SML-OPS6 Optical Power Meter and Fiber Scanner

SML-OPS6 Optical Power Meter and Fiber Scanner

Description

SML-OPS6 Optical Power Meter and Fiber Scanner can provide a fire-new calibration function for user. It has many features that other common this kinds of products do not own, you can find its characteristic in the below. It plays an important role in the fiber troubleshoot area.

Functions and Features

1). This meter provide a fire-new calibration function for user.
2).designed with a precision measurement of multi-wave brand and a fast seed.
3).With a function of logarithm power measurement (dBm) and linear power measurement (nw).
4).With a function of relative power measurement.
5).Can store 255 sets of test data.
6).With an indication function of low level voltage.
7).With an adjustable feature for the time of automatic shutdown, system gives a default time of 3 minutes for automatic shutdown.
8).With an adjustable feature for the time of light of LCD, system gives a default time of 3 minutes for lighting.
9).With a design of ergonomic handhold and liquid crystal display ( LCD) of graphic dot-matrix.
10).Clock function, displays the current time and provide a time record for the stored data. The clock time can by adjusted by both clicking the keys and the software itself to carry on “ time synchronism”.
11).The unique design of all-purpose port provide the FC/SC/ST port and so on to run with a universal function, and need no a complex transform.
12).Designed with two type of built in laser sources which are 1310nm and 1550nm.

Fiber-Mart is specializing in supplying fiber optic components and network equipment, and we are trying to complete this system. For this Optical Power Meter and Fiber Scanner, it plays an important role in fiber testing. And we will give you a special discount if you need this SML-OPS6 Optical Power Meter and Fiber Scanner at a large quantity.

Specifications

LCD	LCD 128x64mm (valid scope 48x32mm)
Working environment temperature	-10°C— +60°C
Working environment humidity	<75%
Measurable wave length scope	800nm—1600nm
Probe type	InGaAs
Error range	±5%
standard wave length(nm)	850,980,1300,1310,1490,1550
Display resolution	Linear display 0.1%,logarithm display 0.01dBm
default power off time	3 minutes, the meter will shut off automatically to save power if not work for 3 minutes
Default light time	10 second, the meter will shut off light automatically to save power if not work for 10 second
Battery type	3 piece of 1.5V AA battery
Under voltage instruction
Measure range	-50 — +26dBm
Measure Sensitivity	0.01nw

How to Use Optical Power Meter

by www.fiber-mart.com

To ensure the signal transmission quality in fiber optic network, optical power should be well controlled. Optical power should not be too high or too low. And it should be within the scope of the device’s requirement. To achieve accurate measurement, optical power meter is usually used to test the optical power. It is easy to use and can be really helpful during fiber optic network installation and maintenance.

 

Buttons on Optical Power Meter

The functions and operation of optical power meters provided by the market are similar. Generally there are four buttons on the optical power meter: power button, dBm/w button, REF button and λ button. The functions of these buttons are listed in the following:

 

Power button: turn the power meter on or off;

dBm/w button: shift between linear (mW) mode and logarithmic (dBm) mode;

REF button: press this button to set the current measured power as the referent point;

λ button: select the calibrated wavelength. The most commonly used wavelengths are 850nm, 980nm, 1310nm, and 1550nm.

 

Adapter Type of Optical Power Meter

To use the optical power meter, a length of fiber optic patch cable is usually required to connect the optical power meter interface and the interface of devices requiring test. For instance, if the interface on the optical power meter is FC, the device for testing has a LC interface. Then a length of FC-LC fiber patch cable is needed. Some of the optical power meters have only one fixed optical interface. Some can provide replaceable optical adapter to fit different patch cables. The above mentioned FOPM-104 handheld optical power meter provides three type adapters: SC, FC and ST.

 

For testing of fiber optic interface like LC, SC, ST and FC, this above power meter is enough. Some optical power meter might have two optical interfaces for common connectors. However, interface like MTP/MPO, optical power meter with special interface should be used. The following picture shows a MTP optical power meter provided by fiber-mart.com.COM, which can be used to test devices or components with MTP interfaces like 40G SR4 QSFP+ transceiver.

 

Optical Power Measurement Using Optical Power Meter

The using the optical power meter is simple. The following video will take the example of 10G-LR SFP+ Cisco compatible module to illustrate how to use an optical power meter for testing. This cisco compatible transceiver will be inserted in Cisco Nexus 9396PX switch. A length of single-mode LC-FC fiber patch cable is required. This is because 10G-LR SFP+ transceiver is a single-mode transceiver working on wavelength of 1310nm. After the optical power meter is connected to the module. Turn on the power button and press λ button to select 1310nm wavelength. At first the power value will change rapidly, then it slows down until still. The final power value will be shown on the screen.

Optical Power Meter (OPM): A Must for Fiber Cable Testing

by www.fiber-mart.com

Fiber optic cable is seeing broad adoption in telecom industry to feed insatiable demand for bandwidth. Test these massive fiber cables thus becomes the most frequent yet laborious task. However, some test-and-tried tools will help to make your testing work much easier. Optical power meter (OPM) is such a powerful tool made purposely for fiber cable testing, installation and maintenance, making it the perfect choice for a wide range of field applications. What is optical power meter and how does it facilitate fiber testing? All of your confusions will be clarified right here.

 

What Is an Optical Power Meter?

An optical power meter (OPM) is a testing instrument working to accurately measure the power of fiber optic equipment, or the power of an optical signal passed through the fiber cable. An optical power meter is made up of a calibrated sensor that measures amplifier circuit and a display. Optical power meter is newly developed portable to fit the hand, while with enhanced stability and reliability. It can be used for installation, debugging, and maintenance of any fiber network. An optical power meter can be widely used in a variety of fields such as cable construction and maintenance, optical fiber transmission/communication, and CATV.

 

Applications of Optical Power Meter

Optical power meter has changed much and is made easier to operate and more efficient through the addition of new features. It is widely used in LAN, WAN, metropolitan network, CATV or long-distance optical network for the following purposes:

 

Attenuation Measurements. Optical attenuation should be measured to determine the quality of the fiber installation. Compared to a pre-calculated link budget, a simple calculation of link attenuation indicates if the link will perform as installed.

 

Fiber Continuity Testing. Continuity can be measured by placing a calibrated light source on one end of the fiber and the optical power meter on the other end. A power reading on the display of OPM shows the presence of optical power.

 

Active Equipment Power Measurements. Active equipment should be monitored on a regularly basis to test its power levels and stability. Optical power meter can be directly attached to this equipment via a patch cord to check whether the transmitter is stable and within the manufacturer’s specified power range.

 

Length Measurement. Generic cabling standards such as the TIA-568 use the actual length of the cable under test to calculate loss budgets. Spool testing can verify that the amount of fiber delivered on the spool is accurate.

 

Patch Cord Testing. An invalid fiber link may result from bad fiber patch cables. Optical power meter can be used to test the attenuation of a patch cable to see how it performs.

 

How to Test Fiber With an Optical Power Meter?

To test the end-to-end performance of a fiber optic system, two pieces of handheld equipment are needed – an optical power meter and a light source. The light source sends a wavelength of light down the fiber. At the other end of the cable, the power meter reads that light, or optical power level, and determines the amount of signal loss. Since optical fiber loss varies with wavelength, optical power meter should use the same wavelength as the one used by the light source. For example, if the light source operates at the 1310nm wavelength, the optical power meter should also be set to 1310nm testing.

 

Power meter and light source testing, also known as the one jumper method, is the most accurate way to measure end-to-end signal loss of the fiber, referred to as attenuation. Listed below are TIA/EIA- 568 insertion loss limits for the various components. Specific installations or protocols may impose stricter limits.

 

Conclusion

Compact in size while easy to use in often confined working environments, optical power meter is widely use to efficiently conduct an end-to-end performance. Fully understand the value of qualified fibers and standards-compliant test equipment to a sound optical network. FS.COM’s optical power meters are designed with cabling standards, and are available with various connector type and wavelength options. For more details, please contact us via sales@fiber-mart.com.

How to choose the right optical power meter for 850 nm signals

by Fiber-MART.COM

Key considerations in choosing an optical power meter

 

Optical power meters for testing fiber optic components use semiconductor photodiodes as detectors to generate electrical current proportional to the incident optical power. This photocurrent is then measured, typically with a transimpedance amplifier and analog-to-digital converter, to determine that power. That requires the conversion factor from mA current to mW power, which depends on the wavelength of the light and combines contributions from the properties of the detector as well as any optics used to collect the light. Calibration of the power meter thus involves tracably measuring and recording the wavelength dependent responsivity and including this data with the instrument.

 

 

This responsivity is one of the key considerations in choosing an optical power meter for a particular application. First, the instrument must be calibrated at the wavelength of the light to accurately determine the absolute power level. If only relative power change will be measured, as for determining the attenuation of a passive optical component, this calibration factor is not actually needed. However it is still necessary that the detector has sufficient responsivity for this wavelength. For measuring light that is distributed over a range of wavelength or for which the wavelength is not accurately known, it is

 

also important that the variation of responsivity over wavelength is not too large.

 

Example responsivity spectra for optical power meters based on three commonly used semiconductor materials are shown in Fig. 1. These are actual calibration data for individual instruments and the curves can vary somewhat from unit to unit, but the spectral shapes are primarily determined by the detector material. The values displayed on the y-axis correspond approximately to conversion efficiency in mA/mW. For wavelengths supported by standard single-mode fiber from about 1250 nm to 1650 nm, the InGaAs detector (like used here in the Keysight 81624B optical head) provides the highest performance with high responsivity and relatively low wavelength dependence. InGaAs (atually a shorthand label for the alloy chemical formula InxGa1-xAs) as a direct-gap semiconductor also typically provides the lowest noise level which permits power measurements over the widest dynamic range.

 

 

The germanium detector (81623B Figure 2) is useful over an even wider wavelength range and is less expensive, so these make good general purpose power meters. However the steep wavelength dependence above about 1545 nm makes the measurements more sensitivity to wavelength uncertainty or instability.

 

optical power meter, responsivity of sensivity to wavelength

 

For shorter wavelengths, including visible light, the silicon detector (81620B) provides good responsivity. This can be used for the 650 nm red light used with POF (plastic optical fiber), but as discussed in the following is also an attractive alternative to germanium for the widely used 850 nm wavelength range.

 

850 nm optical power measurement

Fiber links for transmission over short distances, like within buildings and data centers, predominantly use multimode fiber and signals at 850 nm. Another less common wavelength used with this fiber is 1300 nm. The wavelength here is a nominal value and the actual wavelength can be offset substantially. For example the IEEE 802.3 standard requires center wavelength to be between 840 nm and 860 nm. Other applications may tolerate wider wavelength variation. If the actual wavelength of such sources is not used to make the optical power measurement, this variation contributes to the measurement uncertainty. With this in consideration, the silicon detector has clear advantages. The responsivity is about five times stronger than for germanium, which itself is stronger than for the InGaAs detector. But more important for measuring moderate signal levels like 1 mW is the dependence on wavelength, as shown expanded for this wavelength range in Fig. 4.

 

The germanium has moderate dependence, but a 10 nm wavelength offset will still cause about 0.2 dB measurement error (4.7%), which is large compared to the ±4.0% uncertainty specification or the 81623B when the correct wavelength setting is used. The comparable error for the 81620B with the silicon detector is only 0.05 dB.

 

This low wavelength dependence can also be convenient if additional wavelengths are used in this region, such as the 4 wavelength channels between 850 nm and 940 nm defined for the SWDM grid.

 

On the other hand, if a multimode fiber test setup will be used for both 850 nm and 1300 nm wavelengths, then the germanium detector is the best choice since silicon is not useful at the longer wavelengths, where the photon energy is smaller than the semiconductor bandgap.

 

Finally when considering the requirements for accuracy specifications, the impact of other dependency besides wavelength should be considered. For measuring polarized light, like most laser signals, the polarization dependence can be a significant source of uncertainty because the polarization at the output of most optical fibers is not stable and changes with temperature and movement of the fiber. For measuring coherent light, again like laser signals, the impact of possible multiple reflections between the power meter optics and the fiber connector output leads to measurement instability, so such reflections should be minimized. This is characterized in the Keysight specifications as “spectral ripple” because the coherent interference will vary periodically with wavelength.

 

Additional functionality of the optical power meters

Keysight optical power meters do support a programming command to read out the wavelength responsivity calibration data (like used for the graphs in this document). This can be used for example in post-processing to get calibrated absolute power values without needing to change the wavelength setting of the power meter each time that the wavelength of the signal is changed. That can be especially helpful when the optical power meter logging function is used to record a series of samples, during which the wavelength setting cannot be changed. When used together with a tunable laser, this can provide the input power to a device under test, while the wavelength is swept. That is important for example to measure O/E conversion devices. It can also be used to normalize a reference measurement made on one optical power meter port for use as reference on other power meter ports connected to the device.

 

Besides simple optical power measurements, Keysight optical power meters provide higher functionality, especially including the logging function just mentioned and flexible internal and external triggering functions for synchronization with other instruments or the DUT itself. The optical head models mentioned above have memory for up to 20k samples with individual averaging times selectable between 100 µs and 10 s duration. Other models support logging of up to 1M samples and averaging times down to 1 µs. The optical heads also provide an analog output signal with a voltage proportional to the input optical power. Especially combined with the large 5 mm diameter detector area, this supports various automated alignment procedures. The heads can be used to measure open beams and have a selection of fiber connector adapters. As external heads connected to the mainframe with a cable, these can be located conveniently on optical tables or workbenches.

SFP+ compatibility issues? Here are 5 troubleshooting tips!

by Fiber-MART.COM

Have you ever tried to plug an optic SFP+ transceiver into an SFP+ port to discover that the connection didn’t work, i.e. traffic was very slow or there was no data transmission at all? Did you manage to diagnose the problem and find a resolution? There are several possible reasons for failure. We’ve listed the five most common ones.

 

sfp_plus

First of all, let’s briefly recap what SFP and SFP+ stand for. SFPs – short for ‘small form-factor pluggable’ – are compact, hot-pluggable devices that link networking devices, like switches, routers and servers. In this article, we focus on optic transceivers, as they’re called, which deliver 1Gbps of data across single-mode or multi-mode fibers. The SFP+ is an enhanced version of the SFP that supports data rates up to 10 Gbps. Now, the difference between SFP and SFP+ is an important one when troubleshooting: the transceivers are not always interchangeable.

 

TIP 1: Check whether you’re using SFP or SFP+ transceivers and slots

SFP and SFP+ modules look exactly the same. And as they have the same size, your SFP transceiver will fit seamlessly into an SFP+ switch port and vice versa. However, the connection won’t work as you expect it to. Or, worse even, it won’t work at all. If you plug an SFP device into an SFP+ port, the speed will be locked at 1 Gbps. Plugging an SFP+ module into an SFP port delivers no results at all, as the 10G transceiver can never auto-negotiate to 1Gbps.

 

TIP 2: Ensure that the SFPs have identical wavelengths at both ends 

Data transmission implies that data is sent from one end to another. The SFP+ transceiver on one end converts electrical signals into optical signals . A built-in laser transmits light through the fiber to the other side. Here, an optical diode converts the light back into an electrical signal. To guarantee that the SFP+ at the other end is capable of doing this, the SFPs at both ends should support the same wavelength. An 1310nm transceiver, for example, will not talk to an 850 nm transceiver.

 

sfp_flat

→ Here, too, look at the specs on the sticker of the modules or check out the details on the manufacturer’s website. Don’t look into the laser light ! Use your smartphone camera if you want to verify that light is coming out of the cable.

 

TIP 3: Use the correct single or multi-mode fiber cable 

Still in trouble even though you are sure you did not mix up SFP and SFP+ and are supporting the same wavelengths at both sides? If so, then verify if the optical transceivers on each end use the same fiber type, i.e. for single-mode or multi-mode fiber. And use the corresponding fiber cable.

 

Single-Mode Fiber (SMF): featuring a narrow core (typically around 9μm), SMF allows only a single mode (or “ray”) of light to propagate. It is mostly used to transmit data over long distances (max 2km – 120km).

Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF): as MMF has a much wider core (typically 50μm or 62.5μm), it allows multiple modes of light to propagate. The common MMFs are used for short distance transmissions (max 100m – 500m)

The type of fiber can be identified by use of standardized colors on the outer jacket:

 

fiber_type

TIP 4: Are both ports compatible with your SFP+ modules?

Even when using compatible SFP+s at both ends of the right cable, it is key that both of your devices support SFP+. Make sure that the SFP+ ports on your devices are compatible with the SFP+ modules you want to use. Some brands allow you to use only their own modules.

 

TIP 5: Is your optic cable in good shape?

Fiber optic cables are exceptionally vulnerable. Dust, dirt or tampering might cause physical damage. So, if you’re experiencing problems when connecting devices, check the connector, the module, and the module slot to make sure they’re not damaged.

 

To avoid physical damage, avoid extreme bends in fiber optic cables when storing them and put dust-caps on your cable ends if you disconnect them.

 

In summary, make sure that you know what you are doing when plugging in SFP+ modules and fiber optic cables! It may look simple, but transceivers and slots are not always compatible. Always check the specs on the sticker of your transceiver/the slot, or verify the details on the manufacturer’s website. Only when done right, using fiber optic cables that are in good shape, will you be able to transmit data at the desired speed!

 

Android PDA ST307

Android PDA ST307

Introduction

ST307 = Smart Phone+ Laptop+ DSL Tester + Optical Power Meter + VFL +Cable Tracker+ Barcode Scanner.The PDA for industrial application is gradually becoming the mainstay for the development of the market.Aiming at the management and test need during the telecommunication operation and maintenance, ST307 a handheld intelligent PDA is especially designed for the telecommunication operation and maintenance domain. It adopts mainstream Android operating system, which combine industrial smart phone, telecom test functions like ADSL tester, optical power meter, VFL and Bar code scan, GPS location to one.

Features

• Fast Processor
CPU is MSM7627 AA and the system adopts Android 4.0 ICS Operating System.
• Strong protection for bad environment
It can apply to the bad environment, which can resist multiple dropping impact from 1.2m high; apply to IP65 protection grade with good water-proof and dust-proof effect; durable and long life span.
• Visible 3.5 inch LCD in the sunlight
It is 3.5 inch vertical screen LCD, 480*640 high resolutions; with pressure sensitive touch screen and semi permeable TFT LCD readable display. Its particular non glare and reflective technology make the work in the wild sunlight more easy and convenient.
• The storage capacity is big and extensible
TF card supports no less than 8G cards, which can basically satisfy regular information and data storage.
It adopts portable change design. There is no need to open the tester and you can remove the battery with the knob. The battery capacity is as high as 6000 mAh.
• Advanced battery installation design and Strong endurance
Due to the lithium battery capacity of 6000 mAh and low-power design, the duration will be more than 3 days under routine operation.
• Multi-functional module integration
The built-in fixed network test module can do ADSL test, LAN test and Modem emulation.
5 million pixels camera makes the image data collection convenient.
Support Bluetooth, which is convenient provide data transmission between any compatible electronic equipment.
Built-in GPS module can realize the position location.
Support 1D/2D red light/laser bar codes scan.

• Reliable process design
It adopts advanced manufacturing process which is reliable and convenient to assemble.

Applications

• System Platform: Mainstream Android operating system, Telecom operators can install any application program or software.
• Powerful functions: Smart phone for mobile Office + xDSL Test + Optical Power Meter + VFL + Bar Code Scan + GPS Location.
• Reliable and durable: Industrial grade design, strong endurance, economical and durable, IP65 for field environment.
• Outstanding Value: It can improve the installation and maintenance efficiency and control efforts; effectively integrate and explore the human resource value; improve the image of telecommunication installation and maintenance as well as the subscribers’ perception.
• Value added service: It can realize the assets management by bar code scanning and at the meantime realizes the dual management of people and goods.

Fiber Optic Tester - Optical Power Meter

Fiber Optic Tester - Optical Power Meter

In fiber optic network, whether installing new cable, or troubleshooting existing cable, cable testing always plays an important role in the process. Optical power meter which is widely used for power measurement and loss testing is well known to us. Today, we are going to talk about this familiar and essential fiber optic tester - optical power meter.

 

As its name suggests, optical power meter is a meter which is used for testing optical power. So, what is optical power? And how to measure power by using optical power meter?

Optical Power

 

In simple terms, optical power is the brightness or “intensity” of light. In optical networking, optical power is measured in “dBm” which refers to a decibel relative to 1 milliwatt (mW) of power. Thus a source with a power level of 0 dBm has a power of 1 mW. Likewise, 3 dBm is 2 mW and -3 dBm is 0.5 mW, etc. And one more thing should be known is that 0 mW is negative infinity dBm.

 

Using Optical Power Meter for Power Measurement

 

Measuring power at the transmitter or receiver requires only an optical power meter, an adapter for the fiber optic connector on the cables used, and the ability to turn on the network electronics.

 

The optical power meter must be set to the proper range (usually dBm, but sometimes mW) and the proper wavelength when measuring power. When all are ready, attach the optical power meter to the cable at the receiver to measure receiver power, or to a short test cable that is attached to the system source to measure transmitter power. Mark the value, and compare it to the specified power for the system and make sure it is in the acceptable range for the system.

In addition to measuring optical power, optical power meter can be used to test optical lost by using together with light source. What is optical loss and how does the optical power meter achieve loss testing?

 

Optical Loss

 

When light travels through fiber, some energy is lost, e.g., absorbed by the glass particles and converted to heat; or scattered by microscopic imperfections in the fiber. We call this loss of intensity “attenuation”. Attenuation is measured in dB loss per length of cable. dB is a ratio of two powers. Even the best connectors and splices aren’t perfect. Thus, every time we connect two fibers together, we get loss. We called this loss as insertion loss which is the attenuation caused by the insertion of the device such as a splice or connection point to a cable. Actual loss depends on your fiber connector and mating conditions. Additionally, insertion loss is also used to describe loss from Mux since it is the “penalty you pay just for inserting the fiber”.

 

Using Optical Power Meter and Light Source for Loss Testing

 

Loss of a cable is the difference between the power coupled into the cable at the transmitter end and what comes out at the receiver end. But Loss testing requires not only optical power meter, but also a light source. In general, multimode fiber is tested at 850 nm and optionally at 1300 nm with LED sources. Single-mode fiber is tested at 1310 nm and optionally at 1550 nm with laser sources. The measured loss is compared to the loss budget, namely estimated loss calculated for the link. In addition, in order to measure loss, it is necessary to create reproducible test conditions for testing fibers and connectors that simulate actual operating conditions. This simulation is created by choosing an appropriate source and mating a launch reference cable with a calibrated launch power that becomes the “0 dB” loss reference to the source.

 

There are two methods used to measure loss which are called “single-ended loss” and “double-ended loss”. Single-ended loss works by using only the launch cable while the double-ended loss works using a received cable attached to the meter also. The method “signle-ended loss” is described in FOTP-171. By using this method, you can test the loss of the connector mated to the launch cable and the loss of any fiber, splices or other connectors in the cable you are testing. Thus, it is the best possible method of testing patchcords, since it tests each connector individually. The method “double-ended loss” is specified in OFSTP-14. In this way, you can measure loss of two connectors and the loss of all the cable or cables, including connectors and splices in between. The following picture shows these two methods to us. From left to right: Single-ended loss testing (Patch Cord), Double-ended loss testing (installed cable plants).

 

Optical Power Meter Selection Guide

 

As described above, optical power meter is very useful and necessary for fiber optic testing such as optical power measurement and loss testing. Thus, to select a suitable optical power meter is very important. According to the user’s specific application, several points should be considered when choosing an optical power meter:

 

Choosing optical power meter with the best type of detector and interface 

 

Evaluation of calibration and precision as well as the manufacturing calibration procedures should match your fiber and connector requirement 

 

Make sure that the model of the meter is consistent with your measurement range and the display resolution 

 

Whether have a direct insertion loss (dB) measurement function

 

In addition to optical power meter and light source, other tools such as launch cable, mating adapters, visual fault locator or fiber tracer, cleaning and inspection kits as well as other testers are also required for fiber optic testing. fiber-mart.com offers a comprehensive solution of fiber optic testers and tools which help you achieve a reliable and valuable fiber optic system. Contact us via sales@fiber-mart.com for more information.