THORLABS VSD500 User manual

VSD500
Visual Scratch & Defect
Detection System
User Guide

VSD500 Fiber Inspection System
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction ...............................................................................................................1
Chapter 2 Description.................................................................................................................3
Chapter 3 Quick Start Guide........................................................................................................5
3.2.1 Inspection............................................................................................................................................................ 7
3.2.2 Unpacking............................................................................................................................................................ 7
3.3.1 Cleaning the System Enclosure, Screen, and Mounts ......................................................................................... 7
Chapter 4 Automated Inspection ................................................................................................8
Chapter 5 Menu System..............................................................................................................9
5.1.1 Light..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
5.1.2 Save Options ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
5.1.3 Tools.................................................................................................................................................................. 12
5.1.4 Overlay Tools..................................................................................................................................................... 13
5.1.5 Enhanced........................................................................................................................................................... 13
Chapter 6 Tools Menu...............................................................................................................14
6.3.1 Enhanced Settings............................................................................................................................................. 15
6.3.2 Detection Settings............................................................................................................................................. 16
6.3.3 Database Settings.............................................................................................................................................. 18
6.3.4 About................................................................................................................................................................. 19
Chapter 7 Storage Menus .........................................................................................................22
Chapter 8 Specifications ...........................................................................................................25
Chapter 9 Certifications and Compliance...................................................................................26

VSD500 Fiber Inspection System
Chapter 10 Warranty and RMA Information................................................................................29
Chapter 11 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ...................................................................................30

VSD500 Fiber Inspection System Chapter 1: Introduction
Rev. A, September 9, 2022 Page 1
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Description
The Thorlabs VSD500 Visual Scratch and Defect Detection system enables users to examine the connector end-
face and fiber for permanent defects (such as scratches, cracks, and pits) and transient defects such as loose
contamination (dirt, oils, water, and cleaning solvent residues), complementing the interferometric end-face
geometric inspection of the existing Thorlabs CC6000 and GL16 product lines. Visual end-face inspection occurs
between each polishing step of a fiber optic cable manufacturing process. Initial criteria may be removal of epoxy
and chips caused by cleaving, later inspection criteria may include removal of scratches or pits from the fiber and
clear delineation of epoxy and cladding.
Figure 1 Overview of Fiber Patch Cable Preparation
This manual provides technical specifications, calibration procedures, and guides to product use. For additional
questions, please contact Tech Support at techsu[email protected].
Interferometric
inspection
(GL16 or CC6000)
Initial rough
polishing after
epoxy and
cleave
Visual
inspection
Change to finer
grit or rework at
existing grit
Fine polishing
Visual
inspection
Final Visual
inspection or
Automated final
Visual inspection w/
report

VSD500 Fiber Inspection System Chapter 1: Introduction
Page 2 TTN290824-D02
1.2 Safety
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will only apply when the
unit is operated correctly.
Caution
Glass debris may be found in or around the equipment, be careful when conducting maintenance
activities.
Warranty Warning
Do not open the instrument. There are no user serviceable parts in this product. Opening the
device will void your warranty. Any modification or servicing of this system by unqualified
personnel renders Thorlabs free of any liability. This device can only be returned when packed
into the complete original packaging, including all foam packing inserts. If necessary, ask for
replacement packaging.
Attention
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules and meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment Standard ICES-003 for digital apparatus. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area
is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense. Additional information relating to Part 15 of the FCC Rules can
be found in the About menu of this product’s software user interface.
The use of shielded I/O cables is required when connecting this equipment to any and all optional
peripheral or host devices. Failure to do so may violate FCC and ICES rules.
Attention
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to IEC 61326-1 for
using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).

VSD500 Fiber Inspection System Chapter 2: Description
Rev. A, September 9, 2022 Page 3
Chapter 2 Description
2.1 How it Works
The VSD500 Visual Scratch and Defect Detection System is a standalone device with fully embedded control
hardware and software. It uses precision optics and a camera coupled with Linux-based software, delivering a
clear image of a connector endface when inserted into the front panel fixture. Manual X-Y positioning of the
connector is possible with adjustments at the fixture, allowing for viewing of fiber as well as ferrule areas of the
endface, and in this way accommodating various fiber sizes. Manual focusing of the endface being tested can be
performed usingthe front panel FOCUS adjustment. The VSD500 field of view is optimized for the standard 125 micron
fiber diameter, with a fixed magnification of 640x onto its front-panel 8” LCD screen.
•The integrated software enables performing various operations relating to the displayed endface image,
including automatically detecting any scratches and defects on the endface, comparing the detected
information against user-selected pass-fail criteria, generating and presenting inspection reports and
images to screen and file, and supporting export of that information to removable USB storage. General
system configuration is also possible such as inspection criteria definition and options for storing image
files to disk. VSD500 configuration is saved by the software at shutdown and reloaded at next startup. All
software functions are accessible via a set of five pushbuttons on the front panel (with each button’s
changing function indicated by adjacent button labels displayed on the LCD screen) and also a separate
front panel pushbutton for activating an inspection. The VSD500 can be shutdown as well as restarted via
another front panel button.
2.2 Mounts
The VSD500 supports inspection of the standard range of single-fiber connectors, with mounts available for
products having ferrule diameters of 1.25 mm or 2.50 mm, and with flat, PC, or APC endface polish. Each mount
is positioned and held securely in the front panel mount holder magnetically. Insert the mount into the holder
with its flat side facing the holder’s opening as it is slid in, as shown below.
Figure 2 Inserting the Fiber Mount

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2.3 Features
In addition to its core functionality, the VSD500 system has also been designed with some unique features that
improve its usefulness and ergonomics, as follows:
•The system can be operated with the fiber holder on the left or the right side, simply by flipping the entire
unit to the desired orientation. When changing the orientation, the power must be cycled in order for the
User Inteface to display correctly.
•The unit rests securely on a custom platform that tilts the front panel at an easier viewing angle.
•The system will start up via the rear-panel on-off rocker switch, or via the shutdown/restart pushbutton
on the front panel (when the rear panel power rocker is already at “On” position).
•The front panel USB port is ready to receive a USB drive for exporting stored files or for software updates.
Any of the rear panel USB ports can be used for this purpose as well.
•The three USB2.0 ports at the rear panel are intended for connecting a keyboard, mouse, or barcode
scanner, while the video port on the rear accepts an HDMI
1
cable and enables the use of an external
monitor to mirror the front panel display.
NOTE: The connection to an external HDMI monitor should be made using a commercial grade
high-speed HDMI cable with ferrite cores.
•A keyboard and mouse, if connected, can be used as an alternative to the front panel 5-button array for
navigating and activating the menu functions, as well as for naming files or detection criteria
configurations.
1
HDMI is a trademark or registered trademark of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. The use of such trademark by Thorlabs
does not constitute or imply any affiliation with or sponsorship, approval, certification or endorsement by HDMI Licensing
Administrator, Inc. of Thorlabs or any Thorlabs products. All references by Thorlabs to such trademark are for identification
purposes only.

VSD500 Fiber Inspection System Chapter 3: Quick Start Guide
Rev. A, September 9, 2022 Page 5
Chapter 3 Quick Start Guide
3.1 System Preparation
Upon receipt of your VSD500 system, the following steps should be followed in order to put it into operation.
•Remove the VSD500 unit, tilt platform, AC adapter, and any provided fixtures from the shipping container.
•Remove the VSD500 unit from its protective bag and ensure that its rear panel power rocker switch is in
the OFF (“0”) position.
•Position the supplied tilt platform on the bench where it is intended to be used, and place the VSD500
unit onto the tilt platform in the desired orientation (with the connector fixture on the right or the left).
•Locate the DS12 12 VDC, 4 A desktop AC adapter used to power the VSD500 system. Plug the 4-pin circular
connector end of the AC adapter into the VSD500 rear panel 4-pin power jack.
•Connect the supplied AC power cable to a properly-filtered AC outlet and the DS12 adapter.
•If desired, other USB devices can be attached as well (e.g.: keyboard, mouse, barcode scanner, USB drive)
at this time.
NOTE: If the unit has recently come from an environment more than 10 °F colder than the
current room temperature, allow at least 3 hours for it to acclimate (outside of its shipping
container) before applying power. Not doing so may damage sensitive optical components in
the system.
•When ready to start using the system, set the rear panel power rocker switch to its ON (“1”) position. The
system will start up, presenting the main user interface.
Figure 3 Rear Panel
•Load an appropriate type of connector mount into the front panel mount holder.
•After loading the mount, turn the X-Y adjusters so that the light at the mount aperture is maximized.
Caution
Though the LED is of lower power, it is recommended to not look directly into the aperture when
the LED is set to ON.

VSD500 Fiber Inspection System Chapter 3: Quick Start Guide
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•Clean and fully insert a connector into the connector mount.
•In the VSD500 main menu, turn on the Overlay Tools. This will enable a software function that assists the
user with fiber centering and endface focusing in preparation for a future inspection. A scale is also added
to the Live View window for manual gauging of the size of any artifacts observed in the view.
•Perform any system software configuration, such as Save Options for image storage, that may be needed
(see Chapters 6 and 7 for more information).
•Center the fiber and focus the image using the Overlay Tools.
•If desired at this time, press the front panel CAPTURE button to initiate an inspection.
•When ready to shutdown the VSD500:
oPress and hold the front panel red momentary pushbutton for at least 3 seconds. This will put
the system in standby mode from which it can be awakened later by pushing the same button
again.
oTo fully power down the VSD500 after it is in standby mode, set the rear panel power rocker
switch to its OFF (“0”) position.
NOTE: Safe shutdown occurs by first placing the VSD500 in Standby Mode via the front
panel Red power button. It is not recommended to set the rear panel power switch to OFF
while the unit is still in operation.

VSD500 Fiber Inspection System Chapter 3: Quick Start Guide
Rev. A, September 9, 2022 Page 7
3.2 Package Inspection and Unpacking
3.2.1 Inspection
When your system arrives, check the shipping cartons for wrinkled or damaged corners, holes through the
cardboard or other signs of rough handling or abuse. If you find any signs of damage, insist that the delivery service
make a note describing the damage on the delivery receipt.
NOTE: If your system arrives in very cold weather, allow the boxes to warm to room temperature
before opening them. Exposing a cold unit to a warm room causes condensation that could damage the
system. If condensation forms, wait for the unit to dry completely before setting it up and connecting it
to an electrical outlet.
3.2.2 Unpacking
Your system is shipped as a single shipping box containing containing the instrument, manual, power supply,
power cord, mounts, and stand. Carefully open the box, making sure not to puncture it too deeply if using a box
cutter. Remove the items in the box very carefully.
3.3 Maintenance
The VSD500 system is reliable and robust, requiring minimal maintenance. The primary components needing
periodic care are its front panel screen and whatever set of connector mounts were provided as standard or
ordered by the end user.
3.3.1 Cleaning the System Enclosure, Screen, and Mounts
Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean the system’s enclosure. Avoid, at all costs, abrasives or solvents as they can
permanently damage the finish. For the screen, a mild glass cleaner on lint-free cloth can be applied periodically
to remove debris.
While a mount is not attached to the VSD500, check it for evidence of any dust or dirt collected on or inside the
mount, and use compressed air to blow off particles. An alcohol wipe can be usedonthemounts if excessively dirty.

VSD500 Fiber Inspection System Chapter 4: Automated Inspection
Page 8 TTN290824-D02
Chapter 4 Automated Inspection
The primary purpose of the VSD500 is to automatically inspect a connector endface for scratches and defects,
compare the detected information against user-selected pass-fail criteria, and present an inspection report, all at
the press of a button. To trigger this process, press the [CAPTURE] button adjacent to the connector mount. Upon
completion of a successful Inspection, a Report will be displayed along with a Results menu allowing viewing of
the images associated with that inspection. Select Export Results to save the report and associated images to a
USB drive. To initiate another inspection, press the [BACK] button to return to the main menu, then press the
[CAPTURE] button.
To see further examples of the inspection output, and for more detail on how the menu system works, see the
following chapters.

VSD500 Fiber Inspection System Chapter 5: Menu System
Rev. A, September 9, 2022 Page 9
Chapter 5 Menu System
The VSD500 provides functionality that is accessed via layers of menus. The functions available on each menu
layer are indicated by the name on the soft keys, and each soft key is activated by the adjacent front panel
pushbutton, or using an attached mouse. Soft keys with labels of the format “xxx: [ zz ]” are option toggle buttons.
These allow for selecting options (“zz”) for the function (“xxx”). Soft keys without this label format will, when
pressed, cause a switch to another menu layer of type indicated by the key name.
5.1 Main Menu
5.1.1 Light
The VSD500 LED light source can be toggled On or Off using the [Light] button.
5.1.2 Save Options
This menu choice allows for configuring image format and naming conventions for storing the Captured &
Analyzed images as well as Reports to files. When invoked, an example of the default results storage filename will
be shown, dependent on previous-selected options for file image Format, as well as filename Prefix and Append
text.

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Format
The desired stored image file format can be selected by repeated button press until the desired choice is shown.
Available choices are BMP, PNG, and JPG.
Prefix
In this menu, the four navigating buttons can be used to define a desired image filename prefix. When the chosen
letter is highlighted, press the [Select] button. Select the “Aa” choice to toggle between lower case and capitals.
When the full prefix is satisfactory, use the buttons to move and select the [Ok] choice to save it and exit the
virtual keyboard, or select the [Cancel] choice to exit without saving any changes. Alternatively, a keyboard or
barcode scanner can be used to directly enter a prefix name, using an ENTER key to finish. Also, a Mouse can be
used instead of the menu buttons to operate the virtual keyboard.

VSD500 Fiber Inspection System Chapter 5: Menu System
Rev. A, September 9, 2022 Page 11
Prefix Entry Shortcut
If a USB keyboard or Barcode Scanner is attached, the software provides a shortcut to prefix entry when at the
Main Menu. Simply begin typing (or scan text in using the Barcode Scanner), and the following menu will appear.
Entry is completed when an “Enter” is received by the software.
Append
Repeated button press will toggle between appending a “Date/Time”signature vs. appending an
autoincrementing integer (“Number”) to the filename.

VSD500 Fiber Inspection System Chapter 5: Menu System
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Set Date/Time
The current date and time, used in Inspection file naming and in reports, can be set with this menu feature. Use
the [Item] buttons to select a field for changing, and the [Value] buttons to set a field value. When finished making
changes, press the [Ok] button.
5.1.3 Tools
Various aspects of the VSD500 can be configured or inspected via the [Tools] menu and its submenus. These
include:
•Defining the automatic inspection Pass-Fail criteria
•Setting quality of the camera Live View
•Monitoring and managing internal and external storage
•Managing the internal database
•Setting unit Date/Time
•Inspecting system information
•Updating software
See the Tools Menu chapter for more detail.

VSD500 Fiber Inspection System Chapter 5: Menu System
Rev. A, September 9, 2022 Page 13
5.1.4 Overlay Tools
The Overlay Tools mode can be toggled On or Off using the [Overlay Tools-On/Off] button. This mode provides
software assisted fiber centering and endface focusing, both of which are needed prior to activating an inspection.
When switched On, a dialog will appear at top right of the live view, as shown below.
Using Overlay Tools mode:
•Center the fiber by adjusting the mount in X and Y until the connector’s fiber is entirely within the circle
overlaying the camera live view.
•Focus the endface by first defocusing the view using the front panel FOCUS knob, noting what direction
of turning was required. Then turn the FOCUS knob about ¼ turn in the other direction past the point
where it is sharp. Next, reverse focusing direction once more. While turning the knob back through best
focus, the focus assist dialog at top right of view will show best focus location by switching color to green
from red. Best focus will also be indicated by the largest number showing in the dialog.
•When Overlay Tools mode is switched ON, a scale is also added to the Live View window for manual
gauging of the size of any artifacts observed in the view.
5.1.5 Enhanced
The Enhanced mode can be toggled On or Off using the [Enhanced-On/Off] button. When switched ON, this mode
improves visibility of end face artifacts by applying real-time post-processing to the image from the camera. Via
the Tools menu, the user has the ability to select from and configure two types of enhancement. See the Tools
Menu chapter for enhanced camera view configuration instructions and examples.

VSD500 Fiber Inspection System Chapter 6: Tools Menu
Page 14 TTN290824-D02
Chapter 6 Tools Menu
Pressing the [Tools] button in the Main menu will invoke the following menu options.
6.1 Storage
Inspection file sets (consisting of a captured image, analyzed image, and a report) are automatically saved to the
internal solid-state disk and can later be selected for viewing, exporting, or deleting. See the Storage Menus
chapter for more detail.
6.2 USB Management
Use this button to safely eject one or more inserted USB flash drives. Select the desired USB storage drive (if
multiple flash drives are attached) and press the [Eject] button.
6.3 Settings

VSD500 Fiber Inspection System Chapter 6: Tools Menu
Rev. A, September 9, 2022 Page 15
6.3.1 Enhanced Settings
The VSD500 can be used as a tool for both manual and automated end face visual inspection. To facilitate manual
detection of end face artifacts (e.g.; defects and scratches), an Enhanced Mode for the camera Live View is
provided. When switched ON (via the [Enhanced-On/Off] button in the Main Menu), this mode improves visibility
of end face artifacts by applying real-time post-processing to the image from the camera.
Via this [Enhanced Settings] menu, the user has the ability to:
•Turn on or off Enhanced Mode (by repeated press of [Enhanced] button)
•Choose type of enhancement (by repeated press of the [Mode] button)
•Set the level of enhancement (by pressing the [Threshold] Up/Dn buttons)
oLevel will be indicated on [Mode] button
•Save any changes and return to previous menu (by pressing the [Back] button)
NOTE: The enhanced settings and mode has no effect on the automated inspection. See below images for
examples of the Live View under the different modes.

VSD500 Fiber Inspection System Chapter 6: Tools Menu
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6.3.2 Detection Settings
Successful inspection with determination of passing or failing of an analyzed endface requires prior selection of a
Pass/Fail criteria to be applied. The VSD500 includes a standard set of Pass/Fail criteria for common connector
types, as defined by the applicable IEC61300-3-35 specification. These factory-supplied criteria cannot be
modified, but the VSD software also provides the capability for creating editable custom criterias from a copy of
an existing criteria. Custom criteria can also be deleted from the Detection Settings menu.
Criteria
The [Criteria] button allows a user to choose the Pass-Fail criteria set that will be used for analyses. At time of
criteria selection, that criteria’s definition is displayed for review.
Edit Criteria
If the “Custom” choice is selected with the [Criteria button], the [Edit Criteria] button becomes enabled. Pressing
that button will invoke an edit menu for navigating through and changing fields in the Custom Criteria. After
editing, press the [Back] button to exit and save any changes.

VSD500 Fiber Inspection System Chapter 6: Tools Menu
Rev. A, September 9, 2022 Page 17
Copy To New Criteria
Use the [Copy to New Criteria] button to create custom criterias. Pressing this button will make a copy of the
currently selected existing criteria, prompt the user for a name to assign to it, and then present the new criteria
for editing.
Delete Criteria
If the “Custom” choice is selected with the [Criteria button], the [Delete Criteria] button becomes enabled.
Pressing that button will prompt the user for confirmation of intent to delete the criteria. Press the [OK] button
to confirm, or the [CANCEL] button to exit without deleting.