his collection of optic application notes describes how to use a source and meter,

or loss test set to measure:

Absolute power, eg the light level coming from a transmitter, or going into a
receiver.
Loss or attenuation, eg the relative light transmission efficiency of a device.
Optical Return Loss
Coupled Power Ratio of multimode fiber
These notes mainly discuss field measurement methods. These can also be used in a
factory or laboratory environment, however details of such applications are beyond
the scope of this discussion, even if many details are actually similar.

Standard measurement procedures

To ensure uniformity and repeatability of results, there are a number of national

and international standards or Fiber Optic Test Procedures (FOTP) that seek to
define a uniform methodology. These are generally under the generic TIA 455 / EIA
455 series standards.

As a general rule, for installed systems, the standards encourage attenuation

measurement using the bi-directional method at two wavelengths, one of these being
the operational wavelength.

In general there is good accord between standards on each FOTP, however slight
differences do exist with some of them. Since these formal procedures are subject
to update it is recommended that where conformance is mandatory the user contact
the relevant standards body.

For the USA www.tiaonline.com

For Europe www.iec.ch
For Australia www.standards.com.au
For further background information: A2 Loss Measuring Concepts

How much verification & validation?

Installed system evaluation can be broadly divided into 3 categories:

Certification
Maintenance
Restoration
Installation certification is the most complex, being designed to ensure the
quality of the completed system and provide documented proof of this quality. This
is typically performed after cables have been placed, and joints have been made.

Maintenance checking is less complex, and is designed to provide early warning of

possible failure.

Restoration is the least complex, although it may be performed under adverse

conditions: Find and fix the fault, verify the repair quality, restore the system.

Assurance activities should be examined overall in terms of risk management and

cost benefit. This includes costs incurred by: Installation, maintenance, system
down time, service reliability guarantees, lost revenue, and general conformance to
stated quality objectives.

The single direction loss measurement method is initially quicker and cheaper;
however the bi-directional method is preferable for more reliable overall
characterization, since it significantly reduces the likelihood of rework and
associated cost blow outs.
The Kingfisher KI734x & KI774x series two way LTS perform dual wavelength, bi-
directional loss and ORL measurement with less effort than a basic measurement
using simple gear. If there is any volume of work, this is clearly today's
preferred solution, since it achieves a full characterization with the least
effort.

An OTDR measures loss by using a fundamentally different method to a source and

meter, since it works by indirect deduction, whereas source and meter perform a
direct measurement. More information: A15. When to use an OTDR or LTS

Procedures need to take account of record keeping requirements and traceability,

which can cause a significant administration overhead. Kingfishers KITS Excel
based reporting program is ideal for this purpose. Using this program and a
suitable two-way instrument, one mouse click and a few seconds is all it takes to
record the bi-directional loss and ORL at two wavelengths.

Procedures and instrument selection will be affected by a combination of capital

availability, labour, skill, and technical requirements. It will also be affected
by the size, work practices, and division of labour of the organisation. Loss
checking is a time consuming process, but the collection and maintenance of a
records database can be an even bigger issue. It is worth examining the whole issue
by looking at required record keeping objectives, and then work backwards towards
the field measurement practices.