ACES Int'l
Secrets & Tips
for Fiber Optics (Page 3)
by Sam Starklauf
Click on the images to enlarge
Other key components will be the basic computer system is as follows:
- Pentium processor, 128 MB of RAM (as a minimum), a 2-40 GB hard drive with approximately 500 MB of disk space available for LabVIEW installation and application module development
- 6502E DAQ board and PCI-1409 board, both from NI
- WAT-202B camera
- 2.5X to 10X Zoom Trinocular VZM Inspection Microscope from Edmund Industrial Optics
- Optical detector, 1310-1630 nm wavelength
- Tunable laser source
- Data cables, SM FO Test Jumper cables
- BNC 2120 Terminal Block
The only other component that needs to be developed would be the cables and connector to be tested (unit under test) and a basic test fixture of passive optical components, including cables, filters, couplers/splitters for use as add/drop devices, multiplexers, or phased arrays. This test fixture could be used not only for meeting test techniques based on TIA/EIA 568B.3, FOTP 171/OFSTP-14, and FOTP-107 but could also be used as a training aid for any qualified fiber optics training facility.
The
block diagram on the left illustrates the SM Test Fixture I developed for use
in this series of applications. The only unique feature I wish to point out
about this test fixture is the use of APC/SC connectors and pigtails to obtain
the most accurate and consistent results possible during testing. Other
connectors and pigtails can be substituted but the test results vary with
connector type and endface polish. In fact I have added several SC/PC components
to enable me to show and test for the differences.
With these basic components assembled and tested we can move on to the next article in the series. In this article I will describe the computer-based system, its development and construction and the techniques developed for the testing of passive components in a DWDM fiber optics network. Until then I hope that this basic introductory article will provide some ideas or initiate some thought into how computer based test equipment can be used in your organizations production and installation processes.
ACES Int'l hopes you have enjoyed our Secrets and Tips for Fiber Optics and that you will visit our site often.
Sam Starklauf is a former Process Analyst/Auditor and Fiber Optics Instructor at Honeywell Technology Solutions Inc. (HTSI).