The AD20 verifies the transmission quality of optical fiber by measuring the intermittent flash of light. International standards organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) define the intermittent flash of light as an effective means of measuring loss in optical fiber. Light flash is also the only effective method for connector inspection and can be used to measure the length of the optical fiber. Therefore, the AD20 OTDR is a useful tool for optical fiber manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
The AD20 OTDR works by analyzing optical fiber "events" (such as irregularities and connectors), which is very useful for quality control for those responsible for the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of optical fiber. The AD20 OTDR can help identify irregularities in the optical fiber, locate them, and measure their attenuation, signal loss, and homogeneity.
The AD20 OTDR is most useful for field operations. It can help to regularly check the circuit qualification of the fiber optic chain. For future maintenance purposes, the transmission quality and the condition of the optical fiber should be recorded and stored, including measurements of the optical path, total loss, and the loss at all splices and connectors.
Furthermore, the AD20 OTDR is user-friendly, small, and compact. It is designed for ease of use with its large, backlit color LCD screen and graphical interface. Measurement data curves can be saved and transferred to a PC using the included software for further analysis, reporting, and printing.
Features of the AD20 OTDR:
Basic applications: measuring the length of optical fiber and cable; measuring the distance between two points in optical fiber and cable; locating faults and breaks in optical fiber and cable; optical fiber distribution curve and cable loss; measuring the attenuation coefficient of optical fiber and cable; measuring the loss between two points in optical fiber and cable; measuring splice loss; measuring the reflection of optical fiber and cable events.
For a specific event (changed transmission quality due to faults caused by soldering, connector, bending, etc.), the following measurements can be performed with the AD20 OTDR:
a) For each case: distance, loss, and reflection.
b) For each section of the optical fiber: length and loss in dB or dB/km.
c) For the entire optical fiber chain: length and loss in dB.
