JDS Uniphase RX3 Series User manual

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RX3 SERIES
MULTICHANNEL BACKREFLECTION METER
User’s Manual
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10129979 Rev. 001 •June 2005
2005 JDS Uniphase. All rights reserved
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Instrumentation Support
Regular support hours of operation are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday,
excluding Canadian holidays.
Emergency Technical Support
For emergency assistance, technical support is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Dial
one of the telephone numbers below and follow the voice prompts to page a specialist.
North America
Toll Free: 800 406-9559
Toll Free Fax: [phone]
Tel: [phone] Ext. 4999
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Outside North America
Toll Free: [phone]
Toll Free Fax: [phone]
China
Toll Free: [phone]
Toll Free Access Codes by Country
Country* Code
Australia 0011
Europe 00
Hong Kong 001(phone), 002(fax)
Israel 014
Japan 001 KDD, 0041 ITJ, 0061 IDC
Malaysia 00
New Zealand 00
Singapore 001
South Korea 001 Korea Telecom, 002 Dacom
Sweden 009 Telia, 007 Tele2
Taiwan 00
*For all other countries, dial the access code for North America.
Please refer to the JDSU Terms and Conditions of Sale for warranty coverage information.
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Contents
Instrumentation Support...........................................................................................................iii
Emergency Technical Support ..............................................................................iii
North America .......................................................................................................iii
Outside North America..........................................................................................iii
China iii
Toll Free Access Codes by Country......................................................................iii
Safety Information ....................................................................................................................vii
Safety Instructions............................................................................................................vii
Safety Symbols.....................................................................................................vii
Laser Classification..............................................................................................vii
Before Initializing and Operating the Unit............................................................viii
Operating the Unit ...............................................................................................viii
Safety Features and Compliance......................................................................................x
Laser Safety Labeling............................................................................................x
General Information and Specifications...................................................................................1
General Information ..........................................................................................................1
Backreflection Measurements...............................................................................2
Loss and Power Measurements............................................................................2
Output Port............................................................................................................2
Hybrid Jumpers .....................................................................................................3
Coherence Length.................................................................................................3
Key Features.........................................................................................................3
Applications...........................................................................................................3
Standard Accessories ...........................................................................................4
Optional Accessories.............................................................................................4
Specifications....................................................................................................................5
Getting Started............................................................................................................................7
Before Initializing and Operating the Unit..........................................................................7
Initial Inspection ................................................................................................................7
Operating Environment .....................................................................................................7
Temperature..........................................................................................................7
Humidity ................................................................................................................8
Ventilation..............................................................................................................8
Cleaning Connectors.........................................................................................................8
Powering Up the Meter .....................................................................................................9
Terminating a Fiber.........................................................................................................10
Using Menu Functions ....................................................................................................11
Operating and Maintenance Instructions ...............................................................................13
Front Panel......................................................................................................................13
Master Module.....................................................................................................13
Input Switch Module............................................................................................13
Output Module.....................................................................................................13
Optics/Detector Module.......................................................................................14
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Operating Keys and Status LEDs........................................................................14
Rear Panel......................................................................................................................15
Preparing the Meter for Backreflection Measurements...................................................15
Measuring Backreflection................................................................................................16
Backreflection Accuracy and Range...............................................................................17
Setting Up the Meter for Loss and Power Measurements...............................................18
Measuring Absolute Power.............................................................................................19
Measuring Relative Power ..............................................................................................19
Power Accuracy..............................................................................................................20
Customizing the Meter....................................................................................................20
LED Mode for Power Measurements ..................................................................20
Multidisplay Mode................................................................................................21
Data Logging.......................................................................................................21
Setup Using a Reference Reflector.....................................................................22
Disabling Functions.............................................................................................23
Messages and Symbols..................................................................................................24
Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................................25
Calibrating the Meter.......................................................................................................27
Backreflection Calibration Adjustment.................................................................27
Power Calibration Adjustment.............................................................................28
Maintaining the Meter......................................................................................................29
Cleaning the Connector Ends .............................................................................29
Programming Guide .................................................................................................................31
GPIB Interface.................................................................................................................31
GPIB Interface Pin Assignment and Functions ...................................................31
Setting the GPIB Interface Address ....................................................................32
GPIB Standard Commands.................................................................................32
Status Codes of the Serial Poll Register .............................................................33
GPIB Device-Dependent Commands..................................................................33
RS232 Interface..............................................................................................................34
RS232 Pin Assignment and Functions................................................................34
Setting the RS232 Serial Interface......................................................................35
RS232 Device-Dependent Commands ...............................................................35
Programming Examples..................................................................................................36
GPIB Interface Programming Example ...............................................................36
RS232 Interface Programming Example.............................................................37
Customized Features and Test Data.......................................................................................39
Service.......................................................................................................................................41
Storing and Shipping.......................................................................................................41
Claims and Repackaging................................................................................................41
Returning Shipments to JDS Uniphase...............................................................41
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Safety Information
Safety Instructions
The following safety instructions must be observed whenever the unit is operated, serviced, or
repaired. Failure to comply with any of these instructions or with any precaution or warning
contained in the user’s manual is in direct violation of the standards of design, manufacture, and
intended use of the unit. JDS Uniphase assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply
with any of these safety requirements.
Safety Symbols
The following symbols and messages can be marked on the unit (Table 1). Observe all safety
instructions that are associated with a symbol.
Table 1: Safety Symbols
Symbol Description
Laser safety. See the user’s manual for instructions on handling and operating
the unit safely.
See the user’s manual for instructions on handling and operating the unit safely.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD). See the user’s manual for instructions on
handling and operating the unit safely.
Frame or chassis terminal for electrical grounding within the unit.
Protective conductor terminal for electrical grounding to the earth.
WARNING
The procedure can result in serious injury or loss of life if not carried out
in proper compliance with all safety instructions. Ensure that all
conditions necessary for safe handling and operation are met before
proceeding.
CAUTION
The procedure can result in serious damage to or destruction of the unit if not
carried out in compliance with all instructions for proper use. Ensure that all
conditions necessary for safe handling and operation are met before
proceeding.
Laser Classification
Laser specifications defining the laser class and the maximum possible wavelength range and
power output of lasers used in this product, as submitted to the FDA, are outlined in Table 2.
For the exact specification of the lasers described in this manual, please refer to the
Specifications section.
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Table 2: Laser Class and Parameter Limits
Parameter Specification
Wavelength 850 –1650 nm
Class 1*
Output power 0.32 mW (max)
* Per standard IEC 60825-1 and FDA standard 21CFR1040.10 except deviation per Laser Notice No. 50 July 2001.
Before Initializing and Operating the Unit
;Inspect the unit for any signs of damage, and read the user’s manual thoroughly.
;Install the unit as specified in the Getting Started section.
;Ensure that the unit and any devices or cords connected to it are properly grounded.
Operating the Unit
Warning
To avoid the risk of injury or death, always observe the following precautions
before initializing the unit:
If using a voltage-reducing autotransformer to power the unit, ensure that
the common terminal connects to the earthed pole of the power source.
Use only the type of power cord supplied with the unit.
Connect the power cord only to a power outlet equipped with a protective
earth contact. Never connect to an extension cord that is not equipped with
this feature.
Willfully interrupting the protective earth connection is prohibited.
Never look into the end of an optical cable connected to an optical output
device that is operating. Laser radiation is invisible, and direct exposure can
severely injure the human eye. For more information, see the user’s manual
of the laser source in use.
Turning off the power to the device does not always block the externally
supplied radiation to the connector at the output of the unit.
Do not use the unit outdoors.
To prevent potential fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to any
source of excessive moisture.
Do not operate the unit when its covers or panels have been removed.
Do not interrupt the protective earth grounding. Any such action can lead to
a potential shock hazard that can result in serious personal injury.
Do not operate the unit if an interruption to the protective grounding is
suspected. In this case, ensure that the unit remains inoperative.
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Use only the type of fuse specified by the manufacturer as appropriate for
this unit. Do not use repaired fuses, and avoid any situations that can short-
circuit the fuse.
Unless absolutely necessary, do not attempt to adjust or perform any
maintenance or repair procedure when the unit is opened and connected to
a power source.
Repairs are to be carried out only by a qualified professional.
Do not attempt any adjustment, maintenance, or repair procedure to the
unit’s internal mechanism if immediate first aid is not accessible.
Disconnect the power cord from the unit before adding or removing any
components.
Operating the unit in the presence of flammable gases or fumes is extremely
hazardous.
Do not perform any operating or maintenance procedure that is not
described in the user’s manual.
Some of the unit’s capacitors can be charged even when the unit is not
connected to the power source.
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Safety Features and Compliance
The RX3 Series Multichannel Backreflection Meter complies to CE requirements plus UL3101-1
and CAN/CSA-C22.2 No.1010.1 with respect to laser sources. It is classified per Table 2 as a
Class 1 instrument. The following safety features are incorporated into the design of the unit
There is an LED on the front panel indicating when the laser/LED source is on.
Laser Safety Labeling
The RX3 Series Backreflection Meter is classified per Table 2. As required by the FDA standard
21CFR1040.10, an identification label (Figure 1) is placed on the top of the unit showing name
of manufacturer, address, and month and year of manufacture.
Figure 1: Identification Label
A note, as shown in Figure 2, indicating compliance to FDA requirements is silk-screened on
the rear panel of the instrument.
“THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH 21CFR1040.10 EXCEPT DEVIATIONS PER LASER NOTICE
N0. 50, JULY 2001”
Figure 2: FDA Compliance Text
A triangular laser safety label, as shown in Figure 3, is located adjacent to output connectors on
the front panel.
Figure 3: Laser Safety Label
A warning label is located on the front of the instrument, as shown in Figure 4, indicating the
IEC Class of laser and applicable standard:
Figure 4: Laser Warning Label
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General Information and Specifications
General Information
This user’s manual for the RX3 Series Multichannel Backreflection Meter contains complete
operating instructions. The Multiple Connector Test System (MCTS) software is bundled with
the meter; for information on using the software, see the Multiple Connector Test System
Software User’s Manual (document SD000318). The inspection report and a description of any
customer-requested information are found in the Customized Features and Test Data section.
The JDS Uniphase Multichannel Backreflection Meter performs a wide range of of single-mode
(SM) and multimode (MM) return loss (RL) and loss measurement functions, ranging from single
component testing to automated multifiber testing. The primary functions of high sensitivity RL
measurements and power measurements can be augmented by adding multiple output ports
and multiple internal light sources. The meter is available with 1, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, or 24 output
ports. A multidisplay mode lets the viewer see multiple test results at a glance. (see Figure 5).
Figure 5: RX3 Series Multimode Multichannel Backreflection Meter
The meter is used from single fiber and ribbon fiber connector measurements. The use of hybrid
jumpers allows a quick change of the connector type without limiting the RL range. The meter is
also available with 2 or 3 internal sources for measurements at 850, 1310, 1480, 1490, 1550,
1625, or 1650 nm.
The 2-mm InGaAs detector is particularly useful for high sensitivity single fiber applications. The
5-mm Ge detector is an economical solution for measurements of the ribbon fiber connectors,
and can accurately measure connectors with up to 8 MM and 12 SM fibers. The large surface
10-nn InGaAs detector is ideal for measurements of larger fiber count ribbon connectors, and
can be used with wavelengths extending in the L- band. One FC detector adaptor is supplied
with the unit, and other adaptors (such as MTP/MPO or MU for ribbon fiber connector types) are
also available.
The meter is supplied with one calibrated hybrid jumper for calibration purposes and one hybrid
test jumper for measurement purposes. Both jumpers are equipped with an FC/APC connector
on one end (for the output port of the meter) and an FC/PC connector on the other end.
Uncalibrated hybrid jumpers for measurements with other connector types are also available.
.
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Backreflection Measurements
Reflections in optical systems can come from a number of sources. Primary sources include the
fiber (Rayleigh backscatter) and Fresnel reflections that occur at the planar junction of two
materials having different refractive indices, for example, connector and fiber endfaces, splices,
bulk optic interfaces, and detector surfaces.
Typically, only Fresnel reflections are significant because transmitters are relatively insensitive
to distributed reflections such as Rayleigh backscatter. Backreflection caused by Rayleigh
backscatter varies with the length and type of fiber, and is only significant when measuring
components with backreflections below -40 dB or with very long pigtails (multimode), or -80 dB
(single-mode). However, Rayleigh backscatter can be a large contributor of backreflection in
installed systems; therefore, proper fiber termination techniques must be applied to separate the
backreflection of the test component from the Rayleigh backscatter of the fiber.
An internal switch and coupler enable the RX3 meter to measure the internal light source signal
(Pin), the signal offset with no light (Pdark), and the total signal level from internal and external
backreflections (Pbr).
The meter first calculates the total backreflection from internal and external sources (BRtot)
using the following equation, where CAL and USERCAL are the factory- and user-set calibration
factors, respectively:
BRtot = 10 log (Pbr - Pdark)/(Pin - Pdark) + CAL + USERCAL [dB]
When the RX3 meter is calibrated at the factory, USERCAL is set to 0 dB.
The backreflection from external sources (BR) is then calculated using the following equation,
where BR0is the stored value of the total backreflection up to the device under test (DUT), and
OFFS is the offset used to compensate for losses between the meter and the DUT:
BR = 10 log (10BRtot/10 - 10BR0/10) + OFFS [dB]
The measurement cycle takes approximately one second to complete. The meter then displays
the value of BR. The preset value of OFFS is set at twice the average insertion loss of the
connection between the RX3 meter and a measurement jumper.
The exact values of BR0and OFFS can be measured after a measurement jumper is connected
to the meter.
Loss and Power Measurements
The RX3 meter is equipped with a front-panel InGaAs or Ge detector for loss measurements
and both relative and absolute power measurements. Because the meter is capable of storing
the dark signal from the detector, high-accuracy power measurements as low as -80 dBm
(single-mode)/-60 dBm (multimode) can be obtained.
Output Port
The output ports of the RX3 meter are equipped with ultra-low backreflection FC/APC
connectors.
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Caution
To prevent damage to the output port connectors, always use the
measurement jumper for all measurements, even when measuring
components with a FC/APC connector.
Internal Light Sources
The RX3 meter can be equipped with two internal laser sources. These are thermoelectrically
cooled for added stability and can be run in both Modulated Laser mode and CW LED mode.
Modulated Laser mode is used for backreflection and power measurements. CW LED mode is
used for power measurements only. In CW LED mode, the laser is run below threshold to
provide a very low coherence length source that is mostly unpolarized.
Hybrid Jumpers
The RX3 meter is supplied with one hybrid measurement jumper and one hybrid calibrated
jumper. The measurement jumper has an FC/APC connector at the input end and an FC/PC
connector at the output end. The user can select other hybrid measurement jumpers with with
other connector types on the output end to provide an end compatible with the input connector
of the DUT. The calibrated jumper has an FC/APC connector at the input end and an FC/PC
connector at the output end.
The FC/APC connectors on both types of hybrid jumpers are connected to the output port of the
meter.
Use the measurement jumper for measurement purposes only; use the calibrated jumper for
calibration purposes only.
Coherence Length
Reflected light from multiple reflections can change the backreflection measured by the meter.
This variation shows up as noise or drift in the signal. The internal light source is designed to
have low coherence length (usually less than 10 cm) in Modulated Laser mode. Thus,
interference effects typically are seen only between very closely spaced components, such as
non-contacting connectors.
Key Features
SM and MM available
Measurements at 850, 1310, 1480, 1490, 1550, 1625, or 1650 nm
Integrated switch included in the calibration
Multidisplay mode
Applications
SM fiber connectors and component testing
Ribbon fiber measurements
MM fiber connector testing
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Standard Accessories
AC power cord
Laser sources (as specified at time of order)
2, 3, or 10 mm InGaAs detector, or 5 mm Ge detector (as specified at time of order)
FC/PC-FC/APC hybrid measurement jumper
FC/PC-FC/APC hybrid calibrated jumper
FC-type detector adapter
Detector cap
User’s manual
MCTS software and user’s manual
Certificate of Compliance (NIST Traceability Report available on request)
Optional Accessories
Variety of detector adapters
Measurement jumpers with various user-selected connectors
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Specifications
The following optical specifications describe the warranted characteristics of the instrument
(Table 3). Supplementary specifications describe the typical non-warranted performance of the
instrument (Error! Reference source not found.).
Table 3: Optical Specifications
Parameter Single-Mode (SM) Multimode (MM)
Operating wavelength 1310, 1480, 1550, 1625, 1650
±10 nm 850, 1310, 1550 ±10 nm
Outputs 1, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, or 24
Detector type 2 mm In GaAs, 5 mm Ge8, 10 mm InGaAs, 3 mm InGaAs, 5 mm
Ge8, 10 mm InGaAs
Power range13 to -80 dBm, 3 to – 40 dBm, -5 to -40 dBm, 3 to -60 dBm, 3 to -40
dBm, 5 to -40 dBm
Relative power accuracy5, 9 ±0.15 dB6±0.15 dB7
Relative poweraccuracy
(5 dB range)5, 9
±0.05 dB6±0.15 dB7
Backreflection range 1,2,9 0 to -75 dB 0 to -40 dB
Relative backreflection accuracy3, 9 ±0.4 dB4±0.7 dB
Relative backreflectionaccuracy
(5 dB range)3, 9
±0.3 dB4±0.7 dB
Absolute power accuracy ±0.25 dBm typical at -10 dBm
Backreflection resolution 0.1 dB
Power resolution 0.01 dB
Input voltage 100 to 240 V AC, 50 to 60 Hz
Operating temperature 0 to 40 °C
Storage temperature -40 to 70 °C
Dimensions (W x H x D)
single output
multiple output
36 x 15 x 31 cm
48 x 15 x 31 cm
Weight
single output
multiple output
10 kg
12 kg
1. Depending on the measurement setup, measurements with lower levels are possible at reduced accuracy.
2. Reduced backreflection accuracy in the last 10 dB of range based on termination effectiveness. Depending on
the measurement setup, measurements with lower levels are possible at reduced accuracy.
3. Following user-calibration procedure at recommended interval.
4. For a typical application, add ±0.4 dB for readings between -60 and -67 dB. Add ±0.8 dB for readings between -
67 dB and -72 dB. Add ±1.5 dB for readings between -72 and -75 dB.
5. Immediately after performing a dark measurement.
6. Add ±0.1 dB between 0 and 3 dBm and in the last 10 dB of the range.
7. Add ±0.1 dB between 0 and 3 dBm and in the last 5 dB of the range.
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8. 5 mm Ge detector can accurately measure ribbon fiber connectors with up to 8 multimode or 12 single-mode
fibers.
9. Measured at ambient temperature ± 3°C.
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Getting Started
The RX3 Series Multimode Multichannel Backreflection Meter consists of the meter, power cord,
detector adapter, measurement jumper, calibrated jumper, and test software.
Before Initializing and Operating the Unit
;Inspect the unit for any signs of damage.
;Read the user’s manual thoroughly, and become familiar with all safety symbols and
instructions to ensure that the unit is operated and maintained safely.
Initial Inspection
Warning
To avoid electrical shock, do not initialize or operate the unit if it bears any sign
of damage to any portion of its exterior surface, such as the outer cover or
panels.
Check that the unit and contents are complete:
1. Wear an anti-static wrist strap, and work in an electrostatic discharge (ESD) controlled area.
2. Inspect the shipping container for any indication of excessive shock to the contents, and
inspect the contents to ensure that the shipment is complete.
3. Inspect the unit for structural damage that can have occurred during shipping.
4. Connect the unit to a power source, using the AC power cord provided.
5. Set the power switch to I(on), and observe the power-up sequence: The prompt to restore
last settings or initialize is displayed. The software version is also displayed. Internal
measurements of Pin and Pdark are made at both wavelengths. See the Powering Up the
Meter section.
6. Keep the packaging.
Immediately inform JDS Uniphase and, if necessary, the carrier if the contents of the shipment
are incomplete, if the unit or any of its components are damaged or defective, or if the unit does
not pass the initial inspection.
Operating Environment
In order for the unit to meet the warranted specifications, the operating environment must meet
the following conditions for temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
Temperature
The unit can be operated in the temperature range of 0 to 40 °C.
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