FIBER OPTICS ASSOCIATION - fiber optics testing procedures

1. © 2012, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. Cable plant loss FOA-1a.doc, 11/15/14, 1
FOA Standard FOA-1
Testing Loss Of Installed Fiber Optic Cable Plant
This test will measure the loss of an installed fiber optic
cable plant, singlemode or multimode, including the loss of
all fiber, splices and connectors.
Equipment Needed To Perform This Test
1. Test source appropriate for the fiber being tested
(Multimode: 850 and/or 1300nm LED, singlemode,
1310 and/or 1550 nm laser)
2. Optical power meter calibrated at the same
wavelengths as the source output.
3. Launch and receive reference cables of the same
fiber type and size as the cable plant and have
connectors compatible to those on the cable plant.
They should be tested per FOA-2 to ensure they are
in good condition.
4. Mating adapters compatible to connectors
5. Cleaning supplies
Test Diagram
Test Procedure
1. Turn on equipment and allow time to warm-up
2. Attach launch cable to source. This should remain
connected to source for the duration of the test.
3. Clean all connectors and mating adapters.
4. Set “0 dB” reference using method shown to the
right. Meter may be set to read “0 dB.”
5. Attach source/ref cable and meter/ref cable to the
cable plant under test and make loss measurement.
Options For “0 dB Reference” - Set Before Testing
1. Use the “1 Cable Reference” if connectors are the
same on the cable plant as the testers and
reference cables or may be adapted using hybrid
adapters.
2. Use the “2 Cable Reference” if connectors are not
the same on the cable plant as the testers but can
be mated to each other with adapters and hybrid
reference cables are being used.
3. Use the “3 Cable Reference” if connectors are
plug/jack styles and reference cables are both
ended in either plugs or jacks.
Reducing Measurement Uncertainty
1. Clean all connectors regularly before and while
testing.
2. Use modal control on launch cable, e.g. small loop
on SM fiber or mandrel wrap on MM fiber.
3. Check “0 dB Reference” periodically during testing.
4. 4. Periodically check reference cables per FOA-2 to
verify their condition.
Documentation
Record the date of the test, operator, test equipment used,
reference method, cable and fiber identification, test
wavelength and measured loss.
Setting “0 dB” Reference
1 Cable Reference
2 Cable Reference
3 Cable Reference

2. © 2012, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. Patchcord and Cable loss FOA-2.doc, 11/15/14, 1
FOA Standard FOA-2
Testing Loss Of Fiber Optic Cables, Single-Ended
This test will measure the loss of a fiber optic cable,
singlemode or multimode, including connectors on each end
individually. For short cables, e.g. patchcords, with negligible
fiber loss, the measured loss may be considered the loss of
the connector mated to the reference connector.
Equipment Needed To Perform This Test
1. Test source appropriate for the fiber being tested
(Multimode: 850 and/or 1300nm LED, singlemode,
1310 and/or 1550 nm laser)
2. Optical power meter calibrated at the same
wavelengths as the source output with adapters to
mate to connector type on cable.
3. Launch reference cable that is the same fiber type
and size as the cable plant and have connectors
compatible to those on the cable.
4. Mating adapters compatible to connectors
5. Cleaning supplies
Test Diagram
Test Procedure
1. Turn on equipment and allow time to warm-up
2. Attach launch cable to source. This should remain
connected to source for the duration of the test.
3. Clean all connectors and mating adapters.
4. Set “0 dB” reference using method shown to the
right. Meter may be set to read “0 dB.”
5. Attach source/ref cable and to the cable under test
and make loss measurement.
6. Reverse cable and test again.
Options For Testing With Different Connector Types
1. If the connector(s) on the cables to test are “plug
and jack” type and/or are not compatible to the
optical power meter for testing and/or reference, you
cannot test single-ended. Use the FOA-1 method
with a 2 or 3 Cable Reference as appropriate.
Results will include loss of connectors on both ends.
Reducing Measurement Uncertainty
1. Clean all connectors regularly before and while
testing.
2. Use modal control on launch cable, e.g. small loop
on singlemode fiber or mandrel wrap on multimode
fiber.
3. Check “0 dB Reference” periodically during testing.
Documentation
Record the date of the test, operator, test equipment used,
reference method, cable and fiber identification, test
wavelength and measured loss.
Setting “0 dB” Reference

3. © 2012, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. Measure Optical Power FOA-3.doc, 11/15/14, 1
FOA Standard FOA-3
Measuring Optical Power In Fiber Optic Systems
This test will measure the optical power exiting the end of
a fiber optic cable. This test is commonly used to
measure the coupled power of a fiber optic source in a
transmitter, power into a receiver or for setting references
for optical loss measurements.
Equipment Needed To Perform This Test
1. Fiber optic power meter calibrated at the same
wavelength as the source output (e.g. multimode:
850 and/or 1300nm, singlemode, 1310, 1490
and/or 1550 nm, POF 650 nm) capable of
measuring optical power in the power range of
the source.
2. Optical power meter adapters to mate to
connector type on cable.
3. Reference cable that is the same fiber type and
size as the cable plant and have connectors
compatible to those on the source and cables.
4. Cleaning supplies
Test Diagram
Test Procedure
1. Turn on meter and allow time to warm-up
2. Set meter to wavelength of source and “dBm” to
measure calibrated optical power.
3. Clean all connectors and mating adapters.
4. Attach reference cable to source if testing source
power or disconnect cable from receiver.
5. Attach power meter to end of cable and read
measured power.
Options For Testing
Power is generally measured in “dBm” or dB
referenced to 1 milliwatt of optical power. Optical
power measurements may also be made in
Milliwatts (mW) or microwatts (µW)
Reducing Measurement Uncertainty
1. Calibrate optical power meter according to
manufacturer specified intervals.
2. Clean all connectors and remove meter adapter
periodically to clean the adapter and power meter
detector.
3. Do not bend fiber optic cables tightly to cause
stress loss.
Documentation
Record the date of the test, operator, test equipment
used, cable and fiber identification, test wavelength and
measured power.
Note:
A reference cable or known good
patchcord is used for testing source
power coupled into a fiber. Receiver
power is tested by disconnecting the
system cable connecting to the receiver
and attaching it to the power meter to
measure power.

4. © 2012, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. Measure Optical Power FOA-3.doc, 11/15/14, 1
FOA Standard FOA-3
Measuring Optical Power In Fiber Optic Systems
This test will measure the optical power exiting the end of
a fiber optic cable. This test is commonly used to
measure the coupled power of a fiber optic source in a
transmitter, power into a receiver or for setting references
for optical loss measurements.
Equipment Needed To Perform This Test
1. Fiber optic power meter calibrated at the same
wavelength as the source output (e.g. multimode:
850 and/or 1300nm, singlemode, 1310, 1490
and/or 1550 nm, POF 650 nm) capable of
measuring optical power in the power range of
the source.
2. Optical power meter adapters to mate to
connector type on cable.
3. Reference cable that is the same fiber type and
size as the cable plant and have connectors
compatible to those on the source and cables.
4. Cleaning supplies
Test Diagram
Test Procedure
1. Turn on meter and allow time to warm-up
2. Set meter to wavelength of source and “dBm” to
measure calibrated optical power.
3. Clean all connectors and mating adapters.
4. Attach reference cable to source if testing source
power or disconnect cable from receiver.
5. Attach power meter to end of cable and read
measured power.
Options For Testing
Power is generally measured in “dBm” or dB
referenced to 1 milliwatt of optical power. Optical
power measurements may also be made in
Milliwatts (mW) or microwatts (µW)
Reducing Measurement Uncertainty
1. Calibrate optical power meter according to
manufacturer specified intervals.
2. Clean all connectors and remove meter adapter
periodically to clean the adapter and power meter
detector.
3. Do not bend fiber optic cables tightly to cause
stress loss.
Documentation
Record the date of the test, operator, test equipment
used, cable and fiber identification, test wavelength and
measured power.
Note:
A reference cable or known good
patchcord is used for testing source
power coupled into a fiber. Receiver
power is tested by disconnecting the
system cable connecting to the receiver
and attaching it to the power meter to
measure power.

5. ©2013, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. FOA Standard FOA-5 Datalinks.doc 11/15/14 1
FOA Standard FOA-5
Fiber Optic Data Links
Definition
A fiber optic datalink is a communications
subsystem that connects inputs and outputs (I/O)
from electronic subsystems and transmits those
signals over optical fiber. Fiber optic datalinks may
transmit signals that are either analog or digital and
of many different, usually standardized, protocols,
depending on the communications system(s) it
supports.
Components
A fiber optic datalink consists of fiber optic
transceivers or individual transmitters and receivers
at either end that transmit over optical fibers. The
typical datalink transmits over two fibers for full
duplex links, one fiber in each direction. Wavelength
division multiplexing may be used to transmit bi-
directionally on one fiber. The fibers may be of any
type, multimode (graded index or step index) or
singlemode. Distance and bandwidth considerations
may dictate the choice or grade of the optical fiber or
require regeneration.
Performance-Power Budget
All datalinks are limited by the power budget of the
link. The power budget is the difference between the
output power of the transmitter and the input power
requirements of the receiver. The receiver has an
operating range determined by the signal-to-noise
ratio (S/N) in the receiver. The S/N ratio is generally
quoted for analog links while the bit-error-rate (BER)
is used for digital links. BER is basically an inverse
function of S/N.
Testing
Testing the operation of the transceivers with the
cable plant includes optical power testing of the
output of the transmitter and the receiver input
power compared to specifications for the link. FOA
Standards for testing cable plant loss and optical
power can be used to properly specify test
requirements.
After the datalink or communications system is
installed, testing the BER or SNR may also be done
to confirm that the link is operating properly.
Documentation
Datalinks should be included in all systems
documentation, including equipment specifications,
transceiver power levels, lengths and routing, test
results, etc.

6. ©2013, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. FOA Standard FOA-5 Datalinks.doc 11/15/14 1
FOA Standard FOA-5
Fiber Optic Data Links
Definition
A fiber optic datalink is a communications
subsystem that connects inputs and outputs (I/O)
from electronic subsystems and transmits those
signals over optical fiber. Fiber optic datalinks may
transmit signals that are either analog or digital and
of many different, usually standardized, protocols,
depending on the communications system(s) it
supports.
Components
A fiber optic datalink consists of fiber optic
transceivers or individual transmitters and receivers
at either end that transmit over optical fibers. The
typical datalink transmits over two fibers for full
duplex links, one fiber in each direction. Wavelength
division multiplexing may be used to transmit bi-
directionally on one fiber. The fibers may be of any
type, multimode (graded index or step index) or
singlemode. Distance and bandwidth considerations
may dictate the choice or grade of the optical fiber or
require regeneration.
Performance-Power Budget
All datalinks are limited by the power budget of the
link. The power budget is the difference between the
output power of the transmitter and the input power
requirements of the receiver. The receiver has an
operating range determined by the signal-to-noise
ratio (S/N) in the receiver. The S/N ratio is generally
quoted for analog links while the bit-error-rate (BER)
is used for digital links. BER is basically an inverse
function of S/N.
Testing
Testing the operation of the transceivers with the
cable plant includes optical power testing of the
output of the transmitter and the receiver input
power compared to specifications for the link. FOA
Standards for testing cable plant loss and optical
power can be used to properly specify test
requirements.
After the datalink or communications system is
installed, testing the BER or SNR may also be done
to confirm that the link is operating properly.
Documentation
Datalinks should be included in all systems
documentation, including equipment specifications,
transceiver power levels, lengths and routing, test
results, etc.

7. ©2013, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. FOA Standard FOA-5 Datalinks.doc 11/15/14 1
FOA Standard FOA-5
Fiber Optic Data Links
Definition
A fiber optic datalink is a communications
subsystem that connects inputs and outputs (I/O)
from electronic subsystems and transmits those
signals over optical fiber. Fiber optic datalinks may
transmit signals that are either analog or digital and
of many different, usually standardized, protocols,
depending on the communications system(s) it
supports.
Components
A fiber optic datalink consists of fiber optic
transceivers or individual transmitters and receivers
at either end that transmit over optical fibers. The
typical datalink transmits over two fibers for full
duplex links, one fiber in each direction. Wavelength
division multiplexing may be used to transmit bi-
directionally on one fiber. The fibers may be of any
type, multimode (graded index or step index) or
singlemode. Distance and bandwidth considerations
may dictate the choice or grade of the optical fiber or
require regeneration.
Performance-Power Budget
All datalinks are limited by the power budget of the
link. The power budget is the difference between the
output power of the transmitter and the input power
requirements of the receiver. The receiver has an
operating range determined by the signal-to-noise
ratio (S/N) in the receiver. The S/N ratio is generally
quoted for analog links while the bit-error-rate (BER)
is used for digital links. BER is basically an inverse
function of S/N.
Testing
Testing the operation of the transceivers with the
cable plant includes optical power testing of the
output of the transmitter and the receiver input
power compared to specifications for the link. FOA
Standards for testing cable plant loss and optical
power can be used to properly specify test
requirements.
After the datalink or communications system is
installed, testing the BER or SNR may also be done
to confirm that the link is operating properly.
Documentation
Datalinks should be included in all systems
documentation, including equipment specifications,
transceiver power levels, lengths and routing, test
results, etc.