Read Optical Power Loss (Attenuation) - Part 1/5 HERE Read Optical Power Loss (Attenuation) - Part 2/5 HERE Read Optical Power Loss (Attenuation) - Part 3/5 HERE Read Optical Power Loss (Attenuation) - Part 4/5 HERE Material Losses due to manufacturing Rayleigh Scattering Fresnel Reflection
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Read Optical Power Loss (Attenuation) - Part 1 HERE Read Optical Power Loss (Attenuation) - Part 2 HERE Read Optical Power Loss (Attenuation) - Part 3 HERE What is Connectors Loss? Connector loss in power budget calculation is considered as a pair of connectors being connected into an adapters as shown above diagram. As per TIA/EIA specification, the maximum loss of paired connector is 0.75dB. However, during power budget loss calculation we take maximum connector loss as 0.5dB so as to introduce loss buffer. Main factors that contribute to the fiber optics connector loss are :
Other factors that may contribute to the higher losses are :
Read Optical Power Loss (Attenuation) - Part 1 HERE Read Optical Power Loss (Attenuation) - Part 2 HERE What is Splice Loss?
High splicing loss caused by few number factors. However, most high splicing loss are due to workmanship for example
There are high splice loss due to manufacturing defects as shown below : End result of splicing due to fiber misalingment or lateral offset and cladding diameter mismatched - osa.orgSplicing lossSplicing loss as indicated on the fusion splicing machine is based upon estimation only. In order to get accurate splicing loss you need to check with OTDR as shown below. You need to obtain splicing loss by shooting OTDR from A to B and from B to A Assuming the obtained both splice losses are as below : a. From A to B is -0.04dB b. From B to A is -0.02dB Using averaging formula below the final splice loss is -0.03dB Read Optical Power Loss (Attenuation) - Part 1 HERE What is Bend Loss ?Bend loss occurs when fiber optics cable bends smaller than recommended fiber cable minimum bending radius or simply stated it is a loss induced by physical stress on fiber optics. Effects of fiber optics bend on fiber optics performance ? When a fiber cable is bent smaller than minimum bending radius, the optical signal within the cable may refract and escape through the fiber cladding. Bending can also permanentlsy damage the fiber by causing micro cracks, especially during cable installation when pulling forces are to be expected. The result is known as bend loss: a loss of signal strength that may compromise the integrity of the data transmission.; This type of fiber optics bend loss is called macrobending which can add up to to a significant to fiber optics performance. Types of Bend LossThere are two type of fiber optics bending losses. a. Macrobending loss Macrobending loss is referred to loss induced by physical stress inserted into the fiber optics itself. b. Microbending loss Microbending loss is caused by imperfection in the fiber optics internal structure might be due to manufacturing process or due to pulling method.
It is has become a norm in telecommunication industry whereby we will see groups of electrical engineers, copper & wireless installers are closely becoming involved with fiber optic installation, termination and testing & commissionning. Once we fully understand the simple fiber optics guidelines then the process of installation, termination & testing would be easier to handle. Please use following guideliines in order to secure maximum fiber optics cable performance, a. Never kink the cable. b. Never exceed recommended bend radius during or after installation. If during cable pulling the minimum radius is 20 x than the cable outer diameter and 10 x when cable at rest. c. Do not exceed recommended tensile loads. Use external pulling grips so as the load is applied to the cable strength member and not unto the fiber itself. e. Monitor tensile loading or pulling force. f Avoid pulling long lengths in one direction. f. Do not crush put pressure on the cable. g. Plan to install extra cable protection in high-risk areas such as HDPE conduit. h. Always secure cables in all installations over ceilings or under floors. i. Survey and plan all cable routes in order to protect cable against rodents or external stress or pressure. j. Comply with all regulatory requirements and fire codes. Both Light Source and Power Meter are being used to measure the actual fiber optics losses from point A to point B.
The total measuread fiber optics signal lossess included following losses :- a. Fiber optics loss b. Splicing loss c. Connector loss The measured readings shall be compared with calculated maximum allowable fiber optics loss from point A to point B or link loss budget as per TIA-568 specification. Should the measured readings is above the calculated maximum loss then troubleshooting steps need to established in order to pinpoint the actual fiber optics components that are giving high losses. Generally the high losses could be attributed to one or more of the followings problems :- a. excessive fiber optics bending b. high loss splicing workmanship c. dirty connector d. dirty adapter e. improper pulling of fiber optics cable Fiber Optics Connector Cleaner is to clean end surface of connector ferrule from dirt so as to enable smooth light transmission from one connector to the other with lowest possible losses. Alternatively you can use isoprophyl alcohol and normal cotton facial tissue that is available in any pharmacy stores to clean the end surface of fiber optics connector ferrule. Always check end ferrule surface after cleaning either by using 100x or 400x microscope. A good end ferrule surface (the most left photo) will provide a smooth laser transmitted from one connector to the other connector.
Otherwise you may need to repeat the cleaning process or perhaps you need to re-splice or re-terminate with new connector. IP stands for International Protection or Ingress Protection marking as defined by International Standard IEC 60529 classifies and rates the degree of protection provided against intrusion (body parts such as hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and water by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures. It is published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The equivalent European standard is EN 60529. for example IP67 signifies the enclosure is protected against dust and water as per IP rating code indicated below. The fiber optics connectors or adapters has been identified one of the major causes of fiber optics system failure or error. This is due to dust blocking the laser light or dust accumulated in the adapters.
The fiber optics connectors need to be thoroughly cleaned using alcohol isoprophyl before being connected into the system or using any other proper cleaning tool and fiber optics adapters are also occassionally need to be thoroughly cleaned using adapter cleaner sticks. |
AuthorI have been in the field of fiber optics since early 1990s. I gained fiber optics skills and knowledge via my working experience as end-user, main contractor and sub-contractor and finally as an optical fiber enterpreneur. Archives
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