A device called an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) is used to measure and see a fiber optic cable path. OTDR testing is now a crucial component of fiber optic system design, certification, upkeep, and troubleshooting due to the quick development of fiber optic technology.
Alfa Chemistry offers comprehensive OTDR testing services to help customers obtain data and information on the condition and performance of optical fibers and any passive optical components in the cable path, such as connectors, splices, splitters, and multiplexers, to ensure accurate and efficient analysis of their fiber optic networks.
Our Services
- Fiber Troubleshooting Services
OTDRs use the effects of Rayleigh scattering and Fresnel reflections to measure the condition of fiber optic links.
Alfa Chemistry uses OTDR to troubleshoot fiber optic cables by locating the distance to the fault and identifying the type and cause of the fault, including breaks, bends, connector damage, and any excessive insertion loss "events". We perform bi-directional OTDR testing on both ends to improve the measurement accuracy of the inspection.
- Predictive OTDR Measurements
Alfa Chemistry can also use OTDR to predict breaks through Raman and Brillouin scattering effects, monitor fiber health, and prevent service interruptions through temperature and strain measurements.
How does OTDR work?
An optical fiber's one end is supplied with light energy pulses produced by a laser diode via an OTDR. The returned light energy or optical power that has been reflected and scattered over time is measured by the photodiode, which then transforms it into a measurement that is shown on the screen as a graph, or trace.
Based on the round trip time of the optical pulse through the core and the reflected/backscattered light returned to the OTDR detector, the position of each event and the total cable length are computed. The proportionate amplitude change of the reflected/backscattered light is used to compute insertion loss.
OTDR Test Parameters
Alfa Chemistry's OTDR testing follows some basic setup, programming, test execution, and reporting procedures. We utilize state-of-the-art OTDR equipment and test tools to ensure accurate measurements and detailed analysis of your fiber optic network.
Depending on the network type and test conditions, we will select pre-programmed test setups. Manual OTDR test parameter settings typically include the following.
- Pulse Width - Set the duration of each laser pulse emitted.
- Range - Set the appropriate distance based on the total fiber length.
- Acquisition Time - Sets the duration of the average reflected light measurement.
- Refractive Index - Adjusts to the refractive index of the cable material being measured.
- Loss threshold settings for the system and individual elements.
Contact us today to discuss your OTDR testing needs. Our experienced technicians utilize state-of-the-art equipment and industry best practices to deliver reliable results.
