Fluke DTX-PCU6S User manual

DTX-PCU6S
Patch Cord Adapters
Users Manual
November 2004
© 2004 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

LIMITED WARRANTY & LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Each Fluke Networks product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under
normal use and service. The warranty period for the mainframe is one year and begins on the date of
purchase. Parts, accessories, product repairs and services are warranted for 90 days, unless otherwise
stated. Ni-Cad, Ni-MH and Li-Ion batteries, cables or other peripherals are all considered parts or
accessories. The warranty extends only to the original buyer or end user customer of a Fluke Networks
authorized reseller, and does not apply to any product which, in Fluke Networks’ opinion, has been
misused, abused, altered, neglected, contaminated, or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of
operation or handling. Fluke Networks warrants that software will operate substantially in
accordance with its functional specifications for 90 days and that it has been properly recorded on
non-defective media.
Fluke Networks authorized resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused products to end-
user customers only but have no authority to extend a greater or different warranty on behalf of
Fluke Networks. Warranty support is available only if product is purchased through a Fluke Networks
authorized sales outlet or Buyer has paid the applicable international price. Fluke Networks reserves
the right to invoice Buyer for importation costs of repair/replacement parts when product purchased
in one country is submitted for repair in another country.
Fluke Networks' warranty obligation is limited, at Fluke Networks' option, to refund of the purchase
price, free of charge repair, or replacement of a defective product which is returned to a Fluke
Networks authorized service center within the warranty period.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest Fluke Networks authorized service center to obtain
return authorization information, then send the product to that service center, with a description of
the difficulty, postage and insurance prepaid (FOB Destination). Fluke Networks assumes no risk for
damage in transit. Following warranty repair, the product will be returned to Buyer, transportation
prepaid (FOB Destination). If Fluke Networks determines that failure was caused by neglect, misuse,
contamination, alteration, accident or abnormal condition of operation or handling, or normal wear
and tear of mechanical components, Fluke Networks will provide an estimate of repair costs and
obtain authorization before commencing the work. Following repair, the product will be returned to
the Buyer transportation prepaid and the Buyer will be billed for the repair and return transportation
charges (FOB Shipping Point).
THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. FLUKE NETWORKS SHALL NOT BE
LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES,
INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or exclusion
or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the limitations and exclusions of this warranty
may not apply to every buyer. If any provision of this Warranty is held invalid or unenforceable by a
court or other decision-maker of competent jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision.
4/04
Fluke Networks
PO Box 777
Everett, WA 98206-0777
USA

i
Table of Contents
Title Page
Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1
Unpacking ......................................................................................................... 1
Contacting Fluke Networks.............................................................................. 2
Additional Resources for Cable Testing Information..................................... 2
DTX Software Requirements............................................................................ 3
Characterizing the Adapters' Performance .................................................... 3
Testing Patch Cords .......................................................................................... 4
Testing Cat 5e Patch Cords .......................................................................... 4
Setting Up the Tester ................................................................................... 4
Running the Patch Cord Test....................................................................... 4
Patch Cord Test Results .................................................................................... 5
Why Patch Cords Fail.................................................................................... 5
Wire Map Failures.................................................................................... 6
Return Loss Failures ................................................................................. 6
NEXT Failures............................................................................................ 7
Fault Information for Long Patch Cords..................................................... 7
Mechanical Stress Tests for Patch Cords.......................................................... 8
Replacing the Adapter's Jacks ......................................................................... 8
When to Replace Jacks................................................................................. 8
Replacing the Jacks ...................................................................................... 8
Replacement Parts ............................................................................................ 9
Specifications .................................................................................................... 10
DTX CableAnalyzer Measurement Accuracy .............................................. 10
Patch Cord Test Configuration Measurement Accuracy............................ 10
Appendix A: Characterizing and Testing the Adapters’ Performance.......... A-1
Appendix B: Pre-Qualifying Patch Cord Plugs ............................................... B-1
Appendix C: Patch Cord Performance Requirements.................................... C-1

ii
DTX-PCU6S Patch Cord Adapters
Users Manual

iii
List of Tables
Table Title Page
1. Replacement Parts ................................................................................................ 9
C-1. Cat 5e Patch Cord Limits per TIA/EIA-568-B ........................................................ C-1
C-2. Cat 6 Patch Cord Limits per TIA/EIA-568-B .......................................................... C-2
C-3. Cat 5e Patch Cord Limits per ISO/IEC-11801-2002............................................... C-2
C-4. Cat 6 Patch Cord Limits per ISO/IEC-11801-2002................................................. C-3

iv
DTX-PCU6S Patch Cord Adapters
Users Manual

v
List of Figures
Figure Title Page
1. Patch Cord Test Connections................................................................................ 5
2. Return Los Failures and Low and High Frequencies........................................... 7
3. Replacing the RJ45 Jack........................................................................................ 9
4. Measurement Accuracy of the DTX-PCU6S Patch Cord Test Configuration ..... 10
B-1. Pre-qualifying RJ45 Plugs ..................................................................................... B-1

vi
DTX-PCU6S Patch Cord Adapters
Users Manual

1
DTX-PCU6S
Patch Cord Adapters
Introduction
The DTX-PCU6S Patch Cord Adapters let you use a DTX CableAnalyzerSeries tester to
test patch cords in accordance with the TIA/EIA-568-B.2-1 Category 6 and IEC 61935-2
standards. These adapters, which meet backwards-compatibility requirements, also test
Category 5e patch cords (see "Testing Cat 5e Patch Cords" on page 4).
Notes
Test standards are subject to amendments. Contact the appropriate standards
organization for details. Contact Fluke Networks for general information on
standards and for DTX software or database updates that may result from
changes to standards.
The patch cord adapters feature special test jacks selected specifically for testing Cat 6
patch cords as specified in TIA/EIA-568-B.2-1.
Unpacking
The DTX-PCU6S Patch Cord Adapter Set comes with the following:
•One DTX-PCU6/MN patch cord test adapter for the main DTX tester
•One DTX-PCU6/SR patch cord test adapter for the remote DTX tester
•DTX-PCU6S Product CD-ROM
If something is missing or damaged, contact the place of purchase immediately.

DTX-PCU6S Patch Cord Adapters
Users Manual
2
Contacting Fluke Networks
Note
If you contact Fluke Networks about your tester, have the tester's software
and hardware version numbers available if possible.
www.flukenetworks.com
[e-mail]
[phone]
•Australia: 61 (2) 8850-3333 or 61 3 9329 0244
•Beijing: 86 (10) 6512-3435
•Brazil: 11 3044 1277
•Canada: 1-800-363-5853
•Europe: [phone]
•Hong Kong: 852 2721-3228
•Japan: [phone]
•Korea: 82 2 539-6311
•Singapore: [phone]
•Taiwan: (886) 2-227-83199
•USA: 1-800-283-5853
•Anywhere in the world: [phone]
Visit our website for a complete list of phone numbers.
Additional Resources for Cable Testing Information
The Fluke Networks Knowledge Base answers common questions about Fluke Networks
products and provides articles on cable testing techniques and technology.
To access the Knowledge Base, log on to www.flukenetworks.com, then click
knowledge base at the top of the page.
The website cabletesting.com answers common questions about cable testing and
provides articles on testing, documentation, and standards, and other reference
information.

DTX Software Requirements
3
DTX Software Requirements
The DTX main and remote testers need software version 1.1 or later to work with the
DTX-PCU6S adapters
To determine the software versions in your main and remote testers, do the following:
1Connect the main and remote testers together with permanent link and channel
adapters or two channel adapters and a patch cord.
2Turn on both testers.
3Turn the rotary switch to SPECIAL FUNCTIONS; then select Version Information.
The latest software version is available at no charge on the Fluke Networks web site.
Download the update file from the website; then use LinkWare software to install new
software into the DTX testers. See the DTX CableAnalyzer Users Manual, the DTX
CableAnalyzer Technical Reference Handbook, or the online help in LinkWare for
instructions.
Note
Patch cord performance requirements may change as standards are
amended. If requirements change, Fluke Networks will post an updated
test specification database for the DTX tester on the Fluke Networks DTX
software download page. To install a new database, use the Modify DTX
Test Limits utility in LinkWare.
Characterizing the Adapters' Performance
When you receive the patch cord adapters, you should characterize their performance.
Later, the test results can help you determine when the adapters’ jacks need replacing
or verify that the adapters are working properly. See Appendix A: “Characterizing and
Testing the Adapters’ Performance”.

DTX-PCU6S Patch Cord Adapters
Users Manual
4
Testing Patch Cords
WCaution
Testing patch cords that have poorly crimped plugs may reduce the life of
the patch cord adapter's jacks.
Note
If you want to verify the performance of RJ45 plugs before using them to
make patch cords, see Appendix B.
Testing Cat 5e Patch Cords
While the DTX-PCU6 patch cords adapters are optimized for testing Cat 6 patch cords,
they may also be used to test Cat 5e patch cords. To test Cat 5e patch cords without
modifying the adapters, select a Cat 5e cable type and a Cat 6 limit in SETUP.
To optimize the adapters for testing Cat 5e patch cords, replace the RJ45 jacks in the
adapters with Cat 5e jacks specially selected for testing patch cords. See "Replacement
Parts" on page 9 for a source for these jacks. See "Replacing the Adapter's Jacks" on
page 8 for installation instructions.
Setting Up the Tester
1Attach the DTX-PCU6/MN adapter to the main DTX tester. Attach the DTX-PCU6/SR
adapter to the remote DTX tester.
2Turn the rotary switch to SETUP; then select Twisted Pair.
3On the Twisted Pair menu, select Cable Type.
4Select the category of twisted pair cable used for the patch cords, then select the
appropriate cable type.
5On the Twisted Pair menu, select Test Limit.
6Select the patch cord limit with the appropriate category and length.
If the appropriate limit is not shown on the Last Used menu, press JMore; then
select Patch Cords to see more patch cord limits.
Notes
If the patch cord's length is not listed in the limits database, select a limit
with the next longest length. For example, if the patch cord is 2.2 m long,
select a limit for a 2.5 m patch cord.
If you are testing Cat 5e patch cords and have not replaced the adapter
jacks with Cat 5e jacks, select a Cat 6 limit.
CENELEC limits are preceded by "CLC" in the patch cord limits list.
Running the Patch Cord Test
1Connect the patch cord to be tested to the main and remote testers, as shown in
Figure 1.
2Turn the rotary switch to Autotest; then press P.
3To save the results, press N, enter or select a cable ID; then press Nagain.

Patch Cord Test Results
5
DTX remote testerDTX main tester
Patch cord
under test
TALK
MONITOR
ENTER
TEST
SAVE
SPECIAL
FUNCTIONS
SETUP
AUTO
TEST
SINGLE
TEST
EXIT
F1 F2 F3
TEST
LOW BATTERY
TONE
TAL K
FAI L
TEST
PAS S
TALK
DTX-PCU6/MN
patch cord adapter
DTX-PCU6/SR
patch cord adapter
bal04f.eps
Figure 1. Patch Cord Test Connections
Patch Cord Test Results
Patch cord tests evaluate the following:
•Wire map
•Return loss
•NEXT
The patch cord test specifications assume that dc resistance, length, propagation delay,
and delay skew requirements are met by the patch cord's design; therefore, test limits
for these measurements are not required.
Note
NEXT loss and return loss are measured in one direction only, as required
by the patch cord test standard. For standard patch cords up to 5 m this
method is adequate and can detect performance problems at the remote
connection. For longer patch cords, Fluke Networks recommends
repeating the test with the patch cord reversed.
Why Patch Cords Fail
Patch cords may fail because of faulty wiring, poor workmanship , poor quality
materials, or damage to the cable or plug.
Failures may also occur when the patch cord adapter jacks need replacing or a patch
cord adapter is defective. If the adapters' performance was characterized when the
adapters were new, use the results and the reference patch cord to check the adapters'
performance. See Appendix A.
The following sections give typical causes for wire map, return loss, and NEXT failures.

DTX-PCU6S Patch Cord Adapters
Users Manual
6
Wire Map Failures
Wire map failures are typically caused by the following:
•Wires connected to wrong pins at plug
•Faulty connections
•Damaged plug
•Damaged cable
•Wrong Outlet Configuration selected in setup
•Mix of 568A and 568B wiring standards (12 and 36 crossed)
•Conductive material stuck between pins at plug
Return Loss Failures
Return loss failures are typically caused by the following:
•Cable impedance not 100 Ω
•Patch cord handling causing changes in impedance
•Excessive untwisting of pairs at plug
•Poor quality plug
•Cable impedance not uniform (poor quality cable)
•Cable compression (pinches, kinks, etc.)
•Poorly matched plug and jack (most often affects Cat 6/Class E applications)
•Wrong test limit selected
The return loss plot can often tell you if a patch cord failed because of bad cable or a
bad plug:
•Return loss failures at low frequencies (below 50 MHz) tend to be caused by the
cable.
•Return loss failures at high frequencies tend to be caused by plugs.
Figure 2 shows examples of these failures. The plot on the left shows results from a
patch cord made with bad cable. The plot on the right shows results from a cord with a
bad plug.

Patch Cord Test Results
7
bal25.bmp
Low-frequency return loss failure
caused by bad cable
bal26.bmp
High frequency return loss failure
caused by a bad plug
Figure 2. Return Loss Failures at Low and High Frequencies
NEXT Failures
NEXT failures are typically caused by the following:
•Excessive untwisting of pairs at plug. Most NEXT failures occur at plugs, where the
twist in the wire pairs is interrupted.
•Poor quality plug
•Poor quality cable
•Poorly matched plug and jack (Cat 6/Class E applications)
•Cable compression (pinches, kinks, etc.)
•Excessive noise source near cabling under test. Use the impulse noise test to check
for noise.
•Wrong test limit selected
Fault Information for Long Patch Cords
For 20 m patch cord limits, the tester's automatic diagnostics may help you determine
why a patch cord failed. After an Autotest that failed, press JFault Info to see
information about the failure.
Note
The tester's automatic diagnostics do not usually give complete fault
information for patch cords shorter than 20 m.

DTX-PCU6S Patch Cord Adapters
Users Manual
8
Mechanical Stress Tests for Patch Cords
Every patch cord design should be evaluated for changes in performance−particularly
return loss performance−under mechanical stress. Refer to the TIA/EIA or ISO/IEC
standards for details on stress tests.
Since it is not practical to perform the stress tests on every patch cord produced, you can
test samples of production patch cords to ensure quality. The sample size depends on
the desired quality level. Alternately, you can use the stress tests to determine the
possible shift in performance, then apply the shift to worst-case margins to ensure that
patch cords meet specifications under worst-case conditions. You can apply the shift as
you test, or you can use LinkWare software to upload test results to a PC for evaluation.
Replacing the Adapter's Jacks
The RJ45 jacks in the DTX-PCU6S adapters are typically good for 5000 insertions when
used continuously.
When used non-continuously, the lifetime may be reduced to 750 insertions. After 750
insertions, the gold plating that prevents oxidation on the contacts may be worn away;
however, continuous use wipes off the oxidation and extends the life of the contacts.
WCaution
Testing patch cords that have poorly crimped plugs may reduce the life of
the patch cord adapter's jacks.
When to Replace Jacks
You should replace the jacks when any of the following occur:
•Margins for patch cord tests begin to shrink.
•Patch cord tests, particularly wire map or return loss tests, begin to produce
intermittent and/or inconsistent results.
•The jacks have been used for more than 5000 insertions.
•The test described in Appendix A: “Characterizing and Testing the Adapters’
Performance” fail or the results are noticeably different from those observed when
the adapters were new.
You may also want to replace the jacks with Cat 5e jacks to optimize the adapters for
testing Cat 5e patch cords.
Replacing the Jacks
hCaution
The DTX-PCU6S adapters contain static-sensitive devices. When replacing the
RJ45 jack, follow guidelines for preventing electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Note
To ensure reliable operation, replace the entire DTX-PCU6S patch cord
adapter after the RJ45 jack has been replaced 10 times.
1Use a TORX PLUSdriver, size T-7, to remove the three screws from the backs of the
patch cord adapters.
2Take the adapter cases apart and remove the circuit boards from the cases.

Replacement Parts
9
3Pull the RJ45 jacks off the circuit boards (Figure 3), being careful not to stress the
boards.
4Align the new RJ45 jacks on the connectors on the circuit boards. Note in Figure 3
how the insulation displacement connectors in the jacks slide into the connectors on
the circuit boards.
5Place the boards on a hard, flat surface; then push the RJ45 jacks onto the
connectors on the boards. If firm pressure does not push the jack onto the
connectors, realign the jack on the connectors before trying again.
6Reassemble the cases.
7If the adapters' performance was characterized when the adapters were new, use
the results and the reference patch cord to check the adapters' performance. See
Appendix A.
Insulation displacement
connectors in RJ45 jack
Connectors on
circuit board
h
bal11f.eps
Figure 3. Replacing the RJ45 Jack
Replacement Parts
Table 1 shows the replacement parts available for the DTX-PCU6S Patch Cord Adapters.
The parts are available from Fluke Networks, unless otherwise specified.
Table 1. Replacement Parts
Description Fluke Networks Model Number
Kit of 10 RJ45 test jacks for DTX-PCU6 adapters DSP-PCI-C6JACK
DTX-PCU6 Cat 6 patch cord adapter for main tester DTX-PCU6/MN
DTX-PCU6 Cat 6 patch cord adapter for remote tester DTX-PCU6/SR
Superior Modular Part Number*
Set of two RJ45 Cat 6 test jacks for DTX-PCU6 adapters PCTAC6K
Set of two RJ45 Cat 5e test jacks for DTX-PCU6 adapters PCTAC5e
* Superior Modular Products
33 Superior Way
Swannanoa, NC 28778, USA
Telephone: [phone] or 1-800-880-7674
World Wide Web: www.superiormod.com

DTX-PCU6S Patch Cord Adapters
Users Manual
10
Specifications
DTX CableAnalyzer Measurement Accuracy
The DTX CableAnalyzer testers are guaranteed to meet the Level III accuracy
requirements at Cat 6 permanent link and channel pass/fail limits. Refer to the DTX
CableAnalyzer Series Technical Reference Handbook for details.
Patch Cord Test Configuration Measurement Accuracy
The charts in Figure 4 show NEXT and return loss measurement accuracies for the patch
cord test configuration. The results were computed using the methods defined in
standards applicable to field tester requirements. The accuracies shown reflect the
accuracy of the measurement circuitry, excluding variability caused by the adapters’
connectors.
Pair-to-pair NEXT loss measurement accuracy
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
0 50 100 150 200 250
Frequency in MHz
Measurement Accuracy in dB
Return loss measurement accuracy
50 100 150 200 250
Frequency in MHz
Measurement Accuracy in dB
Level III compliant
Typical
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
0
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
Level III compliant
Typical
bal13f.eps
Figure 4. Measurement Accuracy of the DTX-PCU6S Patch Cord Test Configuration

A-1
Appendix A
Characterizing and Testing the Adapters’ Performance
Introduction
This appendix describes how to characterize the performance of the DTX-PCU6S
adapters. You can use the results from this test for the following:
•Determining when the RJ45 jacks need replacing, or the adapters are otherwise
damaged
Category 6 patch cord test limits are very tight. You may see many failures and,
consequently, may wonder if the test adapters are working properly. The RJ45 jacks
in the adapters wear out with use. Worn jacks or other damage to the adapters can
cause tests to fail. The performance test helps you determine when the jacks need
replacing or the adapters need service center repair.
•Verifying the adapters’ performance
The performance test lets you verify the adapters’ performance after you replace
the RJ45 jacks in the adapters, purchase replacement or additional adapters, or
anytime the adapters’ performance seems questionable.
While it is not possible to fully evaluate the adapters’ performance in the field, the
test described in this section help you characterize the adapters and determine if
they are working properly.
DTX-PCU6S Performance Test Using a Reference Patch Cord
When you first receive your adapters, you should test a patch cord and save the cord
and test results for future reference. You may use the patch cord and its results later to
determine if the adapters’ RJ45 jacks need replacing or to verify the adapters’
performance.
To test the adapters when you first receive them, do the following:
1Attach the DTX-PCU6/MN adapter to the main DTX tester. Attach the DTX-PCU6/SR
adapter to the remote DTX tester.
2Select an appropriate patch cord test limit in SETUP.
3Run an Autotest on some patch cords to find one that passes. A PASS* result is
adequate.
4Save the test results from a compliant patch cord and mark the patch cord ends with
“main” and “remote” as it was connected during the test. Store the reference patch
cord for later use.
Notes
To help ensure consistent return loss measurements from the reference
patch cord, do not mechanically stress the cord. Patch cord properties can
change when the cord is bent or twisted.
When you test the reference patch cord later, use the same main and
remote DTX testers as were used for the initial test. The serial numbers of
the testers are saved with the test results.

DTX-PCU6S Patch Cord Adapters
Users Manual
A-2
To test the same adapters later, do the following:
1Connect the reference patch cord between the same main and remote testers used
for the original test. Be sure the marked ends of the patch cord go to the correct
testers.
2Run an Autotest; then save the results.
3Compare the results with the reference patch cord’s previous results. The difference
between the old and new NEXT and RL results should be less than 0.5 dB near the
PASS/FAIL limits.
If the old and new results are more than 0.5 dB apart near the PASS/FAIL limits, the RJ45
jacks may need replacing. See “Replacing the Adapter's Jacks” on page 8 for details.