Optical Time Domain Reflectometer

OTDR is the main device for measuring and maintain optical links
It launches light pulses from a LD into the FO. Signals from features on the
link and the fiber itself returns back to the device, where are analyzed
The returned signal is measured vs. time and converted into fiber length,
allowing the location of fiber features, total and individual attenuation, etc.

MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT
 OTDR Functions
COMISSIONING MAINTENANCE
Splice and connector losses Periodical checks of the link
Absence of FO bends and Fault locations
stresses
Measurement of total end-to-
end loss of the link

MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT
 OTDR: Backscattered light
As light travels along the FO, is attenuated by Raleigh scattering uniformly
The scattered light going back towards the OTDR provides the information
A very sensitive detector is needed since the signal is typically -40/-80dB
Changes in the backscattered light determines events along the link

MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT
 OTDR: Index of refraction
In order to display the backscattered signal vs. time in terms of
fiber length, the index of refraction is needed
The index of refraction relates the speed of the light in vacuum
to the speed of the light in the fiber
The index of refraction shall be accurately known for the fiber
for accurate distance calculations
For silica fibers, the index of refraction lies typically between 1.4
and 1.5. The exact value shall be supplied by the cable
manufacturer:
n= 1.468 @1550nm / n=1.465 @1310nm

MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT
 OTDR: Non reflective events
Fusion splices and fiber bends cause loss but no reflection.
Their signatures are similar on an OTDR display: sudden drop in
the backscatter level
The vertical change is the loss of the event

MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT
 OTDR: The splice gainer (an artifact)
OTDR may display gain at a fiber splice, an artifact of the device
Is a consequence of the slightly different core diameter of the
fibers
Bidirectional measurements are recommended for a real
estimation of the splice loss value (IEC 793)

MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT
 OTDR: Reflective events
Connectors and mechanical splices (air gap) as well as fiber
cracks cause both loss and reflections.
The loss is determined by the change in the backscatter level
The amount of reflection (return loss) is given by the amplitude
of the reflection above the backscatter level.

MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT
 OTDR: Insertion loss
A connectorized launch fiber must be used to measure first
connector insertion loss and its reflection level.
Its always important to make sure that connectors are clean.
Dirty connectors can create high reflections and extended dead-
zones.

MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT
 Power meter and Laser source
Measurement of the absolute attenuation in the fiber link

A known light signal of a

certain strength is injected by
means of a laser source
The signal is measured when it
is received at the end of the fiber.
The absolute attenuation is the
difference between the received
signal and the one emitted from
the source.
Power meter and laser source

MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT
 Power meter and Laser source
MEASUREMENT OF THE LASER OUTPUT LEVEL

Laser source Power meter

Adapter

The output level is obtained by connecting the laser source and the power
meter with two patch-cords and one adapter as shown in figure.

The measured output power is Po (dBm)

MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT
 Power meter and Laser source
MEASUREMENT OF THE POWER RECEIVED
Laser source Power meter

We have connected the laser source to the lines terminal adapter with a
patch-cord. In the other extreme, we have got the power meter
connected in the same way to the line.
The measured received power is PR (dBm)

TOTAL LINK ATTENUATION (dB) = Po - PR

MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT