YOKOGAWA AQ1200 User manual

User’s
Manual AQ1200 OTDR
Multi Field Tester
IM AQ1200-01EN
2nd Edition

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Thank you for purchasing the AQ1200 OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) Multi Field Tester.
This user’s manual explains the features, operating procedures, and handling precautions of the
AQ1200. To ensure correct use, please read this manual thoroughly before operation. Keep this
manual in a safe place for quick reference in the event that a question arises.
This manual is one of three AQ1200 manuals. Please read all the manuals.
Manual Title Manual No. Description
AQ1200 OTDR Multi Field Tester
Operation Guide
IM AQ1200-02EN This guide focuses on the handling precautions, basic
operations, and specifications of the AQ1200.
AQ1200 OTDR Multi Field Tester
User’s Manual (included in CD)
IM AQ1200-01EN This manual. Explains all AQ1200 features, except for
the communication features, and how to use them.
AQ1200 OTDR Multi Field Tester
Communication Interface User’s
Manual (included in CD)
IM AQ1200-17EN Explains the features related to using communication
commands to control the AQ1200.
Notes
• The contents of this manual are subject to change without prior notice as a result of continuing
improvements to the instrument’s performance and functionality. The figures given in this manual
may differ from those that actually appear on your screen.
•Every effort has been made in the preparation of this manual to ensure the accuracy of its
contents. However, should you have any questions or find any errors, please contact your nearest
YOKOGAWA dealer.
• Copying or reproducing all or any part of the content of this manual without the permission of
YOKOGAWA is strictly prohibited.
Trademarks
• Microsoft, Windows, and Windows XP are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
• Adobe, Acrobat, and PostScript are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
• In this manual, the TM and ® symbols do not accompany their respective registered trademark or
trademark names.
• Other company and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective
holders.
Revisions
1st Edition: February 2010
2nd Edition: February 2011
2nd Edition: February 2011 (YMI)
All Rights Reserved, Copyright © 2010, Yokogawa Electric Corporation
All Rights Reserved, Copyright © 2011, Yokogawa Meters & Instruments Corporation

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Conventions Used in This Manual
Notes
The notes and cautions in this manual are categorized using the following symbols.
Improper handling or use can lead to injury to the user or damage to the
instrument. This symbol appears on the instrument to indicate that the user must
refer to the user’s manual for special instructions. The same symbol appears
in the corresponding place in the user’s manual to identify those instructions.
In the manual, the symbol is used in conjunction with the word “WARNING” or
“CAUTION.”
WARNING Calls attention to actions or conditions that could cause serious or fatal injury to
the user, and precautions that can be taken to prevent such occurrences.
CAUTION Calls attention to actions or conditions that could cause light injury to the user
or cause damage to the instrument or user’s data, and precautions that can be
taken to prevent such occurrences.
Note Calls attention to information that is important for proper operation of the
instrument.
Symbols and Conventions Used in Procedural Explanations
The contents of the procedural explanations are indicated using the following symbols.
Procedure Carry out the procedure according to the step numbers. All procedures are
written under the assumption that you are starting operation at the beginning
of the procedure, so you may not need to carry out all the steps in a procedure
when you are changing the settings.
Explanation This section describes the setup items and the limitations regarding the
procedures. It may not give a detailed explanation of the feature. For a detailed
explanation of the feature, see chapter 2.
Character Notations
Hard Key Names and Soft Key Names in Bold Characters
Indicate panel keys that are used in the procedure and soft keys and menu items that appear on the screen.
Unit
k Denotes 1000. Example: 12 kg, 100 kHz

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Contents
Conventions Used in This Manual ....................................................................................................ii
Chapter 1 Features
1.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Optical Pulse Measurement ............................................................................................. 1-3
1.3 Waveform Display ............................................................................................................ 1-5
1.4 Waveform and Event Analysis.......................................................................................... 1-7
1.5 Light Source and Optical Power Meters (Options) ..........................................................1-11
1.6 Loss Test (Option) .......................................................................................................... 1-13
1.7 Multicore Loss Test (Option)........................................................................................... 1-14
1.8 Fault Locator .................................................................................................................. 1-15
1.9 Checking Fiber End Faces ............................................................................................. 1-16
1.10 IP Test (Option)............................................................................................................... 1-17
1.11 Other Features ............................................................................................................... 1-18
Chapter 2 Common Operations
2.1 Top Screen ....................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Key, Rotary Knob, and Arrow Key Operations.................................................................. 2-3
2.3 Shortcut Keys ................................................................................................................... 2-5
2.4 Entering Strings................................................................................................................ 2-7
Chapter 3 Optical Pulse Measurement and Analysis Conditions
3.1 Selecting the Measurement Mode.................................................................................... 3-1
Simple (Full Auto) Mode
3.2 Selecting the Wavelength................................................................................................. 3-2
3.3 Automatically Saving Measured Data .............................................................................. 3-3
3.4 Selecting the Approximation Method (Marker) ................................................................. 3-4
Detail Mode and Multi WL Mode
3.5 Setting Measurement Conditions ..................................................................................... 3-5
3.6 Setting Analysis Conditions ............................................................................................ 3-10
3.7 Setting the Pulse Light Output Level .............................................................................. 3-13
3.8 Giving Notifications When Installations Are Complete ................................................... 3-14
Chapter 4 Measuring Optical Pulses
4.1 Performing Real-time Measurement ................................................................................ 4-1
4.2 Performing Averaged Measurements............................................................................... 4-3
4.3 Taking Snapshots ............................................................................................................. 4-4
Chapter 5 Waveform Display
5.1 Waveform Display Screen................................................................................................ 5-1
5.2 Zooming the Waveform Display Scale ............................................................................. 5-2
5.3 Moving the Waveform Display Position............................................................................ 5-5
5.4 Initializing the Waveform Display Scale............................................................................ 5-6
5.5 Setting the Waveform Information Display ....................................................................... 5-7

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Contents
Chapter 6 Waveform Analysis
6.1 How to Operate the Cursor and Markers ......................................................................... 6-1
6.2 Measuring Distances........................................................................................................ 6-8
6.3 Moving the Distance Measurement Reference Point ....................................................... 6-9
6.4 Measuring the Splice Loss ............................................................................................. 6-10
6.5 Measuring the Return Loss or Reflection Level ..............................................................6-11
6.6 Analyzing Sections ......................................................................................................... 6-13
Chapter 7 Event Analysis
7.1 Displaying the Event Screen ............................................................................................ 7-1
7.2 Editing Waveforms ........................................................................................................... 7-4
Chapter 8 Light Source (Option)
8.1 Producing Measurement Light ......................................................................................... 8-1
8.2 Turning On the Visible Light ............................................................................................. 8-3
Chapter 9 Optical Power Meter (Option)
9.1 Making Preparations for Measurements .......................................................................... 9-1
9.2 Setting Optical Power Measurement Conditions and Holding the Display....................... 9-2
9.3 Logging Measured Values and Saving Logged Results................................................... 9-5
9.4 Selecting and Saving Core and Tape Numbers ............................................................. 9-10
Chapter 10 PON Power Meter (/PPM suffix code)
10.1 Making Preparations for Measurements ........................................................................ 10-1
10.2 Setting PON System Optical Power Measurement Conditions and Holding the Display10-2
10.3 Selecting and Saving Core and Tape Numbers ............................................................. 10-5
Chapter 11 Loss Testing (Option)
11.1 Making Preparations and Adjustments for Loss Testing..................................................11-1
11.2 Performing an Auto Loss Test..........................................................................................11-3
11.3 Performing a Loop-Back Loss Test..................................................................................11-8
Chapter 12 Multicore Loss Testing (Option)
12.1 Creating New Projects.................................................................................................... 12-1
12.2 Sharing Projects ............................................................................................................. 12-3
12.3 Performing a Multicore Loss Test ................................................................................... 12-6
12.4 Optical Power Adjustment .............................................................................................. 12-8
Chapter 13 Fault Locator
13.1 Locating Breaks (Faults) in Optical Fibers ..................................................................... 13-1
Chapter 14 Checking Fiber End Faces
14.1 Using Fiber Inspection Probes to View the Status of Optical Fiber End Faces.............. 14-1
Chapter 15 IP Testing (Option)
15.1 Performing an IP Test ..................................................................................................... 15-1

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Chapter 16 File Operation and Printing
16.1 Connecting a USB Storage Medium to the USB Port .................................................... 16-1
16.2 Saving and Loading Data ............................................................................................... 16-2
16.3 Deleting and Copying Files ............................................................................................ 16-7
16.4 Changing File Names..................................................................................................... 16-9
16.5 Creating Folders............................................................................................................16-11
16.6 Deleting and Copying Folders ...................................................................................... 16-12
16.7 Initializing the Internal Memory..................................................................................... 16-14
16.8 Printing ......................................................................................................................... 16-15
16.9 Specifying the Items That Are Displayed in the File List............................................... 16-16
Chapter 17 Other Operations
17.1 Configuring the Language, Beep, Start Menu, USB Function, and Screen Color.......... 17-1
17.2 Configuring Power Save Settings................................................................................... 17-2
17.3 Resetting the AQ1200 to Its Factory Default Settings .................................................... 17-3
17.4 Setting Operation Restrictions........................................................................................ 17-4
17.5 Assigning Menus Items That Are Displayed on the Top Menu ....................................... 17-6
17.6 Configuring Network Settings (Option)........................................................................... 17-7
Chapter 18 Troubleshooting, Maintenance, and Inspection
18.1 If a Problem Occurs........................................................................................................ 18-1
18.2 Error Messages .............................................................................................................. 18-2
18.3 Viewing the Product Information..................................................................................... 18-6
18.4 Performing a Self Test .................................................................................................... 18-7
18.5 Updating the Firmware ................................................................................................... 18-8
18.6 Performing a Mechanical Inspection and Checking Operations..................................... 18-9
18.7 Replacing the Battery Pack .......................................................................................... 18-10
18.8 Replacing an Optical Adapter....................................................................................... 18-13
18.9 Routine Maintenance ................................................................................................... 18-15
18.10 Storage Precautions..................................................................................................... 18-16
18.11 Recommended Replacement Parts ............................................................................. 18-17
18.12 Calibration .................................................................................................................... 18-18
Appendix
Appendix 1 Data File Formats...............................................................................................App-1
Index
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1.1 Overview
This instrument is an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) with the features listed below. It
is used in the optical fiber and line installation and maintenance servicing of access networks, which
link telephone exchanges and service providers with subscribers, and user networks, which enable
communication within a corporation or building.
Optical fiber
Telephone
exchanges
Measurement
in cable
installations
AQ1200
Consumer
Corporate user
OTDR Features
• Optical pulse measurement
Real-time, averaged measurement
• Waveform display
Can be zoomed and moved
• Waveform analysis
• Cursor/marker, distance, splice-loss, return-loss, and reflection-level measurement
• Section analysis
• Event analysis
Loss Testing (/SLT or /HLT option)
• Loss-measurement light source and visible light source
• Optical power meter
• Loss measurement (loss testing)
• Multicore loss testing
Visible light source (/VLS option)
Generation of visible light
Fault Locator
Location of breaks (faults) in optical fibers
Chapter 1 Features

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Checking Fiber End Faces
You can use a fiber inspection probe*to photograph a fiber end face and display its state on the
screen.
* For information about compatible fiber inspection probes, contact your nearest YOKOGAWA dealer.
IP Testing (/LAN option)
Simple connection testing that uses PING
PON power meter (/PPM option)
Simultaneous measurement of the optical power of different signal wavelengths (1310 nm, 1490 nm,
and 1550 nm) of a PON system
PON OTDR (/PN option)
Optical pulse measurement with an optical splitter installed in a PON system
1.1 Overview

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1.2 Optical Pulse Measurement
The AQ1200 applies an incident optical pulse to the connected optical fiber and measures the power
level of the reflected light from the different sections of the optical fiber such as its splices, bent
sections, and the open end of the fiber. The AQ1200 uses the measured power level to determine
the distance to the different points (splices, breaks, etc.) of the optical fiber and the loss and other
phenomena that occur at those points.
MENU
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
ESC
ENTER
VLS LS
SETUP
Reflection
point
Optical fiber being measured
Optical pulse generation
Reflected light
Do not bend the optical fiber.
AQ1200
OTDR/Optical port
(Optical port 2)
Measurement Mode
The AQ1200 has the following three measurement modes. These measurement modes enable you to
set different measurement conditions.
Simple
In this mode, you can only set the optical wavelength and whether measured data is saved
automatically or not. All other measurement conditions are configured automatically or are fixed.
Detail
In this mode, you can set all measurement conditions.
Multi WL
In this mode, in addition to the settings that you can specify in Detail mode, you can select up
to two optical wavelengths. The optical pulse whose wavelength you specified first is generated
and measured. Next, the optical pulse whose wavelength you specified second is generated and
measured. This operation is then repeated.
Analysis Mode
The AQ1200 has the following three analysis modes, which are the same as the measurement modes.
These analysis modes enable you to set different analysis conditions.
Simple
In this mode, you can only specify the approximation method. All other analysis conditions are
configured automatically or are fixed.
Detail
In this mode, you can specify all analysis conditions.
Multi WL
In this mode, the same as in Detail mode, you can specify all the analysis conditions. You can
specify the index of reflection and the backscattering light level for each wavelength that you
specified in the measurement Multi WL mode.

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Real-time Measurement
In real-time measurement, you can change measurement conditions such as the wavelength, distance
range, and pulse width while waveform changes are being measured in real time.*
* The measurement conditions that you can change vary depending on the measurement mode. For details
about the measurement conditions, see the explanation of the measurement modes in chapter 3.
Averaged Measurement
When you want to detect reflections, splice loss, and other faint events that are generated from
connections or splice points but are buried in noise, use averaged measurement. The AQ1200 derives
the measured data by averaging the specified number of optical pulse measurements or by averaging
optical pulse measurements over the specified duration. During averaged measurement, you cannot
change the measurement conditions. You can stop the averaged measurement before it completes.
Fiber-in-Use
The AQ1200 uses the same wavelength that is used in real communication to make measurements.
If communication light is present in the optical fiber that you want to measure (the fiber is in use), the
communication will be affected. Take appropriate precautions to avoid communication interference. In
this situation, the AQ1200 will not be able to perform measurements correctly either. Check that there
is no communication light present in the optical fiber before you use the AQ1200. For details on the
fiber-in-use alarm, see section 3.5.
1.2 Optical Pulse Measurement

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1.3 Waveform Display
You can display the measured result as a waveform on the screen. You can zoom the displayed
waveform and move the position that is displayed.
How to View Optical Pulse Waveforms
This section will explain the path of an optical fiber and the optical pulse measurement waveform.
The optical pulse applied to the optical fiber is reflected at different points of the optical fiber such
as its connections, bent sections, and the open end of the fiber. These sections generate loss. The
measured result is displayed as a waveform that has distance represented in the horizontal direction
and loss level represented in the vertical direction. On the waveform, detected points where loss or
reflection occurs are known as events.
Incident ray Backscatter Splice Connector Bend
Open end of
the fiber
Near-end
reflection
Splice loss
Approximated
line Reflection caused
by a connector Loss caused
by bending
Reflection at the open end
of the fiber (Fresnel reflection)
Dynamic range (SNR = 1)
Optical fiber
Near-end Reflection
This is the reflection that occurs at the point where the AQ1200 and the optical fiber are connected.
This also includes the AQ1200’s internal reflection. In the section where this near-end reflection is
detected, even if there are other connections, the loss and reflections that occur at these points cannot
be detected. This section is the near-end dead zone.
When you are measuring a short distance, connect a dummy fiber to reduce the effect of the near-end
reflection.
Backscatter
When light travels through an optical fiber, Rayleigh scattering caused by changes in the density of
materials that are smaller than the light’s wavelength and inconsistencies in the fiber’s composition
generates loss in the optical fiber itself. The portion of the scattered light that travels in the direction
opposite to the direction of propagation is known as backscatter.
Small
material
Incident ray
Backscatter
Optical fiber

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Splice Loss
Because spliced sections of optical fibers have a great number of changes in the material’s density
and inconsistencies in the fiber’s composition, loss due to Rayleigh scattering becomes large, and
splice loss occurs in these sections.
Reflection at the Connection Point of Connectors
Using a connector to connect two optical fibers is different from splicing them together in that a small
gap remains between the two fibers. Because this gap has a different index of reflection, reflection
occurs.
Optical fiber Optical fiber
Connector
Gap
Fresnel Reflection at the Open End of the Fiber
This is the reflection that occurs at locations where the index of reflection changes (glass to air) such
as where there are tears in the optical fiber or at the end of the optical fiber. When the optical fiber end
face is vertical, approximately 3% of the incident optical power (–14.7 dB) is reflected.
Glass Air
Incident ray (100%)
Reflected light (3%)
Light
(97%)
Dynamic Range
Dynamic range refers to the range of optical power levels that can be measured. The larger the
dynamic range, the greater the distance that optical pulses can be measured over.
Measurement waveform
Noise peak
2.6 dB
RMS level of the noise
Dynamic range
(SNR = 1)
Zooming the Waveform Display Scale
You can zoom the displayed waveform in the direction of the optical power level (vertically) or in the
direction of the distance (horizontally). A rectangular frame that shows the zoom position is displayed
on the overview screen that appears in the bottom right of the screen.
Moving the Waveform Display Position
You can move the displayed waveform in the direction of the optical power level (vertically) or in the
direction of the distance (horizontally). A rectangular frame that shows the display position is displayed
on the overview screen that appears in the bottom right of the screen. This is the same rectangular
frame that shows the zoom position.
1.3 Waveform Display

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1.4 Waveform and Event Analysis
Waveform Analysis
You can use the cursor and markers to measure values such as the distance, splice loss, return loss,
or reflection level between two points.
Measuring Distance
The AQ1200 measures the time that it takes for an incident optical pulse to be reflected and return to
the device. It uses this information and the following equation to calculate the distance (L).
L = C×T/(2N) [m]
C: The speed of light in a vacuum 2.99792 × 108[m/s]
T: The time measured from when the incident pulse was generated to when the reflected light was
received [s]
N: Index of reflection
In the above equation, the division by two accounts for the fact that the measured time represents
the total time taken by the optical pulse to reach the reflection point and to return from it.
If the correct index of reflection is not specified, there will be errors in the distance measurement.
Setting the Index of Reflection
The AQ1200 has preset indices of reflection that correspond to each wavelength. For details on
the settings, see section 3.6. Contact the optical fiber manufacturer for the fiber’s correct index of
reflection.
Distance Range
You must select a distance range that is longer than the cable length of the optical fiber that you
want to measure. As the distance becomes greater, the measurement time also increases. For
details on the setting range, see section 3.5.
Pulse Width
There are the following features depending on the length of the pulse width. The pulse width that
you can select varies depending on the distance range that you have specified. For details on the
settings, see section 3.5.
•Short pulse width
You can separate and measure adjacent events (reflection points and losses). However, you
cannot measure long distances.
• Long pulse width
You can measure long distances. However, multiple adjacent events may be seen as one single
event.
Pulse width

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Dead Zone
An area where the influence of a large event such as a connector’s connection point makes it
impossible to recognize other events that exist in that area is a dead zone. There are the following
two types of dead zones.
•Event dead zone
An area where adjacent reflections cannot be separated. This is the area represented by the
pulse width between the two points on the waveform at the level that is 1.5 dB below the peak
value.
•Attenuation dead zone
An area where, because there is a large reflection, the surrounding splice losses cannot be
measured.
Event dead zone
Attenuation dead zone
1.5 dB
Near-end Dead Zone Prevention
In sections where near-end reflection is detected, loss and reflections that occur at connections
cannot be detected. If you are measuring a short distance, connect a dummy fiber to move events
that are hidden in the near-end reflection the distance of the dummy fiber.
MENU
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
ESC
ENTER
VLS LS
SETUP
Do not bend the optical fiber.
AQ1200
Optical fiber being
measured
Dummy fiber
Event generation
point
Small reflection that was hidden
within a large reflection
Splice Loss
The AQ1200 measures the distance and the loss between the specified points.
2 Point Markers
The AQ1200 measures the distance and the loss between two points. If reflection is detected
between the two points, the return loss is also measured. The splice loss value changes depending
on the approximation method that you have specified. This can be used when Marker Mode is set
to Marker or Line.
Splice loss a (dB)
(Total loss)
d (km)
(n when Marker Mode is set to Line)
(E when Marker Mode is set to Line)
2
1
1.4 Waveform and Event Analysis

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4 Point Markers
The AQ1200 uses the following four points to perform the measurement: the measurement start
point
1
, the splice loss start point
2
, the splice loss end point Y2, and the measurement end point
3
. At position
2
, the level difference between the approximated line
2
–
1
and the approximated
line Y2–
3
is calculated as the splice loss. The splice loss changes greatly depending on the
position of
2
. Set the correct position for
2
. The splice loss value changes depending on the
approximation method that you have specified. This can only be used when Marker Mode is set to
Marker.
Y2
b(dB)
e (dB)
c (km) f (km)
Approximated line Y2– 3
2
1
3
5 Point Markers
The AQ1200 uses the following five points to perform the measurement: the near-end point (n), a
point (N) that is used to calculate the near-end side’s approximated line, a point (E) where splice
loss is detected, a point (F) that is used to calculate the far-end side’s approximated line, and the
far-end point (f). At position E, the level difference between the approximated line n–N and the
approximated line F–f is calculated as the splice loss. The splice loss changes greatly depending
on the position of E. Set the correct position for E. The splice loss value changes depending on the
approximation method that you have specified. This can only be used when Marker Mode is set to
Line.
nNf
F
a (dB)
b (dB)
c (km)
e (dB)
f (km)
E
Approximated
line F–f
Approximated
line n–N
Return Loss
Return loss RL is the ratio, in dB, of the reflected optical power level Pr to the incident optical power
level Pi. It is calculated using the following equation. The larger the return loss, the smaller the
reflected optical power. This implies that the performance of the measured optical line is good.
RL = –10log(Pr/Pi) [dB]
1.4 Waveform and Event Analysis

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Section Analysis
You can set two markers, start point S and end point E, to measure the return loss and total loss in
the section that you have specified. If you specify the reference point marker
B
for the return loss
measurement, you can measure the return loss in the area between
B
and E.
S E
E
EE
B
Event Analysis
You can detect events in the optical pulse measurement waveform and measure the splice loss and
the return loss. You can insert and delete events on the event screen.
S
▲
▲
▲
▲
▲▲▲▲▲▲
1
2
E
EEE
Measurement
reference point
Event number 1
Event number 2
Detected fiber-end event E
1.4 Waveform and Event Analysis

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1.5 Light Source and Optical Power Meters
(Options)
The features listed for the loss-measurement light source and optical power meters are available on
models with the /SLT, /HLT, or /PPM option. The features listed for the visible light source are available
on models with the /VLS option.
Loss-Measurement Light Source
The following measurement light wavelengths can be generated.
Model Measurement Light Wavelength
AQ1200A SM 1310 nm, SM 1550 nm
AQ1200B SM 1625 nm
AQ1200C SM 1650 nm
You can produce continuous light or light that has been modulated at the selected frequency (modulation
mode).
Visible Light Source
You can produce visible light to visually identify breaks in the optical fiber under test. You can turn the
visible light on and off independently of the measurement light source.
Optical Power Meter
The two instrument types listed below are available for measuring different types of optical power.
Item Models with /SLT or /HLT
Suffix Codes
Models with /PPM Suffix Codes
Normal power meter
selected
PON power meter
selected
Wavelength Yes Fixed10, 11 Fixed10, 11
Wavelength mode1Yes — —
Modulation mode2Yes — —
Unit Yes (dB, dBm, W) Yes (dB, dBm, W) Yes (dBm, W)
Reference3Yes Yes —
Measured value display hold Yes Yes Yes
Measured value logging Yes Yes —
Zero set4Yes Yes Yes
Average count5Yes Yes Yes
Maximum and minimum value
display6Yes Yes —
Interlocking of light source and
optical power meter settings7Yes Yes —
Offset8Yes Yes Yes
Threshold9Yes Yes Yes
Measurement of the optical
power from ONU to OLT for a
particular signal wavelength10
— — Yes
Measurement of the optical
power from OLT to ONU for a
particular signal wavelength11
— — Yes
Yes: Can be set or executed, —: Not available
1 Wavelengths can be set with the wavelength mode set to Simple, Detail, or CWDM.
• Simple: You can select from a list of preset wavelengths.
• Detail: You can set the wavelength to a value from 800 to 1700 nm in 1 nm steps.
• CWDM: You can set the wavelength to a value from 1270 to 1610 nm in 20 nm steps along the CWDM
wavelength grid.
2 You can select the modulation frequency of the incident rays from a list of presets. You can also select CW
(continuous).

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3 You can make the displayed measured value the reference and display subsequent measured values as
relative values.
4 You can adjust the internal deviation of the optical power measurement section and obtain more accurate
absolute optical power values.
5 You can display averaged measured values.
6 You can display the maximum and minimum measured values.
7 You can interlock the light source and optical power meter settings when you connect an optical fiber
between the light source port of an AQ1100 and the optical power measurement port of another AQ1100.
8 You can add a specified value (the offset value) to measured optical power values.
9 You can set upper and lower threshold values and determine whether or not the measured values fall within
them.
10 You can measure the optical power of an upstream signal from the ONU (optical network unit: the user’s
optical terminal) to the OLT (optical line termination: the telephone exchange’s optical terminal). The optical
power of the 1310 nm (data wavelength) signal is measured.
11 You can measure the optical power of downstream signals from the OLT to the ONU. The optical power of
the 1490 nm (data wavelength) and 1550 nm (video wavelength) signals is measured.
Logging
You can measure short-term optical power stability. The optical power value during logging can be
displayed on a graph, and you can calculate the maximum, minimum, and average. In addition, you
can use cursors to calculate the optical power at a specified location or the maximum, minimum, and
average within a specified area. The logging results can be saved to a file in CSV format.
1.5 Light Source and Optical Power Meters (Options)

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Features
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Index
App
1.6 Loss Test (Option)
You can easily measure optical fiber and optical line degradation. This feature is available on AQ1200A
models with the /SLT or /HLT option.
Auto Loss Test (Using one AQ1200 as the light source and
another as the optical power meter)
Using the AQ1200 as a light source and optical power meter, you can easily measure optical fiber and
line degradation. You can also use the AQ1100 multi-field tester series instead of the AQ1200 as the
light source or optical power meter.
Light Source
You can set up to two measurement light wavelengths and produce them in order. You can produce
a constant level of light if you use the optical power adjustment feature.
Optical Power Meter
The AQ1200 automatically identifies the measurement light from the AQ1200 that it is connected to
and measures the optical power.
• The following items can be specified or executed. For details about these items, see section 1.5.
The unit, reference, offset, and threshold values can be specified.
The zero set and measured value display hold operations can be executed.
• You can attach fiber information to the measured values and save them.*
* Because the AQ1200 is capable of identifying optical fiber and line cores, it is possible to number cores
and tapes.
Light source (AQ1200)
Light source
port
Optical power meter (AQ1200)
Optical power
measurement
port
Fiber under
loss test
Loop-Back Loss Test (Using one AQ1200)
You can use the light source and optical power meter features on a single AQ1200 to perform a loop-
back loss test on an optical fiber or line. To perform loss testing, connect one end of the fiber that
you want to perform loss testing on to the AQ1200 light source port, and connect the other end to the
optical power measurement port of the same AQ1200.
Light source and optical power meter
(AQ1200)
Light source
port
Optical power
measurement
port
Fiber under
loss test

1-14 IM AQ1200-01EN
1.7 Multicore Loss Test (Option)
You can efficiently measure multicore optical fiber and optical line degradation. This feature is available
on AQ1200A models with the /SLT or /HLT option.
Master and Slave
Connect two AQ1200s and specify the optical power meter as the master and the light source as the
slave. You can also use the AQ1100 multi-field tester series instead of the AQ1200 as the master or
slave.
Specifying the Optical Communication Fiber
To transfer, between the master and slave, project setup information and information about the fiber
under loss test, you must specify a fiber from the multicore optical fiber to use for communication.
Connect one end of the optical communication fiber to the master’s light source port (optical port 2),
and connect the other end to the slave’s optical power measurement port (optical port 1).
Information That Is Transferred from Master to Slave
The following information can be transferred through the optical communication fiber from the
master to the slave.
• Project information (see below for further details)
•Loss test results*
* Each time that the selected fiber’s loss test finishes, that fiber’s loss test result is automatically transferred.
Connecting the Optical Fiber under Loss Test
All fibers other than the optical communication fiber can be tested. For each optical fiber under
loss test, connect one end to the master’s optical power measurement port, and connect the other
end to the slave’s light source port. The core and tape numbers of the fibers under loss test are
transferred from the master to the slave.
Master (AQ1200)
Light source port
(optical port 2)
Optical power
measurement port
Slave (AQ1200)
Light source port
Optical power
measurement port
(optical port 1)
Fiber under
loss test
Communication fiber
Executing a Loss Test
Transmit light from the slave. The master will automatically identify different wavelengths in the light
from the slave and measure the optical power. Continue the loss test, switching the cores between the
master and the slave in order.
Projects
You can create projects with the master. You can specify the following project information:
The project name, the number of the core to start loss testing at, the tape number type, the number
of cores, and the transmitted or measured measurement light wavelengths (up to 2).
• You can transfer projects from the master to the slave and share information.
• When the master and the slave share a project and use that project to perform loss testing, if testing
is stopped, the data up to the stop point is saved and you can begin testing again from the next
core.
•You can save and load projects as CSV files.