FOA Logo

  The Fiber Optic Association, Inc.
the non-profit professional society of fiber optics

Lesson Plan: OSP Fiber Optics


Lesson #7, Splices and TerminationsLevel: Technician

FOA Reference Guide To Outside Plant Fiber Optics
And Study Guide To FOA Certification

FOA Reference Guide to Fiber Optics

Answers To Chapter Questions


Chapter 7 Quiz - OSP Splicing and Termination

True/False
Indicate whether the statement is true or false.  

 1. Most singlemode field  terminations are made by fusion splicing a factory-made pigtail onto the cable.

ANSWER: T
Terminating SM fiber directly is a difficult process best done in factories.

 2. The SC and LC connectors have different size ferrules and cannot me mated.

ANSWER: T
SCs have 2.5 mm ferrules, LCs 1.25 mm ferrules.

Multiple Choice
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
 
 3. The loss of a fiber optic connector is defined as _____?
A. The calculated loss due to geometric misalignment
B. The loss of the connector mated to another connector
C. One-half the loss of a mated pair of connectors
D. The loss of a statistical sample of connectors

ANSWER: B
It really should be called "connection loss" as the loss of a connector always refers to the loss of a mated pair, e.g. the loss of the connector mated to a reference connector.

 4. Field terminations of singlemode fibers are generally done by _______ ?
A. Adhesive/polish method
B. Heat-cured anaerobic adhesive
C. Prepolished/splice connectors with mechanical splices
D. Fusion splicing a factory terminated pigtail onto the fiber

ANSWER: D
Since SM terminations are difficult in the field, fusion splicing a pigtail onto a fiber is the preferred method of termination.

 5. Factory terminations, such as used for making patchcords, generally use what method of attaching the connector to the cable?
A. Epoxy/polish
B. Anaerobic adhesive
C. Prepolished/splice
D. Any of the above

ANSWER: A
Factory terminations generally use the epoxy/polish method since it provides the lowest loss, most reliable termination.

 6. From a reliability standpoint, ____________ is the best method to join two fibers.
A. Mechanical splicing
B. Fusion splicing
C. Adhesive/polish connectors
D. Factory terminations

ANSWER: B
Fusion splicing welds two fibers, producing the best optical connection and the highest reliability joint.

 7. The difference between a fiber optic connector and a splice is __________.
A. Connectors are smaller than splices
B. Connectors are demountable, while splices are permanent
C. Connectors require adhesives
D. Splices need expensive tools

ANSWER: B
Splices are permanent, connections can be disconnected for testing or reconfiguration.

 8. Which one of the following performance requirements are not shared by connectors and splices?
A. Low loss
B. Low back reflection
C. Repeatability
D. Durability under repeated matings

ANSWER: D
Splices are permanent joints so durability under repeated matings is not an issue.

 9. In singlemode connectors, __________ is as important as low loss.
A. Ease of field termination
B. Low reflectance
C. Low cost
D. Compatibility with many cable types

ANSWER: B
Laser-based systems on SM fiber can be very sensitive to reflectance and it can produce multipath interference.

 10.  Both mechanical splices and prepolished/splice connectors require a good __________ to have low loss.
A. Field polishing technique
B. Cleave on the fiber being terminated
C. Fiber loss
D. Cable design

ANSWER: B
Good cleaves are mandatory for good splices.

 11. Physical contact (PC) polish on connectors is designed to reduce __________.
A. Loss
B. Reflectance
C. Loss and reflectance
D. Polishing time

ANSWER: C
The PC finish makes for a firm connection between the fiber cores reducing both loss and reflectance.

 12. Individual splice loss on concatenated cables can be verified by __________ .
A. OTDR testing
B. Insertion loss testing
C. Visual fault location
D. Visual inspection

ANSWER: A
Only the OTDR can see the loss of an individual splice, but bidirectional testing may be needed to get accurate loss readings.

Multiple Response
Identify one or more choices that best complete the statement or answer the question.
 
 13. Preparing cables for splicing in splice closures requires __________.
A. Leaving the proper length of buffer tubes from the cable entrance in the closure to the splice tray
B. Leaving the proper length of fiber to splice and fit the splice in the splice tray
C. Securing the cable properly at the closure entrance
D. Careful cleaning of all fibers

ANSWER: A,B,C,D
All these are important.

Matching
 
Identify the following connectors:

 14. LX-5

ANSWER: H

 15. SMA

ANSWER:  B

 16. D4

ANSWER:  C

 17. MU

ANSWER: G

 18. LC

ANSWER: J

 19. ST

ANSWER: E

 20. BICONIC

ANSWER: A

 21. SC

ANSWER: F

 22. FC

ANSWER: D
 


Next: Lesson 8: Fiber Optic Testing 


Return to Lesson Plan

 

Table of Contents: The FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics

(C)1999-2010, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc.