WO2001061317A1 - Installation d'essai pour cables optiques - Google Patents

Installation d'essai pour cables optiques Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001061317A1
WO2001061317A1 PCT/US2001/004325 US0104325W WO0161317A1 WO 2001061317 A1 WO2001061317 A1 WO 2001061317A1 US 0104325 W US0104325 W US 0104325W WO 0161317 A1 WO0161317 A1 WO 0161317A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tester
connector
filaments
cable
jig
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/004325
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Saban Akyildiz
Original Assignee
Ots Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ots Llc filed Critical Ots Llc
Priority to AU2001238120A priority Critical patent/AU2001238120A1/en
Publication of WO2001061317A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001061317A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M11/00—Testing of optical apparatus; Testing structures by optical methods not otherwise provided for
    • G01M11/30—Testing of optical devices, constituted by fibre optics or optical waveguides
    • G01M11/31—Testing of optical devices, constituted by fibre optics or optical waveguides with a light emitter and a light receiver being disposed at the same side of a fibre or waveguide end-face, e.g. reflectometers
    • G01M11/3109—Reflectometers detecting the back-scattered light in the time-domain, e.g. OTDR
    • G01M11/3136—Reflectometers detecting the back-scattered light in the time-domain, e.g. OTDR for testing of multiple fibers

Definitions

  • This invention pertains to an apparatus for testing an optical cable formed of a plurality of fibers, and more particularly, to an apparatus in which multiple filaments can be tested quickly and efficiently.
  • Fiberoptic cable is presently manufactured and distributed on rolls similar to standard copper wire cables.
  • a typical fiberoptic cable consists of a plurality of bundles, each comprising ribbons formed of a plurality of filaments.
  • a fiberoptic cable is subjected to various forces which may cause individual filaments to rupture or otherwise distort the cable thereby affecting its capability to transmit optical signals efficiently. Ruptures or other distortions may also occur during the manufacturing process. Once a cable is installed, it is very expensive to replace it. Therefore it is imperative that cables with defective filaments are discovered before a cable is installed.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,179,420 discloses the use of an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) for testing cables using a variable wavelength laser.
  • U.S. Patents 5,871,559 and 5,970,749 disclose an automatic apparatus for fiberoptic fiber with a combined splicer/cutter (Fig. 1).
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,473,423 discloses a method and apparatus for testing light waveguides in which a coupling device is used to conduct a light spot in a predetermined sequence toward one of the guides.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,459,564 discloses an apparatus for inspecting the ends of optical fibers using an interferrometer.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,767,957 discloses an apparatus for testing an optical cable using an OTDR unit.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,179,420 discloses an OTDR used to test an optical fiber.
  • It is an objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for testing fiberoptic cables which can be used easily and without extensive training.
  • a further objective is to provide an apparatus which can be used to test a plurality of fibers or filaments in a cable quickly and accurately.
  • a tester constructed in accordance with this invention includes a test box adapted to be coupled to a standard device for testing optical fibers, and a jig coupled to the test box by a fiberoptic connector.
  • the jig is adapted to position the ends of the fiber optic connector to the ends of a ribbon from a cable to be tested.
  • the jig is formed with a trough arranged to receive the fiberoptic connector and the ribbon in an abutting relationship.
  • the jig is further provided with a cover which can be closed over the trough.
  • a portion of the cover is provided with a magnifying glass that can be used to check that the fibers are properly aligned.
  • a jell is used to maintain the fiber ends in position.
  • the jig may also be provided with a battery powered lamp oriented to illuminate the fiber ends while they are being checked.
  • the subject application pertains to a tester provided to test a multifilament fiberoptic cable having a free end
  • said tester including: a test box adapted to be coupled to an optical fiber test device; a jig adapted to receive said free end; and a first connector extending between said test box and said jig and having a connector end, wherein said jig is arranged and constructed to position said connector end and said free end in an abutting relation; and wherein said test box and said first connector cooperate to transmit light signals from the optical fiber test device to said free end to determine characteristics of said cable.
  • the optical fiber test device is an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) which generates light at various wavelengths which are transmitted by the subject tester to the free ends of the cable filaments. Reflections intercepted from the fiber ends are analyzed by the OTDR using known techniques to determine the characteristics, and hence the condition of the cable.
  • OTDR optical time domain reflectometer
  • Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional somewhat diagrammatic view of a cable with several bundles of optical fiber filaments
  • Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the subject apparatus being used to test a cable on a reel
  • Figure 3 shows elements of the test box for the subject apparatus; and Figure 4 shows an orthogonal view of the jig used in the subject apparatus for selectively coupling light from a test device to the fibers of the cable of Fig. 1.
  • Figure 1 shows a somewhat diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a typical cable 10.
  • the cable 10 consists of several ribbons, each ribbon being substantially flat and consisting of a row of six optical fibers or filaments (not shown) disposed side by side.
  • a plurality of ribbons, for example 12 may be grouped together in bundles, each bundle being disposed in an individual protective sheath 10A. As previously discussed, during manufacture and/or transportation, some of the fibers of the cable may be damaged.
  • Figure 2 shows a reel 12 which may hold for instance up to 10,000 feet of cable or more, depending on the diameter of the cable 10 and the size of the reel 12.
  • the cable 10 has one free end 14 which has been opened so that its individual ribbons, such as ribbon 47, may be tested and an end 16 which is wound on reel 12 and may be accessible for testing purposes.
  • the present application provides a tester 13 including a test box 20, a connection jig 22 and a testing device 24. Extending from the test box 20 to the jig 22 is a connector 26 with a plurality of filaments.
  • the connector 26 is arranged so that each of its filaments is disposed in an abutting relationship with some of the filaments of cable 10, as described more fully below.
  • FIG. 3 shows some of the elements of the test the box 20.
  • the box 20 includes a housing 30. Disposed in the housing 30 is a coupling plate 32.
  • a jack 34 is disposed on a wall of the housing 30.
  • the jack 34 includes a plurality of individual optical connectors 36.
  • Sleeve 38 may be mounted on the plate 32 via an adhesive, by a bracket or by any other means.
  • a plurality of optical fibers 40 in the form of filaments extend between the plate 32 and jack 34. More particularly, each filament 40 has one end connected to one of the optical connectors 36 and the other end extends into one of the sleeves 38 as shown. Since filaments 40 are disposed inside the housing 30, they may be termed internal filaments.
  • a second set of filaments 42 extend away from the connectors 38 and are joined to form one or more ribbons 43.
  • the ribbon 43 may be formed into circular coils (if necessary) and stored in the housing 30.
  • the free end of ribbon 44 extends outwardly of housing 30 through an opening 45 to comprise the connector 26. Since connector 26 extends outside the housing 30, its filaments 42 may be termed external filaments.
  • the end of each of the filament 40 is optically coupled to the end of a corresponding filament 42 using a standard optical coupler (not shown).
  • the sleeves 38 may be heat shrank around the filaments to provide support and protection for the filament ends and the optical couplings within the sleeves.
  • the jig 22 includes a box-shaped housing 44 formed with a trench 46 sized and constructed to receive the ends of one or more of the ribbons 47 of cable 10 and the end of the ribbon 43 of connector 26.
  • the end of ribbon 43 is held securely by a latch 48.
  • a similar latch (not shown) may be use to secure the end of a ribbon 47 from cable 10.
  • the housing 44 also includes a cover 52 attached to the rest of the housing 44 by a hinge 54. A portion of the cover is transparent and may be shaped to form a magnifier 56.
  • the jig 22 further includes a battery 58 which provides current via a switch 60 to a light 62. The battery 58 and switch 60 may be incorporated into the housing 44 however, are shown externally for the sake of clarity.
  • the magnifier 56 and the light 62 act as alignment elements that assist a user in aligning the ends of the fibers in an abutting relationship.
  • the jig 22 may be provided with other implements useful for testing, installing or splicing the ends of cable 10.
  • the jig 22 may provided with a cutter 53 which may be used to make a clean cut at the end of ribbon 47.
  • one or more fibers for example of ribbon 47, is placed into and secured within trench 46.
  • the ribbon connector 43 is secured in the trench by latch 48.
  • the ribbons 43, 47 are arranged within the trench so that their individual filaments are aligned and abut each other within a zone A. This alignment may be checked by closing cover 52 and inspecting the ends of the ribbons through the magnifier 56. This inspection is further assisted by the light 62 which can be selectively activated by switch 60.
  • an appropriate gel is deposited on the ends of the filaments in zone A where they abut.
  • the testing device 24 is preferably an OTDR tester is attached to the optical connectors 36 via connector 28 and is used to test the ribbon 47 by transmitting light at particular wavelengths, through the jack 34, filaments 40, sleeves 38, and filaments 42.
  • the operation of an OTDR is well known in the art, as described in the patents referenced above, and need not be described in any further details.
  • the ribbon 47 is removed and another ribbon from cable 10 is placed on the jig 22 to be tested.
  • the connector 28 can be removed thereby disconnecting the test box from the testing device.
  • the ribbons 43 forming the connector 26 can be drawn into the housing 30 and coiled up to save space and to protect these ribbons from damage in between tests.
  • the invention was described in conjunction with a cable formed of ribbons with six filaments. However, it can be extended to test cables and ribbons with a different number of filaments, such as 12, 24, 36 etc.
  • test box 20 test box 20
  • testing device 24 testing device 24
  • jig 22 jig 22
  • some or all of these components may be combined.
  • both the testing device 24 and/or the jig can be disposed in or mounted on the test box 20.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Investigating Strength Of Materials By Application Of Mechanical Stress (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne une installation d'essai pour câbles à fibre optique multifilament comprenant un boîtier d'essai (20) prévu pour être raccordé à un dispositif d'essai (24) connu, tel qu'un réflectomètre optique temporel (OTDR), un connecteur avec un ruban de fibres optiques (14), et un gabarit (22) étudié pour coupler sélectivement la lumière provenant du boîtier d'essai 20 et le réflectomètre OTDR via les connecteurs de certaines des fibres du câble (28). Le réflectomètre OTDR est de préférence relié au boîtier d'essai (20) par un autre connecteur. Le boîtier d'essai (20) est conçu de telle sorte qu'un tronçon du premier connecteur puisse être enroulé et rangé à l'intérieur dudit boîtier en cas de non-emploi. Le gabarit (22) comprend des éléments d'alignement facilitant l'alignement des fibres bout-à-bout.
PCT/US2001/004325 2000-02-17 2001-02-09 Installation d'essai pour cables optiques WO2001061317A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001238120A AU2001238120A1 (en) 2000-02-17 2001-02-09 Apparatus for optical cable testing

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US18328900P 2000-02-17 2000-02-17
US60/183,289 2000-02-17
US57328900A 2000-05-18 2000-05-18
US09/573,289 2000-05-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001061317A1 true WO2001061317A1 (fr) 2001-08-23

Family

ID=26878964

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2001/004325 WO2001061317A1 (fr) 2000-02-17 2001-02-09 Installation d'essai pour cables optiques

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2001238120A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001061317A1 (fr)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014052446A1 (fr) * 2012-09-28 2014-04-03 Tyco Electronics Uk Ltd. Fabrication et essai de cassette pour fibre optique
US9488788B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2016-11-08 Commscope Technologies Llc Fiber optic cassette
US9829667B2 (en) 2014-08-05 2017-11-28 Commscope Connectivity Uk Limited Tooling and method for manufacturing a fiber optic array
WO2018038937A1 (fr) * 2016-08-23 2018-03-01 Panduit Corp. Outil de vérification de raccordement de connecteur de fibres optiques
US10031295B2 (en) 2011-09-12 2018-07-24 Commscope Technologies Llc Flexible lensed optical interconnect device for signal distribution
USD846414S1 (en) 2017-06-28 2019-04-23 Panduit Corp. Fiber connector termination tool
USD856280S1 (en) 2017-05-25 2019-08-13 Panduit Corp. Termination tool
CN110132551A (zh) * 2019-05-18 2019-08-16 常州太平通讯科技有限公司 光缆接头盒压扁及光纤拉伸测试装置
US10705306B2 (en) 2016-09-08 2020-07-07 CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA Telecommunications distribution elements
US11409068B2 (en) 2017-10-02 2022-08-09 Commscope Technologies Llc Fiber optic circuit and preparation method
US11573389B2 (en) 2012-10-05 2023-02-07 Commscope Asia Holdings B.V. Flexible optical circuit, cassettes, and methods

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5179420A (en) * 1991-06-07 1993-01-12 Bell Canada Optical time domain reflectometer using a tunable optical source
US5473423A (en) * 1992-10-20 1995-12-05 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method and apparatus for obtaining measurements in a plurality of light waveguides
US5767957A (en) * 1996-12-04 1998-06-16 International Business Machines Corporation Testing an optical cable having multiple fibers by the application of a light pulse to all fibers through optical jumpers of incrementally varying lengths

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5179420A (en) * 1991-06-07 1993-01-12 Bell Canada Optical time domain reflectometer using a tunable optical source
US5473423A (en) * 1992-10-20 1995-12-05 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method and apparatus for obtaining measurements in a plurality of light waveguides
US5767957A (en) * 1996-12-04 1998-06-16 International Business Machines Corporation Testing an optical cable having multiple fibers by the application of a light pulse to all fibers through optical jumpers of incrementally varying lengths

Cited By (33)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10031295B2 (en) 2011-09-12 2018-07-24 Commscope Technologies Llc Flexible lensed optical interconnect device for signal distribution
US11372165B2 (en) 2011-09-12 2022-06-28 Commscope Technologies Llc Flexible lensed optical interconnect device for signal distribution
US10782483B2 (en) 2011-09-12 2020-09-22 Commscope Technologies Llc Flexible lensed optical interconnect device for signal distribution
US10451809B2 (en) 2011-09-12 2019-10-22 Commscope Technologies Llc Flexible lensed optical interconnect device for signal distribution
US10754096B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2020-08-25 Commscope Connectivity Uk Limited Manufacture and testing of fiber optic cassette
US11467347B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2022-10-11 Commscope Connectivity Uk Limited Manufacture and testing of fiber optic cassette
US9897767B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2018-02-20 Commscope Technologies Llc Fiber optic cassette
US12019277B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2024-06-25 Commscope Technologies Llc Manufacture and testing of fiber optic cassette
US11592628B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2023-02-28 Commscope Technologies Llc Fiber optic cassette
US10295761B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2019-05-21 Commscope Technologies Llc Fiber optic cassette
US9753229B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2017-09-05 Commscope Connectivity Uk Limited Manufacture and testing of fiber optic cassette
US11036012B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2021-06-15 Commscope Technologies Llc Fiber optic cassette
WO2014052446A1 (fr) * 2012-09-28 2014-04-03 Tyco Electronics Uk Ltd. Fabrication et essai de cassette pour fibre optique
US10739534B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2020-08-11 Commscope Technologies Llc Fiber optic cassette
US9488788B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2016-11-08 Commscope Technologies Llc Fiber optic cassette
US11573389B2 (en) 2012-10-05 2023-02-07 Commscope Asia Holdings B.V. Flexible optical circuit, cassettes, and methods
US9829667B2 (en) 2014-08-05 2017-11-28 Commscope Connectivity Uk Limited Tooling and method for manufacturing a fiber optic array
US11428889B2 (en) 2014-08-05 2022-08-30 Commscope Connectivity Uk Limited Tooling and method for manufacturing a fiber optic array
US11036023B2 (en) 2014-08-05 2021-06-15 Commscope Connectivity Uk Limited Tooling and method for manufacturing a fiber optic array
CN111812780A (zh) * 2016-08-23 2020-10-23 泛达公司 光纤连接器端接测试工具
WO2018038937A1 (fr) * 2016-08-23 2018-03-01 Panduit Corp. Outil de vérification de raccordement de connecteur de fibres optiques
CN109642849B (zh) * 2016-08-23 2020-09-11 泛达公司 光纤连接器端接测试工具
CN111812780B (zh) * 2016-08-23 2022-04-01 泛达公司 光纤连接器端接测试工具
CN109642849A (zh) * 2016-08-23 2019-04-16 泛达公司 光纤连接器端接测试工具
US10317314B2 (en) 2016-08-23 2019-06-11 Panduit Corp. Fiber optic connector termination tool
US11340416B2 (en) 2016-09-08 2022-05-24 CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA Telecommunications distribution elements
US10705306B2 (en) 2016-09-08 2020-07-07 CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA Telecommunications distribution elements
US11846820B2 (en) 2016-09-08 2023-12-19 CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA Telecommunications distribution elements
USD856280S1 (en) 2017-05-25 2019-08-13 Panduit Corp. Termination tool
USD846414S1 (en) 2017-06-28 2019-04-23 Panduit Corp. Fiber connector termination tool
US11609400B2 (en) 2017-10-02 2023-03-21 Commscope Technologies Llc Fiber optic circuit and preparation method
US11409068B2 (en) 2017-10-02 2022-08-09 Commscope Technologies Llc Fiber optic circuit and preparation method
CN110132551A (zh) * 2019-05-18 2019-08-16 常州太平通讯科技有限公司 光缆接头盒压扁及光纤拉伸测试装置

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