DSX-PCxx

Patch Cord Adapters

Users Manual

February 2014, Rev. 1 3/2018

©2014, 2018 Fluke Corporation
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
 LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Each Fluke Networks product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under
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has been misused, abused, altered, neglected, contaminated, or damaged by accident or abnormal
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4/15
Fluke Networks
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 Contents

Title Page
Introduction .....................................................................................................1
Kit Contents ......................................................................................................1
DSX-PC5ES ................................................................................................... 1
DSX-PC6S ..................................................................................................... 1
DSX-PC6AS .................................................................................................. 1
Contacting Fluke Networks .............................................................................2
Additional Resources for Cable Testing Information ....................................2
WSafety Information ..................................................................................2
DSX Software Requirements ...........................................................................3
Characterize the Performance of the Adapters .............................................3
How to Do Tests on Patch Cords .....................................................................3
How to Set Up the Tester ........................................................................... 3
How to Do the Patch Cord Test ................................................................. 5
Patch Cord Test Results ....................................................................................6
Why Patch Cords Fail .................................................................................. 6
Wire Map Failures .................................................................................7
Return Loss Failures ...............................................................................7
NEXT Failures .........................................................................................7
Is the Cable Bad or is the Plug Bad? .......................................................... 8
Mechanical Stress Tests for Patch Cords .........................................................10
When to Replace the Jacks in the Adapters ...................................................10
How to Monitor the Number of Insertions for a Jack .............................. 11
How to Order Replacement Jacks .............................................................. 11

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Replacement Parts ...................................................................................... 11

How to Replace the Jacks .......................................................................... 12
Specifications ................................................................................................... 13
Appendix A: How to Characterize and Verify the Adapters’ Performance .. 15

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Introduction
The DSX-PCxx Patch Cord Adapters let you use a DSX CableAnalyzer™ tester to
make sure that patch cords comply with ANSI/TIA and ISO/IEC standards. The
adapters have RJ45 jacks that Fluke Networks selects specifically for tests on Cat
5e and 6 patch cords as specified in TIA-568-C.2 and IEC 61935-2, and Cat 6A patch
cords as specified in IEC 61935-2.
Note
Standards organizations can add amendments to standards.
Contact the applicable standards organization for details. For
general information on standards and for DSX software
updates that include updated standards, contact Fluke
Networks.

Kit Contents
A DSX-PCxxS Patch Cord Adapter Set comes with these items:

DSX-PC5ES
 Two DSX-PC5E Cat 5e Patch Cord Adapters
 DSX-PCxxS Product Manuals CD-ROM

DSX-PC6S
 Two DSX-PC6 Cat 6 Patch Cord Adapters
 DSX-PCxxS Product Manuals CD-ROM

DSX-PC6AS
 Two DSX-PC6A Cat 6A Patch Cord Adapters
 DSX-PCxxS Product Manuals CD-ROM
If something is missing or damaged, contact the place of purchase immediately.

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DSX-PCxx Patch Cord Adapters
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Contacting Fluke Networks

Note
If you contact Fluke Networks about your tester, have the
tester's software and hardware version numbers available if
possible.

 www.flukenetworks.com/support
[email protected]
1-800-283-5853, +1-425-446-5500
Fluke Networks
6920 Seaway Boulevard, MS 143F
Everett WA 98203 USA

Fluke Networks operates in more than 50 countries worldwide. For more contact
information, go to our website.

Additional Resources for Cable Testing

Information
For more information on the DSX CableAnalyzer, see the Versiv Series manuals
available on the Fluke Networks website.
The Fluke Networks Knowledge Base answers common questions about Fluke
Networks products and provides articles on cable testing techniques and
technology.
To access the Knowledge Base, log on to www.flukenetworks.com, then click
SUPPORT > Knowledge Base.

WSafety Information
WWarningX
To prevent possible fire, electric shock, personal injury,
damage to equipment, or inaccurate test results, read the
safety information in the Versiv Series manuals before you
use the tester.

2
 DSX Software Requirements

DSX Software Requirements

The DSX main and remote testers need Versiv software version 2.3 or later to do
tests with the DSX-PCxx adapters.

To see the software versions in your main and remote testers

1 Connect the main and remote testers together with permanent link and
channel adapters or two channel adapters and a patch cord.

2 Turn on both testers.

3 On the main tester tap TOOLS, then Version Information.

The latest DSX software version is available at no charge on the Fluke Networks
web site. Download the update file from the website, then use LinkWare™
software to install new software into the DSX testers. See the Versiv Series
manuals or the online help in LinkWare for instructions.

Characterize the Performance of the Adapters

When you first get the patch cord adapters, characterize their performance.
Later, the test results can help you see if the adapters need new jacks. See
Appendix A.

How to Do Tests on Patch Cords

WCaution
Testing patch cords that have poorly crimped plugs can
reduce the life of the patch cord adapter's jacks or make
them unusable.

How to Set Up the Tester

1 Attach the DSX-PCxx adapters to the main and remote DSX testers.

2 On the home screen, tap the test setup panel.

3 On the CHANGE TEST screen, tap NEW TEST.

-continued-

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DSX-PCxx Patch Cord Adapters
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4 On the TEST SETUP screen, tap Cable Type, then tap the correct cable type,
Cat 5e, 6, or 6A.

5 On the TEST SETUP screen, tap Test Limit, then tap the correct patch cord test
limit, Cat7A Patch Cords, Cat7 Patch Cords, Cat6A Patch Cords, Cat6 Patch
Cords, or Cat5e Patch Cords.

If you do not see the correct patch cord test limit, tap MORE, tap Patch Cords,
then tap the correct limit.
6 The TEST LIMIT - Patch Cords screen shows a list of patch cords that have
different lengths.

On the TEST LIMIT - Patch Cords screen, tap the correct patch cord.
Notes
TIA limits that have “(LA)” in the limit name are used only
with DSX Lab Adapters in Fluke Networks service centers.

If the patch cord's length is not in the list, select a limit with
the next longest length. For example, if the patch cord is
2.2 m long, select a limit for a 2.5 m patch cord.

7 On the TEST SETUP screen, select these settings:

 Store Plot Data: On

 HDTDR/HDTDX: Fail/Pass* only. If you want time-domain reflectometry

and time-domain crosstalk plots for all the patch cords you test, select All
Autotests. For more information about the HDTDR and HDTDX tests, see
the Versiv Series Technical Reference Handbook available on the Fluke
Networks website.

 Outlet Configuration: Select the correct wire map for the patch cords.

 AC Wire Map: Off (DSX-5000 only)

8 On the TEST SETUP screen, tap SAVE when your test setup is completed.

9 On the CHANGE TEST screen, make sure the button next to the test is
selected, then tap USE SELECTED.

10 If you want to make a list of cable IDs or change the Auto Save setting, tap
the Next ID panel on the home screen.

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 How to Do Tests on Patch Cords

How to Do the Patch Cord Test

Note
For DSX-PC6A adapters: Typically, you can move an RJ45 plug
slightly in or out of the jack even when the latch engages.
For Cat 6A patch cords, the two positions can give slightly
different results for a patch cord test. To help ensure
consistent results, specify in your test procedure whether the
cords must be pushed in completely or pulled back.

1 Connect the patch cord to the main and remote testers, as shown in Figure 1.

2 Turn on both testers, then tap TEST on the main tester or press  on the
main or remote tester.

Note
The main tester will not turn on a remote tester when they
are connected through patch cord adapters.

Patch cord under test

CAT 6 PATCH CORD ADAPTER

CAT 6 PATCH CORD ADAPTER

DSX-PC6

DSX-PC6
DSX main tester with WCaution DSX remote tester with
DSX-PCxx patch cord To help ensure accurate test results, DSX-PCxx patch cord
adapter do not bend the patch cord during adapter
the test.

C01.EPS

Figure 1. Patch Cord Test Connections

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DSX-PCxx Patch Cord Adapters
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Patch Cord Test Results

Patch cord tests evaluate these characteristics:
 Wire map
 Return loss
 NEXT
The patch cord test specifications assume that insertion loss (attenuation), ACR-F
(ELFEXT), DC resistance, length, propagation delay, and delay skew requirements
are met by the patch cord's design, thus, test limits for these measurements are
not required.

Why Patch Cords Fail

Patch cords can fail because of faulty wiring, poor workmanship, poor quality
materials, or damage to the cable or plug.
When margins begin to get smaller and failures occur more frequently, your
adapters possibly need new jacks. If you characterized the adapters'
performance when the adapters were new, use the results and the reference
patch cord to evaluate the adapters' performance. See Appendix A.
The sections below give typical causes for wire map, return loss, and NEXT
failures.

6
 Patch Cord Test Results

Wire Map Failures

Wire map failures are typically caused by these problems:
 Wires connected to wrong pins at plug
 Faulty connections
 Damaged plug
 Damaged cable
 Wrong Outlet Configuration selected on the TEST SETUP screen
 Mix of T568A and T568B wiring standards (1,2 and 3,6 crossed)
 Conductive material stuck between pins at plug

Return Loss Failures

Return loss failures are typically caused by these problems:
 Cable impedance not 100 
 Patch cord handling causing changes in impedance
 Excessive untwisting of pairs at plug
 Poor quality plug
 Cable impedance is not consistent (poor quality cable)
 Distortions in the cable, such as pinches or kinks
 Poorly-matched plug and jack (usually affects Cat 6/Class E applications)
 Wrong test limit selected

NEXT Failures
NEXT failures are typically caused by these problems:
 Wire pairs untwisted too much at the plug. Most NEXT failures occur at plugs,
where the wire pairs are untwisted.
 Poor quality plug
 Poor quality cable
 Poorly matched plug and jack
 Distortions in the cable, such as pinches or kinks
 Too much electrical noise near cabling under test.
 Wrong test limit selected

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DSX-PCxx Patch Cord Adapters
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Is the Cable Bad or is the Plug Bad?

You can use the HDTDX and return loss plots to see if a patch cord failed because
of bad cable or a plug that is bad or poorly installed. See Figures 2 and 3.

C02.EPS

HDTDX plots for a bad cable show high Bad cable often causes return loss failures at
crosstalk along the cable. low frequencies (below 50 MHz)

Figure 2. HDTDX and RL Plots for a Bad Cable

8
 Patch Cord Test Results

C05.EPS

HDTDX plots for a bad plug show high A bad plug often causes return loss failures
crosstalk at the plug. at high frequencies. Typically, the test fails
or has the worst margin at the end with the
bad plug.

Figure 3. HDTDX and RL Plots for a Bad Plug at the Remote

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DSX-PCxx Patch Cord Adapters
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Mechanical Stress Tests for Patch Cords

Every patch cord design should be evaluated for changes in performance,
especially return loss performance, under mechanical stress. Refer to the ANSI/
TIA or ISO/IEC standards for more information about stress tests.
Since it is not practical to do the stress tests on every patch cord produced, you
can do tests on samples of your patch cords to ensure quality. The sample size
depends on the necessary level of quality. Or, you can use the stress tests to see
the possible shift in performance, then apply the shift to worst-case margins to
make sure that patch cords meet specifications under worst-case conditions. You
can apply the shift as you test, or you can use LinkWare software to upload test
results to a PC for evaluation.

When to Replace the Jacks in the Adapters

The RJ45 jacks in the DSX-PCxx adapters are typically good for 5000 insertions
when used continuously.
When used non-continuously, the lifetime can be reduced to 750 insertions.
After 750 insertions, the gold plating that prevents oxidation on the contacts is
possibly worn away, but continuous use wipes off the oxidation and extends the
life of the contacts.

WCaution
If you do tests on patch cords that have poorly crimped
plugs, you can reduce the life of the patch cord adapter's
jacks or make them unusable.

Replace the jacks in the adapters when any of these conditions occur:
 Margins for patch cord tests begin to get smaller.
 Patch cord tests, especially wire map or return loss tests, begin to give
inconsistent results.
 You have connected patch cords to the jacks more than 5000 times.
 The characterization test given in Appendix A fails or the results are very
different from the results you saw when the adapters were new.

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 When to Replace the Jacks in the Adapters

How to Monitor the Number of Insertions for a Jack

To see the number of tests done with a patch cord adapter, attach the adapter
to the main tester, then tap TOOLS > Version Information > ADAPTER. These
counts show on the VERSION INFORMATION screen:
 Autotest Count is the number of Autotests done with the adapter.
 Current Series is an Autotest count that you can reset. Use this counter to
monitor the number of insertions for the jack. To reset the counter after you
replace a jack, tap Reset Series.

How to Order Replacement Jacks

Table 1 shows the replacement parts available for the DSX-PCxx Patch Cord
Adapters. To order replacement jacks, contact Fluke Networks as described on
page 2.

Replacement Parts
Table 1. Replacement Parts
Fluke Networks
Description Model Number

Set of two shielded RJ45 Cat 6A test jacks DSX-PCTAC6AKS

Set of two shielded RJ45 Cat 6 test jacks DSX-PCTAC6KS

Set of two shielded RJ45 Cat 5e test jacks DSX-PCTAC5EKS

Single DSX-PC6A Cat 6A adapter DSX-PC6A

Single DSX-PC6 Cat 6 adapter DSX-PC6

Single DSX-PC5E Cat 5e adapter DSX-PC5E

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DSX-PCxx Patch Cord Adapters
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How to Replace the Jacks

WCautionh
To prevent damage to the adapters and to make sure that
your test results are as accurate as possible:

 The DSX-PCxx adapters have static-sensitive components.

When you replace the RJ45 jack, obey rules to prevent
electrostatic discharge (ESD).

 Replace the jacks only with jacks of the same type. For
example, do not put Cat 5e jacks onto Cat 6 circuit boards.

 Do not put stress on the circuit board when you remove or

replace the jack.

Note
To ensure reliable operation, replace the DSX-PCxx patch
cord adapter after you have replaced the RJ45 jack 10 times.

1 Use a TORX PLUS® driver, size T-7, to remove the three screws from the back
of the patch cord adapter.

2 Take the adapter case apart and remove the circuit board from the case.

3 Pull the RJ45 jack off of the circuit board (Figure 4).

4 Align the new RJ45 jack on the connectors on the circuit board. See in Figure
4 how the insulation displacement connectors in the jack slide into the
connectors on the circuit board.

5 Push the RJ45 jack onto the connectors on the board. If firm pressure does
not push the jack onto the connectors, realign the jack before you try again.

6 Reassemble the case.

7 If you want to monitor the number of tests you do with the new jack, reset
the Current Series count for the adapter. See "How to Monitor the Number
of Insertions for a Jack" on page 11.

If you characterized the performance of the adapters before, do the

characterization procedure again and save the results as the new
characterization results for the adapters. See "How to Characterize the
Adapters" on page 15.

12
 Specifications

Insulation displacement
connections on the jack

C03.EPS

Figure 4. How to Align the RJ45 Jack on the Circuit Board

Specifications
The DSX CableAnalyzer testers and adapters comply with these accuracy
requirements at these categories of permanent link and channel pass/fail limits:
 Level IIe requirements at ANSI/TIA and ISO/IEC Cat 5e patch cord test limits.
 Level III requirements at ANSI/TIA and ISO/IEC Cat 6 patch cord test limits.
 Level IIIe requirements at ISO/IEC Cat 6A patch cord test limits.
For more DSX-PCxx Patch Cord Adapter specifications, contact Fluke Networks.
For DSX CableAnalyzer specifications, refer to the Versiv Series Technical
Reference Handbook available on the Fluke Networks website.

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 Appendix A: How to Characterize and
Verify the Adapters’ Performance

Introduction
This appendix tells how to characterize the performance of the DSX-PCxx
adapters. Later, you can do the test again to see if the adapters are operating
correctly.

How to Characterize the Adapters

When you first get the patch cord adapters, do this procedure to characterize
their performance.
1 Attach the DSX-PCxx adapters to the main and remote DSX testers.

2 Get several patch cords of the same length that are possibly good.

3 On the main DSX tester, select a patch cord test limit that is applicable to the
patch cords.

4 Do an Autotest on the patch cords to find one that passes. A PASS* result is
sufficient. Select two good patch cords to be your reference patch cords.

Note
When you do the Autotest, keep the patch cord straight as
shown in Figure 1 on page 5.

5 Save the test results from the reference patch cord, then upload the results to
LinkWare. Keep the results where you can find them later.

-continued-

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DSX-PCxx Patch Cord Adapters
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6 Mark the reference patch cord ends with “main” and “remote” as it was
connected for the test. Keep the reference patch cord to use later for
performance tests on the adapters.

WCaution
For consistent return loss measurements from the reference
patch cord, do not put mechanical stress on the cord during
tests or storage. Patch cord performance can change when
you bend or twist the cord.

Note
When you do a test on the reference patch cord later, you
will use the same main and remote DSX testers you used for
the initial test. The test results include the serial numbers of
the testers.

How to Verify the Adapters’ Performance

Use this procedure to compare results from the initial characterization test with
current results to see if the adapters are operating correctly.
1 Use LinkWare to open the results from the initial test on the reference patch
cord.

2 Get the same main and remote DSX testers you used for the initial test.The
serial numbers are in the test results.

3 Attach the patch cord adapters to the testers.

4 Connect the reference patch cord between the main and remote DSX testers.
Make sure to connect the ends of the patch cord to the correct testers.

5 On the DSX tester, select the same patch cord test limit you used for the initial
test.

6 Do an Autotest, then save the results.

7 Use the plots on the DSX and in LinkWare to compare the NEXT and RL
margins in the areas nearest the limit line. For a good adapter and jack, the
old and new NEXT and RL margins should be very similar.

16
 Note
If you replaced the jacks on the adapters, the difference
between the old and new margins can be more than 0.5 dB.
If the difference is more than a few dB, make sure the new
jacks are installed correctly and the adapters show no
damage.

8 If the old and new margins are not similar, replace the RJ45 jacks on the
adapters. See "When to Replace the Jacks in the Adapters" on page 10 for
details.

9 If you did this procedure to verify the performance of new jacks on the
adapters, keep the results as the new characterization results for the
adapters.

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