The Fibolocator is an innovative device for spatially resolving and characterizing breaks and reflective faults in optical fibres. Correlation Optical Time Domain Reflectometry is the principle behind this device. Like standard OTDR it is based on analysing backscatter but it uses cw laser sources. The demands on test signal and on detection complexity are low, leading to very affordable cost for OEM modules.
There are many different wavelength possibilities when using cw lasers, as the spectral width can also be customized. This enables Fibolocator 80 for online monitoring of networks with ITU grid DFB diodes, as well as for interrogation of Bragg Grating fiber sensors. The Fibolocator 2500 is specifically designed to determin fiber length in QA and production with very high resolution.
Resolution is not limited by the measurement span and it is also possible to monitor (zoom in) certain parts of the fiber because of the correlation principle. Advantages compared with pulse OTDR can also be observed in noisy fibers.
Specifications Correlations-OTDR (RS-232 commands see manual)
Parameter
wavelength range
test signal power
horizontal parameters
resolution
measurement points
vertical parameters
resolution
sensitivity
dynamic range
Fibolocator 80
1270 - 1650 nm
3 dBm
2.5 m
256
16 bit
-100 dB
typ. 27 dB
Fibolocator 2500
1300 nm
3 dBm
0.08 m
256
16 bit
-60 dB
typ. 17 dB
Options
- other module and instrument packages available (to be discussed)
- special wavelength options (dependent on laser and SLD availability)
- more data points (to be discussed)
- software for display, analysis and logging of data
- RS-232 to USB converter