Search
Menu
Lumencor Inc. - ZIVA Light Engine 3-24 LB

OTDRs: Finding the Weak Spots in Fiber Links

Facebook X LinkedIn Email
The optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) is used to characterize a fiber optic span. It performs single-ended tests and can calculate fiber attenuation and uniformity and splice and connector losses. It can also locate breaks and determine fiber length. Its ability to locate and measure reflectance and loss makes it the troubleshooting and fault locating equipment of choice. New generation OTDRs include advanced functions such as macrobend location, active-fiber testing and automatic trace acquisition.

Michel Leclerc and Vincent Racine, EXFO

An optical time-domain reflectometer sends short pulses of light into a fiber and measures its reflections as a function of time. The delay of these reflections to the detector as well as their intensity tells the story of the fiber link itself. This time lapse between pulse launch and detection, in relation to the speed of light in the glass material, allows distances to be calculated and events to be characterized. An OTDR calculates distance as: d = (c × t)/2(IOR) where c is the speed of light, t the round-trip travel time and IOR the index of refraction of the fiber under...Read full article

Related content from Photonics Media



    Articles


    Products


    Photonics Handbook Articles


    White Papers


    Webinars


    Photonics Dictionary Terms


    Media


    Photonics Buyers' Guide Categories


    Companies
    CommunicationsFeaturesConsumerdiode lasersenergyfiber optic testingfiber opticsindustrialOTDRsFiber Optics & Communicationsoptical time domain reflectometeroptical fiber testing

    We use cookies to improve user experience and analyze our website traffic as stated in our Privacy Policy. By using this website, you agree to the use of cookies unless you have disabled them.