time dialog box, enter the desired values in
the m and s text fields.
The maximum value for the text fields is 60 minutes and 59 seconds.
The minimum value for the seconds text field is 0, or 5 if a value of
0 minutes has been previously entered. When the maximum value is
entered in the m (minutes) text field, the s (seconds) text field is
disabled, as shown in the previous illustration.
3. Press OK to close the Custom Acquisition Time dialog box.
If the value entered exceeds the authorized maximum, a message is
displayed. Press OK in the message box and correct the value in the
appropriate text field.
78 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Saving an OTDR Setup
Saving an OTDR Setup

Once you have established all your configuration parameters, you may
choose to save your setup for future use.
To save an OTDR setup:
1. Make sure you have established all your parameters first, by entering all
data in the Setup window.
2. From the main window, Press Setup or F5.
4. Go to the Configure OTDR list box. This list box shows Current Setup.
5. Press Save... The OTDR window will appear. Enter the filename in the
appropriate text field, and press OK.
This setup is now saved in the Saved Setup list.

Selecting an OTDR Setup
Selecting an OTDR Setup

Once you have saved any number of setups, you can select the setup you
will use for the current session.
To select an OTDR setup:
3. Go to the Configure OTDR list box.
4. Press the Configure OTDR list box arrow, scroll down the list and
select your preference. The options available are Current Setup or
Saved setup.
If you choose Current Setup, the last configuration used will be the
configuration that will be used in the current work session.
If you choose Saved Setup, you must then go to the Saved Setup list
box to select which of the previously programmed configurations you
would like to use for the current work session.
80 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
5 Preparing Your OTDR for a Test
Connecting Optical Fibers
IMPORTANT
To ensure maximum output power and to avoid erroneous
readings, always clean fiber ends as explained below before
inserting them into the port.
To connect the fiber-optic cable to the port:

1. Clean the fiber ends as follows:
1a. Gently wipe the fiber end with a lint-free swab dipped in isopropyl
alcohol.
1b. Use compressed air to dry completely.
2. Carefully align the connector and port to prevent the fiber end from
touching the outside of the port or rubbing against other surfaces. If
your connector features a key, ensure that it is fully fitted into the ports
corresponding notch.
3. Push the connector in so that the fiber-optic cable is firmly in place,
thus ensuring adequate contact.
If your connector features a screwsleeve, tighten the connector
enough to firmly maintain the fiber in place. Do not overtighten, as this
will damage the fiber and the port.
Note: If your fiber-optic cable is not properly aligned and/or connected, you will
notice heavy loss and reflection.
WARNING
The OTDR, without a proper setup, should not be connected to a
live fiber. To avoid hazardous radiation exposure, as well as
permanent damage to the OTDR, make sure that all fibers under
test are inactive at the time of and during connection.

Preparing Your OTDR for a Test
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI)
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI)

The EUI fixed baseplate is available for connectors with angled (APC) or
non-angled (UPC) polishing. A green border around the baseplate
indicates that it is for APC-type connectors, as shown below:
Green border Bare metal

indicates APC (or blue border)
option indicates UPC
option
To install an EUI connector adapter onto the EUI baseplate:

1. Hold the EUI connector adapter so the dust cap opens downwards.
1 2
2. Close the dust cap in order to hold the connector adapter more firmly.
3. Insert the connector adapter into the baseplate.
4. Turn the connector adapter clockwise on the baseplate to lock it in
place.
3 4
82 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
6 Testing Fibers in Auto Mode
Auto mode automatically evaluates fiber length, sets acquisition
parameters, acquires traces, and displays event tables and acquired traces.
The Auto mode testing procedure is explained in the following pages.
Selecting the Auto Mode

You must select the Auto mode to be able to use it for testing fibers.
To select the Auto mode:
1. Before activating the Auto mode, you must set the autorange
acquisition time (see Setting the Autorange Acquisition Time on
page 30).
2. Start the OTDR test application. See Launching the FTB-7000 OTDR
Application on page 18.

4. From the Setup window, select the Mode tab.
5. Select Auto Mode.

Testing Fibers in Auto Mode
Selecting a Test Wavelength
Specify whether you want to edit fiber settings or not by toggling

the Enable Current Trace Settings Editing button to the On or Off
position. For more information, see Modifying Current Trace
Settings on page 124.
Specify if you always want to start in Auto mode by toggling the
button to the Yes position.

In Auto mode, Dual Wave is automatically selected in the OTDR tab, in the
Test Wavelength section of the OTDR tab. With a single wavelength OTDR,
only that wavelength is available.
Note: If your OTDR module generates only one wavelength, only one box will be
available in the Test Wavelength section of the OTDR tab.
To select a test wavelength in Auto mode:

1. From the main window, select the OTDR tab.
2. Select the desired wavelength in the Test Wavelength section. You can
select multiple wavelengths for testing.
Note: At least one wavelength must be selected. Therefore, you cannot deselect
the only wavelength selected.
84 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Setting Parameters
Setting Parameters
In Auto mode, you cannot set parameters since they must be defined in
Advanced mode. However, if you ever need to modify parameters, select
Advanced mode, change the desired parameters and return to Auto mode.
For more information, see Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode on page 87 and
Setting Up Your OTDR on page 23.
Acquiring Traces in Auto Mode

Press Start or F8 to begin the acquisition.
The OTDR test application evaluates fiber characteristics (optimum
distance range and pulse width). This evaluation takes about 5 seconds. If
you interrupt it, no data will be displayed. The remaining time (see
Understanding the Timer on page 77) and the acquisition settings you
selected are indicated in the Status section.
Note: Fiber characteristics are evaluated only once per session. Other fibers you
connect to within the same cable will be tested using the same settings. If
you want to reset these settings, press Reset in the Test Settings section.
Once the parameters have been evaluated, the test application starts
acquiring the trace. The trace display is continually updated.

Acquiring Traces in Auto Mode
Note: You can interrupt the acquisition at any time by pressing Stop or F8. If you
do so, the OTDR displays all the information acquired to that point. If the
acquisition lasts at least five seconds, interrupting it will automatically start
the analysis process (if enabled).
Once the acquisition is complete (or interrupted by pressing Stop or F8),

the analysis starts.
IMPORTANT
The settings used in Auto mode are based on optimizations made
from existing traces. They may not apply to all situations. Also, a
longer acquisition time gives better OTDR results.
Once the acquired trace is analyzed, it is displayed in the trace display and
the events appear in the Event tab at the bottom of the window. For more
information, see Analyzing Traces and Events on page 103.
Trace
display
Event
tab
To store the trace after the analysis, see Managing Trace Files on page 135.
86 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
7 Testing Fibers in Advanced
Mode
Advanced mode offers all the tools needed to perform integral OTDR tests
and measurements manually and gives the user control over all test
parameters. The Advanced mode testing procedure is explained in the
following pages.
Selecting the Advanced Mode

You must select the Advanced mode to be able to use it for testing fibers.
To select the Advanced mode:
1. Start the OTDR software. See Launching the FTB-7000 OTDR
3. From the Setup window, select the Mode tab.
4. Select the Advanced Mode button.

Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode

If your OTDR offers one wavelength, the test wavelength is automatically
selected in the OTDR tab.
If your OTDR offers more than one wavelength, the wavelengths are
displayed in the OTDR tab. To select the wavelength(s) you want for
testing, check the appropriate box(es) located in the lower lefthand corner
of the window.
Select the
desired
wavelength(s)
Setting the Autorange Acquisition Time

When acquiring traces by setting the Distance, Pulse and Time dials to
Auto in Advanced mode, you must set the auto-range acquisition time.
To set the autorange acquisition time:
3. Go to the Auto-Range Acquisition Time list box and press the arrow to
scroll down the list and select your preference. Six options are
available: 15 seconds (default value), 30 seconds, 1 minute,
1.5 minutes, 2 minutes, and 3 minutes.
88 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Setting Application Parameters
Setting Application Parameters

In Advanced mode, you can set the following parameters:
trace display parameters (see Setting Trace Display Parameters on
page 24)
acquisition parameters (see Setting Acquisition Parameters on
page 29)
analysis parameters (see Setting Analysis Parameters on page 34)
IOR, Helix factor, and RBS (see Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and
Helix Factor on page 32)
default span start and span end (see Setting a Default Span Start and
Span End on page 39)
distance range, pulse width and acquisition time (see Setting Distance
Range, Pulse Width and Acquisition Time on page 74)
custom acquisition time (see Setting a Custom Acquisition Time on
page 78)
cable parameters (see Setting Cable Parameters on page 43)
event table parameters (see Setting Event Table Parameters on
page 61)
thresholds (see Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds on page 65)
optical switch parameters, if you have an optical switch module (see
Setting Optical Switch Parameters on page 68)

Acquiring Traces in Advanced Mode

In Advanced mode, you can either acquire traces automatically, manually,
or on-the-fly.
IMPORTANT
Auto settings are based on optimizations made from existing
traces. They may not apply to all situations. Also, a longer
acquisition time gives better OTDR results.
To acquire traces automatically:

1. Move the Distance, Pulse or Time dial to the Auto position by selecting
the Auto value. The other dials are automatically set accordingly.
Note: Pulse and Time dials are replaced by list boxes when the Use Same Pulse
for All Wavelengths and the Use Same Time for All Wavelengths
functions are deactivated (see Using the Same Pulse for All Wavelengths, as
well as Using the Same Time for All Wavelengths on page 32 for details).
The Auto setting is also available from these list boxes.
2. Press Start or F8 to begin the acquisition. If the first connector check is

enabled, a message will appear if there is a problem with the injection
level (see Enabling or Disabling the First Connector Check on page 73).
90 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
The OTDR evaluates the length of fiber and sets the appropriate pulse
width. It then automatically proceeds with the acquisition using the
acquisition time defined in the Auto-Range Acquisition Time function
(see Setting the Autorange Acquisition Time on page 30).
Note: The acquisition can be interrupted at any time by pressing Stop or F8. If you
do so, the OTDR displays all of the information acquired to that point. If the
To acquire traces manually:

1. Move the Distance, Pulse and Time dials on the OTDR tab to the
desired value.
Note: Pulse and Time dials are replaced by list boxes when the Use Same Pulse
for All Wavelengths and the Use Same Time for All Wavelengths
functions are deactivated (see Using the Same Pulse for All Wavelengths, as
well as Using the Same Time for All Wavelengths on page 32 for details).
2. If needed, set a custom acquisition time (see Setting a Custom

Acquisition Time on page 78).
3. Press Start or F8 to begin the acquisition. If the first connector check is
enabled, a message will appear if there is a problem with the injection
level (see Enabling or Disabling the First Connector Check on page 73).

Note: The acquisition can be interrupted at any time by pressing Stop or F8. If you
do so, the OTDR displays all of the information acquired to that point. If the
The on-the-fly acquisition allows you to change the settings of the

acquisition while the laser is on.
To acquire traces on-the-fly:
1. Press Start or F8.
2. While the acquisition is in progress, select the dial of the parameter
you want to modify. The OTDR recalculates the remaining time values
as each modification is made. You can modify the settings as often as
needed.
Once the acquisition is complete (or interrupted by pressing Stop or F8),
the analysis starts.
The Pass/Fail test, if enabled, is performed following the trace analysis. For
more information, see Enabling or Disabling the Pass/Fail Test on page 66.
92 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
the events appear in the Event tab at the bottom of the window. For more
information, see Analyzing Traces and Events on page 103.
Trace
display
Event
tab
To store the trace once the analysis is complete, see Managing Trace Files
on page 135.

8 Testing Fibers in Reference
Creation/Template Mode
Reference Creation/Template mode allows you to test fibers and compare
them to a reference trace that was previously acquired and analyzed.
Description of Reference Creation Mode

While acquiring the first 15 traces (or less, depending on how many
reference traces you wish to use) of different fibers in the same cable, you
can still record events and use them in your template for the rest of your
acquisition.
When events are added to the reference trace in this manner, the OTDR
test application automatically updates all recent traces to reflect new
reference trace information (e.g., if you add trace 5 data to the reference
trace, traces 1 to 4 will automatically be updated to reflect this new
information). The test application will also flag possible problems and
discrepancies between the reference trace and other traces.
Description of Template Mode

Cables contain numerous fibers. Theoretically, all these fibers undergo the
same events (due to connectors, splices, etc.) at the same location. The
Template mode allows you to test all these fibers one after the other
quickly and efficiently and ensures no event remains undetected.
The concept of the Template mode is to acquire and build a reference
trace (template), add comments about the events, and fill out a report on
that trace. Each new acquisition will be compared to the reference trace
and the software will mark and measure any missing event.
Comments for events in the reference trace, as well as the reference trace
report, are automatically copied to subsequent traces.
Template mode can be used online or offline on an unlimited number of
traces, as long as you have at least one reference trace. Thus, you can use
Template mode to automate trace acquisition or documentation tasks at
the office.

Testing Fibers in Reference Creation/Template Mode
Restrictions of Reference Creation/Template Mode
Restrictions of Reference Creation/Template

Mode
To speed up trace acquisition in Reference Creation/Template mode,
certain restrictions apply.
You cannot edit traces manually in this mode.
EXFO recommends that you enter event comments and fill out the
reference trace report beforehand. However, you can add comments
and report information to the reference trace until you start acquiring
or recall traces.
The parameters used to acquire the reference trace are automatically
applied when acquiring subsequent traces.
The reference trace and subsequent traces must be acquired using
identical wavelength(s), but pulse settings can be adjacent and still be
accepted.
Recalled traces must have the same span length to allow the reference
trace fiber span to be applied to them.
Processing Traces Online vs. Offline

You can use the Template mode online (with fiber connected to the OTDR
port) or offline (with no fiber connected to the OTDR port). Online
operations are described in more detail in the following sections. At the
end of each of these sections, a note will indicate how to achieve the same
results offline.
The main difference between online and offline operations is that while
online, you acquire the traces as you go along and while offline, the traces
you use are already stored on disk, and applying the span length option is
not mandatory.
96 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Acquiring the Reference Trace
Acquiring the Reference Trace

You must acquire a reference trace to be used as a template before you
activate Reference Creation/Template mode.
To acquire the trace to be used as a template:
1. Connect a fiber to the OTDR port.
IMPORTANT
As in all fiber testing situations, verify that the connectors have
been properly cleaned prior to testing.
WARNING
The OTDR should not be connected to a live fiber without a proper
setup. To avoid hazardous radiation exposure, as well as permanent
damage to the OTDR, ensure all fibers under test are inactive at the
time of and during connection.
2. Start the OTDR software. See Launching the FTB-7000 OTDR

3. In the main window, press Setup or F5, go to the Mode tab, select the
Auto or Advanced mode of operation and follow the procedure of the
selected mode of operation.
4. Press Start or F8. The OTDR acquires the trace and displays the Event
table.
5. Add comments to specific events by pressing the Comments button
(for more information, see Entering Comments on page 121).
6. Generate the report by pressing the Report button or pressing F4 (for
more information, see Creating and Printing Trace Reports on
page 153). If necessary, define the span start and end (see Analyzing
the Fiber on a Specific Fiber Span on page 119).

Selecting the Reference Creation/Template Mode
7. Store the file by selecting Storage or pressing F3. For more

information, see Managing Trace Files on page 135.
Note: Name the reference trace based on the cable ID and set the autonaming
function to reflect the cable ID and fiber number (for more information, see
Naming Trace Files Automatically on page 139).
Note: In offline operation, because traces are already stored on disk, you can
simply recall a file and use it as the reference trace. For more information,
see Recalling a Reference Trace on page 149.
Selecting the Reference Creation/Template

Mode
Once you have acquired your reference trace, entered your comments,
and created a report, you must select the Reference Creation/Template
mode.
To select this mode, your reference trace must already be recalled in the
OTDR test application. For details, see Recalling a Reference Trace on
page 149.
FTB-7XXXB-B, FTB-7XXXB-C/D, FTB-7XXXXC-B, as well as FTB-7XXX
modules manufactured as of September 1999 or later are compatible. For
more information, call EXFO Technical Support.
Note: Once Reference Creation/Template mode is selected, it is not possible to

modify fiber or acquisition parameters.
98 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
To select the Reference Creation/Template mode:

1. In the OTDR main window, press Setup or F5.
2. Select the Mode tab.
3. Select the Reference Creation/Template Mode button.

The current mode settings are indicated on the right of the button. If
you want to change them, press on Settings...

3a. Activate Reference Creation mode by checking the

corresponding box. The first 15 traces (or less, if you deactivate
the mode between two acquisitions) will be used to create the
reference for your next acquisitions.
If Reference Creation mode is active, you will notice that the Add
to Ref. and Delete buttons are available when in the Event Table
tab of the main window.
Note: If you deactivate Reference Creation mode before the first 15 acquisitions,
you cannot enable it again for this reference-acquisition session.
3b. Set the Template mode option you want to use on the current
trace acquisition. You will switch to Template mode once all 15
reference traces are acquired (or before if you have manually
deactivated it).
Analyze reference events only.: This option will only consider the
events already indicated in the reference trace and ignore any
other events occuring on the current trace.
Keep all newly detected events.: This option will keep the events
on the current trace, whether they are in the reference trace or not
(you can elete them later; the Delete button will be available for
every new event from the Event Table tab in the main window).
3c. To apply the reference fiber span to the current traces during
post-processing, check the box in the lower part of the window.
Note: When operating online in Reference Creation/Template mode, the fiber

span defined in the template reference trace is automatically applied to all
acquired traces. In online and offline mode, only traces with the same fiber
span length as the template reference trace are analyzed.
Once Reference Creation/Template mode is selected, the reference trace

appears in the trace display.
Note: In offline operations, follow the same procedure.
100 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Acquiring Traces in Reference Creation/Template Mode
Acquiring Traces in Reference

Creation/Template Mode
Once you have acquired the reference trace and activated Template mode,
you can test the remaining fibers in the cable.
To acquire traces in Template mode:
Press Start or F8. Events from subsequent traces will automatically be
analyzed, measured, and commented on.
During trace acquisition, you can switch between the reference trace
averaging acquisition time mode and Real Time mode in the OTDR tab.
You must return to the reference trace acquisition time to complete and
save the acquisition.
If you have selected the options accordingly as explained in Selecting the
Reference Creation/Template Mode on page 98, the OTDR warns you if it
detects events not in the reference trace.
Note: Adding those events to the reference trace during the first 15 acquisitions
generates a more accurate reference trace.
Question marks will also appear in the Event Table to identify new events
not found in the reference trace. If you want to add these marked events to
the reference trace, press Add to Ref.
Note: If the Analyze Reference Events Only option is activated in the Mode tab,
the Add to Ref. and Delete buttons do not appear. Any events not in the
reference trace, but detected in the acquired trace are deleted. For details,
see Selecting the Reference Creation/Template Mode on page 98.
If you start another acquisition before saving the trace which is already
acquired, you are prompted to save the trace.

Acquiring Traces in Reference Creation/Template Mode
Note: If you have coupled your OTDR with a switch module and are operating in
Template mode, all traces are saved automatically to the preset storage
parameters. For more information on coupling a switch to the OTDR test
application, see Setting Optical Switch Parameters on page 68.
To save the acquired trace:

1. Press Quick Save or F2. The file, as well as the parameters previously
set in the Storage dialog box, is saved to the folder you selected.
OR
If you want to change your storage settings or store a trace to a
different location, press Storage or F3.
2. If you are in the Storage dialog box, select the Store file.
3. The File Autonaming function prompts you to accept the generated
name.
4. Press OK.
Note: In offline operation, instead of pressing Start to acquire traces, you simply
recall traces stored in the FTB-400s internal hard disk.
102 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
9 Analyzing Traces and Events
the events appear in the Event table at the bottom of the screen. The trace
display and Event table are explained in the following pages. You can also
reanalyze recalled traces.
Note: You cannot reanalyze recalled traces from non-EXFO test equipment that
were saved in the Telcordia (Bellcore) format. You can only view them in
the OTDR test application. You cannot insert, change or delete events, nor
can you change the event loss or reflectance of those traces.
application for ToolBox 6.5 or newer, traces acquired with modules
equipped with older OTDR cards are incompatible. You can recall them in
the OTDR, but you cannot reanalyze, resave, rename, delete, or use them
as a reference trace. After such a trace is recalled in the OTDR test
application, the Store File button and the File Setup group box, with all its
functions in the Storage dialog box, as well as the Quick Save button, from
the toolbar in the main window, become unavailable and are hidden from
view. FTB-7XXXB-B modules, FTB-7XXXXC-B modules, FTB-7XXXB-C/D
modules, as well as FTB-7XXX modules manufactured as of September
1999 or later are compatible. For more information, call EXFO Technical
Support.

Analyzing Traces and Events
Trace Display and Event Table Description
Default
injection
level
Event
no. 6 Distance
Marker A unit
Event table
magnifying
glass
Event Trace
table editing
buttons
Scroll buttons
The trace display shows the trace, and events are marked by numbers
along the displayed trace.
Some elements are always visible in the trace display.
The rectangle to the left on the vertical Y axis (power level) marks the
default injection level and range of the test pulse set for the OTDR at the
factory.
Once the trace is acquired, you can change trace display parameters (such
as the measurement unit, grid and zoom window display) in the General
tab of the Setup window. For more information, see Setting Trace Display
Parameters on page 24.
Note: Drag the split bar between the trace display and tabs to change their
relative dimensions on the screen.
104 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
The contents of the trace display change according to the tab selected in
the main window, as well as when you access the Change/Insert window.
Event tab: The trace display shows marker A or markers A and B on the
graph. These markers pinpoint an event or a fiber section, depending
on which is selected in the Event table. You can move markers directly
by selecting an event in the Event table. From the trace display you can
drag them to, or select, a new location.
The magnifying glass button is displayed in the bottom right corner of
the Event tab; it allows you to zoom in on an event selected in the
Event table. The Zoom window will not appear in the trace display
when the Event tab is selected.
Change/Insert window: The trace display is different in some aspects
from the main window. It shows the trace display with the magnifying
glass icon and four markers: a, A, B, and b, which you can reposition
along the trace. You can reposition all markers directly by dragging
them, or by pressing where you want to relocate them in the trace
display. Selecting marker A or B will move the a-A or B-b pair. The
original marker locations are set by the analysis to calculate and
display the original event loss and reflectance.
The four markers are available for measuring the inserted event, but
only marker A identifies where an event will be inserted.
The Zoom window will appear in the trace display when the
Change/Insert window is selected.
Measure tab: The trace display shows the magnifying glass icon and
two, three or four markers: a, A, B, and b, depending on which button
you select from the Measurements group box. These markers can be
repositioned along the trace to calculate loss, attenuation, reflectance,
and optical return loss (ORL). You can reposition all markers by using
the controls in the Markers group box. You can drag them directly from
the trace display. Selecting marker A or B will move the a-A or B-b pair.
The Zoom window will appear in the trace display when the Measure
tab is selected.

Trace Info tab: To show traces, in turn, in both the Trace Info tab and
the trace display, press Next Trace. Main and Reference traces, as well
as all wavelengths of multiwavelength trace files can be displayed. All
traces of multiwavelength trace files appear in the trace display and
are assigned different colors.
The Event table lists all the events detected on the fiber. An event can be
defined as the point at which change in the transmission properties of light
can be measured. Events can be due to transmission, splice, or connector
losses. If the OTDR is simply measuring normal attenuation changes in the
fiber, it is an event. If the event is not within the established parameters, it is
a fault.
If you need to know the name of a specific event, press Help or F1. From
the Help window, select Event Info. A list of event icons and names is
displayed. For a more detailed description of the event, see Description of
Event Types on page 215.
For each event listed in the Event table, information is displayed in the
following columns:
Type: Various symbols are used to describe different event types. For a
more detailed description of symbols, see Description of Event Types
on page 215.
Number: This column contains the event number (a sequential
number assigned by the OTDR test application) or, in parentheses, the
length of a fiber section (the distance between two events). In the
illustration above, numbers 5, 6 and 7 correspond to events, and the
fiber section between events 6 and 7 is 1.302 km long.
106 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Loc.: The location is the distance between the OTDR and the
measured event or between the event and the beginning of the fiber
span.
Loss: This is the loss in dB for each event (calculated by the test
application).
Refl.: This is the reflectance measured at each reflective event along
the fiber.
Att.: This is the attenuation (loss/distance) measured for each fiber
section.
Cumul.: This is the cumulative loss from the trace span start to span
end; the running total is provided at the end of each event and fiber
span. This total is approximative and uncertainties are added with
each event. Cumulative loss is calculated for the events displayed in
the Event table, excluding those that are hidden. For a more accurate
link loss value, refer to the loss measurement displayed in the Trace
Info tab.

Locating Events in the Trace Display and Event Table
Locating Events in the Trace Display and Event

Table
You can view information about all detected events on a trace by scrolling
through the Event table. When selecting an event in the Event table,
marker A appears on the trace over the selected event. When the selected
event is a fiber section, this fiber section is delimited by two markers
(A and B). For more information on markers, see Using Markers on
page 109.
To quickly locate an event in the Event table, select the event in the trace
display. The list scrolls automatically to the event you clicked on.
In the illustration below, marker A is on event 6. In the Event table, the
selected item is 6. It is located 6.684 km from the OTDR port. The loss for
this event is 0.082 dB and the cumulative loss at this point is 2.703 dB.
108 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Using Markers
Using Markers
Use markers for measuring the position distance, and power of an event.
Markers are available from the Measure tab, as well as in the Change and
Insert windows accessible from the Event tab.
To move a marker:
1. Press the Markers button until the marker you want to move appears.
2. Once the appropriate marker is selected, use the right and left arrow
buttons to move the marker along the trace.
If you have zoomed in on a trace, the trace display view automatically
zooms out to display all markers.
Distance between Power at A is
span start and A is 23.529 dB
8.151 km
Distance between Power at B is

span start and B is 22.229 dB
12.228 km
Power difference
Distance between A
between A and B
and B is 4.077 km
is 1.300 dB
Markers
Left and button
right arrows
If one marker is moved close to another, both will move together. This
ensures a minimum distance is maintained between markers.
A marker may disappear from the trace after you zoom in (see Using Zoom
Controls on page 110). It may be recalled by selecting a missing marker
with the Markers button or by using one of the arrows to bring the selected
marker back into the displayed area.
Note: You can also select the marker directly on the trace display and drag it to
the desired position.

Using Zoom Controls
Using Zoom Controls

Use the zoom controls to change the scale of the trace display. With the
zoom controls, a magnifying glass icon is displayed in the trace display.
When the scale changes, the trace display is always centered on the area
surrounding the magnifying glass icon.
Zoom controls are available from the Measure and Span tabs, as well as in
the Change and Insert windows accessible from the Event tab.
To use the zoom controls
1. Drag the magnifying glass icon on the trace display to the area to be
zoomed.
2. Use the zoom controls to magnify (or reduce) the selected area, as
described in the following table.
The Zoom Out button allows you to zoom out of the trace in the
trace display.
The Full Trace button allows you to bring the trace display back to
the original scale and display the whole trace.
The Zoom In button allows you to zoom in on the trace in the trace
display.
The Horizontal Axis Zoom Mode button allows you to set the zoom
function to enlarge or reduce the trace along the horizontal axis
exclusively.
The Vertical Axis Zoom Mode button allows you to set the zoom
function to enlarge or reduce the trace along the vertical axis only.
The Regular Zoom Mode button allows you to set the zoom function
to enlarge or reduce the trace along both axes at the same time.
The Trace Follow-Up Function button allows you to scroll along the
trace by moving the magnifying glass in the trace display.
110 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Zooming with the Magnifying Glass
Zooming with the Magnifying Glass

In the Event tab, you can zoom in or out of the trace using the magnifying
glass button, located to the right of the tab set.
To rescale your view of the trace from the Event tab:
1. Select an event in the Event table.
2. Press the magnifying glass button. You instantly zoom in on the
selected event.
If you want to zoom in on another event, simply select the event in the
Event table. You are brought to the selected event in zoom-in mode.
To zoom out, press the magnifying glass button again.

Changing the Loss and Reflectance

Note: This function can be used only in the Advanced mode.
You can change the loss and reflectance of an existing event from the
Event table. However, the following event types cannot be changed:
continuous fiber
end of analysis
fiber section
launch level
merged events
reflective end
total
To change the loss and reflectance of an event:
1. Locate the event (see Locating Events in the Trace Display and Event
Table on page 108).
2. Select Change. The Change/Insert window appears, with a magnifying
glass icon and four markers in the trace display: a, A, B, and b.
Note: The current marker locations are set during the analysis to calculate and
display the original event loss and reflectance.
112 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Magnifying
glass icon
Marker a Marker b
Marker A Marker B
3. Position marker A as close as possible to the event, and submarker a

(to the left of marker A) as far as possible from marker Awithout
including the preceding event. The region between markers A and a
must not include any significant variation. For complete instructions,
see Using Markers on page 109.
Marker A Marker B
4. Position marker B after the end of the event, where the trace returns to
a regular loss inside the fiber, and submarker b (to the right of marker
B), as far as possible from marker B without including the following
event. The region between markers B and b must not include any
significant variation. For complete instructions, see Using Markers on
page 109.

Inserting Events
5. Event loss and reflectance are displayed in the Loss and Reflectance
group boxes. You can enter different loss and reflectance values in
their respective text fields.
Loss and Reflectance

text fields
6. Press OK to accept the modifications you have made or Cancel to

return to the Event table without saving the changes.
Inserting Events
At any time, you may manually insert an event in the Event table. For
example, you may know that there is a splice at a given location; but the
analysis may not detect the splice because the splice loss may be lower
than the minimum detection threshold, or the splice may be hidden in the
noise. You may manually add this event to the Event table. Inserting an
event will add a number on the trace at the location of the insertion, but it
will not modify the trace.
Note: To set the threshold levels, see Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds on page 67.
IMPORTANT
Inserted events are removed when you reanalyze a trace.
114 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Inserting Events
To insert an event:
1. From the Event table, select Insert. The following window appears,
displaying a magnifying glass icon and four markers.
Magnifying
glass icon
Marker a Marker b
Marker A Marker B
Marker Event Type Location

arrows button text field
Four markers are available to measure the inserted event, but only
marker A identifies where the event will be inserted.
2. Select the location to insert an event by using one of the following
methods:
Enter the location of the new event in the Location text field.
Use the marker arrows to move marker A on the trace display.

Inserting Events
3. Once the location has been determined, select the Event Type button.
The Event Type dialog box appears.
.
4. Select the desired type of event: Positive, Reflective, or

Non-Reflective.
Loss and reflectance are calculated automatically, based on the
position of the markers. You may input the event loss and reflectance
by selecting the appropriate text field and entering the value.
5. Press OK to insert the event or Cancel to return to the Event table
without making any changes.
116 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Deleting Events
Deleting Events
Almost any event can be deleted from the Event table, except for the
following:
end of analysis
fiber section
launch level
echo
end of fiber
span start
span end
End of fiber indicates the span end that was set for the first analysis
of the trace, not the span end assigned to another event or distance
from the span end in the Acquisition tab.
IMPORTANT
Once an event has been deleted, the action cannot be undone. If
you realize you should have not deleted an event, you must
reanalyze the trace, as you would do for a new trace. To regenerate
the original Event table, see Analyzing or Reanalyzing a Trace on
page 118.
To delete an event:
1. Locate the event you want to delete (see Locating Events in the Trace
Display and Event Table on page 108).
2. Select Delete Event. A confirmation message box appears.
3. Press OK to confirm the deletion, or Cancel to keep the event.

Analyzing or Reanalyzing a Trace
Analyzing or Reanalyzing a Trace

A displayed trace can be analyzed at any time by pressing the Analysis

button in the Event tab. This will run the analysis that is performed during
the acquisition. Analyzing or reanalyzing a trace will:
produce an Event table for a trace, if there was none (see Enabling or
Disabling Analysis After Acquisition on page 35).
Reanalyze a trace acquired with a previous version of the OTDR test
application.
update the Event table of a trace, if you acquired that trace with an
older version of the ToolBox program.
recreate the original Event table, if it was modified.
reset the span start to zero and the span end to the end-of-fiber, unless
you have recorded them in memory (see Keeping the Span Start and
Span End in Memory on page 41).
perform a Pass/Fail test, if enabled (for more information, see Enabling
or Disabling the Pass/Fail Test on page 66).
Press OK to close the Pass/Fail Automatic Link Evaluation message
box when is displayed.
A Pass/Fail test message may look like the following:
118 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Analyzing the Fiber on a Specific Fiber Span

If you want to focus your fiber analysis on a specific fiber span, you can do
so by defining events (new or existing) as span start and span end.
Note: You can set a default span start and end, which will be applied during the
first analysis performed upon trace acquisition; once the span is set, you
can transfer the start and end data to the Acquisition tab of the Setup
window by pressing Update Span Position... For more information, see
Setting a Default Span Start and Span End on page 39.
To set a fiber span:

1. From the main window, select the Span tab.
2. Select the Span Start or Span End option button according to the type
of span event you want to create.
3. Enter the span event location by moving marker A along the trace in
the trace display using one of the folloring options:
Dragging marker A to position it to the desired span event location.
Entering a distance value in the Position text field.
Using the single-arrow buttons to move marker A on the trace.
Using one of the double-arrow buttons to move marker A from
event to event; this will designate an existing event as a span event.

Note: Each of the first three options may lead to the creation of a new event,
except if your location corresponds to an already existing event on the
trace.
4. Select Set Span Event to set the span start or span end marker on the
appropriate event in the trace display.
Changes to the span start and span end will modify the contents of the
Event table. The span start becomes Event 1 and its distance reference
becomes 0. Only events between the span start and span end will be
numbered in the trace display and Event table. The cumulative loss is
calculated within the defined fiber span only.
Note: To keep a set fiber span during trace reanalysis, activate the fiber span
delimitation memory (for details, see Keeping the Span Start and Span End
in Memory on page 41); otherwise, the span start and span end markers
are reset to zero in the process.
120 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Entering Comments
Entering Comments
Note: This function can only be used in the Advanced mode.
Once you have acquired or recalled a trace, you may wish to add
comments to specific events. This is possible using the Comments button
at the bottom of the Event table.
If you do not see the Comments button, it is because the Comments field is
not enabled. To show or hide the Comments button, see Entering Job
Information and Comments on page 60.
Comments
button
To enter comments:
1. Locate the event for which you want to enter comments. For more
information, see Locating Events in the Trace Display and Event Table
on page 108.
2. Press Comments. Enter comments about the specified event.
3. When you have entered your comments, press OK to accept the

comments or Cancel to discard them.

Viewing and Changing Trace Parameters in the Trace Info Tab
The first line of your comments will appear at the bottom of the Event table
whenever the specified event is selected. The comments will be saved and
can be accessed or changed at any time by recalling the trace and
performing the same procedure.
Note: Comments are kept when you reanalyze the trace, except for events
inserted manually.
Viewing and Changing Trace Parameters in the

Trace Info Tab
Select the Trace Info tab to view or change trace parameters.
Note: Even if more than one trace is available for display in the OTDR test
application, only one is shown at a time in the Trace Info tab. To display
the traces in turn, simply press Next Trace in the toolbar. The active trace is
displayed in black in the trace display.
Trace name
(Main or
Reference)
Trace information Trace settings information Edit Current Trace

Settings button
122 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Viewing and Changing Trace Parameters in the Trace Info Tab
The parameters for the trace are displayed in the following order:
Filename: Displays the name of the trace file.
Date: Displays the date of the acquisition.
Wavelength: Displays the test wavelength and indicates the type of
fiber used: SM (singlemode) or MM (multimode).
Pulse/Time: Displays the pulse width used to perform the acquisition
and the duration (in minutes and seconds) of the acquisition.
Length: Displays the measured length of the total fiber span between
span start and span end.
Total/Avg. Loss: Displays the total measured loss of the fiber between
span start and span end. In parentheses, the average loss of the total
fiber span is indicated as a function of distance.
Avg. Splice Loss: Displays the average of all non-reflective events
between span start and span end.
IOR: Displays the refraction setting index of the displayed trace. If you
modify this parameter, the distance measurements for the trace will be
adjusted. See Modifying Current Trace Settings on page 124, and
Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and Helix Factor on page 32 for details.
RBS: Displays the Rayleigh backscatter coefficient setting of the
displayed trace. If you modify this parameter, the reflectance and ORL
measurements for the trace will be adjusted.
Helix Factor: Displays the setting for the displayed trace. If you modify
this parameter, the trace distance measurements will be adjusted.
Splice Loss Threshold: Displays the setting for detecting small
non-reflective events during trace analysis.
Reflectance Threshold: Displays setting for detecting small reflective
events during trace analysis.
End of Fiber Threshold: Displays setting for detecting important event
loss that could compromise signal transmission during trace analysis.

Modifying Current Trace Settings

Note: This function is available in Advanced mode, and also in Auto mode, after
Enable Current Trace Settings Editing was selected in the Mode tab. It is
not available in Template mode.
You can modify the analysis settings for the current trace. Two groups of
parameters can be changed: the fiber settings (index of refraction (IOR),
Rayleigh backscatter (RBS) coefficient and helix factor) and the analysis
detection thresholds (for splice loss, reflectance and end-of-fiber
detection). These modifications alter the trace as it is acquired or
displayed, but they do not override the general application parameters. You
can set the parameters for future acquisitions from the Acquisition tab in
the Setup window. For more information, see Setting the IOR, RBS
Coefficient and Helix Factor on page 32, as well as Setting the Analysis
Detection Thresholds on page 36.
Note: Modifying the current trace parameters from the Current Trace Settings
button in the Trace Info tab affects the trace that has been acquired or that
is displayed, but does not override the general settings. You can set the
parameters for future acquisitions from the Acquisition tab in the OTDR
Setup window. Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and Helix Factor on
page 32, as well as Setting the Analysis Detection Thresholds on page 36.
124 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
To modify the current trace settings from the Trace Info tab:
1. From the main window, select the Trace Info tab.
2. Press the Edit Current Trace Settings button. The IOR, RBS, Helix
Factor, Splice Loss Threshold, Reflectance Threshold and
End-of-Fiber Threshold values indicated are for the displayed trace.
3. Enter new values for the current trace. These settings will be applied
immediately.
Under Fiber Settings, enter the desired value in the IOR, RBS,
and/or Helix Factor fields.
Under Detection Threshold Analysis, enter the desired values in
the Splice Loss Threshold, Reflectance Threshold and End of
Fiber Threshold fields.
You can also press Default to use the default values.
4. Press OK. You return to the Trace Info tab.

Displaying or Hiding a Trace

Note: You cannot hide a trace in Template mode.
There are two options for displaying or hiding traces in the OTDR test
application:
from the toolbar in the main window
from the Storage dialog box
To display or hide traces from the toolbar:
Press the Next Trace button to toggle from one trace to the next, including
main and reference traces, as well as multiwavelength and bidirectional
traces. You can view, in turn, all the traces you have recalled in the trace
display, the Event tab, the Measurement tab, and the Trace Info tab.
126 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
To display or hide traces from the Storage dialog box:

1. From the main window, press Storage or F3.
Select or deselect
the boxes to
display or hide
traces
2. From the dialog box, select the box to the left of the wavelength of a
recalled trace to display it, or deselect the box to hide it. A hidden trace
cannot be displayed with the Next Trace button. In multiwavelength
trace files, you can show or hide traces independently.
If you want one of the traces in the dialog box to become the active
trace, press on Set as Active Trace. The trace will turn black in the
display to indicate that it was selected as such.

Swapping Traces
Swapping Traces
Note: This function can be used in Advanced and Auto modes.
The main trace and reference trace may be interchanged. Since the Event
tab displays the events on the main trace, swapping traces will provide a
new set of events corresponding to the new main trace.
To swap traces:
1. In the main window of the OTDR test application, press Storage.
2. From the Storage dialog box, select Swap Main/Reference.
128 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
10 Performing Specific
Measurements on Traces
Note: Trace measurements can be performed only in Advanced mode.
Once a trace has been acquired or recalled from memory, you can use
markers and zoom in on or out of any event or trace segment to measure
splice loss, fiber section attenuation, reflectance, and optical return loss.
Measuring Event Distances and Powers

The OTDR test application automatically calculates the position of an event
and displays this distance in the Event table. Moreover, the position of an
event, as well as the distance between events, can be manually calculated
from the Measure tab. The Measure tab also enables you to measure and
display various power readings.
.
To measure the distance to an event, move marker A to the beginning of

the event. For more information about markers, see Using Markers on
page 109.

Performing Specific Measurements on Traces
Measuring Event Loss (Four-Point and Least-Square Approximation)
Measuring Event Loss (Four-Point and

Least-Square Approximation)
Event loss (expressed in dB) is calculated by measuring the signal level
reduction in Rayleigh backscatter (RBS) caused by this event. Event loss
can result from both reflective and non-reflective events.
The least-square approximation (LSA) method measures the loss
(loss/distance) between two points by fitting a straight line to the
backscatter data between markers A and B. The LSA loss corresponds to
the difference in power (dB) for the distance between two points.
The LSA method, when compared to the four-point method, gives an
average measurement and is more reliable when there is a high level of
noise. However, it should not be used if an event such as an echo appears
between the two markers.
Note: A-B LSA event loss measurement should be used on fiber sections only.
Measuring events will not yield meaningful results.
To measure loss:
1. In the Measurements section, select Loss. Markers a, A, B and b are
displayed in the trace display.
2. In the Measure tab, zoom in and position marker A at the end of the
linear area preceding the event to be measured. For more information,
see Using Markers on page 109 and Using Zoom Controls on page 110.
3. Zoom in and position submarker a at the beginning of the linear area
preceding the event to be measured.
4. Zoom in and position marker B at the beginning of the linear area
following the event to be measured.
130 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Measuring Event Loss (Four-Point and Least-Square Approximation)
5. Zoom in and position submarker b at the end of the linear area

following the event to be measured.
The four-point event loss that results from the area delimited by markers a,
A, B and b appears above 4-pt Ev. Loss; the least-square approximation
appears above A-B LSA Loss.

Measuring Attenuation (Two-Point and Least-Square Approximation)
Measuring Attenuation (Two-Point and

Least-Square Approximation)
A two-point attenuation measurement gives the reduction in Rayleigh
backscatter level (in dB over distance) between two selected points. Only
those two points are used to perform the calculation and there is no
averaging.
The least-square approximation (LSA) method measures the attenuation
(loss/distance) between two points by fitting a straight line to the
backscatter data between markers A and B. The LSA attenuation
corresponds to the difference in power (dB) for the distance between
two points.
The LSA method, when compared to the two-point method, gives an
average measurement and is more reliable when there is a high level of
noise. However, it should not be used if an event such as an echo appears
between the two markers.
To measure attenuation:
1. In the Measure tab, select Att. in the Measurements section. Markers A
and B are displayed in the trace display.
2. Place markers A and B at any two points on the trace. For more
information, see Using Markers on page 109.
3. Zoom in on the trace and fine-tune the marker positioning if necessary.
For more information, see Using Zoom Controls on page 110.
Note: There should not be events between markers A and B when performing the
two-point attenuation measurement.
132 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Measuring Reflectance
The loss over distance that results from the area delimited by markers A
and B appears above 2-pt Sect. Att.; the least-square approximation
appears above A-B LSA Att.
Loss over distance

Least-square
between markers
approximation
A and B
Measuring Reflectance
Reflectance is a ratio of reflected light to input light.
Note: When performing reflectance measurements on recalled traces from

non-EXFO test equipment that were saved in the Telcordia (Bellcore)
format, the results displayed will be less accurate than with EXFO file
format.
To measure reflectance:
1. In the Measurements section of the Measure tab, select the Refl.
button. Markers a, A and B are displayed in the trace display.
2. In the Measure tab, zoom in and position marker A on the linear area
preceding the event to be measured. For more information, see Using
Markers on page 109 and Using Zoom Controls on page 110.
3. Zoom in and position submarker a at the beginning of the linear area
preceding the event to be measured.
4. Zoom in and position marker B at the peak of the reflective event to be
measured.
Note: Using this procedure, you can measure reflectance of all the events in a
merged reflective fault event.

Calculating Optical Return Loss (ORL)
The reflectance measurement appears under the Reflectance (dB)

indication.
Note: For non-reflective events, ***** will be displayed.
Calculating Optical Return Loss (ORL)

In the Measurements section of the Measure tab, select ORL.
The ORL calculation will provide the following information:
the ORL between markers A and B
the ORL of the entire system under test, from the output port of the
OTDR to just past the last event on the fiber
Optical return loss (ORL) refers to the total effect of multiple reflections
and scattering events within a fiber-optic system.
ORL between Total loss of

markers A and B the system
Note: A singlemode OTDR module must be used for ORL calculations. The ORL
measurement may not be displayed if the acquisition was obtained with
older OTDR modules.
134 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
11 Managing Trace Files
Once you have acquired traces, or when you want to work with them after
acquisition, you will need to store, recall, rename, and delete trace files.
application for ToolBox 6.5, traces acquired with modules equipped with
older OTDR cards are incompatible. You can recall them in the OTDR, but
you cannot reanalyze, resave, rename or delete them, or use them as a
reference trace. After such a trace is recalled in the OTDR test application,
the Store File button and File Setup group box, with all its functions in the
Storage dialog box, as well as the Quick Save button from the toolbar in
the main window, become unavailable and are hidden from view.
FTB-7XXXB-B modules, FTB-7XXXXC-B modules, FTB-7XXXB-C/D modules,
as well as FTB-7XXX modules manufactured as of September 1999 or later
are compatible. For more information, call EXFO Technical Support.
Changing the Storage Path

The factory default storage path is C:\Program Files\EXFO\UserFile\OTDR.
IMPORTANT
EXFO recommends that you create your own folder to store your traces,
for example, C:\Documents and Settings. This way, you will avoid storing
your traces with the executable files located in the Program Files folder
and the risk of damaging system files.

Managing Trace Files
To change the storage path:

Storage path
(Default storage location shown)
2. To change the location, select the Default Storage Path button.
136 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
3. In the Storage Path dialog box, scroll down the list of available drives
and folders and select the location of your choice.
4. If you need to create a new folder,

4a. Scroll down the list and select the path where you want the new
folder to be stored.
4b. Press the Create Directory button in the upper right-hand
corner of the Storage Path dialog box.

4c. In the Create Directory dialog box, enter the new folder name in
the Directory Name text field.
New folder name
4d. Press OK to return to the Storage Path dialog box. The new folder
name appears in the Path text field.
Note: Make sure access rights are granted to users who will need to access the
selected folder.
5. Press OK. This takes you back to the Storage dialog box. The name of
the new location appears beside the Default Storage Path button.
Note: The Default Storage Path button is not available when working from
ToolBox if it is installed on a PC for working in offline mode.
.
138 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Naming Trace Files Automatically
Naming Trace Files Automatically

A default name is suggested each time a trace is stored. By setting the
default name and number of the first trace to be stored, all subsequent
traces will be stored with the same name and incremental number
structure. The character extension will change accordingly, as indicated
below.
This function is particularly useful when working in Template mode, when
coupling a switch module with the OTDR, or when testing ribbon fibers.
Trace Files Extension

Traces .TRC
ASCII files .ASC
Telcordia (Bellcore) .SOR
FTB-100 .FTB100
FTB-300 .FTB300
To see the current naming scheme:

From the main window, press Storage or F3.
In the Storage dialog box, the name is shown in the File Autonaming text
field. You cannot edit information in this text field. For details on how to
activate file autonaming, see Entering File Naming Information on page 58.

Storing a Trace
Storing a Trace
Note: You can also use the Quick Save button or F2. For details, see Storing a
Trace From the Main Window on page 142.
Before storing a trace, make sure the storage location is correct. If you
need to modify the location, see Changing the Storage Path on page 135.
Note: You cannot reanalyze, or manage events (including event loss or

reflectance values) in recalled traces from non-EXFO test equipment that
were saved in the Telcordia (Bellcore) format. You can only use the OTDR
test application to view them.
To store a trace:
2. From the Storage dialog box, press Store File.
140 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Storing a Trace
Note: The appearance of the Storage and Store File dialog boxes will be slightly
different depending on whether you work in Auto mode. However, the
storage procedure remains the same.
3. If necessary, change the location of the file to be stored. For more

information, see Changing the Storage Path on page 135.
4. From the Store File dialog box, if the default trace name displayed in
the Filename text field is acceptable, press OK.
If you want to use another trace name, enter the name you want in the
Filename text field.
Change the name

of the trace here
IMPORTANT
Once a trace is overwritten, it cannot be recalled.

Storing a Trace From the Main Window
Storing a Trace From the Main Window

After it has been acquired, you can quickly store a trace from the main
window of the OTDR test application without going through the Storage
dialog box. This is useful when you do not want to perform any other
operations on traces.
The Quick Save function uses the autonaming parameters (see Entering
File Naming Information on page 58, as well as Naming Trace Files
Automatically on page 139) and the storage path parameters (see
Changing the Storage Path on page 135) from the Storage dialog box.
Simply press Quick Save to store traces from the OTDR test application
main window.
142 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Storing a Trace in a Different Format

FTB-7XXXB-B, FTB-7XXXB-C/D, FTB-7XXXXC-B, as well as FTB-7XXX
modules manufactured as of September 1999 or later are compatible. For
more information, call EXFO Technical Support.
From the OTDR test application in ToolBox 6, traces can be stored in

different formats:
EXFO is compatible with ToolBox version 6.7 or higher only and the
FTB-400 platform when trace files are saved from ToolBox version 6.7
or higher. For more information, see OTDR Trace File Compatibility on
page 145.
Telcordia (Bellcore) traces are compatible with the standard Telcordia
(Bellcore) OTDR record format. A Telcordia (Bellcore) trace recalled
on a non-EXFO OTDR that is Telcordia-compatible (SOR format) will
display only the data required for Telcordia (Bellcore). The same
Telcordia (Bellcore) trace recalled on an EXFO OTDR will display full
trace data.
ASCII is a 500-point trace with all acquisition parameters in ASCII
format.
ASCII + has all OTDR acquisition points (8000 to 52 000 point trace)
with all acquisition parameters in ASCII format.
FTB-100 is compatible with the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR.
FTB-300 is compatible with ToolBox 5 and the FTB-300 UTS, as well as
with all versions of ToolBox 6.

IMPORTANT
Once a trace is stored in ASCII format, you cannot recall it as a trace
in the OTDR. Therefore, save the trace in the default EXFO OTDR
format first.
Note: Changing the file extension from Windows Explorer does not change the
file format of EXFO OTDR traces. Your OTDR files must be saved under a
different format than ToolBox.
To select the format you want to use:

2. From the Storage dialog box, scroll down the list and select the format
you prefer in the Save Format list.
3. Press Store File to save the file in the selected format. The trace file in
the original format is stored along with the new one.
4. Once the file has been saved, press Close to return to the main
window.
Note: The selected file format will also be used when you save traces with the
Quick Save button or F2. For details, see Storing a Trace From the Main
Window on page 142.
144 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
OTDR Trace File Compatibility

ToolBox 6.7: OTDR trace files created under ToolBox 6.7 cannot be opened
directly with older versions of ToolBox, namely ToolBox 6.0 and 6.5 for the
FTB-400, as well as with all versions of ToolBox 5 for the FTB-300.
In order to open ToolBox 6.7 OTDR trace files in previous versions of
ToolBox, you can resave them in the FTB-300 format before transferring
them from ToolBox 6.7. Events on the trace as well as the Event table will
be lost, but will be regenerated by reanalyzing the trace.
ToolBox 6.7 accepts all OTDR trace files from previous versions of
ToolBox 6 and ToolBox 5, as well as FTB-100 format trace files from
FTB-100 and FTB-100B Mini-OTDR units.
ToolBox 5: To open ToolBox 6.7 OTDR trace files in previous versions of
ToolBox, you can resave them in the FTB-300 format.
FTB-100: Toolbox 6.7 trace files saved in the FTB-100 format are compatible
with the FTB-100 Mini-OTDR version. 2.6 and later. They are also
compatible with the FTB-100 Mini-OTDR previous versions, except for
triple-wavelength trace files.

ToolBox Software version used to open the file

ToolBox 5.5 ToolBox 6.5 ToolBox 6.7 FTB-100 V FTB-100 V
and under or higher 2.6 and 2.7 2.5 and
File format under
ToolBox 5.5 Fully Fully Fully Should be Should be

compatible compatible compatible saved or saved or
converted in converted in
FTB-100 FTB-100
format format
ToolBox 6.5 Should be Fully Fully Should be Should be
and under reanalyzed compatible compatible saved or saved or
to view the converted in converted in
event table FTB-100 FTB-100
format format
ToolBox 6.7 or Data should Data should Fully Should be Should be
higher be saved in be saved in compatible saved or saved or
FTB-300 FTB-300 converted in converted in
(.ftb300) (.ftb300) FTB-100 FTB-100
and and format format
reanalyzed reanalyzed
to view the to view the
event table event table
FTB-100 V 2.6 Not Not Fully Fully Fully
and 2.7 compatible compatible compatible compatible compatible
FTB-100 V 2.5 Not Fully Fully Fully Fully
compatible compatible compatible compatible compatible
FTB-100 V 2.2 Fully Fully Fully Fully Fully
and under compatible compatible compatible compatible compatible
146 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Recalling a Trace File

In the Advanced mode, you can recall a trace as the main trace or the
reference trace.
When you are in the Recall Main File dialog box, you can recall both the
main and reference trace at once from the Recall Main File dialog box.
You can open two triple-wavelength trace files simultaneously, each
containing three traces. A total of six traces are available; three for main
traces, and three for reference.
To recall a trace:
Note: The Storage dialog box will look slightly different if you work in Auto mode,
but the storage procedure remains the same.
2. From the Storage dialog box, select Recall Main File.The If you have
not already acquired a trace, the Recall Main File dialog box appears.

In Advanced mode, the Recall Main File and Recall Ref. File buttons
appear in the lower part of the Recall Main File dialog box. These
buttons are not displayed in Auto mode. In Auto mode, you can recall a
trace for viewing only.
If you have already acquired, or have modified (but not stored) a trace,
a warning message appears (even if the trace is hidden), asking you if
you want to save the current trace.
Select Yes to store the trace. Once the trace is stored, you can
recall a new trace.
Select No to display the new trace without storing the previously
acquired one.
Select Cancel to return to the previous window.
3. Scroll through the list of files in the Recall Main File dialog box and
select the trace file to recall.
To recall a reference trace file from the Recall Main File dialog box,
select the Recall Ref. File button and select the desired trace to
automatically recall the reference trace without having to exit the
dialog box.
Note: You cannot recall bidirectional traces in the OTDR test application. Use the
Bidirectional Analysis utility instead. For more information, see Analyzing
Bidirectional Traces on page 167.
4. Press OK. You return to the Storage dialog box.
148 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Recalling a Reference Trace
Recalling a Reference Trace

Once your main trace is recalled, you can also recall a reference trace and
compare them; this is used to compare two fibers in the same cable,
monitor fiber deterioration or compare fiber before and after installation.
To recall a reference trace:
2. From the Storage dialog box, select Recall Ref. File.
3. From the Recall Ref. File dialog box, scroll through the list of files and
select the file you whish to recall.
4. Press OK to recall the file. The trace appears in the trace display.
You can swap main and reference traces whenever you want. For more
information, see Swapping Traces on page 128.
Note: To automatically recall the mainfile without having to exit the Recall Ref.
File dialog box, use the Recall Main File button.

Renaming a Trace File
Renaming a Trace File

Note: This function is available in Advanced mode only.
To change the name of a trace file:

2. From the Storage dialog box, select Rename File.
3. In the Rename File dialog box, scroll through the list and select the file
to rename. Press OK.
4. Enter the new trace name in the New Filename text field.
5. Press OK to accept the new trace name.
150 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Clearing Traces from the Display
Clearing Traces from the Display

Note: This function is available in Advanced mode only. Clearing traces from the
display does not delete them from the storage media.
Although the test application automatically recalls the last traces used, you
can clear the screen and start new acquisitions. Also, if a trace (main or
reference) you acquired does not meet your requirements, you can clear
that trace and start over.
To clear traces from the display:
2. From the Storage dialog box, select Clear Main or Clear Reference.
If you had already acquired or modified (but not stored) a trace, a
warning message appears (even if the trace is hidden), asking you if
you want to save the current trace.
Select Yes to store the trace. Once the trace is stored, you can
recall a new trace.
Select No to display the new trace without storing the previously
acquired one.
Select Cancel to return to the previous window.
3. Select Close to return to the main window. You can now acquire a new
trace. For more information, see Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode on
page 87.
Note: You can always acquire a new main trace over an existing main trace. This
is not true for reference traces.

Deleting a Trace File
Deleting a Trace File

IMPORTANT
A deleted trace file cannot be retrieved.
To delete a trace file:

2. From the Storage dialog box, select Delete File.
3. In the Delete File dialog box, scroll through the list and select the file to
delete.
4. Press OK to accept the selection, or Cancel to exit without deleting the
file. A confirmation dialog box appears only if you press OK.
152 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
12 Creating and Printing Trace
Reports
Trace reports are useful for entering and referring to notes on the location
and identification of the tested fiber, type of job performed, and general
comments related to a trace later. You or someone else can select part or
all of the data to produce printed reports.
After you have recalled a trace in the OTDR test application, you can edit or
change the information from the Fiber, Job, and Comments tabs in the
Report window and save the data with that specific trace. The information
is saved in the trace file when it is stored, and can be viewed or changed at
any time using the same process.
Editing information from the Report window does not automatically
change the setups in the Cable tab from the Setup window. Furthermore,
it does not automatically update the information in traces that have been
generated, but not actually recalled in the test applicationexcept when
operating in Template mode.
You can save the information recorded in the Report window in the Cable
tab. You can also recall the default information from the Cable tab to the
Report window, and save it in the open trace.
Entering Report Information

After acquiring a trace, you might want to include or update information

about the tested fiber, the job, as well as relevant comments. The
information you enter in the Report window is saved only for the currently
open trace.
To set information about jobs and fibers as default parameters to be
applied to all newly acquired traces or to set autonaming incrementation
options, use the Cable tab in the Setup window. For more information, see
Setting Cable Parameters on page 43.

Creating and Printing Trace Reports
Note: The report must be fully completed before acquiring traces in Template
mode. For more information, see Testing Fibers in Reference
Creation/Template Mode on page 95.
Note: You cannot create trace reports or add report information for recalled traces
from non-EXFO test equipment that were saved in the Telcordia (Bellcore)
format. You can only view them in the OTDR test application.
To create a trace report:

1. From the main window, once a trace has been acquired, press Report
or F4. The Report window appears.
2. Select a tab (Fiber, Job or Comments) and then a text field and enter
the relevant information.
154 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Note: The information in the Test Date, Test Time, Unit A and Serial Number A
fields is automatically displayed by the instrument and cannot be edited.
These fields are disabled (grayed out).
3. Press Exit Report to return to the main window. The information

entered is saved when the trace is stored and can be viewed or
changed at any time using the same process.
Select Update Cable Setup... to save information recorded in the Report
window text fields and use this information as defaults in the Cable tab of
the Setup window (see Setting Cable Parameters on page 43).
Note: Even though you can only view recalled traces from non-EXFO test
equipment saved in the Telcordia (Bellcore) format, you can use report
information already recorded in such Telcordia traces to update the cable
setup.
Select Recall from Cable Setup to insert the information you have entered
in the Cable tab of the Setup window in the Report window.
If you want to clear all the information currently stored in the Report
window, select the Clear Fields button.

Customizing the Report

You can customize your report before printing it by adding or removing the
information you want to appear in your report.
To customize your report:
2. From the Setup window, select the Print tab.
3. Select the information you want to put in your report, by adding
information from the Available Information list to the Print Sequence
list (using the Add>>> button) or by removing information in the
Print Sequence list (using the Remove <<< button).
You can add a title to your report by selecting the desired option from
the Add to Title text list box. You can also include the test wavelength
by selecting the Include Test Wavelength box.
4. Press Exit Setup to return to the main window. The report will be
printed according to the defined print sequence.
156 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Printing a Report for the Fiber Span Only

You can print your custom report to focus on information related to the
fiber span you have set.
Select the Print Fiber Span Only box to print the Event Table containing
only the events included in the fiber span.
Printing a Footer
You can include a footer to your printed report. Select the Print Footer box
to add the following data to the bottom of each of your pages:
space for a signature and the release date
OTDR test application version number
page numbers
Printing Zoom and Markers

The Print Zoom and Markers option in the Print tab is selected and
grayed out by default, except when using the Batch Processing Wizard (for
more information, refer to the Batch Processor user guide).
This option allows you to print
the trace as it appears in the trace display. For example, if you zoom in
on an event, the event will be printed as is.
a table indicating the position of markers A and B. To print the marker
positions in this table, you must select the Marker Info appearing in
the Available Information list of the Print tab. You must also select the
Measure tab in the main window before printing your report.
Otherwise, instead of the positions, N/A will printed in the Marker Info
table.

Setting Up the Report Layout
Setting Up the Report Layout

You have two report layout options: Normal or Compressed.
To set up the report layout:
3. Press the Report Format Setup... button. The Report Setup dialog box
appears.
4. In the Print Mode group box, choose between Normal or Compressed

mode. View how the report will look in the Report Sample group box.
Examples of compressed and normal reports are also provided in
Printing a Report on page 161.
5. Press OK. The report will be printed according to the defined print
specifications.
Note: The grayed out report options are available with the Batch Processing
Wizard. For more information, refer to the Batch Processor user guide.
158 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Setting Printer Parameters

To set printer parameters:
3. Press the Printer Setup button. The Print Setup dialog box appears.
From this dialog box, you can select the printer, as well as the paper
size, source, and orientation.
To select a printer:
1. Press the arrow on the Name list box, and scroll down the list to select
the printer you want to use. All installed printers are included in the list
box.
2. Press OK to return to the Print tab. The printer name appears in the
Current Printer field.

To select the paper size and source:

2. Use the arrow on the Size list box to scroll down the list to select the
paper size. All paper sizes available for the selected printer appear in
the list box.
3. Use the arrow on the Source list box to scroll down the list to select the
desired paper source. All paper sources available for the selected
printer appear in the list box.
4. Press OK to return to the Print tab.
Note: Only the portrait orientation option is available for printing reports in the
OTDR test application.
To set the number of copies to print:

3. Select the Copies text field located in the lower right-hand corner of
the Printer group box.
4. Enter the new number of copies you want to print. The previous value
is deleted.
5. Press Enter. The new number of copies to print appears in the Copies
text field.
160 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Printing a Report
Printing a Report
Once you have customized your report, set up the report layout and set
printer parameters, simply press the Quick Print button or F6 from the
main window to print your report.
Example of a Job ID : 01234

Job Info
Reason : Periodic
compressed
Contractor : BILL CO. Operator A : JOHN
Customer : TELCO Operator B : FRANK
Test Date : 1996/06/12 File : Bidir.AB
report Cable Info

Fiber ID : F0295 Cable ID : CO1245
Location A : New York Location B : Newark
Cable Mfg. : Type :
Ribbon ID : Color ID :
Link Measurements
Link Loss : 6.844 dB Avg. Splice Loss : 0.479 dB
Link Length : 19.678 km Total ORL : 32.61 dB
Avg. Loss : 0.348 dB/km
OTDR Trace
dB
40.00
35.00
30.00
25.00
20.00
11
2
3
15.00 4 5 67
8
9
10
10.00
5.00
0.00
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 km
Events Table
No. Loc. Event Type Loss Refl. Atten. Cumul.

(km) (dB) (dB) (dB/km) (dB)
1 0.000 Launch Level <<<< -28.2* 0.000

Fiber Section (6.107 km) 1.708 0.28 1.708
2 6.107 Positive Fault -0.508 1.200
Fiber Section (2.062 km) 0.442 0.21 1.642
3 8.169 Non-Reflective Fault 0.984 2.626
Fiber Section (2.077 km) 0.458 0.22 3.083
4 10.246 Positive Fault -0.215 2.869
Fiber Section (2.082 km) 0.509 0.24 3.377
5 12.328 Positive Fault -0.065 3.312
Fiber Section (1.233 km) 0.278 0.23 3.590
Fiber Section (0.827 km) 0.213 0.26 3.836
Fiber Section (1.179 km) 0.232 0.20 4.306
Fiber Section (2.049 km) 0.501 0.24 5.189
Fiber Section (0.738 km) 0.169 0.23 5.670
Fiber Section (1.324 km) 0.251 0.19 6.844
11 19.678 Reflective End -14.7* 6.844
Marker Info
A : 16.332 km, 19.762 dB B : 24.496 km, 0.000 dB
A to B Dis. : 8.164 km A to B Att. : 2.42 dB/km
A to B Loss : 19.762 dB Loss 4-pt : 18.465 dB
Test & Cable Setup Main File

Wavelength : 1550 nm (SM)
Filename : Bidir.AB
Hardware : FTB-7323B-70
Serial Number : 28419-1J
Software : OTDR 2.31 C
Range : 40.0 km
Refr. Index : 1.4685
RBS : -82.29
Acq. Time : 1 min 17 sec
Pulse Width : 275 ns
Helix Factor : 0.00
Comments
This is an example of a bidirectional acquisition.

Printing a Report
OTDR Repo
Example of a
normal report
Job Info : Periodic
Reason
Job ID : 01234 : JOHN
Operator A
Contractor : BILL CO. : FRANK
Operator B
Customer : TELCO : Bidir.AB
File
Test Date : 1996/06/12
Cable Info : CO1245

Cable ID
Fiber ID : F0295 : Newark
Location B
Location A : New York :
Type
Cable Mfg. : :
Color ID
Ribbon ID :
Link Measurements : 0.479 dB

Avg. Splice Loss
Link Loss : 6.844 dB : 32.61 dB
Total ORL
Link Length : 19.678 km
Avg. Loss : 0.348 dB/km
OTDR Trace
dB
40.00
35.00
30.00
OTDR Repor
25.00
t
No. Events Table
11 Loc. (Continued)
20.00 2 3 (km) Event Type
4 5 6 7
8 9 Loss
10 2 Refl.
6.107 Positive Fault (dB) Atten.
15.00 (dB) Cumul.
Fiber Section (dB/km)
3 (2.062 km) (dB)
8.169 Non-Reflective -0.508
10.00
Fault
Fiber Section 0.442 1.200
4 10.246 (2.077 km)
Positive Fault 0.984 0.21 1.642
5.00 5 12.328 (2.082 km)
Positive Fault -0.215 0.22 3.083
Fiber Sec35
tion (1.233 km) km 0.509 2.869
A 6B25 13.56130
0.00 10 15 20
Non-Reflective -0.065 0.24 3.377
5 Fault
7 14.388 (0.827 km)
Events Table Non-Reflective 0.033 0.23 3.590
Fault
FibRefl.
er Section (1.1Atten. Cumul. 0.213 3.623
8 Loss
15.5 79 km)
Event Type 67 Non(dB) (dB/km) (dB) 0.238 0.26 3.836
No. Loc. (dB) -Reflective Fau
lt
(km) Fiber Section 0.232 4.074
9 17.616 (2.049 km) 0.000
<<<< Non-28.2* 0.382 0.20 4.306
-Reflective Fau
Launch Level lt0.28 1.708
1 0.000
10 1.708 Fiber Section 0.501 4.688
Fiber Section (6.107 km) 18.353 (0.738 km) 0.24
Non-Reflective 0.311 5.189
Fault
11 Fiber Section 0.169 5.500
19.678 (1.324 km) 0.23
Reflective End 0.924 5.670
0.251 6.594
0.19 6.844
-14.7*
A 6.844
A to B Dis. : 16.332 km, Marker Info
19.763 dB
A to B Loss : 8.164 km
B
: 19.763 dB : 24.496 km,
A to B Att. 0.000 dB
Loss 4-pt : 2.42 dB/km
Wavelength : 18.465 dB
Filename : 1550 nm (SM Test & Cable
) Setup Main Fil
Hardware : Bidir.AB e
Serial Number : FTB-7323B-
70
Software : 28419-1J
Range : OTDR 2.31
C
Refr. Index : 40.0 km
RBS : 1.4685
Acq. Time : -82.29
Pulse Width : 1 min 17 sec
Helix Factor : 275 ns
: 0.00
This is an exa
mpl e of a bidirect
ional acquisition Comments
.
162 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
13 Using the OTDR as a Light
Source
CAUTION
Never connect a fiber carrying any kind of signal to the OTDR port.
This could result in permanent damage to the OTDR. Any incoming
signal greater than 30 dBm could affect the OTDR acquisition and
damage the OTDR module.
Using the Light Source

To facilitate visual end-to-end fiber identification, or if you want to perform
loss measurements with a power meter and your OTDR as a laser source,
the OTDR port can transmit a special tone. It can be used only to transmit
not detect that tone.
To use the OTDR as a source:
1. Connect end A of the fiber under test to the OTDR port. For details, see
Connecting Optical Fibers on page 81.
2. In the main window, select the Source tab.
3. In the Wavelength list, select the wavelength you want to use.
Note: If only one wavelength is available, it is selected by default.

Using the OTDR as a Light Source
Using the Light Source
4. With the Modulation dial, select 1 kHz or 2 kHz (for fiber

identification), or CW (to set the source to with continuous wave
output for loss measurement when a power meter is used at the other
end).
5. Press the Auto-Off button until the desired duration appears (10 min,
20 min, 30 min, Disabled). This will automatically shut off the laser
after the set duration.
6. Toggle the Flashing Off/Flashing On button to emit light continuously
or in a flashing pattern. A flashing pattern makes fiber identification
easier.With Flashing On selected, the Auto-Off button is disabled
(grayed out).
7. Press Start or F8 to emit light.
Using an EXFO power meter with tone detection features, such as the
FOT-30A, an operator at end B will be able to quickly locate the correct
fiber or perform loss measurements. Refer to the power meter user guide
for details.
Note: OTDR power varies according to model. See Technical Specifications on

page 227.
164 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Using the OTDR as a Light Source
Using the Visual Fault Locator
Using the Visual Fault Locator

Note: The Visual Fault Locator option is available only if your OTDR module is
equipped with this option.
The Visual Fault Locator (VFL) option is used to set the OTDR source to
send a bright red signal (650 nm) along the fiber, which can be used for
visual fault location, fiber identification, and OTDR dead zone testing.
To identify fiber faults visually:
1. Connect the fiber under test to the OTDR port.
2. From the main window, select the Source tab.
3. Select VFL.
4. With the Modulation dial, select 1 Hz or CW. 1 Hz sets the VFL with a 1
Hz pulsed output. CW sets it with continuous wave output.
5. Press the Auto-Off button until the desired duration appears (10 min,
20 min, 30 min, Disabled). This will automatically shut off the laser
after the set duration.
6. Press Start or F8 to send the VFL signal.

14 Analyzing Bidirectional Traces
Note: The OTDR Bidirectional Analysis utility is available offline only (i.e. on the
FTB-400 Work on Results tab and on a PC where Toolbox is installed).
If two OTDR traces are acquired in opposite directions on the same fiber
span, the OTDR Bidirectional Analysis utility allows you to match the
corresponding events. A bidirectional analysis is performed, and an event
table shows the averaged loss for each event, providing you with valid loss
information for each event instead of simple backscatter information. You
can also analyze OTDR traces that use a multiwavelength feature.
The following restrictions apply to the OTDR Bidirectional Analysis utility:
Traces must have been acquired and stored prior to analysis.
Singlemode fiber acquisitions must be used.
Both traces must be acquired at the same wavelength.

Analyzing Bidirectional Traces
Starting the Bidirectional Analysis Utility
Starting the Bidirectional Analysis Utility

To start the Bidirectional Analysis utility:
1. From the ToolBox main interface, select the Work on Results (Offline)
tab.
2. Select the OTDR tab, and then press the Bidirectional Analysis button.
If you are using this utility for the first time, the following window will
be displayed. Otherwise, the last two traces recalled will be displayed.
168 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Recalling Single-Wavelength Trace Files

You can recall single-wavelength traces for bidirectional analysis, as well as
for combining them into a bidirectional trace.
To recall a single-wavelength trace file:
1. If necessary, clear the window by clicking on Storage and select Clear
File(s). If traces are already recalled but not stored, a warning box will
appear reminding you to save the traces.
2. Select Recall A->B.
3. From the Recall A->B dialog box, select the file containing the desired
A->B trace (use arrow buttons to scroll up and down the list). A
preview of the selected trace appears in the File Information and
Preview section if you have selected the Show Preview box.
Note: After selecting the desired A->B trace in the Recall A->B dialog box, you
can press the Recall B->A button to automatically recall the B->A trace
without having to exit the Recall A->B dialog box.

4. Press OK. When you exit the Storage dialog box, the trace will be
displayed from right to left. The associated event table is displayed
under the Table A->B tab, as shown in the following image.
5. If you have not yet recalled the B->A trace, press Storage or F3, then
on Recall B->A. The Recall B->A dialog box appears.
170 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
6. Select the file containing the desired B->A trace. You can scroll up and
down the list using the arrow buttons. A preview of the selected trace
appears in the File Information and Preview section.
7. Press OK. When you exit the Storage dialog box, the trace will be
displayed from right to left. The associated event table is displayed
under the Table A->B tab, as shown in the following image.
8. Press Close to exit the Storage dialog box.

Recalling Multiwavelength Trace Files
Recalling Multiwavelength Trace Files

You can recall multiwavelength trace files for bidirectional analysis, and
select the desired wavelength(s).
To recall multiwavelength trace files:
1. Press Storage or F3.
2. Select Recall A->B.
3. From the Recall A->B dialog box, select the desired A->B
multiwavelength trace file. You can scroll up and down the list with the
arrow buttons. A preview of the selected trace appears in the File
Information and Preview section.
4. Press OK. The Choose Wavelength dialog box appears:
5. Select one of the wavelengths to use in the bidirectional analysis and

press OK. When you exit the Storage dialog box, the trace is recalled
and analyzed as the A->B trace.
6. Press Storage or F3.
7. Select Recall B->A.
8. From the Recall B->A dialog box, select the corresponding B->A
multiwavelength trace file and press OK. When you exit the Storage
dialog box, the appropriate wavelength will be selected automatically
and the trace will be recalled as the B->A trace.
9. Press Close to exit the Storage dialog box.
172 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
When two traces are recalled in the bidirectional analysis utility, the A->B
trace is on the left and the B->A trace is on the right. If the analysis does
not match the traces, error or warning messages will appear. For instance,
the Acquisition parameters or trace information do not match message
will be displayed if there are any inconsistencies in the event table,
wavelength, index of refraction, Helix factor, or Rayleigh backscatter
coefficient.
Note: Previously merged bidirectional traces may be recalled by clicking on

Storage, Recall bidir. For information on storing bidirectional traces, see
Storing Bidirectional Traces on page 186.

Note: This function can only be used in Advanced mode. You can set a default
span start and span end, which will be applied during the first analysis
performed after trace acquisition. For more information, see Setting a
Default Span Start and Span End on page 39.
If you want to focus your fiber analysis on a specific fiber span, the OTDR
test application allows you to do so by defining events (new or existing) as
To set a fiber span:
1. From the main window, select the Span tab.
2. Select the Span Start or Span End option button according to the type
of span event you want to create for the A->B and B->A trace.

3. Enter the span event location by moving marker A along the trace in
the trace display using one of the folloring options:
Dragging marker A to position it to the desired span event location.
Entering a distance value in the Position text field.
Using the single-arrow buttons to move marker A on the trace.
Using one of the double-arrow buttons to move marker A from
event to event; this will designate an existing event as a span event.
Note: Each of the three first options above may lead to the creation of a new
event, except if your location corresponds to an already existing event on
the trace.
4. Select Set Span Event to set the span start or span end marker on the
appropriate event in the trace display. The change is applied
automatically.
Use the zoom control buttons in conjunction with the magnifying glass to
modify the trace display. For more information, see Using Zoom Controls
on page 110 and Zooming with the Magnifying Glass on page 111.
Span start and span end are defined on both the A->B and B->A trace.
Traces are aligned on the span start of the A->B trace and on span end of
the B->A trace. The two other span events are not used in the bidirectional
analysis. Changes to the span start and span end modify the Event table.
The span start becomes Event 1 and its distance reference becomes 0. All
events on both traces are numbered on the trace display. The cumulative
loss is calculated within the defined fiber span only.
Note: To keep a set fiber span during trace reanalysis, activate the fiber span
delimitation memory (for details, see the following section Keeping the
Span Start and Span End in Memory on page 41), otherwise, the span start
and span end markers are reset to zero in the process.
174 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Aligning Traces for Bidirectional Analysis

For the analysis to be successful, events on the A->B trace must line up
with the corresponding events on the B->A trace. Traces are not aligned
automatically when recalled.
A->B trace B->A trace
Alignment tab Aligning traces will display

the bidirectional event table

To perform an automatic alignment:

Select the Alignment tab.
Arrow buttons
Events Match
text field
Zoom control
buttons
The span start event of the A->B trace and the span end event of the B->A
trace are aligned automaticallyThe trace analysis is performed up to the
first span event encountered at the other end of the bidirectional trace,
either the span end of the A->B trace or the span start of the B->A trace.
Note: Alignment will not occur if the A->B and the B->A traces are not
compatible.
If you want to align the traces manually or to modify the automatic

alignment, you can align the traces manually.
To perform a manual alignment:
Set the Align A->B Event number with the Align B->A Event number
using the left or right arrow buttons.
For example, in the illustration above, if event 4 of the A->B trace aligns
with event 8 on the B->A trace, simply increase the event number to 4
under Align A->B Event, and decrease the event number to 8 under the
Align B->A Event.
176 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
You might have to change the span start and/or end so that they are
matched after aligning the events. To align both span starts events with the
corresponding span end events between the A->B and the B->A traces,
you may need to move one or more span event with the span functions.
For more information, see Analyzing the Fiber on a Specific Fiber Span on
page 173.
When both A->B and B->A spans are matched, the Bidir.Table tab is
activated. If aligned incorrectly, the Bidir. Table tab is deactivated (grayed
out).
A->B trace B->A trace
After you have modified an alignment, you can return to the automatic
alignment settings.
To return to the automatic alignment settings:
Select Reset Alignment. The Events Match field, located in the upper right
of the Alignment tab, indicates the ratio of aligned events. When aligning
traces manually, use this field as a guide.


Once the traces are properly aligned, select the Bidir. Table tab to proceed
with the analysis and display the events in the Bidirectional Event table
(see illustration on next page). Since the average losses must be
calculated, a delay may occur before the Bidir. Table is displayed.
The multiwavelength testing feature of ToolBox is compatible with the

OTDR Bidirectional Analysis utility. Once a multiwavelength trace file is
recalled, it is converted into a single-wavelength trace file, and you will be
asked to specify which wavelength you want to work with. For details, see
Recalling Multiwavelength Trace Files on page 172.
To analyze a multiwavelength trace file once the appropriate traces are
recalled and aligned, select the Bidir. Table tab. When the bidirectional
analysis of the first wavelength is complete, you can save the analysis as
two individual end-to-end traces or as a single trace. For information about
storing traces, see Managing Trace Files on page 135. To create a
bidirectional trace at the second wavelength, repeat the previous
procedure.
The Bidir. Table lists all the events detected on the fiber, as shown below.
If you need information about a specific event, press Help or F1. The Help
window is displayed. Select the Event Info tab to view the Event icons and
names. For a more detailed description of the event, see Description of
Event Types on page 215.
178 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
For each event listed in the Event table, information is displayed in the
following columns:
Type: Different symbols are used to describe possible event types. For
information about symbols, press the Help button or F1 to open the
About window. Select the Event Info tab to view the name of each
symbol. For more information, you can also see Description of Event
Types on page 215.
No.: This column contains the bidirectional event number
(a sequential number assigned by the OTDR) and, in parentheses, the
length of a span (distance between two events).
Loc.: The event location is the distance from the beginning of the span
start to the specified event.
Att.: The attenuation (loss/distance) is measured for each individual
fiber section.
Avg. Loss: The average of the loss is measured between the A->B and
B->A traces. The average loss is the most important information
provided by the OTDR Bidirectional Analysis utility.
Cumul.: The cumulative loss is calculated from the span start to the
specified event. It includes the loss of each event of the span.
Loss (A to B or B to A): The current loss in dB is displayed for each
event in the two traces.
To obtain information about other analysis functions such as inserting,
deleting and reanalyzing a trace, changing trace display parameters,
entering comments and using the Trace Info tab, see Analyzing Traces and
Events on page 103.

Changing Event Tables
Changing Event Tables

To change event tables and edit the A->B or B->A trace, select the
corresponding table tab (Table A->B or Table B->A) and then select the
Change button. For more information, see Analyzing Traces and Events on
page 103.
If you change events in one event table, the Bidir Table will be deleted.
To recreate the Bidir Table, you will have to redo the alignment.
If an event is detected in one direction but not in the other, it will
automatically be inserted by the utility at the location most likely to
designate an event within the default tolerance interval; the current loss
measured before an average bidirectional loss will be calculated.
Viewing and Changing Trace Parameters in the

Trace Information Tabs
Select the Bidir. Info, A->B Info or B->A Info tab to view or change trace
parameters.
Trace information Event Tolerance (Bidir. Info tab) or Edit Tolerance or

Trace settings information Edit Current Trace
Settings button
180 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Viewing and Changing Trace Parameters in the Trace Information Tabs
The parameters for the trace are displayed in the following order:
Filename: Displays the name of the trace file.
Date: Displays the date of the acquisition.
Wavelength: Displays the test wavelength and indicates the type of
fiber used: SM (singlemode) or MM (multimode).
Pulse/Time: Displays the pulse width used to perform the acquisition
and the duration (in minutes and seconds) of the acquisition.
Length: Displays the measured length of the total fiber span between
Total/Avg. Loss: Displays the total measured loss of the fiber between
span start and span end. In parentheses, the average loss of the total
fiber span is indicated as a function of distance.
Aver. Splice Loss: Displays the average of all non-reflective events
between span start and span end.
The following parameters are also displayed for the bidirectional trace:
Default Tolerance: Displays the default tolerance applied for matching
events from A->B and B->A traces in the resulting bidirectional trace.
Tolerance: Displays the tolerance interval value used in the
bidirectional trace file that can be modified to eliminate mismatched
events.
Parameters specific to the A->B or B->A trace are displayed as follows:
IOR: Displays the index of refraction setting of the displayed trace. If
you modify this parameter, the distance measurements for the trace
will be adjusted. To modify this parameter, see Modifying Current Trace
Settings on page 184, and Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and Helix
Factor on page 32.
RBS: Displays the Rayleigh backscatter coefficient setting of the
displayed trace. If you modify this parameter, the reflectance and ORL
measurements for the trace will be adjusted.

Changing the Event Tolerance Interval
Helix Factor: Displays the Helix factor setting of the displayed trace. If
you modify this parameter, the distance measurements for the trace
will be adjusted.
Splice Loss Threshold: Displays the splice loss threshold setting for
detecting small non-reflective events during trace analysis.
Reflectance Threshold: Displays the reflectance threshold setting for
detecting small reflective events during trace analysis.
End of Fiber Threshold: Displays the end-of-fiber threshold setting for
detecting important event loss, which could compromise signal
transmission, during trace analysis.

By default, a tolerance interval parameter is used during bidirectional
analysis to match events from A->B and B->A traces in the resulting
bidirectional trace.
Sometimes, when you know the exact location of events in traces acquired
in both directions and are expecting a perfect match, you get pairs of
events closely located in a combined trace. This is due to a difference in
the measured distance of events in each direction, which is greater than
the default tolerance interval.
You can increase the tolerance interval value in order to eliminate
mismatched events on the bidirectional trace.
182 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
To change the tolerance interval value:

1. Select the Bidir. Info tab.
2. Press Edit Tolerance.
3. From the Edit Tolerance dialog box, enter the desired value in the
Tolerance (to be adjusted) text field.
OR
Press Default to return to the default tolerance value.
4. Press OK. You return to the Bidir. Info tab.
Note: The Bidirectional Analysis utility will retain the new value for all subsequent
analyses, until it is changed again or the utility is reset to the default
event-matching tolerance value.


Note: This function is available in the A->B Info and B->A Info tabs only.
You can modify the analysis settings for the current A->B and B->A traces.
Two groups of parameters can be changed: the fiber settings (index of
refraction (IOR), Rayleigh backscatter (RBS) coefficient and Helix factor)
and the analysis detection thresholds (for splice loss, reflectance and
end-of-fiber detection).
These modifications alter the displayed traces.
To modify the current trace settings from the Trace Info tab:
1. From the main window, select the A->B Info or B->A Info tab.
2. Press the Edit Current Trace Settings button. The IOR, RBS, Helix
factor, Splice Loss Threshold, Reflectance Threshold and End of
Fiber Threshold indicated are for the displayed trace.
184 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Creating a Report
3. Enter new values for the current trace. These settings will be used
when you reanalyze the trace.
Under Fiber Settings, enter the desired value in the IOR, RBS,
and/or Helix Factor text fields or press Default to use the default
values.
Under Analysis Detection Thresholds, enter the desired values in
the Splice Loss Threshold, Reflectance Threshold and End of
Fiber Threshold text fields or press Default to use the default
values.
Press Default to use the default values.
4. Press OK. You return to the Trace Info tab.
Note: Modifying the current trace parameters from the Edit Current Trace
Settings button in the A->B Info or B->A Info tab affects the trace that is
displayed. To modify these parameters, see Modifying Current Trace
Settings on page 184.
Creating a Report
In the Bidirectional Analysis utility, the A->B and the B->A traces have their
own reports. The report for the bidirectional trace is the same as the one
for the A->B trace. Any modification to one will be reflected in the other.
For more information, see Creating and Printing Trace Reports on page 153.

Storing Bidirectional Traces
Storing Bidirectional Traces

After recalling, analyzing, aligning and displaying the two traces in the
bidirectional table, these traces may be stored as a merged bidirectional
trace in order to save storage space and facilitate file management. All
information in the tables, comments and reports for A->B, B->A, as well as
the bidirectional traces will be saved in the bidirectional file.
To keep or discard original traces:
2. In the Storage dialog box, if you wish to delete the original traces,
select Delete original files when saved as bidirectional. If you wish
to store them, go to step 3.
Select this
box to delete
original files
3. Press Store Bidir. The Store File dialog box appears.
186 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Printing a Bidirectional Trace
4. Enter the desired filename in the Filename text field.

5. Press OK.
Printing a Bidirectional Trace

In the main window, press Quick Print or F6 to print the file in use. You can
print the file in use only once the bidirectional file has been generated. For
complete instructions on printing, see Creating and Printing Trace Reports
on page 153.

15 Maintenance
To help ensure long, trouble-free operation:
Keep the unit free of dust.
Clean the unit casing with a cloth slightly dampened with water.
Store unit at room temperature in a clean and dry area.
Keep the unit out of direct sunlight.
Avoid high humidity or significant temperature fluctuations.
Avoid unnecessary shocks and vibrations.
If any liquids are spilled on or into the unit, turn off the power
immediately and let the unit dry completely.
WARNING
Use of controls, adjustments and procedures for operation and
maintenance other than those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.
Cleaning the Front Panel

Clean the front panel of the FTB-7000 OTDR regularly to avoid buildup of
dust, dirt, and other foreign substances.
To clean the front panel:
1. Gently wipe the front panel with a cloth dampened with soapy water.
2. Rinse the front panel with a cloth dampened with water.
3. Dry with a clean wiping cloth.
IMPORTANT
To help keep the connectors and adapters clean, EXFO recommends
that you install protective caps when the unit is not in use.
You should also clean the fiber ends before every connection.

Maintenance
Cleaning Fixed Connectors

Regular cleaning of connectors will help maintain optimum performance.
There is no need to disassemble the module.
To clean fixed connectors:
1. Fold a lint-free wiping cloth in four to form a square.
2. Moisten the center of the lint-free wiping cloth with only one drop of
isopropyl alcohol.
IMPORTANT
Alcohol may leave traces if used abundantly. Avoid contact between
the tip of the bottle and the wiping cloth, and do not use bottles
that distribute too much alcohol at a time.
3. Gently wipe the connector threads three times with the folded and
moistened section of the wiping cloth.
IMPORTANT
Isopropyl alcohol takes approximately ten seconds to evaporate.
Since isopropyl alcohol is not absolutely pure, evaporation will
leave microscopic residue. Make sure you dry the surfaces before
evaporation occurs.
4. With a dry lint-free wiping cloth, gently wipe the same surfaces three
times with a rotating movement.
5. Throw out the wiping cloths after one use.
6. Moisten a cleaning tip (2.5 mm tip) provided by EXFO with only one
drop of isopropyl alcohol.
190 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Maintenance
IMPORTANT
the tip of the bottle and the cleaning tip, and do not use bottles
7. Slowly insert the cleaning tip into the connector until it reaches the
ferrule inside (a slow clockwise rotating movement may help).
7
8
9
8. Gently turn the cleaning tip one full turn.
9. Continue to turn as you withdraw the cleaning tip.
10. Repeat steps 7 to 9, but this time with a dry cleaning tip (2.5 mm tip
provided by EXFO).
Note: Make sure you dont touch the soft end of the cleaning tip and verify the
cleanliness of the cotton tip.
11. Throw out the cleaning tips after one use.

Maintenance
Cleaning Connectors Equipped with EUI/EUA Adapters
Cleaning Connectors Equipped with EUI/EUA

Adapters
Regular cleaning of connectors equipped with EUI/EUA adapters will help
maintain optimum performance. There is no need to disassemble the unit.
IMPORTANT
If any damage occurs to internal connectors, the module casing will
have to be opened and a new calibration will be required.
To clean connectors:
1. Remove the EUI/EUA adapter from the module to expose the optical
connector baseplate and ferrule.
Push
Turn
1
2 Pull
3
2. Use a lint-free wiping cloth and deposit only one drop of isopropyl
alcohol on it.
IMPORTANT
the tip of the bottle and the wiping cloth, and do not use bottles
192 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Maintenance
3. Gently wipe the connector and ferrule.
IMPORTANT
Isopropyl alcohol takes approximately ten seconds to evaporate.
Since isopropyl alcohol is not absolutely pure, evaporation will
leave microscopic residue. Make sure you dry the surfaces before
evaporation occurs.
4. With a dry lint-free wiping cloth, gently wipe the same surfaces to
ensure that the connector and ferrule are perfectly dry.
5. Throw out the wiping cloths after one use.
6. After having cleaned the connectors and ensuring that the unit is not
active, verify the surface of the connector with a small, portable
fiber-optic microscope.
WARNING
DO NOT verify the surface of the connector with a fiber-optic
microscope WHILE THE UNIT IS ACTIVE. Doing so WILL result in
permanent eye damage.

Maintenance
To clean EUI/EUA adapters:

1. Remove the EUI/EUA adapter from the module connector.
Push
Turn
1
2 Pull
3
2. Moisten a cleaning tip (2.5 mm tip) provided by EXFO with only one
drop of isopropyl alcohol.
IMPORTANT
the tip of the bottle and the cleaning tip, and do not use bottles
3. Slowly insert the cleaning tip into the adapter until it comes out on the
other side (a slow clockwise rotating movement may help).
194 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Maintenance
Recalibrating the Unit
3
4
5
4. Gently turn the cleaning tip one full turn.
5. Continue to turn as you withdraw the cleaning tip.
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5, but this time with a dry cleaning tip (2.5 mm tip
provided by EXFO).
Note: Make sure you dont touch the soft end of the cleaning tip and verify the
cleanliness of the cotton tip.
7. Throw out the cleaning tips after one use.
Recalibrating the Unit

If a calibration due date was not indicated by EXFO on the calibration label,
this means that the calibration certificate for your FTB-7000 OTDR has been
modified in conformity with the ISO/IEC 17025 Standard.
EXFO recommends that an annual calibration be performed on your
FTB-7000 OTDR to ensure that it remains within the published
specifications. However, as prescribed by the ISO/IEC 17025 Standard, this
date can only be set by you.
You should indicate the calibration due date in the space provided on the
calibration label.

16 Troubleshooting
Error Messages
Error Message Possible Cause Solution

ToolBox Fatal Error: The module could have a Verify that the instrument has
OTDR Card Module defective memory. not been modified by the user.
Memory Error There could be a conflict If the instrument has been
between the module and modified, try the module in
another item on the BUS (e.g., a another FTB-400.
network card). If the problem persists, return
This error should not arise the instrument to EXFO.
unless the user has modified the
instrument.
ToolBox Fatal Error: The OTDR does not recognize Verify that the instrument has
OTDR Card Module the requested communication not been modified by the user.
INVALID IO PORT port. If the instrument has been
There could be a conflict modified, try the module in
between the module and another FTB-400.
another item on the BUS (e.g., a If the problem persists, return
network card). the instrument to EXFO.
The software could attempt to
access a communication port
different from the one
configured in the module.
ToolBox Fatal Error: These two errors appear when Take note of the module serial
OTDR Card Module the software version is not number and the software
Coding Version Error compatible with the hardware version.
or Control Version version. Contact EXFO to verify that you
Error have the most recent software
version, and to be sure that it is
compatible with the module.

Troubleshooting
Error Messages
Error Message Possible Cause Solution

ToolBox Fatal Error: This error arises if the software Take note of the module serial
OTDR Card Module version is incompatible with the number and the software
Unknown Model hardware, or less frequently, the version.
Error module memory has been Contact EXFO to verify that you
corrupted. have the most recent software
version, and to be sure that it is
compatible with the module.
ToolBox Fatal Error: The photodetector is out of Return the instrument to EXFO.
OTDR Card Module service. The instrument may not
APD Error be used.
ToolBox Fatal Error: The voltage in the instrument is Return the instrument to EXFO.
OTDR Card Module out of specifications. The
Offset Error instrument may not be used.
ToolBox Fatal Error: The memory is corrupted. The Return the instrument to EXFO.
OTDR Card Module instrument may not be used.
Checksum Error
ToolBox Fatal Error: An optical component has been Return the instrument to EXFO.
OTDR Card Module damaged.
Failed Insertion Loss The equipment may still be
Reference Test. ORL used, but the performance of
Calculation can no the instrument may not be
longer be performed optimal, particularly with pulses
shorter than 1 s.
ORL measurements will not be
accurate.
198 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Troubleshooting
Measuring Deviation
Measuring Deviation
Deviation is measured in order to determine if the OTDR needs
recalibration.
To measure the deviation of your OTDR:
1. Connect at least 2 km of fiber to the OTDR output port.
2. Set the distance range at 2.5 km.
3. Measure the deviation between a 10 ns pulse and a 30 ns pulse for
each laser.
30 ns
10 ns
The deviation () should be between 2.0 dB and 3.0 dB. The deviation must
be measured in the linear backscatter region. Do not measure the
deviation near distinct reflections.
Performance will be affected if the observed deviation is beyond these
limits. The OTDR will eventually require a factory calibration.
Note: This does not affect the precision of distance or loss measurements.

Troubleshooting
Evaluating the Launch Level
Evaluating the Launch Level

Evaluating the launch level ensures that the OTDR operates within
specifications.
To evaluate the launch level of your OTDR:
1. Connect at least 2 km of fiber to the OTDR output port.
Ensure that the connector port and fiber connector are properly
cleaned and that the fiber setting parameters are accurate (IOR, Helix
factor and RBS).
2. Do not use a test jumper between the OTDR and the fiber under test to
limit the number of connectors.
3. Set the distance range to the fiber length used for the evaluation, the
pulse width to the shortest value available, and the acquisition time to
15 seconds.
4. Evaluate the launch level at 0 km by extrapolating the linear region of
the curve.
The launch level should be between the launch window, located on the
left side of the vertical dB scale in the trace display. If the injection level is
below this window, clean the output connector again, retest the fiber and
change the output connector if necessary. If the situation persists, a
degradation in dynamic range will be observed. Return the OTDR to EXFO.
Note: This does not affect the precision of distance or loss measurements.
200 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Troubleshooting
Setting the OTDR to Zero
Setting the OTDR to Zero

Setting your OTDR to zero can only be done at EXFO. However, you can
test your OTDR to verify the accuracy of its measurement origin.
To verify the measurement origin of your OTDR:
1. Connect a patchcord, approximately 10 m long, to the OTDR output
port. The exact length of the jumper must have been measured
mechanically. Ideally, an unjacketed patchcord should be used.
Ensure the connector port and fiber connector are correctly cleaned.
Ensure the fiber setting parameters are accurate (IOR, Helix factor
and RBS).
2. Set the distance range to 1.2 km (singlemode fiber) or 0.6 km
(multimode fiber), the pulse width to 10 ns and the acquisition time to
30 s.
3. Take a distance measurement, positioning the marker as shown
below.
The position of the marker should be equal to the length of the jumper
( 2 m). For example, 8 m to 12 m if the jumper is 10 m long.
If the distance error is beyond this limit, return the OTDR to EXFO.

Troubleshooting
Measuring Dead Zones
Measuring Dead Zones

You measure the dead zones of your OTDR to verify if they arewithin
specifications. For dead zones specification values, see Technical
Specifications on page 227.
To measure the event and attenuation dead zones of your OTDR:
1. Connect 2 km of fiber directly to the OTDR output port. Use the
shortest pulse width and distance range possible.
Ensure the fiber setting parameters are accurate (IOR, Helix factor
and RBS).
2. Measure the length (E) of the first reflection at 1.5 dB from the
maximum, as shown below. This is the event dead zone.
3. Measure the distance (A) between the beginning of the reflection and
the point where the trace returns to the backscattering level with a
0.5 dB uncertainty, as shown below. Use A and B markers in the
Measure tab. This is the attenuation dead zone.
1.5 dB
1.5dB
0.5 dB
0.5dB
If the results exceed the maximum permitted specification, performance

will be affected. It is possible that a damaged output connector may be the
cause.
202 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Troubleshooting
Measuring the Dynamic Range
The reflectance of the output connector should be below 35 dB in order to

attain an adequate dead zone. If reflectance is greater than 35 dB
(e.g. 20) the incorrect dead zone specification will be the result of a bad
connection. If this is the case, carefully clean the connector. If the problem
persists, change the output connector. If the problem is continues even
after changing the output connector, return the OTDR to EXFO.
Note: This does not affect the precision of the distance or loss measurements.

The dynamic range of your OTDR is measured in order to verify if it is
within specifications. For dynamic range specifications, see Technical
Specifications on page 227.
To measure the dynamic range of your OTDR:
1. Connect the OTDR as indicated below. Other configurations are
possible. EXFO suggests the one included in Determining the
Measurement Range on page 205, as it includes an attenuator. The
shortest fiber length from that setup can be used: however the fiber
should have several sections longer than 2 km, with no loss greater
than 8 dB and with an average attenuation not exceeding 1 dB/km.
Ensure the connector ports and fiber connectors are correctly cleaned,
and that the fiber setting parameters are accurate (IOR, Helix factor
and RBS).
OTDR
2km or more 2km or more
1 to M reels of fiber Fiber End
( Add as needed )

Troubleshooting
2. Set the distance range to 160 km (monomode fiber) or 40 km

(multimode fiber); set the pulse width to the longest value available
and the acquisition time to 180 seconds (3 minutes).
1 dB
Dynamic range is the difference between the launch level and the position
on the curve where the peak-to-peak noise level is 1 dB, plus a correction
factor relative to the noise amplitude (which is 5.2 dB).
If the results fall the minimum permitted specification indicated in the
OTDR test results, a degradation of performance will be observed. It could
be caused by a damaged output connector. If this is the case, clean the
connector. If the problem persists, change the output connector. If the
problem persists, return the OTDR to EXFO.
Note: This does not affect the precision of the distance or loss measurements.
204 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Troubleshooting
Determining the Measurement Range
Determining the Measurement Range

You can determine the measurement range of your singlemode OTDR
modules only, not multimode modules.
To determine the measurement range of your ODTR:
1. Connect the OTDR as indicated on the following page. Other
configurations are possible, but the fiber should have several sections
longer than 2 km, with no loss greater than 8 dB and with the average
attenuation not exceeding 1 dB/km. A variable attenuator will be used
to adjust the loss in the span. One or several non-reflective events with
a nominal loss of 0.5 dB should be present. Join a series of fiber reels
between the OTDR and the variable attenuator for a length of
approximately 20 km. Join another series of reels to complete the fiber
length needed for the test.
Make sure the fiber settings are accurate (IOR, Helix factor and RBS).
Measured
Fiber Event
OTDR
2 km or more 2 km or more 4 km min
1 to M reels of fiber Fiber End
( Add as needed )
2. Set the distance range to 80 km (monomode fiber), the pulse width to

the longest value available and the acquisition time to 180 seconds
(3 minutes).

Troubleshooting
Viewing Online Documentation
Measured
Fiber Event
The measurement range using the non-reflective event method represents

the amount of attenuation (in dBs) between the launch level and a 0.5 dB
splice (which can be detected and measured to an accuracy of 0.1 dB).
You can measureit by simply making an acquisition on a fiber with a
known attenuation and a known 0.5 dB splice. Attenuation (length of fiber)
between the splice and the launch level is added until the analysis can no
longer measure the splice to within 0.1 dB.
Viewing Online Documentation

A PDF version of the FTB-7000 OTDR user guide is conveniently available at
all times.
To access the online user guide:
Go to C:\Program Files\EXFO\Help. This folder contains a PDF version of
the user guide.
206 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Troubleshooting
Finding Information on the EXFO Web Site
Finding Information on the EXFO Web Site

The EXFO Web site provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs)
regarding the use of your FTB-7000 OTDR.
To access FAQs:
1. Type the following address in your Internet browser: www.exfo.com.
2. Click on the Support tab.
3. Click on FAQs and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be given
a list of questions pertaining to your subject.
The EXFO Web site also provides the products most recent technical
specifications.

Troubleshooting
Contacting the Technical Support Group

To obtain after-sales service or technical support for this product, contact
EXFO at one of the following numbers. The Technical Support Group is
available to take your calls from Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
(Eastern Time in North America).
Technical Support Group

400 Godin Avenue 1 866 683-0155 (USA and Canada)
Vanier (Quebec) G1M 2K2 Tel.: 1 418 683-5498
CANADA Fax: 1 418 683-9224
support@exfo.com
To accelerate the process, please have information such as the name and
the serial number of your product (see the product identification label
shown below) as well as a description of your problem close at hand.
P/N **************** A Ver.
S/N 542392-3D January 2002 Mfg.

date 465 Godin Avenue
Made in Canada QST442B Vanier (Quebec) G1M 3G7 CANADA
FTB-74234C-B-XX-EUI-XX(VFL-XX)
FTB-7XXXB-X-XX-EUI-XX(VFL-XX)
OTDR code
Fiber type
Connector code
Universal connector adapter
Visual fault locator option
208 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Troubleshooting
You may also be requested to provide software and module version

numbers. This information, as well as technical support contact
information, can be found by clicking on Help in the button bar.

Transportation
Maintain a temperature range within specifications when transporting the
unit. Transportation damage can occur from improper handling. The
following steps are recommended to minimize the possibility of damage:
Pack the unit in its original packing material when shipping.
Avoid high humidity or large temperature fluctuations.
Keep the unit out of direct sunlight.
Avoid unnecessary shock and vibration.
17 Warranty
General Information
EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. (EXFO) warrants this equipment
against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from
the date of original shipment. EXFO also warrants that this equipment will
meet applicable specifications under normal use.
During the warranty period, EXFO will, at its discretion, repair, replace,
or issue credit for any defective product, as well as recalibrate the product
free of charge should the equipment need to be repaired or if the original
calibration is erroneous.
IMPORTANT
The warranty can become null and void if:
the equipment has been tampered with, repaired, or worked
upon by unauthorized individuals or non-EXFO personnel.
the warranty sticker has been removed.
case screws, other than those specified in this manual, have
been removed.
the case has been opened, other than as explained in this
manual.
the equipment serial number has been altered, erased, or
removed.
the equipment has been misused, neglected, or damaged by
accident.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED,

IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL EXFO BE LIABLE FOR
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

Warranty
Liability
Liability
EXFO shall not be liable for damages resulting from the use of the
purchased product, nor shall be responsible for any failure in the
performance of other items to which the purchased product is connected
or the operation of any system of which the purchased product may be a
part.
EXFO shall not be liable for damages resulting from improper usage or
unauthorized modification of the product, its accompanying accessories
and software.
Exclusions
EXFO reserves the right to make changes in the design or construction of
any of its products at any time without incurring obligation to make any
changes whatsoever on units purchased. Accessories, including but not
limited to fuses, pilot lamps, and batteries used with EXFO products are not
covered by this warranty.
Certification
EXFO certifies that this equipment met its published specifications at the
time of shipment from the factory.
212 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Warranty
Service and Repairs
Service and Repairs

EXFO commits to providing product service and repair for five years
following the date of purchase.
To send any equipment for service or repair:
1. Call one of EXFOs authorized service centers (see EXFO Service
Centers Worldwide on page 214). Support personnel will determine if
the equipment requires service, repair, or calibration.
2. If equipment must be returned to EXFO or an authorized service
center, support personnel will issue a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) number and provide an address for return.
3. If the unit has an internal storage device, perform a data backup before
sending the unit for repairs.
4. Pack the equipment in its original shipping material. Be sure to include
a statement or report fully detailing the defect and the conditions under
which it was observed.
5. Return the equipment, prepaid, to the address given to you by support
personnel. Be sure to write the RMA number on the shipping slip. EXFO
will refuse and return any package that does not bear an RMA number.
Note: A test setup fee will apply to any returned unit that, after test, is found to
meet the applicable specifications.
After repair, the equipment will be returned with a repair report. If the
equipment is not under warranty, the customer will be invoiced for the cost
appearing on this report. Return-to-customer shipping costs will be paid by
EXFO for equipment under warranty. Shipping insurance is at the
customers expense.

Warranty
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide

If your product requires servicing, contact your nearest authorized service
center.
EXFO Headquarters Service Center

400 Godin Avenue 1 866 683-0155 (USA and Canada)
Vanier (Quebec) G1M 2K2 Tel.: 1 418 683-5498
CANADA Fax: 1 418 683-9224
quebec.service@exfo.com
EXFO Europe Service Center

Le Dynasteur Tel.: +33.1.40.83.85.85
10/12, rue Andras Beck Fax: +33.1.40.83.04.42
92366 Meudon la Fort Cedex europe.service@exfo.com
FRANCE
EXFO China Service Center/

Beijing OSIC
Beijing New Century Hotel Tel.: +86 (10) 6849 2738
Office Tower, Room 1754-1755 Fax: +86 (10) 6849 2662
No. 6 Southern Capital Gym Road beijing.service@exfo.com
Beijing 100044
P. R. CHINA
EXFO Asia-Pacific Service Center

151 Chin Swee Road Tel.: +65 333 8241
#03-29 Manhattan House Fax: +65 333 8242
SINGAPORE 169876 asiapacific.service@exfo.com
Burleigh Instruments Service Center

7647 Main Street Fishers Tel.: 1 585 924-9355
Victor, NY 14564 Fax: 1 585 924-9072
USA service@burleigh.com
214 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
A Description of Event Types
This section describes all types of events that may appear in the Event table
generated by ToolBox. Here is a guide to the descriptions:
Each type of event has its own symbol.
Each graph provides an example of a fiber trace where the power
reflected back towards the source is shown as a function of distance.
An arrow points to the location of the event type in the trace.
Most graphs show one complete trace, that is, an entire acquisition
range.
Some graphs show only a portion of the entire range to view events of
interest more closely.
Span Start
The Span Start of a trace is the event that marks the beginning of the fiber
span. By default, the Span Start is placed on the first event of a tested fiber.
You can make another event the start of the span you want to focus your
analysis on. This will set the beginning of the Event table at a specific event
along the trace.
Span End
The Span End of a trace is the event that marks the end of the fiber span. By
default, the Span End is placed on the last event of a tested fiber, and is
called the end-of-fiber event.
You can also make another event the end of the span you want to focus
your analysis on. This will set the end of the Event table at a specific event
along the trace.

Description of Event Types
Continuous Fiber
Continuous Fiber
This event indicates that the selected acquisition range was shorter than
the fiber length.
The fiber end was not detected because the analysis process ended
before reaching the end of the fiber.
The acquisition distance range should therefore be increased to a
value greater than the fiber length.
There is no loss or reflectance specified for continuous fiber events.
216 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
End of Analysis
End of Analysis
The pulse width used did not provide enough dynamic range to get to
the end of the fiber.
The analysis ended before reaching the end of the fiber because the
signal-to-noise ratio was too low.
The pulse width should therefore be increased so the signal reaches
the end of the fiber with a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio.
There is no loss or reflectance specified for end-of-analysis events.

Non-Reflective Fault
Non-Reflective Fault
This fault causes a sudden decrease in the Rayleigh backscatter signal

level. It appears as a discontinuity in the downward slope of the trace
signal.
This fault is often caused by splices, macrobends, or microbends in the
fiber.
A loss value is specified for non-reflective fault events. There is no
reflectance specified for this type of event.
218 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Reflective Fault
Reflective Fault
Reflective faults appear as spikes in the fiber trace.

They are caused by an abrupt discontinuity in the index of refraction.
Reflective faults cause a significant portion of the energy initially
launched into the fiber to be reflected back towards the source.
Reflective faults may indicate the presence of connectors, mechanical
splices, or even poor-quality fusion splices.
A loss and a reflectance value are normally specified for reflective fault
events.
When the reflective spike reaches the maximum level, its top may be
clipped due to the saturation of the detector. As a result, the dead
zoneor minimum distance for making a detection or attenuation
measurement between this event and a second close bymay be
increased.

Positive Fault
Positive Fault
This fault indicates a splice with an apparent gain, due to the junction of
two fiber sections having different Rayleigh backscatter coefficients.
A loss value is specified for positive fault events. The loss specified
does not indicate the actual loss of the event.
The actual loss can be measured by performing bidirectional trace
analysis.
220 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Launch Level
Launch Level
This event indicates the level of the signal launched into the fiber.
The figure above shows how the launch level is measured.
A straight line is plotted using least-square approximation to fit all trace
points in the linear area between the first and second detected events.
The straight line is projected towards the vertical (dB) axis until it
crosses the axis.
The crossing point indicates the launch level.
<<<< in the Event table indicates that the launch level is too low.
For the graph above, the launch level listed in the Event table would be
at 24.68.

Fiber Section
Fiber Section
This symbol denotes a fiber section with no event.

The sum of all fiber sections contained in an entire fiber trace equals
the total fiber length. Detected faults are specific eventseven if they
cover more than one point on the trace.
A loss value is specified for fiber section events. No reflectance is
specified for this type of event.
The attenuation (dB/distance) is obtained by dividing the loss by the
fiber length.
222 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Merged Reflective Fault
Reflective Faults
Point A
Total loss
( dB)
Point B
Merged Reflective Fault event position
This symbol denotes a reflective event combined with one or more other
reflective events. It also indicates the total loss produced by the merged
reflective events following it in the Event table.
A Merged Reflective Fault event is composed of reflective events. Only
the Merged Reflective Fault event is attributed a number in the Event
table, not the reflective subevents composing it, if they are displayed.
In the figure above, two reflective faults were merged.

Reflective events may indicate the presence of connectors,
mechanical splices, or poor-quality fusion splices.

A reflectance value is specified for all merged reflective fault events

and shows the maximum reflectance for the merged event.
A reflectance value is also displayed for each subevent composing the
Merged Reflective Fault.
The total loss ( dB) produced by the events is measured by plotting
two straight lines.
The first line is plotted by fitting, through least-square
approximation, trace points in the linear area preceding the first
event.
The second line is plotted by fitting, through least-square
approximation, trace points in the linear area following the second
event. If there were more than two merged events, this line would
be plotted in the linear area following the last merged event. This
line is then projected towards the first merged event.
The total loss ( dB) equals the power difference between the
point where the first event begins (point A) and the point on the
projected straight line located just below the first event (point B).
No loss value can be specified for the subevents.
224 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Echo
Echo
This symbol indicates that a reflective event has been detected after the
end of the fiber.
The launched pulse travels up to the end connector and is reflected
back towards the OTDR. Then, it reaches the second connector and is
reflected again towards the end connector. It is then reflected back to
the OTDR.
ToolBox interprets this new reflection as an echo because its distance
is longer than the total fiber length.
The distance between the second connector reflection and the end
connector reflection is equal to the distance between the end
connector reflection and the echo.
There is no loss specified for echo events.

Reflective Fault (Possible Echo)
Reflective Fault (Possible Echo)
This symbol indicates a reflective event that can be a real reflection or an

echo produced by another stronger reflection located closer to the source.
The launched pulse hits the third connector, is reflected back to the
OTDR and reflected again into the fiber. It then reaches the third
connector a second time and is reflected once more to the OTDR.
ToolBox would therefore detect a reflective event located at twice the
distance of the third connector. Since this event is almost null (no loss),
and since its distance is a multiple of the third connector distance,
ToolBox would interpret it as a possible echo.
A reflectance value is specified for reflective fault (possible echo)
events.
226 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
B Technical Specifications
IMPORTANT
The following technical specifications can change without notice.
The information presented in this section is provided as a reference
only. To obtain this products most recent technical specifications,
visit the EXFO Web site at www.exfo.com.
OTDR Multimode Module Specifications1

Wavelength Dynamic Event Attenuation Model
(nm) range2 dead zone3 dead zone3
(dB) at 100 ns/1 s (m) (m)
850/1300 20 23/27 (C), 25/29 (D) 1.5/1.5 5/5 FTB-7212B-C or D
OTDR Singlemode Module Specifications1

Wavelength Dynamic Dynamic Event Attenuation Model
(nm) range2 range2 dead zone5 dead zone5
(dB) at 10 s (dB) at 20 s (m) (m)
Single-Dual-Wavelength module
1310/1550 20/ 20 32/31 - 3/3 10/15 FTB-7223B-B7
1310/1550 20/ 20 37.5/35.5 38.5/37.5 3/3 10/15 FTB-7323B-B
1310/1550 20/ 20 40/38 41.5/39.5 3/3 10/15 FTB-7423B-B
1310/1550 20/ 20 43.5/41.54 45/434 3/3 10/15 FTB-7523B-B
1410 10 37 38.5 3 10 FTB-7405B-B
1550 20 42 43.5 3 15 FTB-7503B-B-ER
1625 10 35 36 3 16 FTB-7304B-B
1625 10 38 39 3 16 FTB-7404B-B
1625 10 40 41.5 3 16 FTB-7504B-B
1550/1625 20/ 10 35.5/35 37.5/36 3/3 15/16 FTB-7334B-B
1550/1625 20/ 10 40/38 40.5/39 3/3 15/16 FTB-7434B-B
1550/1625 20/ 10 42/40 43.5/41.5 3/3 15/16 FTB-7534B-B
Triple-Wavelength module
1310/1550/1625 20/ 20/ 10 41/39/38 42.5/40.5/39.5 3/3/3 10/10/10 FTB-74234C-B
Other OTDR configurations are available. Contact your EXFO representative for more information.
General Specifications
Models 200B-C/D series 200B-B series 300B-B/400B-B/ 500B-B/4234C-B serie
Distance range (km) 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 260
Pulse width (ns) 850 nm: 10, 30, 100 10, 30, 100, 275, 1000, 10, 30, 100, 275, 1000, 2500,
1300 nm: 10, 30, 100, 275, 1000 10 000 10 000, 20 000
Linearity (dB/dB) 0.05 0.05 0.05
Loss threshold (dB) 0.01 0.01 0.01
Loss resolution (dB) 0.001 0.001 0.001
Sampling resolution (m) 0.08 to 5 0.08 to 5 0.08 to 5
Sampling points Up to 16 000 Up to 32 000 Up to 52 000
Distance uncertainty6 (1 m + 0.0025 % x distance) (1 m + 0.0025 % x distance) (1 m + 0.0025 % x distance)
Measurement time User-defined (60 min maximum) User-defined (60 min maximum) User-defined (60 min maximum)
Real-time refresh <1s <1s <1s
Stable source output power (dBm) -7 -10 -5
Visual fault locator (optional) Laser, 650 10 nm Laser, 650 10 nm Laser, 650 10 nm
CW, Pout maximum: 800 W CW, Pout maximum: 800 W CW, Pout maximum: 800 W
Notes 4. Typical dynamic range on NZDSF with a three-minute average at SNR = 1.

1. All specifications are for a temperature of 23 C (73 F) with a FC/PC connector 5. Typical dead zone of singlemode modules for reflectance
unless otherwise specified. below -45 dB, using a 10 ns pulse.
2. Typical dynamic range with a three-minute average at SNR = 1. 6. Does not include uncertainties due to fiber index and sampling resolution.
3. Typical dead zone of multimode modules for reflectance below -35 dB, 7. ORL measurement not available for this module.
using a 10 ns pulse.

Index
Index
mode of operation................................. 87
selecting a test wavelength.................... 88
***** indication ........................................ 134 selection................................................. 87
setting application parameters .............. 89
A setting the auto-range acquisition time . 30
AC adapter .................................................. viii testing ................................................... 87
acquiring traces after-sales service ...................................... 208
Advanced mode..................................... 90 aligning traces ........................................... 175
Advanced mode, auto time ................... 76 analysis
Advanced mode, custom time ............... 76 after acquisition............................. 35, 118
Advanced mode, real time..................... 76 fiber span............................................. 119
Auto mode ............................................ 85 performing offline ........................... 19, 96
Reference Creation/Template mode ..... 101 performing online.................................. 96
acquisition thresholds, detection ............. 36, 124, 184
automatic, in Advanced mode............... 90 thresholds, end-of-fiber detection 36, 123,
manual, in Advanced mode ................... 91 124, 182, 184
Advanced mode..................................... 90 thresholds, pass/fail ............................... 67
changing resolution............................... 75 thresholds, reflectance detection .. 36, 123,
date ..................................... 123, 155, 181 124, 182, 184
duration....................................... 123, 181 thresholds, splice loss detection.... 36, 123,
filename ...................................... 123, 181 124, 182, 184
interrupting ........................................... 86 analyzing a trace. see analysis, after acquisition
parameters, setting................................ 29 application
Reference Creation/Template mode95, 101 exiting.................................................... 22
setting analysis detection thresholds ..... 36 launching, single-module....................... 18
tab......................................................... 29 main window (first time used) ............. 168
time, auto-range.................................... 30 see also OTDR
wavelength used ......................... 123, 181 ASCII trace format ............................. 139, 143
acquisition time ASCII+ trace format .......................... 139, 143
Auto time mode .................................... 76 Att. column in Event table......................... 107
custom acquisition time ........................ 78 attenuation
custom time mode ................................ 76 column in Event table .......................... 179
Real time mode...................................... 76 fiber section threshold ........................... 67
active trace selection ................................. 127 LSA measurement method........... 130, 132
Advanced mode measurement....................................... 132
acquiring traces ..................................... 90 reflectance ........................................... 133
acquiring traces automatically ............... 90 two-point measurement method......... 132
acquiring traces manually...................... 91
acquisition-specific fiber parameters ... 124

Index
Auto mode trace editing, in the Event table ........... 104

acquiring traces ..................................... 85 zoom. see controls, zoom
mode of operation ................................ 83
selecting a test wavelength ................... 84
C
selection ................................................ 83
cable
setting fiber parameters ........................ 85
identification data ................................. 44
testing ................................................... 83
manufacturer information ..................... 59
automatic acquisition time. see auto-range ac-
parameters............................................. 43
quisition time
calculation
autonaming function ................................ 139
including span end loss.......................... 42
auto-range acquisition time ........................ 30
including span start loss ........................ 42
Avg. Splice Loss in Trace Info. tab ..... 123, 181
calibration
certificate............................................. 195
B due date .............................................. 195
basic OTDR theory ......................................... 4 label..................................................... 195
Bellcore. see Telcordia (Bellcore) trace format caution
bidirectional analysis of personal hazard................................... 7
acquisition-specific fiber parameters ... 184 of product hazard.................................... 7
aligning traces ..................................... 175 certification information..............................viii
automatic event insertion .................... 180 cleaning
Event table, effect of event change ..... 180 connectors ............................................. 97
general description .............................. 167 connectors with EUI/EUA adapters....... 192
installation........................................... 167 EUI/EUA adapters................................. 194
loading bidirectional traces ................. 173 fiber ends............................................... 81
of fiber span ........................................ 173 fixed connectors .................................. 190
percentage of events aligned............... 177 cleaning, front panel ................................. 189
printing traces ..................................... 187 clearing traces from the display................. 151
purpose ............................................... 167 color code
recalling multiwavelength trace file..... 172 adding a color name.............................. 55
recalling single-wavelength trace file... 169 creating ................................................. 51
restrictions........................................... 167 deleting ................................................. 52
starting ................................................ 168 deleting a color name ............................ 57
bidirectional trace exporting ............................................... 52
discarding the original files.................. 186 importing............................................... 54
file content .......................................... 186 inserting a color name ........................... 56
storing ................................................. 186 ITU default ............................................. 50
Busy, module status .................................... 20 modifying a color name......................... 57
buttons color identification data. see color code
Markers ............................................... 109 comments
scroll, in the Event table ...................... 104 about events, inserting .......................... 63
entering ......................................... 60, 121
230 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Index
compatible printers ................................... 159 distance

connector loss, threshold ............................ 67 between events.................................... 129
connectors, cleaning ................... 97, 190, 192 equation .................................................. 4
contact information, EXFO ........................ 209 range ..................................................... 74
controls, zoom .......................................... 110 dynamic range........................................... 203
creating storage folder.............................. 137
Cumul. column in Event table ................... 107
E
cumulative loss.......................................... 107
end-of-fiber
custom acquisition time .............................. 78
detection threshold 36, 123, 124, 182, 184
customer service................................ 209, 213
event.................................................... 215
customizing report .................................... 156
entering comments ................................... 121
equation of distance...................................... 4
D equipment returns..................................... 213
date error messages .......................................... 197
in Trace Info. tab ......................... 123, 181 EUI
of trace acquisition .............................. 155 baseplate ............................................... 82
dead zones................................................ 202 connector adapter ................................. 82
Default Tolerance in Bidir. Info. tab........... 181 dust cap................................................. 82
default trace name .................................... 139 EUI/EUA adapters, cleaning ....................... 194
definition of the OTDR .................................. 1 event
deleting automatic insertion.............................. 180
events .................................................. 117 comments, inserting .............................. 63
traces................................................... 152 deleting ............................................... 117
delimiting fiber span ................................... 64 description of types ............................. 215
description of event types ......................... 215 difference with fault ................................ 4
detecting module ........................................ 15 distance measurement......................... 129
deviation, OTDR software.......................... 199 effect of setting as span start/end.. 40, 120
dial effect of setting, as span start or end .. 174
Distance................................................. 74 insertion............................................... 114
moving .................................................. 74 locating................................................ 108
Pulse ...................................................... 74 location................................................ 107
Time....................................................... 74 marking fault in Event table................... 63
disappearing marker ................................. 109 non-reflective, averaged loss........ 123, 181
displaying number ................................................ 106
fiber sections ......................................... 62 reflectance ........................................... 107
injection level in Event table .................. 64 threshold, pass/fail................................. 65
merged events ....................................... 62 tolerance interval ................................. 182
traces................................................... 126 tolerance interval (bidir. analysis)......... 182
unchangeable ...................................... 112
undeletable.......................................... 117

Index
event loss F
average in Trace Info. tab ............ 123, 181 failed events, flagging ................................. 63
in Event table....................................... 107 FAQs.......................................................... 207
in Trace Info. tab ......................... 123, 181 fault
measurement....................................... 130 difference with event ............................... 4
Event table marking in Event table ........................... 63
changing ............................................. 180 notification, for events........................... 66
description........................................... 104 fiber
effect of changes on the Bidir. table.... 180 attenuation.......................................... 107
locating event...................................... 108 color identification................................. 50
parameters, setting................................ 61 identification data ................................. 48
regenerating ........................................ 118 identifying by name ..................... 139, 153
scroll buttons....................................... 104 identifying visually ............................... 163
trace editing buttons ........................... 104 sections display...................................... 62
Event table columns (Bidir. analysis utility) 179 type in Trace Info tab........................... 123
event types type in Trace Info. tab.......................... 181
description........................................... 215 type information.................................... 59
continuous fiber .................................. 216 see also fiber span ................................. 39
echo .................................................... 225 fiber ends, cleaning ..................................... 81
end of analysis..................................... 217 fiber parameters, setting
end-of-fiber ......................................... 215 acquisition-specific (Advanced)............ 124
fiber section......................................... 222 acquisition-specific (Bidirectional)........ 184
launch level.......................................... 221 default ................................................... 32
merged reflective fault ........................ 223 fiber section attenuation threshold ............. 67
non-reflective fault .............................. 218 fiber span
positive fault........................................ 220 analysis ................................................ 119
reflective fault...................................... 219 average loss in Trace Info. tab.............. 123
reflective fault (possible echo) ............. 226 average splice loss in Trace Info. tab.... 181
span end.............................................. 215 bidirectional analysis............................ 173
span start ............................................ 215 delimitation ........................................... 64
EXFO service centers.................................. 214 end location on bidir. trace.................. 174
EXFO support e-mail ................................. 209 length in Trace Info. tab......... 39, 123, 181
EXFO trace format..................... 135, 139, 143 setting ................................................... 39
EXFO universal interface. see EUI start location on bidir. trace ................ 174
EXFO Web site................................... 207, 209 total loss in Trace Info. tab .......... 123, 181
exiting application....................................... 22 file. see trace
filename
in trace display....................................... 27
trace acquisition .......................... 123, 181
filenaming information................................ 58
firmware version, module.......................... 209
232 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Index
first connector check ................................... 30 L

flagging failed events.................................. 63 label, identification.................................... 208
forced selection of test wavelength............. 84 laser
four-point measurement method vs. LSA .. 130 safety information ................................... 7
Fresnel reflection ........................................... 4 using OTDR as source........................... 163
front panel cleaning .................................. 189 launch level ............................................... 200
FTB-100 trace format ........................ 139, 143 least-square approximation. see LSA
FTB-300 trace format ........................ 139, 143 level of injection, warning ........................... 31
light source
G accessing.............................................. 163
General tab ................................................. 24 function overview ................................ 163
grid display ................................................. 26 operating ............................................. 163
loading files or traces. see recalling
Loc. in Event table ..................................... 107
H locating events .......................................... 108
Helix factor location information.................................... 45
admissible values ................................... 33 loss
in Trace Info. tab ......................... 123, 182 average splice .............................. 123, 181
modification ................................ 124, 184 connector, threshold.............................. 67
setting ................................................... 32 cumulative for fiber span ............. 123, 181
help button ....................................... 106, 178 in Event table............................... 107, 179
help. see online user guide measurement....................................... 130
hiding traces ............................................. 126 measurement, positioning markers...... 131
modification ........................................ 112
I non-reflective events average....... 123, 181
identification label .................................... 208 splice, threshold..................................... 67
incrementation...................................... 47, 49 total span threshold............................... 67
initialization error messages...................... 197 LSA measurement method
injection level definition ..................................... 130, 132
display in Event table............................. 64 vs. four-point ....................................... 130
low level warning .................................. 31 vs. two-point........................................ 132
inserting a module ...................................... 13
IOR M
modification ................................ 124, 184 magnifying glass ....................................... 111
obtaining ............................................... 32 main window, storing trace from .............. 142
setting ................................................... 32 maintenance
text field in Trace Info. tab........... 123, 181 connectors with EUI/EUA adapters....... 192
ITU default color code ................................. 50 EUI/EUA adapters ................................. 194
fixed connectors .................................. 190
front panel........................................... 189
general information ............................. 189

Index
manual trace modification .......................... 96 N

marker naming
disappearing on zoom......................... 109 reference trace....................................... 98
location calculation ............................. 112 trace automatically .............................. 139
too close to one another ..................... 109 new name for the same trace.................... 150
Markers button ......................................... 109 new storage folder .................................... 137
measurement non-reflective event, averaged loss.... 123, 181
Advanced mode................................... 129 number
attenuation (two-point and LSA) ......... 132 in Event table....................................... 106
Auto mode .......................................... 129 of the event ......................................... 106
event distance ..................................... 129
event loss............................................. 130
event power ........................................ 129 O
ORL...................................................... 134 offline, working with OTDR traces . 19, 96, 138
performing .......................................... 129 online user guide....................................... 206
preparing............................................. 129 online, working with OTDR traces ......... 72, 96
range ................................................... 205 operating
Template mode ................................... 129 light source.......................................... 163
units ...................................................... 25 VFL....................................................... 165
merged events ............................................ 62 optical return loss. seeORL
mode optical switch
of analysis, offline............................ 19, 96 channel configuration............................ 71
of analysis, online .................................. 96 description............................................. 68
of operation, Advanced ......................... 87 first connector check.............................. 73
of operation, Auto................................. 83 operation mode ..................................... 69
of operation, Template .......................... 99 test results table .................................... 72
module ORL
detection ............................................... 15 measurement....................................... 134
insertion ................................................ 13 module required for calculations ......... 134
removal ................................................. 13 threshold ............................................... 67
status..................................................... 20 OTDR
see also OTDR basic theory ............................................. 4
module information configuration ......................................... 79
firmware version number .................... 209 definition ................................................. 1
module identification number ............. 209 features.................................................... 6
serial number....................................... 209 internal components................................ 5
mounting EUI connector adaptor................ 82 setup...................................................... 79
multiwavelength trace file using as laser source ............................ 163
bidirectional analysis ........................... 172 working offline ........................ 19, 96, 138
displaying ............................................ 126 working online................................. 72, 96
see also application and module
234 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Index
OTDR software printer

dead zones .......................................... 202 selection............................................... 159
deviation.............................................. 199 setting number of copies to print ........ 160
dynamic range..................................... 203 setting paper orientation ..................... 160
error messages .................................... 197 setting paper size................................. 160
file compatibility between versions...... 145 setting paper source ............................ 160
initialization error messages ................ 198 supported ............................................ 159
launch level.......................................... 200 printing
measurement range............................. 205 parameters........................................... 159
setting zero ......................................... 201 traces ................................................... 187
overwriting an existing trace ..................... 141 product identification label ....................... 208
product specifications ....................... 207, 227
protective cap............................................ 189
P
pulse
paper
dial......................................................... 75
orientation........................................... 160
setting width ......................................... 74
size ...................................................... 160
width unit .............................................. 28
source.................................................. 160
Pulse/Time in Trace Info. tab.............. 123, 181
parameters
acquisition ............................................. 29
Advanced mode..................................... 89 R
Auto mode ............................................ 85 RBS (Rayleigh backscatter)
cable...................................................... 43 description ............................................... 4
Event table............................................. 61 in Trace Info. tab.......................... 123, 181
Helix factor ............................................ 32 modification ................................ 124, 184
IOR......................................................... 32 obtaining ............................................... 33
printing ............................................... 159 setting ................................................... 32
Rayleigh backscatter coefficient............. 32 Ready, module status .................................. 20
Template mode...................................... 96 reanalyzing a trace .................................... 118
trace display .......................................... 24 recalibration .............................................. 195
pass/fail test recalling
disabling ................................................ 66 a single-wavelength trace file .............. 169
enabling ................................................ 66 multiwavelength trace file ................... 172
message............................................... 118 reference trace ..................................... 149
thresholds.............................................. 67 trace .................................................... 147
when to perform ................................... 66 Reference Creation/Template mode
PDF. see online user guide acquiring traces ................................... 101
photodetector ............................................... 4 testing ................................................... 95
power measurement event........................ 129 reference trace
preparing measurement ............................ 129 naming .................................................. 98
parameters............................................. 96

Index
recalling............................................... 149 printer.................................................. 159

usage....................................................... 3 storage location, for trace file.............. 135
Refl. column in Event table........................ 107 storage medium, for trace file ............. 135
reflectance test wavelength, automatically .............. 84
attenuation.......................................... 133 wavelength in Advanced mode.............. 88
detection threshold 36, 123, 124, 182, 184 wavelength in Auto mode ..................... 84
modification ........................................ 112 serial number, module............................... 209
of event ............................................... 107 service and repairs..................................... 213
of non-reflective events ....................... 134 service centers ........................................... 214
source of inaccurate measurements ...... 33 setting
threshold ............................................... 67 event tolerance interval........................ 182
removing a module ..................................... 13 event tolerance interval (bidir. analysis)182
renaming a trace ....................................... 150 fiber span....................................... 39, 174
report number of copies to print .................... 160
creation ............................................... 185 pass/fail thresholds ................................ 65
customizing ......................................... 156 printer paper size................................. 160
layout .................................................. 158 report layout........................................ 158
of trace ................................................ 153 window height ...................................... 21
printing ............................................... 161 zero...................................................... 201
window ............................................... 154 setup, actual and saved............................... 79
resetting fiber parameters, Auto mode ....... 85 shipping to EXFO....................................... 213
restrictions signal-to-noise ratio .................................... 75
to Reference Creation/Template mode... 96 single-wavelength trace file, bidir. analysis 169
to the bidirectional analysis utility ....... 167 software. see application
return merchandise authorization (RMA) .. 213 source. see laser
span end
changing, bidirectional analysis ........... 173
S
description........................................... 215
safety
effect of setting on Event table40, 120, 174
caution .................................................... 7
including loss in calculation ................... 42
conventions ............................................. 7
setting in memory.................................. 41
warning ................................................... 7
span position, updating ............................ 119
same
span start
pulse for all wavelengths ....................... 31
changing, bidirectional analysis ........... 173
time for all wavelengths ........................ 31
description........................................... 215
saving files or traces.see storing
effect of setting on Event table40, 120, 174
scroll buttons ............................................ 104
including loss in calculation ................... 42
selecting
setting in memory.................................. 41
active trace .......................................... 127
specifications, product ...................... 207, 227
OTDR Advanced mode........................... 87
OTDR Auto mode................................... 83
OTDR setup............................................ 79
236 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Index
splice loss completing the report............................ 96

average, in Trace Info. tab ........... 123, 181 description ............................................. 95
detection threshold 36, 123, 124, 182, 184 entering comments................................ 96
threshold ............................................... 67 manual trace modification ..................... 96
split bar ....................................................... 21 mode of operation................................. 99
status bar .................................................... 20 modifying acquisition parameters.......... 98
stopping trace acquisition ........................... 86 modifying fiber parameters ................... 98
storage requirements ................................ 189 naming the reference trace.................... 98
storing reference trace naming .......................... 98
bidirectional traces .............................. 186 report..................................................... 96
changing default trace name............... 139 restrictions ............................................. 96
creating folder ..................................... 137 selection................................................. 99
default path......................................... 135 setting parameters................................. 96
format, ASCII ............................... 139, 143 template trace appearance .................. 100
format, ASCII+ ............................ 139, 143 test settings used................................... 96
format, EXFO ....................... 135, 139, 143 working online vs. offline....................... 96
format, FTB-100........................... 139, 143 template trace appearance........................ 100
format, FTB-300........................... 139, 143 test wavelength, forced selection ................ 84
format, Telcordia (Bellcore).......... 139, 143 test, settings used in Template mode .......... 96
path selection ...................................... 135 testing
selecting a, medium ............................ 135 Advanced mode..................................... 87
trace autonaming ................................ 139 Auto mode............................................. 83
trace in different formats..................... 143 Reference Creation/Template mode ....... 95
trace under a new name...................... 150 theory, OTDR ................................................. 4
trace, from main window .................... 142 thresholds
traces........................................... 140, 178 analysis detection .................. 36, 124, 184
subset identification data............................ 46 connector loss........................................ 67
supported printers .................................... 159 end-of-fiber detection... 36, 123, 124, 182,
swapping traces ........................................ 128 184
fiber section attenuation........................ 67
ORL ........................................................ 67
T
pass, fail, warning.................................. 66
technical specifications...................... 207, 227
reflectance ............................................. 67
technical support .............................. 208, 209
reflectance detection36, 123, 124, 182, 184
Telcordia (Bellcore) trace format103, 133, 139,
setting pass/fail................................ 6567
140, 143, 154, 155
splice loss............................................... 67
temperature for storage............................ 189
splice loss detection36, 123, 124, 182, 184
Template mode
total span length ................................... 67
acquiring the reference trace................. 97
total span loss........................................ 67
activating............................................... 98
trace analysis ......................................... 67
applying parameters to other traces ...... 96
warning ................................................. 67
comments.............................................. 96

Index
Time dial storage, in different formats................ 143

Auto time mode .................................... 76 storing ................................................. 140
Custom time mode ................................ 76 swapping ............................................. 128
Real time mode ..................................... 76 trace acquisition
setting ................................................... 75 Advanced mode..................................... 90
Time in Trace Info. tab ...................... 123, 181 Create Ref./Template mode.................. 101
Time list boxes............................................. 75 trace display
time mode behavior on zoom................................ 110
Auto ...................................................... 76 clearing traces...................................... 151
Custom .................................................. 76 description........................................... 104
Real time ............................................... 76 displaying filename................................ 27
timer ........................................................... 77 mode, complete trace............................ 27
title bar ....................................................... 20 mode, markers....................................... 27
tolerance mode, optimum..................................... 27
in Bidir. Info. tab.................................. 181 parameters............................................. 24
setting interval for events .................... 182 trace formats
ToolBox. see OTDR software ASCII .................................................... 143
total span ASCII+ ................................................. 143
length threshold .................................... 67 EXFO .................................................... 143
loss threshold ........................................ 67 FTB-100................................................ 143
Total/Avg. Loss in Trace Info. tab....... 123, 181 FTB-300................................................ 143
trace Telcordia ...... 103, 133, 140, 143, 154, 155
acquisition in Advanced mode............... 90 Trace Info. tab
acquisition in Auto mode ...................... 85 average splice loss ............................... 181
acquisition in Ref. Creation/Templ. mode .. Avg. Splice Loss............................ 123, 181
101 Backscatter................................... 123, 181
aligning ............................................... 175 date ............................................. 123, 181
analysis ................................................ 118 Default Tolerance (Bidir. Info.) ............. 181
analysis detection thresholds. 36, 124, 184 displaying traces .................................. 126
autonaming......................................... 139 End of Fiber Threshold ................. 123, 182
compatibility between ToolBox versions145 fiber type used............................. 123, 181
deleting ............................................... 152 filename....................................... 123, 181
editing buttons.................................... 104 Helix Factor .................................. 123, 182
effects of deleting................................ 152 hiding traces ........................................ 126
effects of overwriting .......................... 141 IOR text field ................................ 123, 181
export formats..................................... 143 Length ......................................... 123, 181
pass/fail analysis threshold .................... 67 Reflectance Threshold .................. 123, 182
purpose of swapping........................... 128 Splice Loss Threshold ................... 123, 182
reanalyzing .......................................... 118 time ............................................. 123, 181
recalling............................................... 147 Tolerance (Bidir. Info.).......................... 181
renaming ............................................. 150 Total/Avg. Loss............................. 123, 181
stopping the acquisition ........................ 86 wavelength .................................. 123, 181
238 FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C
Index
trace name, changing default ................... 139 W

trace report warning thresholds................................ 66, 67
creating ............................................... 153 warranty
printing ............................................... 161 certification.......................................... 212
storage location................................... 155 exclusions ............................................ 212
transportation requirements ............. 189, 210 general................................................. 211
two-point liability ................................................. 212
attenuation.......................................... 132 null and void........................................ 211
measurement method vs. LSA ............. 132 wavelength
measurement method, definition ........ 132 indication in Trace Info. tab ......... 123, 181
type selecting, in Advanced mode ................. 88
in Event table............................... 106, 179 selecting, in Auto mode ......................... 84
of event ............................................... 106 window height, setting ............................... 21
working with OTDR traces offline .............. 138
U
unchangeable events ................................ 112 Z
undeletable events .................................... 117 zoom
unit recalibration....................................... 195 controls................................................ 110
updating span position ............................. 119 window display...................................... 26
user guide. see online user guide zooming .................................................... 111
using
light source.......................................... 163
VFL....................................................... 165
V
VFL (visual fault locator)
continuous wave output...................... 165
operating............................................. 165

User Guide FTB-7000 PDF

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

User Guide FTB-7000 PDF

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Optical Time Domain

If the equipment described herein

Information provided by EXFO is believed to be accurate and reliable.

The information contained in this publication is subject to change without

2002 EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc.

Words that EXFO considers trademarks have been identified as such.

Units of measurement in this document conform to SI standards and

Certification Information ..................................................................................................... viii

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series iii

5 Preparing Your OTDR for a Test ..................................................................81

10 Performing Specific Measurements on Traces ....................................... 129

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series v

Modifying Current Trace Settings .......................................................................................184

A Description of Event Types ...................................................................... 215

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series vii

Independent Laboratory Testing

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series ix

Application of Council Directive(s): 73/23/EEC - The Low Voltage Directive

Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:

EN 60825-1: 1993/ Safety of Laser Products-Part 1: Equipment Classification, Requirement, and

Full Name: Stephen Bull, E. Eng

Application of Council Directive(s): 73/23/EEC - The Low Voltage Directive

Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:

EN 60825-1:1993 Safety of laser products Part 1: Equipment classifications, requirements, and

EN 55022: 1994/ Limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of

Full Name: Stephen Bull, E. Eng

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series xi

Source emission LED

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series 1

FTB-7000B and FTB-70000C OTDR Series

OTDR Module Description

Bidirectional Averaging Feature

Template Trace Feature

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series 3

OTDR Basic Theory

The signal returned to the OTDR therefore consists of both Rayleigh

OTDR Internal Components

Light pulses travel

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series 5

New Features of the OTDR

Laser Safety Information

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series 7

On FTB-7200 OTDR modules, the following safety label is located on the

On FTB-7400D, FTB-74000C and FTB-7500B OTDR Series modules, the

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series 9

To install the application:

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series 11

6. When the installation is complete, the Installation Completed

Inserting and Removing Test Modules

To insert a module into the FTB-400 Universal Test System:

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series 13

Turn retaining screw knob(s)

FTB-400 left panel

FTB-400 left panel

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series 15

To remove a module from the FTB-400 Universal Test System:

Turn retaining screw knob(s)

FTB-400 left panel

FTB-400 left panel

3. Place the FTB-400 so that the right panel is facing you.

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series 17

Launching the FTB-7000 OTDR Application

To launch the FTB-7000 OTDR application: