The combination of optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR), optical loss tester (OLTS), optical power meter (OPM) & test light source is very similar in function and application. They can be used for cable installation and outdoor wiring applications. test. So the question arises: Which one you like to choose? Today, let's talk about three commonly used test instruments: OTDR, OLTS, OPM & test light source combination.
Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR). The working principle of the optical time domain reflectometer is similar to that of radar. Its essence is an optical radar. The optical time domain reflectometer test is performed by transmitting light pulses into the optical fiber, and then receiving the returned information at the optical time domain reflectometer port for analysis. In addition, there are a series of complicated calculations to analyze the loss of the optical fiber in the process of transmitting optical signals.
Optical loss tester (Optical Loss Test Set, OLTS). Inside the optical loss tester is a combination of optical power meter and optical fiber test optical flow. Its test process can be divided into two stages. The source power is tested first, and then the light passing through the device is tested. There is a difference in device loss between these two stages of testing.
Optical Power Meter (OPM) & test light source combination. Using an optical power meter in combination with a stable test light source can measure connection loss, check continuity, and help evaluate fiber link transmission quality. Its functions are similar to OLTS. But because its single light source and two power meters can be used at the end of each link, the former is a bit more flexible compared to the other.
It will be introduced in terms of cost, ease of use, and application.
1. Cost: Compared with the cost of these three products, OTDR is generally more expensive. In addition, compared with the combination of OLTS and OPM & test light sources, OTDR requires professional personnel to operate, so its human cost will be higher. In addition, OTDR has high asset and management costs. If you use OTDR regularly, you can consider buying one. But if it is used only occasionally, then it is more reasonable to rent it from a cost perspective. As for the combination of OLTS and OPM & test light source, because the latter is composed of two devices (optical power meter and test light source), there is more inventory maintenance and management expenditure, so the use cost will be slightly higher than the optical loss tester some.
2. Ease of use: As mentioned in the previous paragraph, OTDR must be operated by a professional or experienced person, so from the aspect of ease of use, OTDR is slightly inferior. Because an inexperienced person will not operate the OTDR, it will take some time and energy to study and learn how to use it. As for the combination of OPM and test light source, since the wavelength of its light is not automatically synchronized during the test, it will be a bit more troublesome to operate than OLTS. Therefore, among these three, the optical loss tester is the easiest test equipment to use, and almost everyone can get started quickly.
3. Application: OTDR is mainly used for outdoor wiring test. Outdoor wiring involves the splicing of single-mode fiber to make it suitable for long-distance transmission. The role of OTDR is to test the quality of fiber splicing. However, after the link is completed, we also need to use OPM, test light source and reference cable to test the insertion loss of fiber splicing. OLTS is often used to test the end-to-end loss of an installed system. It is simple and reliable by using a two-way measurement method at multiple wavelengths. As mentioned above, the use of OPM and light source combinations is more flexible than OLTS. Generally, one OPM and light source combination can complete the measurement of two OLTS, and it is not necessary to measure the transmission power, so it is suitable for use in various places.
Through the above analysis,
a. We can see that the cost of OTDR is the highest and suitable for professionals to use.
b. OLTS has the lowest cost and is easy to use.
c. OPM and light source combination are in between.
All in all, these fiber testing equipment is an indispensable tool in fiber optic networks, they can check out the problems in time before your fiber optic system is overloaded. As long as you are familiar with their characteristics, and according to the cost, ease of use, and specific application environment in the actual wiring test process, you will easily find the "it" that suits you best.
