JGR PDL 5 User manual

PDL5 PDL/IL/BR Multimeter
User Manual
All information contained herein is believed to be accurate and is subject to
change without notice. No responsibility is assumed for its use.
JGR Optics Inc, 2014.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COMPLIANCE ............................................................................................................1
FDA-CDRH COMPLIANCE .....................................................................................................1
CSA /IEC COMPLIANCE........................................................................................................1
COMPLIANCE .........................................................................................................................2
GENERAL INFORMATION ......................................................................................3
PDL5 PDL/IL/BR MULTIMETER OVERVIEW ..........................................................................3
MEASUREMENTS ....................................................................................................................4
Polarization Dependent Loss Measurement .........................................................4
Backreflection Measurement ..................................................................................4
Loss and Power Measurement ...............................................................................5
OUTPUT PORT.......................................................................................................................5
HYBRID JUMPER ....................................................................................................................6
COHERENCE LENGTH .............................................................................................................6
KEY FEATURES ......................................................................................................................6
APPLICATIONS.......................................................................................................................6
ACCESSORIES........................................................................................................................7
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES .......................................................................................................7
SAFETY INFORMATION ..........................................................................................8
SAFETY MARKINGS ON THE UNIT ...........................................................................................8
CLASSIFICATION....................................................................................................................9
LASER SPECIFICATIONS .........................................................................................................9
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ........................................................................................9
Laser Hazards ...........................................................................................................9
Electrical Shock Hazards .......................................................................................10
GETTING STARTED ................................................................................................12
INITIAL INSPECTION............................................................................................................12
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.............................................................................................13
PRODUCT OVERVIEW...........................................................................................................14
Front Panel and Key Description ..........................................................................14
Rear Panel ...............................................................................................................14
OPERATION .............................................................................................................17
POWERING UP THE METER ..................................................................................................17
BACKREFLECTION MEASUREMENTS .......................................................................................17
Set-up for BR Measurements ...............................................................................18
Measuring BR0 ........................................................................................................18
Measuring BR (Including Connector) ..................................................................19
Measuring BR (Excluding the Connector) ...........................................................21
Backreflection Accuracy and Range ....................................................................21
POLARIZATION DEPENDENT LOSS (PDL), LOSS AND POWER MEASUREMENTS .......................22
Set-Up for PDL, Loss and Power Measurements ...............................................22
Dark Current Measurement ..................................................................................24

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Measuring Absolute Power ................................................................................... 24
Measuring Relative Power .................................................................................... 25
Measuring ILa and Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL) ................................. 26
Power Accuracy ..................................................................................................... 27
TERMINATION TECHNIQUES ................................................................................................ 27
Mandrel Wrap Technique ..................................................................................... 28
USER MENU OPERATION..................................................................................................... 29
Accessing the User Menu ..................................................................................... 29
Navigating the User Menu .................................................................................... 29
MESSAGES AND SYMBOLS.................................................................................................... 31
CALIBRATION ..................................................................................................................... 32
Calibration Period .................................................................................................. 32
PROGRAMMING GUIDE ....................................................................................... 33
SETTING UP FOR RS-232, USB OR GPIB COMMUNICATION ................................................ 33
Accessing the “User Menu” mode ....................................................................... 33
Programming over GPIB ....................................................................................... 33
Programming Over RS-232 .................................................................................. 33
Programming Over USB ........................................................................................ 33
MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................... 35
MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................................... 35
Cleaning the Unit ................................................................................................... 35
Cleaning the Connector Ends .............................................................................. 35
Cleaning Jumper Connectors ............................................................................... 36
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................................ 37
Connector Issues ................................................................................................... 37
PDL5 Calibration Issues ........................................................................................ 37
Loss and Reflection issues ................................................................................... 38
Long Cables (for single-mode model only) ........................................................ 39
Laser Stability ......................................................................................................... 39
Polarization Controller Issues .............................................................................. 39
STORAGE AND SHIPPING ................................................................................... 41
RETURNING INSTRUMENTS TO JGR OPTICS......................................................................... 41
CONTACT INFORMATION ..................................................................................................... 42
SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................. 43
REMOTE CONTROL COMMANDS........................................................................ 45
COMMAND SYNTAX AND STYLE............................................................................................ 45
Program Message Formats .................................................................................. 45
Terminating a Program Message ........................................................................ 45
Command Header Variations ............................................................................... 45
Specifying the Command Path ............................................................................ 46
Default Commands ................................................................................................ 46
Implemented Status Structures .......................................................................... 47
QUEUES ............................................................................................................................. 50

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Input Queue ............................................................................................................50
Output Queue .........................................................................................................50
Error Queue ............................................................................................................51
DESCRIPTION OF ERROR NUMBERS ......................................................................................51
IEEE 488.2 COMMON COMMANDS AND THE SCPI COMMAND TREE .....................................53
IEEE 488.2 Common Commands .........................................................................53
SCPI Command Tree .............................................................................................54
DESCRIPTION OF INDIVIDUAL COMMANDS............................................................................56
IEEE-488.2 Common Commands .........................................................................56
SCPI Commands .....................................................................................................60
JGR Legacy Device Specific Commands .............................................................69
JGR Device-Specific Command Description ........................................................70

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COMPLIANCE
FDA-CDRH Compliance
Under the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and
Radiological Health (CDRH), the unit complies with the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR), Title 21, Subchapter J, which pertains to laser safety and
labeling. See the link below for more information.
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CF
RPartFrom=1000&CFRPartTo=1050
CSA / IEC Compliance
The unit complies with certain standards of the Canadian Standards Association
(CSA) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
The unit falls in the Installation Category (Overvoltage Category) II under IEC 664.
IEC 664 relates to impulse voltage levels and insulation coordination. The
particular category is defined as: local level, appliances, portable equipment, etc,
with smaller transient overvoltages than Installation Category (Overvoltage
Category) III.
The unit falls in the Pollution Degree 2 category under IEC 1010-1 and CAN/CSA-
C22.2 No. 1010.1. The IEC standard on Safety Requirements for Electrical
Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use relates to insulation
coordination. The CSA standard is on Safety Requirements for Electrical
Equipment for Measurement Control, and Laboratory Use, Part I: General
Requirements. The Pollution Degree 2 category is defined as follows: “Normally
only non-conductive pollution occurs. Occasionally, however, a temporary
conductivity caused by condensation must be expected.”

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Compliance
Electronic test equipment is subject to the EMC Directive in the European
Union. The EN61326 standard prescribes both emission and immunity
requirements for laboratory, measurement, and control equipment. This unit
has undergone extensive testing according to the European Union Directive and
Standards.

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GENERAL INFORMATION
PDL5 PDL/IL/BR Multimeter Overview
The PDL5 PDL/IL/BR Meter is a portable, direct-display instrument that
measures polarization dependent loss (PDL), insertion loss (IL), backreflection
(BR) and power of single-mode fiberoptic devices (i.e. connectors, components,
and systems).
The PDL5 multimeter may be ordered with up to four internal laser sources for
operation at 1310, 1490, 1550, 1625 and/or 1650 nm. A variety of detector
adapters are available to enable the measurement of power (i.e. IL) from
different connector types.
Figure 1: PDL5 PDL/IL/BR Multimeter
An important feature of the PDL5 multimeter is the FC/APC ultra-low
backreflection connector at its output port. To test different connector types,
the user needs only to change the hybrid launch jumpers, of which one side has
a FC/APC connector, and the other connector type to be tested. The connector’s
end face condition is very important as it directly affects the performance of the
meter.
The PDL5 multimeter is supplied with two hybrid jumpers. The first one, called
measurement jumper, is to be used for every measurement and the second one,
called calibrated jumper, is to be used for calibration verification only.

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To ensure measurement quality, only calibration jumpers provided by JGR
Optics should be used. However, additional measurement jumpers may be
supplied by the customer, third parties or JGR Optics.
In addition to manual front panel operation, the PDL5 multimetermeter may be
operated over the RS-232 serial interface and IEEE 488 GPIB parallel interface.
Please refer to the “REMOTE CONTROL COMMANDS” section on page 45 for
more information.
Measurements
Polarization Dependent Loss Measurement
The PDL5 Multimeter can be configure to use the 4-state or 6-state Mueller
matrix method to measure PDL of the DUT.
In the 4-state matrix calculation method, transmission measurements are
performed at four orthogonal states of polarization, normally 0, 45 and 90
degree linear states are used along with a right-hand circular state.
One method to determine the PDL of a component is to calculate the insertion
loss of all the possible polarization states to a given resolution and take the
difference between the minimum (ILmin) and maximum (ILmax) insertion losses
as the PDL. The PDL5 multimeter calculates the PDL and average loss (ILavg)
analytically, using the values in the first row of the Mueller matrix.
Although the PDL and average loss are displayed in decibels (dB), the average
loss is the average transmission converted to decibels. Thus, the average loss of
an ideal polarizer is 3 dB = [-10 log (0.5)].
Generally, the minimum and maximum insertion losses can be calculated using
the following formulas:
ILmin = ILavg + 10 log [(1+10(-PDL/10))/2] dB and ILmax = ILmin + PDL dB
However, for small PDLs the following formulas are used:
ILmin = ILavg - PDL/2 dB and ILmax = ILavg + PDL/2 dB.
When increased accuracy on PDL measurement is required, it is possible to
select the 6-state Mueller matrix method. Measurement time will be longer
however as the internal polarization controller has to generate two additional
polarization states: -45 degree linear state and left-hand circular state.
Backreflection Measurement
The PDL5 is an easy to use instrument that can measure both insertion loss and
backreflection parameters. In Backreflection mode, the PDL5 measures the
difference between the output power (Pout) and the reflected power (Prefl) and
automatically calculates and displays the backreflection.

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The internal switch and coupler of the PDL5 multimeter enable it to
automatically reference out the variations of the internal light source, the signal
offset with no light (dark current), and the total signal level from internal and
external backreflection (BRtot).
The backreflection in dB from a device under test (BRDUT) is calculated using the
following equation, where BR0 is the stored value of the total backreflection (in
dB) of the device under test (DUT):





 1010 0
1010log10 BRBR
DUT
tot
BR
The PDL5 meter displays the value of BRDUT.
During power up, the meter will measure the dark current and the reference
power. Approximately every 90 seconds, the meter will automatically update
the reference power measurement, a process that only takes a fraction of a
second and does not cause any significant delays. In normal operation, the
PDL5 multimeter can take approximately 3 backreflection measurements per
second.
Loss and Power Measurement
The PDL5 multimeter is equipped with a front-panel InGaAs or Ge detector for
relative power (loss) and absolute power measurements. The meter is capable
of storing the dark signal from the detector so that high accuracy measurements
(as low as -80dBm for an InGaAs detector and -60 dBm for Ge detector) are
possible.
When making power measurements, the PDL5 multimeter will automatically
correct for dark current if the value has been stored. The power displayed (P) in
dBm is calculated from the total current measured when the light source to be
measured is illuminating the detector (Itot) and the value of the leakage or dark
current (Id) measured, using the following equation:
 
CALIIP dtot  log10
Where “CAL” is the factory calibration value and is dependent on the
wavelength.
Output Port
The output ports of the PDL5 multimeter are equipped with an ultra-low
backreflection APC connector. To prevent damage to the output port
connectors, a measurement jumper (also called “launch cable”) must be used
for all measurements, even for measuring a component with an APC connector.

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Hybrid Jumper
The PDL5 multimeter is supplied with a hybrid measurement jumper and a
hybrid calibrated jumper. The measurement jumper has an APC connector at
the input end. The other end on the standard measurement jumper is UPC but,
by changing measurement jumpers, this end is user-selected to be compatible
with the input connector of the DUT; for example SC/UPC or APC or LC/APC or
UPC. The calibrated jumper has an APC connector at the input end and a UPC
connector at the output end.
Remember to use the measurement jumper for measurement purposes only
and to use the calibrated jumper for calibration verification purposes only. The
calibrated jumper has a label attached to it identifying it as such.
Coherence Length
Reflected light from multiple reflections can change the backreflection
measured by the PDL5 multimeter. This variation typically shows up as noise or
drift in the signal. The internal light source is designed to have low coherence
length (typically less than 10 cm). Thus, interference effects are typically seen
only between very closely spaced components such as non-contacting
connectors.
Key Features
Ultra stable and accurate PDL, IL ave., Loss & Backreflection measurements
Up to 4 built-in light sources at 1310, 1490, 1550 and/or 1625 nm
Up to 2 output channels or 4 detectors
4 or 6 state Mueller Matrix methods
Resolution down to 0.001dB
≈ 1 second PDL measurements
Applications
Optical component testing
Incoming inspection
Quality assurance (QA) testing
Extreme care must be taken to avoid damaging the connector when
plugging and unplugging the launch cable. Connection must be kept
clean and should be inspected before every mating (this means both
connectors, the FC/APC on the launch cable and the FC/APC
connector on the PDL5 multimeter). Please refer to the Cleaning
Connectors section on page 36 for more information.

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Accessories
AC power cord
FC/APC-FC/UPC hybrid test jumper
1 FC/APC-FC/UPC hybrid calibrated jumper
FC-type detector adapter
Detector cap
MW3 Mandrel Wrap
User Manual
NIST traceable Calibation Certificate
Optional Accessories
Variety of detector adapters
Remote head
Measurement jumpers with various user-selected connectors

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SAFETY INFORMATION
To avoid situations that could result in serious injuries or death, always observe
the following precautions.
The 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 Manual is in direct violation of
the standards of design, manufacturing, and intended use of the unit. JGR
Optics assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with any of
these safety requirements.
Safety Markings on the Unit
The following symbols and messages can be marked on the unit (see Table 1
below). Observe all safety instructions that are associated with a symbol.
Table 1: Safety Symbols
Laser radiation may be present. Refer to the User Manual for
instructions on handling and operating the unit safely. Avoid
looking into any ports near which this symbol appears.
Frame or chassis terminal for electrical grounding within the
unit.
Protective conductor terminal for electrical grounding to the
earth.
WARNING
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
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.

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Classification
The PDL5 PDL/IL/BR Multimeter consists of an exposed metal chassis that is
connected directly to earth via a power cord and, therefore, is classified as a
Class 1 instrument.
Laser Specifications
The laser (or lasers) contained in the PDL5 multimeter is (are) Class 1 laser(s) as
specified under the laser classification of the US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). Laser specifications
are provided in Table 2 below.
Table 2: Specifications
Parameter
Single-mode (SM)
Wavelength
1310, 1490, 1550, or
1625 ± 10 nm
Class
1
Fiber Type
SMF-28e (9/125)
Maximum Accessible Emission Level
-15 dBm
Maximum Output Power
1 mW, Class 1
Effective Numerical Aperture
0.20
Important Safety Information
Laser Hazards
Warning
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.
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT

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Electrical Shock Hazards
Warning
Some of the circuits are powered whenever the unit is
connected to the AC power source (line power). To ensure
that all circuits are powered off, disconnect the power cord
from either the power inlet on the unit’s rear panel or from
the AC line-power source (receptacle). The power cord
must always be accessible from one of these points. If the
unit is installed in a cabinet, the operator must be able to
disconnect the unit from the line power by the system’s
line-power switch.
Use only the type of power cord supplied with the unit. If
you need to replace a lost or damaged cord, make sure to
replace with a power cord of the same type.
Connect the power cord only to a power outlet equipped
with a protective earth contact. Never connect to an
extension cord or any receptacle that is not equipped with
this feature.
If using a voltage-reducing autotransformer to power the
unit, ensure that the common terminal connects to the
earthed pole of the power source.
Do not interrupt the protective earth grounding. 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.
Do not operate the unit when its cover or panels have been
removed.
To prevent potential fire or shock hazard, do not expose the
unit to any source of excessive moisture.
Do not use the unit outdoor.
Operating the unit in the presence of flammable gases or
fumes is extremely hazardous.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment
may be impaired. Only technicians authorized by JGR
Optics should carry out the repairs. In addition to voiding
the warranty, opening the unit (even when unplugged) can
expose you to potential shock hazards.

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Some of the unit’s capacitors can be charged even when the
unit is not connected to the power source.
Do not perform any operating or maintenance procedure
that is not described in the User Manual.

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GETTING STARTED
Caution
To avoid injury or death, always observe the precautions listed
in “SAFETY INFORMATION”section on page 8.
This manual contains complete operating instructions for safe and effective
operation of the PDL5 PDL/IL/BR Multimeter. It is recommended that users of
the PDL5 familiarize themselves with contents of this manual before using the
instrument.
The inspection report and a description of any customer-requested information
may be found in the calibration document envelope included with the
instrument.
Initial Inspection
Inspect the package and contents for signs of damage.
Ensure all contents are included:
PDL5 PDL/IL/BR Multimeter
1 AC power cord
1 FC/APC-FC/UPC hybrid test jumper
1 FC/APC-FC/UPC hybrid calibrated jumper
1 FC-type detector adapter
1 Detector cap
MW3 Mandrel Wrap
Warning
To avoid electrical shock, do not initialize or operate the unit if it
bears any sign of damage. Ensure that the unit and any devices
or cords connected to it are properly grounded.

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User Manual
NIST traceable Calibration Certificate
Read the User Manual thoroughly, and become familiar with all safety
symbols and instructions to ensure that the unit is operated and maintained
safely.
Ensure the unit is operational:
Connect the unit to a power source using the power cord provided
Set the power switch to ON to initialize the PDL5 meter, and observe the
power-up sequence:
Model number and firmware version of the meter are displayed
Internal measurements of Pin and Pdark are made
The message “Initializing” is displayed as the light source stabilizes
The backreflection value (BR) of the front panel connector is measured
and displayed
Set the power switch to OFF and disconnect the meter.
Keep the packaging.
Immediately notify JGR Optics and, if necessary, the carrier if the content of
the shipment is incomplete, if the unit or any of its components are
damaged or defective, or if the unit does not pass the initial inspection.
Operational Requirements
In order for the unit to meet the warranted specifications, the operating
environment must meet the following conditions for altitude, temperature,
humidity, and voltage.
Table 3: Environmental Requirements
Parameter
Specification
Altitude
Up to 2000 m
Temperature
Range of 0 to 40 °C
Humidity
Up to 95% humidity (0 to 40 °C)
Voltage
Main supply voltage fluctuations must not
exceed ±10% of the nominal voltage
NOTE: The PDL5 multimeter may be equipped with up to four internal laser
sources. These are thermoelectrically cooled for added stability and are
modulated at 10 KHz. Sudden changes in ambient temperature can cause one
or several of the sources to become unstable. If this occurs, the meter

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automatically switches to a measuring mode in which Pin and Pdark are
measured more frequently than every minute and the message “Source
Unstable” is displayed. The light sources power is monitored, and the meter
returns to the standard measurement mode when the sources have stabilized.
Product Overview
Front Panel and Key Description
A front view of the PDL5 multimeter is shown on Figure 2 and a detailed
description of keys and LEDs is provided in Table 5 on next page.
Note that the meter front panel will vary with model ordered.
Figure 2: Front of the Meter
Rear Panel
The back of the meter is shown in Figure 3 and the rear-panel features are
described in Table 4.
Figure 3: Back of the Meter