Viavi Solutions introduces the most compact OTDR module, which is available for very short multi-mode fiber optic paths: the 8123AV for the MTS-6000A platform.
The inspection of optical fibers in submarines and aerospace is extremely challenging. Fiber optic cables are installed in tight spaces that are not easily accessible and are subject to harsh environmental conditions, such as large temperature fluctuations and vibrations. Yet regular inspection is still necessary.
The optical fibers in these applications are between 10 cm and 100 m long. The distance between the splices and the connectors are very narrow and the connectors used exhibit back reflections of ≤ 20 dB.
To date, it has only been possible to carry out measurements using large, highly-specialized, and expensive measurement equipment, the operation of which is very complex. They are perfectly well suited for the laboratory or production but fail during on-site installation or maintenance at the latest.
Viavi has developed a high-resolution OTDR module for the MTS-6000A platform; it is designed for precisely this market. The 8123AV has extremely short dead zones (20 cm or 40 cm) and a dynamic range of 16 dB at a pulse width of only 1 ns. This combination makes the OTDR immune to high reflections in the system. This allows even short lengths and intervals between events to be determined precisely.
Measurement is carried out in AUTO mode. To simplify operation, the measurement result can either be shown in a graphic representation or in symbols. This also makes it easier for non-specialists to analyze the measurement results.
Predefined measurement configurations can be stored in the device and are available for special measurement requirements at any time.
