Solution To OTDR Limitations For Automated Measurement

Eugene Edwards; Jack Horton; Paul B. Ruffin

doi:10.1117/12.963453

23 January 1990 Solution To OTDR Limitations For Automated Measurement

Eugene Edwards, Jack Horton, Paul B. Ruffin

Proceedings Volume 1180, Tests, Measurements, and Characterization of Electro-Optic Devices and Systems; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.963453
Event: OE/FIBERS '89, 1989, Boston, United States

Abstract

An effective measurement method for investigating the transmission characteristics of an optical fiber segment using automated backscattering techniques is described in this paper. Three different Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDRs) are employed in the manual and automated modes of operation to characterize several single mode fibers. Length dependent optical loss measurements are made on several precision-wound fiber optic bobbins (containing many layers) by setting the distance markers at the start and end locations which bound the desired fiber segment. Discrepancies are observed in the data acquired using the manual vs the automated procedure. Apparent round-off errors and inaccurate measurements are observed when operating the OTDR in the automated mode due to the elimination of the operator's observations and adjustments. Algorithms are written to automatically frame the fiber segment of interest by monitoring the actual OTDR marker settings and adjusting the marker setting request(s) when the fiber segment boundaries are violated by the OTDR. This novel framing technique ensures consistent and precise measurements. The technique can provide assistance in using OTDRs in the automated mode of operation.

Citation Download Citation

Eugene Edwards, Jack Horton, and Paul B. Ruffin "Solution To OTDR Limitations For Automated Measurement", Proc. SPIE 1180, Tests, Measurements, and Characterization of Electro-Optic Devices and Systems, (23 January 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.963453

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