Fiber Optic Testing, Lesson 2: Fiber Optic Test Parameters And Instruments
Objectives: From this self-study lesson you should learn:
- What instruments are used to perform various fiber optic tests?
- How do these instruments work and what are their relevant specifications?
- Why is optical power the most fundamental fiber optic measurement?
- What are some of the less common fiber optic tests and instruments?
The
first lesson introduced you to the basics of fiber optic testing. This
lesson introduces the instruments used to make those tests and discusses
their functions and specifications. Except for visual testing, optical
power is the basis of most measurements. Thus we want to ensure you know
how optical power is defined and measured. We'll add more links on
optical power including how it is calibrated to primary standards at
national organizations like NIST in the USA. Once you understand optical
power, learning other tests will be easier.
The course leads you to read online or printed
materials (with an emphasis on the online using the FOA Guide), watch
FOA YouTube Videos, complete some activities and take the quizzes. Each
lesson plan will be self-contained. Lesson plans open in new pages so
the course overview page stays open to lead you to the next lesson or
you may use the link at the bottom of the page.
Student Assignment
Read the references, watch the videos and take the quizzes (Test Your Knowledge)
Videos
FOA YouTube Videos:
Lecture 14: Testing Optical Power (Optical power is the basis of all fiber optic measurements.)
Lecture 55: The Mysterious dB of Fiber Optics.
Online FOA Guide
FOA Reference Guide to Fiber Optics:
Fiber Optic Test Instruments (Start with this explanation of the types of instruments used for fiber optic testing and their application.)
Measuring Optical Power, Units of Measure (dB, dBm)
(This article covers measuring optical power and the units of measure
used in fiber optics. You may watch the video above which covers a
similar topic first if preferred.)
dB and dBm: Units of Measurement
Is dB Loss Positive or Negative?
Calibration and Uncertainty in Fiber Optic Power Measurements
Reference Textbook
FOA Reference Guide to Fiber Optic Testing, Chapters 4, 7,
Testing is also covered in these FOA textbooks in a more abbreviated form:
FOA
Reference Guide to Fiber Optics, Chapter 8
FOA
Reference Guide to Outside Plant Fiber Optics, Chapter 8
Extra Credit Reading
Assignments beyond the basics required for the course will be listed as extra credit:
Calibration of Fiber Optic Power
(Optical power is the basis of most measurements. National standards
labs provide the means to calibrate optical power to allow various users
with different instruments to compare measurements accurately.)
Test Your Knowledge
Online Quiz
Next Lesson: #3, Visual inspection, tracing and fault location
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