PERFORMANCE TESTING OF OPTICAL FIBRE LINKS FOR COMPLIANCE TO ISO/IEC 11801 Using the test methods set out in ISO/IEC 14763-3 - Testing of optical fibre cabling Main changes from previous Version 6; Item 3-Test Cord Method for Reference Setting is default method Item 10 Field Calibration Cord, Launch & Tail Cords shall all have Reference Connectors Item 11 Method of Removal of Field Calibration Cord Adaptors for Link Testing Item 14 Insertion Loss for Reference and Non-Reference Connectors Item 15 Example of Loss Budget Calculation Updated for Reference Connectors Item 16 Links of 1/10GBE or any Channel to be Tested in x Dir at x Wavelengths Item 16 Links of Known Connectors for non-1/10GBE runs can be Tested in x Dir Item 17 Qualification of Launch Cords Item 17 Use adaptors at power meter to suit the Launch Cord & Tail Cord as necessary Item 18 Qualification of Tail & Field Calibration Cords Item 19 The 3-Test Cord Reference Setting Method Item 21 Reference Setting on LSPM Using the 1-Test Cord Method Item 22 Qualification of Tail Cord for 1-Test Cord Method Item 23 The 1-Test Cord Reference Setting Method for Non-1/10GBE Installations Item 24 Effects of Different Zeroing Methods on Loss Budget Appendix A Set Up for Fluke DSP Series with Fibre Test Head as an LSPM Tester Appendix B TIA 568-C.3 draft requirements added for American projects 3-Test Cord Method Reference Setting Is Default Method The 3-Test Cord Method produces more accurate test results with better consistency Version 7_1&3T Draft ADC KRONE (Asia Pacific) OF Testing ADC KRONE Requirements V7_1&3T Dr2Page of 12 OPTICAL FIBRE TESTING FOR COMPLIANCE TO ISO/IEC 11801 All Optical Fibres, including Per-Terminated Optical Fibres shall be CLEANED after installation and tested as a LINK for: Visual inspection of all ends Recommended Continuity and Maintenance of Polarity Required Length Required Propagation Delay Required Optical Attenuation of Link: x wavelengths Required (See Item 16) [LINK testing includes the x end connectors CHANNEL testing does not include the x end connectors.] Visual inspection is not mandatory but if done, use a minimum x100 magnification for MMF, x200 for SMF, both conducted to protect the viewer’s eyes The core is a ”PASS” if it is round, clear & featureless The inner 1/2 of cladding is a ”PASS” if it is free of chips & cracks but it may have some polishing marks The outer 1/2 of cladding may contain some polishing marks and chips but any chips must be less than 25% of the cladding circumference Continuity and Maintenance of Polarity of each optical fibre termination is checked ensuring that “A” at the Near-End is “B” at the Far-End, and visa-versa This can be done by; visible light (eg a red light source) and inspecting opposite ends at the same time, or using an LSPM that has been connected to the fibre at the far end, or using an OTDR with a ‘tail cord’ connected to the correct fibre at the far end Length is verified by recording the cable length markings at each end and subtracting one from the other, or by reading the length off a tester Propagation Delay PD is a calculation based on; Optical Attenuation (Power Loss or Insertion Loss) tests must be done at both wavelengths and in both directions for 1/10GBE applications (See Item 16) This will check for any connector or splice defects, any cracked connectors, any accidental splicing or connecting of 50 μm and 62.5 μm fibres Power Loss (or Insertion Loss or Optical Attenuation) tests can be done using either, Light Source & Power Meter (LSPM), or Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) See Item 16 PD = 5.0 nano-seconds/metre PD (in nS) = x length (m) Some testers are capable of measuring and recording PD; otherwise it must be calculated and written on the Test Result Sheet for each fibre cable If conflict exists, correct testing using LSPM shall be taken as correct Where LSPM results exceed the Power Loss Budget, the link should be investigated with an OTDR to determine the faulty component Reference Setting (Zeroing) Methods for LSPM Testers on MMF and SMF Are the connectors on the LSPM tester the same as the connectors on the Link to be tested? Is the test set-up for Simplex only testing? NO – Use the 3-Test Cord Method of Reference Setting (Eg SC on Tester and LC on Link) YES – Use either 3-Test Cord Method or 1-Test Cord Method of Reference Setting (Eg SC on tester and SC on both ends of Link) OF Testing ADC KRONE Requirements V7_1&3T Dr2Page of 12 Use of Mandrels or Coils (for both & 1-Test Cord Methods) For MMF, the LSPM Tester must have the correct Coupling Power Ratio for the cable under test Alternatively, this can be achieved by using a Mandrel Wrap on the Launch Cord for mode stripping during Reference Setting and Testing For a mm Launch Cord, turns on 17 mm Ø for 62.5 µm (OM1) turns on 22 mm Ø for 50 µm (OM2 and OM3) For SMF, the LSPM launch cord shall have at least x turns of 40±5 mm diameter, air-coiled or on a mandrel, for stripping light out of the cladding and more consistent readings 10 Test Cords and Field Calibration Cords (for both & 1-Test Cord Methods) All Test Cords & Field Calibration cords shall be Qualified (See Item 17 for procedure) Launch and Tail Cords for MMF & SMF LSPM testing shall be 1m to 5m each and shall have a Reference Connector at one end Field Calibration Cord shall not exceed 2m in length and shall have Reference Connectors at both ends Reference Connectors shall be the same type of connectors as the cabling to be tested Mated Reference Connectors shall have an attenuation of ≤ 0.10 dB for MMF, and ≤ 0.20 dB for SMF 11 Field Calibration Cord and Adaptor Removal (for 3-Test Cord Method) For both MMF and SMF cabling, after the 3-Test Cord Reference Setting has been done, the central Field Calibration Cord shall be removed and the cabling under test connected For a Link, the x adaptors are removed with the field calibration cord [For a Channel, the x adaptors remain on the launch and tail cords.] 12 Acceptance criteria is; 13 14 Continuity & Polarity shall be correct, and Length shall be recorded, and Propogation Delay shall be recorded, and Optical Attenuation (Power Loss) test result shall be less than the Power Loss Budget at both the nominated wavelengths in both directions for 1/10GBE installations (Item 16) Power Loss Budget (PLB) in dB is the sum of the maximum component insertion loss allowed under ISO/IEC 11801 Table 4, AS/NZS 3080, Cl 9.4 Table 26, and Cl 10.3 Table 46 These requirements are set out in Item 14 Component Power Loss Component and Wavelength Mated Ref to Non-Ref Connector at 850 & 1300 nm at 1310 & 1550 nm ISO/IEC 11801 Insertion Loss Maximum 1/2 1/2 See Note MMF 0.30 dB SMF 0.50 dB Splice at 850 & 1300 nm and at 1310 & 1550 nm 0.30 dB x Mated Connection i.e one Ref/Non-Ref Connection MMF at 850 nm at 1300 nm 3.50 dB/km 1.50 dB/km at 1310 & 1550 nm 1.00 dB/km SMF Reference Connector Connector on installed cabling Connector device (general) Note Insertion Loss Mated Reference to Reference Connector is 0.10 dB MMF and 0.20 dB SMF Mated Reference to Non-Reference Connector is 0.30 dB MMF and 0.50 dB SMF Mated Non-Reference to Non-Reference Connector is 0.75 dB MMF and SMF { Ref ISO/IEC 14763-3 Tables & 4} OF Testing ADC KRONE Requirements V7_1&3T Dr2Page of 12 FD 1m Splice 15 Example A fibre link consists of 198m OM3, 50/125 µm cable In addition, there is a 1m pigtail splice inside the FOBOT at each end What is the Power Loss Budget? 198m 1m Splice At Launch Cord & Tail Cord ER Item 15 Example PLB850 PLB850 PLB850 = x Ref/Non-Ref Connectors matings + x splices + 0.2 km x MMF = x 0.30 + x 0.30 + 0.2 x 3.50 = 1.90 dB maximum @ 850 nm PLB1300 PLB1300 PLB1300 = x Ref/Non-Ref Connector matings + x splice + 0.2km x MMF = x 0.30 + x 0.30 + 0.2 x 1.50 = 1.50 dB maximum @ 1300 nm Therefore, the tester readings must be less than the maximum Power Loss Budget of; PLB850 PLB1300 16 = 1.90 dB = 1.50 dB There must always be a power loss If there is a power gain, testers need a new Reference Setting See Item 19 Test Wavelength and Direction Horizontal & Backbone Cabling, Within The Same Building Where the MMF and SMF Link is to be used for 1/10GBE or is a channel or has unknown connectors, the test shall be done at: Both wavelengths, in x direction using LSPM Launch & Tail Cords The single reported Test Result at each wavelength shall be the single highest reading from { Ref ISO/IEC 14763-3 Cl 9.1.1.3} either direction, recorded to at least decimal places (Not the lowest reading, and not an average reading of both directions for LSPM testing) Some installers choose to use only OTDR testing and not LSPM testing If this is done, ADC KRONE will only accept the results if the average highest OTDR reading from both directions is calculated and written into an electronic record of results along with the PLB For MMF and SMF Links that have known connectors and are not for 1/10GBE, test at; Both wavelengths, in just x direction using LSPM Launch & Tail Cords Inter-building Campus Cabling Use LSPM x wavelengths, both in x directions, AND ALSO Use OTDR For Links less than 300m, It is not an ADC KRONE requirement For Links over 300m long, It is an ADC KRONE requirement x wavelengths, both in x directions, using OTDR launch and tail cords For OTDR tests, the single reported Test Result at each wavelength shall be the average of the highest readings from both directions {Ref ISO/IEC 14763-3 Cl 9.1.2.4} [Because the scattering coefficients are usually different between launch cord, cable under test, and tail cord, the test results will be different when tested in different directions Therefore the readings are to be averaged.] Some installers choose to use only OTDR testing and not LSPM testing If this is done, ADC KRONE will only accept the results if the average highest reading from both directions is calculated and written into an electronic record of results along with the PLB Launch & Tail Cord Lengths LSPM launch & tail cords are each OTDR launch & tail cords are typically → Launch cord Tail cord OF Testing ADC KRONE Requirements V7_1&3T Dr2Page of 12 1–5m 100 m 50 m 17 Qualification of Launch Cord (Step 1) Launch & Tail Cords shall have Reference Connectors one end, tester connectors other end Field Calibration Cords shall have Reference Connectors on both ends (See Item 10) For MMF, apply a Mandrel Wrap in the Launch Cord L1, For SMF, apply coils in the Launch Cord L1 turns on 17 mm Ø for 62.5 µm turns on 22 mm Ø for 50 µm at least x turns of 40±5mm diameter air-coiled or on a mandrel Clean both the test cord connector ends Connect L1 at the light source Use an adaptor to suit the cord at the power meter and connect The adaptor is not included in the test results Place the test cord in such a way as to minimise movement during testing Turn on the light source and power meter and let them stabilise for several minutes Most meters allow you to set this reading to “0.00 dB” The LSPM is now referenced to “Zero” L1 Light Source 18 DO NOT disconnect L1 from the light source If disconnection occurs, repeat Step Use an adaptor to suit the cord Power Meter Qualification of Tail Cord or Field Calibration Cord (Step 2) Disconnect L1 from the Power Meter Clean the test cord connector ends and apply a Reference Adaptor (eg SMF adaptor) at the centre connection Insert Tail Cord T1 This second cord is acceptable if the power loss is less than 0.10 dB for MMF and 0.20 dB for SMF {Ref ISO/IEC 14763-3 Cl D.2.} Loss Reference Connector L1 Light Source Reference Connector Use an adaptor to suit the cord T1 Power Meter ≤ 0.10 dB for MMF ≤ 0.20 dB for SMF DO NOT turn off the light source or power meter between measurements If the reading is greater than 0.10 dB or 0.20 dB for MMF or SMF, repeat Step after cleaning the connectors, or use another test cord Repeat the Step qualification process on as many test cords as is necessary to undertake the LSPM testing If duplex testing is done with the 3-Test Cord Method, the required cords are; x Launch Cords L1 each the same length between 1m – 5m long x Tail Cords T1 each the same length as L1 between 1m – 5m long x Field Calibration Cords each the same length less than 2m long This Qualification of all test cords should be repeated periodically during the test program The Launch Cord L1, Tail Cord T1, Field Calibration Cord C1, and any other cords so tested are now Qualified as acceptable for use in immediate LSPM testing The next step is to the Reference Setting on the LSPM using the 3-Test Cord Method OF Testing ADC KRONE Requirements V7_1&3T Dr2Page of 12 19 Reference Setting On LSPM Using 3-Test Cord Method (Step 3) Ensure the qualified test cords (launch cord, field calibration cord, tail cord) are of the same type (OM1, OM2, OM3 or OS1) as the cabling to be tested The field calibration cord Reference Connectors must be the same type as those on the Link to be tested (SC, ST, LC) Select x Reference Adaptors (eg SMF adaptors) to suit cabling to be tested (Even for MMF) Clean all the test cord connector ends and connect them together mated Ref Conn at each adaptor L1 C1 Light Source Field Calibration Cord T1 Power Meter Measure the connected Test Cords (launch cord, field calibration cord, tail cord) and record the result, or set the power meter to “0.00” dB The reference is now set DO NOT REMOVE THE CONNECTIONS TO THE LIGHT SOURCE OR POWER METER (Tip: tape them onto the meters) otherwise you must repeat this reference measurement 20 Power Loss (Optical Attenuation) Measurement for the 3-Test Cord Method Disconnect the Field Calibration Cord in accordance with Item 11 (repeated below) For a Link, the x adaptors are removed with the field calibration cord [For a Channel, the x adaptors remain on the launch and tail cords.] It is usual to keep the power meter at the Near End (eg FD or ER) and take the light source to the Far End Clean the test cord and Link connector ends for each measurement Connect them to the ends of the optical fibre Link without disturbing the connections to the meters All connectors (field terminated, pig-tail spliced and pre-terminated cables) shall be thoroughly cleaned before testing Factory pre-terminated cables shall be tested on site after installation It is a requirement that the ends of the LSPM Launch and Tail cords and the fibre test leads are cleaned before each individual test to ensure no dirt is transferred to other fibre connections Place the test cords in such a way as to minimise movement during testing T1 L1 Light Source Cabling Under Test Power Meter Test at wavelengths each in directions and record the results for each fibre in the Link Compare the test results to the Power Loss Budget at each wavelength See Item 15 Do this comparison during the early stages of testing to ensure you are getting the results you expect Take appropriate corrective action before further testing if the results are unexpected OF Testing ADC KRONE Requirements V7_1&3T Dr2Page of 12 21 Reference Setting on LSPM Using the 1-Test Cord Method (Step 1) For MMF, apply a Mandrel Wrap in the Launch Cord L1, turns on 17 mm Ø for 62.5 µm turns on 22 mm Ø for 50 µm For SMF, apply coils in the Launch Cord L1 at least x turns of 40±5mm diameter air-coiled or on a mandrel Clean both the test cord connector ends Connect L1 at the light source Use an adaptor to suit the cord at the power meter and connect The adaptor is not included in the test results Place the test cord in such a way as to minimise movement during testing Turn on the light source and power meter and let them stabilise for several minutes Most meters allow you to set this reading to “0.00 dB” The LSPM is now referenced to “Zero” L1 Light Source 22 DO NOT disconnect L1 from the light source If disconnection occurs, repeat Step Use an adaptor to suit the cord Power Meter Qualification of Tail Cord for 1-Test Cord Method (Step 2) Disconnect L1 from the Power Meter Clean the test cord connector ends and apply a Reference Adaptor (eg SMF adaptor) at the centre connection Insert Tail Cord T1 This second cord is acceptable if the power loss is less than 0.10 dB for MMF and 0.20 dB for SMF {Ref ISO/IEC 14763-3 Cl D.2.} Loss Reference Connector L1 Light Source Reference Connector Use an adaptor to suit the cord T1 Power Meter ≤ 0.10 dB for MMF ≤ 0.20 dB for SMF DO NOT turn off the light source or power meter between measurements If the reading is greater than 0.10 dB or 0.20 dB for MMF or SMF, repeat Step after cleaning the connectors, or use another test cord DO NOT re-set the meter to “Zero”; otherwise it becomes the 2-Test Cord Method DO NOT remove the test cords from the light source or the power meter DO disconnect the test cords at the centre adaptor only OF Testing ADC KRONE Requirements V7_1&3T Dr2Page of 12 23 Power Loss (Optical Attenuation) Measurement for the 1-Test Cord Method The 1-Test Cord Method can be used only if the connectors on the LSPM tester are the same as the connectors on a simple Link, AND the test is done in Simplex, AND the Link will not be used for 1/10GBE applications After Step 2, disconnect the test leads L1 & T1 at the centre Keep the light source at the Near End and take the power meter to the Far End Clean the test cord and Link connector ends Connect them to the ends of the Optical Fibre Link without disturbing the connections to the light source or power meter (Tip: tape them onto the meters) Place the test cord in such a way as to minimise movement during testing Test and record the results for each fibre optical link and compare them to the Power Loss Budget at each wavelength Expected Result is Total of Mated Ref/Non-Ref Connectors plus Splices plus Cable Length Plus T1 T1 L1 Light Source 24 Cabling Under Test Power Meter Effects Of Different Reference Setting Methods To illustrate the effect of different methods of Reference Setting, the PBL for Example 15 is; Reference Setting Method on LSPM (i.e Zeroing Method) – Test Cord Method Approved Method – Test Cord Method (should not be used) – Test Cord Method (see Item 8) Light Budget in dB 850 nm 1.90 * 1300 nm 1.50 * 1310 nm 1.80 # 1550 nm 1.80 # 2.80 ^ 2.40 ^ 2.30 ^ 2.30 ^ 1.90 @ 1.50 @ 1.80 @ 1.80 @ * Because 0.30 dB MMF Reference Connectors were used when setting the Zero Reference # Because 0.50 dB SMF Reference Connectors were used when setting the Zero Reference ^ Reference Connectors are not a requirement so connector loss is 0.75 dB / conn and 0.3 dB / splice @ Even though Reference Connectors are used, these results will include the loss of the Tail Cord T1 and are not as accurate as the 3-Test Cord Method 3-Test Cord Method of Reference Setting = Cl 9.1.1 of ISO/IEC 14763-3 Ed2 Similar to Method of IEC 61280-4-1 Similar to Method C of TIA/EIA 526-14-A OF Testing ADC KRONE Requirements V7_1&3T Dr2Page of 12 1-Test Cord Method of Reference Setting = Cl 9.1.2 of ISO/IEC 14763-3 Ed2 Similar to Method of IEC 61280-4-1 Similar to Method B of TIA/EIA 526-14-A 25 OTDR Testing, General Requirements Use a Launch Cord and a Tail Cord for OTDR testing [These Launch and tail Cords are different from those used in LSPM Testing.] Both Launch Cord and Tail Cord must be longer than the Dead Zone of the OTDR The Launch Cord should be at least 20% greater in length than the Tail Cord ADC KRONE preferences are Launch Cord 100m min, Tail Cord 50m On short installed lengths (