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OTDR

The document defines an OTDR as an instrument that detects back-reflected light in optical fibers caused by impurities. It works by injecting light pulses into a fiber and measuring the scattered light returned via an integrated photodiode receiver. OTDRs can measure fiber attenuation, length, splice and connector losses. They have specifications like wavelength, dead zone, pulsewidth and dynamic range to optimize performance for network maintenance and troubleshooting.

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Ishwari Jadhav
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40 views2 pages

OTDR

The document defines an OTDR as an instrument that detects back-reflected light in optical fibers caused by impurities. It works by injecting light pulses into a fiber and measuring the scattered light returned via an integrated photodiode receiver. OTDRs can measure fiber attenuation, length, splice and connector losses. They have specifications like wavelength, dead zone, pulsewidth and dynamic range to optimize performance for network maintenance and troubleshooting.

Uploaded by

Ishwari Jadhav
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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OTDR (OPTICAL TIME DOMAIN REFLECTOMETER)

DEFINITION:

 OTDR is an instrument that is used to detect /analyze the scattered /back-reflected light through
fiber due to impurities and imperfection in fiber.

Operating Principle:

 It injects series of optical pulses into fiber under test and extracts scattered light from same end
of fiber
 The scattered light is used to measure various characteristics of optical fiber
 OTDR measures strength of return pulses, integrates it as a function of time and plotted as
function of fiber strength
 Time difference between transmission and receiving pulse is determined and distance is
calculated as : d=c*t/2n …where c is speed of light ,t is time difference and n is core index

Functions of OTDR :OTDR is used for following measurements

 Fiber attenuation
 Fiber length
 Optical connector
 Splice loss

BLOCK DIAGRAM OF OTDR

Explanation:
 A light pulse is launched into the fiber in the forward direction from an injection laser using either a
directional coupler.
 Coupler makes possible to couple the optical pulse into the tested fiber and simultaneously to receive
the backscattered power to the optical receiver.
 The backscattered light is detected using avalanche photodiode receiver.
 Output of photodiode receiver drives an integrator.
 Integrator improves the received signal to noise ratio by giving an arithmetic average over a number of
measurements taken at one point within the fiber.
 The signal from the integrator is fed through a log amplifier and average measurements for successive
points within the fiber are plotted on as a chart recorder.

OTDR SPECIFICATIONS:

1.Wavelengths:850/1300NM
While testing using an OTDR, the wavelength set on the OTDR should match the wavelength that is used
for transmission.

2. Dead Zones:1.5m /5m


Dead Zone in reference to OTDRs is the distance where the OTDR is unable to find an event in the fiber
cable. Dead Zones are usually measured in meters There are two types of dead zones:1.Event dead zone
and 2.Attenuation dead zone

3. Pulsewidths:3 to 200ns
Pulsewidths are measured in nanometer (nm) or micrometer (µm). Testing long fibers requires wide
pulses of light allowing for more dynamic range

4. Dynamic Rang:25DB/23DB
Dynamic range determines how far the OTDR can measure. It is measured in decibels (dB).

5.Distance range :upto 80km

6.Type of fiber: Multimode

ADVANTAGES
1. CAN OPERATE ON ENTIRE WAVELENGTH RANGE
2. Improved Network Maintenance
3. Enhanced Troubleshooting:
4. Optimized Network Performance

Application :

1. OTDR can be used for return loss measurements,


2. OTDR is useful for testing fiber optic cables
3. OTDR is also widely used for optical cable maintenance and construction
4. To find exact location of faults

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