SimpliFiber Pro ® Optical Power Meter and Fiber Test Kits Users Manual September 2008, Rev. 3 3/2016 ©2008, 2010, 2012, 2016 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 normal use and service unless stated otherwise herein. The warranty period for the mainframe is one year and begins on the date of purchase. Parts, accessories, product repairs and services are warranted for 90 days, unless otherwise stated. Ni-Cad, Ni-MH and Li-Ion batteries, cables or other peripherals are all considered parts or accessories.
Contents Title Page Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Registration ........................................................................................................................................................................... 1 The Fluke Networks Knowledge Base ...................................................................................
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Detecting Active Fibers ......................................................................................................................................................... 16 Locating Fibers ....................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Measuring Optical Power .......................................................................
Contents 1490 nm/1625 nm Singlemode Source ......................................................................................................................... 39 FindFiber Source Specifications ..................................................................................................................................... 41 Certifications, Compliance, and Regulatory Information ...........................................................................................
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual iv
List of Figures Figure 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. A-1. A-2. Page Installing the Batteries.......................................................................................................................................... 5 Meter and Source Features .................................................................................................................................. 6 Display Features .....................................................................................
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Figure A-3. B-1. B-2. D-1. D-2. D-3. D-4. Page Connections for Testing a Test Reference Cord ..................................................................................................47 Wrapping a Test Reference Cord Around a Mandrel .........................................................................................50 Mandrel Placement .............................................................................................................
SimpliFiber® Pro Fiber Test Kits Introduction The SimpliFiber® Pro Fiber Test kits provide an optical power meter, optical power source, and fiber locator that let you do the following: Measure optical power or power loss at multiple wavelengths in one test. The meter measures at 850 nm, 1300 nm, 1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm, and 1625 nm. Source wavelengths depend on the model used. Check fibers for optical activity with CheckActive™ mode. Identify links at patch panels with FindFiber™ mode.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual The Fluke Networks Knowledge Base 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. Contacting Fluke Networks Singapore: +65-6799-5566 Taiwan: (886) 2-227-83199 USA: 1-800-283-5853 Visit our website for a complete list of phone numbers.
Safety Information Warning: Class 1 Laser (singlemode and FindFiber sources) Do not use the Product if it operates incorrectly. Have an approved technician repair the Product. To avoid possible eye damage caused by hazardous radiation and to prevent possible fire, electric shock, or personal injury: Never look directly into optical connectors. Some sources produce invisible radiation that can permanently damage your eyes. Read all safety information before you use the Product.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Repair the Product before use if the battery leaks. Replace the batteries when the low battery indicator shows to prevent incorrect measurements. Turn off the Product and disconnect all test leads, patch cords, and cables before you replace the battery. Be sure that the battery polarity is correct to prevent battery leakage. Do not disassemble or crush battery cells and battery packs.
Battery Installation, Life, and Status Battery Installation, Life, and Status Table 2. Battery Life and Low Battery Indicators Device AA IEC LR6 NEDA 15A Meter Battery Life1 Low Battery Indicator >50 hours (blinks continuously) Multimode source 40 hours Singlemode sources 30 hours FindFiber source >80 hours LOW BATTERY LED blinks continuously2 LED blinks continuously 1. Typical. See the specifications. AA IEC LR6 NEDA 15A 2.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Meter and Source Features ffl04.eps Figure 2.
Meter and Source Features : On/off key. : Softkeys, which provide functions related to the current display. The funtions are displayed above the keys. : Selects the meter’s measurement mode. To enter setup mode, hold down for 4 seconds. See page 10. LCD display. Input port with interchangeable connector adapter. See page 14. USB port for uploading test records to a PC. See page 31. : Switches between continuous wave and 2 kHz modulated output signals.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual : Indicates that pressing or scrolls through Display Features choices in the current mode. C I E measurement. L H M N F G F E D O P D C B SAVE: Indicates that pressing saves the power or loss J K A S R Q ffl01.eps Figure 3. Display Features RECORD: Label for the record number. VIEW RECORD: Indicates the meter is displaying saved measurements. See page 29. REF (reference): Label for the reference level in loss mode.
Display Features : Low battery indicator. See page 5. 2 kHz: The meter detects a 2 kHz modulated optical signal. See page 12. : The meter is connected to a PC through the USB port. See page 31. AUTO: The meter detects the auto wavelength identifier in the optical signal. See page 12. OK : The operation succeeded (OK) or failed . Max Min: Indicators for maximum (Max) and minimum (Min) power measurements. See page 22. DELETE?: Indicates that pressing deletes the current record.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Setting User Preferences For the source: For the meter: If auto power-off is enabled, the source turns off after 30 minutes if no keys are pressed. 1 To enter setup mode, hold down for 4 seconds. 2 To scroll through the setup items (Table 3), press . To change settings, press . 3 To exit setup mode, press until the meter is in the desired test mode. 10 To disable or enable auto power-off, hold down for 4 seconds.
Setting User Preferences Table 3. Meter Setup Items Meter Setup Item Choices Enable or disable Min Max mode for power measurements. mW µW dBm Select a unit for power measurements: milliwatts (mW), microwatts (μw), or decibels relative to 1 mW (dBm). Turn the backlight off or on. Select a time period for the meter to turn off automatically if no keys are pressed. The meter will not turn off if it is connected to a source that is in AUTO or ID mode.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Continuous Wave/2 kHz Modes To set the source to auto wavelength mode: Press to switch the source between continuous wave and 2 kHz modulated output signals. 1 If the AUTO LED is not on, press . 2 Use continuous wave mode (CW/2 kHz LED on steady) if making loss or power measurements with a meter other than a SimpliFiber Pro meter.
Cleaning Connectors and Adapters Cleaning Connectors and Adapters Cleaning Fiber Adapters Always clean and inspect fiber connectors before making connections. Use fiber optic solvent and optical-grade wipes or swabs to clean connectors as follows: Periodically clean fiber adapters with a swab and fiber optic solvent. Dry with a dry swab before use.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Changing the Connector Adapter You can change the meter’s connector adapter to connect to SC, ST, and LC fiber connectors. Additional adapter styles may be available. Check the Fluke Networks web site for updates. To install a connector adapter, refer to Figure 4 and do the following: 1 Locate the slot in the meter’s connector and the key on the adapter ring.
Changing the Connector Adapter ffl05.eps Figure 4.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Detecting Active Fibers The meter’s CheckActive™ mode lets you quickly determine if a fiber is connected to active equipment. This mode helps you locate active links and avoid exposure to hazardous radiation. To use CheckActive mode: 1 Press until CheckActive™ appears. 2 Connect the meter to a fiber. The meter indicates fiber activity as shown in Figure 5. Note Ambient light can activate the CheckActive tone.
Detecting Active Fibers Inactive fiber Active fiber ffl23.eps Figure 5.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Locating Fibers FindFiber mode helps you quickly identify link connections at patch panels. Table 4. FindFiber Source Numbers ID Number on the Meter Source Connected To use FindFiber mode: SimpliFiber Pro multimode source 1 Connect the meter and a SimpliFiber source or one or more FindFiber sources to the links as shown in Figure 6. SimpliFiber Pro singlemode source 1310/1550 nm 2 Turn on the meter and the source or FindFiber sources.
Locating Fibers Fiber links Patch panel ID #1 (multimode source) ID #3 ID #4 SimpliFiber Pro meter ID #5 ffl19.eps Figure 6.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Measuring Optical Power Fiber link The power measurement shows the optical power level produced by a source such as an optical network interface card or optical test equipment. To measure power: 1 Clean the connectors on the link or source to be tested. Use fiber optic solvent and optical-grade wipes or swabs to clean connectors as described on page 13. 2 On the meter, press until POWER appears (Figure 8.) 3 Make the connections shown in Figure 7.
Measuring Optical Power A B C The wavelength being measured. Indicates the meter is in auto wavelength mode. The power measurement. To change the measurement unit see page 10. Pressing SET REF saves the measured power level as the reference and switches the meter to loss measurement mode. Pressing SAVE saves the measurement. If the source was automatically switching wavelengths, the meter saves measurements for all wavelengths in one record. D E ffl20.eps Figure 8.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Using the Min/Max Function The Min/Max function shows the minimum and maximum power levels measured for each wavelength. To enable the Min/Max function: 1 On the meter, hold down for 4 seconds to enter setup mode. 2 Press so that 3 Press until POWER appears; then press again to see the Min/Max measurements (Figure 9). appears.
Measuring Loss Measuring Loss About Referencing The loss measurement shows how much optical power is lost in a link’s fiber and connectors. The reference serves as the baseline power level for loss measurements. Regular referencing helps account for minor variations in source power and connection integrity. Also, since the reference is the baseline for measurements, the losses of the test reference cords and adapters used for referencing are excluded from test results.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual To set the reference: 1 2 Notes Clean the connectors on the meter, source, and a test reference cord. Use fiber optic solvent and opticalgrade wipes or swabs to clean connectors as described on page 13. Turn on the meter and source and let them warm up for 5 minutes. Allow additional time if the equipment has been stored above or below ambient temperature. 3 Make the connections shown Figure 10. 4 If the source’s AUTO LED is not on, press .
Measuring Loss Test reference cord Caution Do not disconnect the test reference cord from the source’s output after setting the reference Meter Source ffl07.eps Figure 10.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Measuring Loss Note 1 Set the reference as described on page 23. 2 Clean the connectors on the link to be tested and on a second test reference cord. Use fiber optic solvent and optical-grade wipes or swabs to clean connectors as described on page 13. 3 Disconnect the test reference cord from the meter; then make the connections shown in Figure 11. Caution Do not disconnect the test reference cord from the source’s output.
Measuring Loss Second test reference cord Fiber link Test reference cord Caution Do not disconnect the test reference cord from the source’s output after setting the reference. Meter Source ffl08.eps Figure 11.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual A B C The wavelength being measured. Indicates the meter is in auto wavelength mode. The loss measurement. If the loss measurement is blinking, the loss is negative and less than -1.0 dB. See “If Loss is Negative” on page 29. The reference value. Pressing SET REF saves the measured power level as the D E reference. Pressing SAVE saves the measurement.
Memory Functions If Loss is Negative Memory Functions A negative loss measurement means the reference power level is less than the measured power level. This can be caused by the following: The meter stores up to 1000 loss or power records. If memory is full, the meter shows when you try to save a measurement. The fiber ends were dirty during referencing. The connections to the source were disturbed after referencing. The was a kink in a test reference cord during referencing.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual The wavelength and the measurement. If the record contains A measurements for multiple wavelengths, the display alternates between the measurements. The record number. To delete the record you are viewing, press DELETE twice. B If you delete a record below the highest record number, the meter does not reuse the empty memory location. Deleted records show for the measurement.
Memory Functions Uploading Records to a PC 1 Install the latest version of LinkWare PC software on your PC. Download LinkWare PC from the Fluke Networks website. 2 Turn on the meter. 3 Connect the meter to the PC with the USB cable provided, as shown in Figure 14. 4 Start LinkWare PC software on the PC. 5 Click Import on the LinkWare PC tool bar; then select SimpliFiber Pro. 6 Enter project information; then click OK. 7 Import all records from the meter or select records to import.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Caution Maintenance To avoid damaging the display or the case, do not use solvents or abrasive cleansers. Warning To avoid possible fire, electric shock, personal injury, or damage to the tester: Clean the optical connector as described on page 13. Do not open the case. No user-serviceable parts are inside.
Specifications Specifications Environmental Specifications Operating temperature -10ºC to +50ºC Storage temperature -20ºC to +50ºC Meter Specifications Detector type InGaAs Calibrated wavelengths 850 nm, 1300 nm, 1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm, 1625 nm Measurement range +10 dBm to -52 dBm (850 nm) +10 dBm to -60 dBm (1300 nm, 1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm, 1625 nm) Power measurement linearity ±0.2 dB (850 nm)1 ±0.1 dB (1300 nm, 1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm, 1625 nm)2 Power measurement uncertainty3 ±0.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Meter Specifications (cont.) Display resolution, dB or dBm 0.01 dB Power display units dBm, mW, μW Auto-wavelength detection Yes Record storage 1000 records, multiple wavelengths per record, sequential-number ID External interface USB 2.0, full speed Optical connector Removable adapter. SC adapter is standard.
Specifications Multimode Source Emitter type LED: dual 850 nm/1300 nm Central wavelength 850 nm: ±30 nm 1300 nm: ±20 nm Spectral width (FWHM) 850 nm: 50 nm (typical) 1300 nm: 170 nm (maximum) Minimum output power 850/1300 nm: -20 dBm 1 Power output stability ±0.1 dB over 8 hours Auto dual-wavelength switching Yes. Can be enabled or disabled by the user. Optical output connector Fixed SC FindFiber ID generation Yes. Fixed at ID 1.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Multimode Source (cont.) Power requirement 2 AA alkaline batteries Battery life2 40 hours (typical) Automatic power off 30 minutes (can be disabled by the user) Low battery warning LED blinks Size 5.6 in x 3.2 in x 1.6 in (14.2 cm x 8.1 cm x 4.1 cm) Weight 9.8 oz (278 g) 2. In auto-wavelength mode. Battery life depends on the condition and type of batteries used. Fluke Networks recommends alkaline batteries.
Specifications 1310 nm/1550 nm Singlemode Source Emitter type FP laser: dual 1310 nm/1550 nm Central wavelength 1310 nm: ±20 nm 1550 nm: ±30 nm Spectral width (RMS) 1310 nm: 2 nm (maximum) 1550 nm: 3 nm (maximum) Minimum output power 1 1310 nm/1550 nm: -7 dBm (typical) Power output stability ±0.25 dB over 8 hours Auto dual-wavelength switching Yes. Can be enabled or disabled by the user. Optical output connector Fixed SC FindFiber ID generation Yes. Fixed at ID 2.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual 1310 nm/1550 nm Singlemode Source (cont.) Power requirement 2 AA alkaline batteries Battery life2 30 hours (typical) Automatic power off 30 minutes (Can be enabled or disabled by the user.) Low battery warning LED blinks Size 5.6 in x 3.2 in x 1.6 in (14.2 cm x 8.1 cm x 4.1 cm) Weight 9.8 oz (278 g) 2. In auto-wavelength mode. Battery life depends on the condition and type of batteries used. Fluke Networks recommends alkaline batteries.
Specifications 1490 nm/1625 nm Singlemode Source Emitter type DFB laser: dual 1490 nm/1625 nm Central wavelength 1490 nm: ±3 nm 1625 nm: ±5 nm Spectral width (RMS) 1490 nm: 1 nm (maximum) 1625 nm: 1 nm (maximum) Minimum output power 1 1490 nm/1625 nm: -3 dBm (typical) Power output stability ±0.25 dB over 8 hours Auto dual-wavelength switching Yes. Can be enabled or disabled by the user. Optical output connector Fixed SC FindFiber ID generation Yes. Fixed at ID 3.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual 1490 nm/1625 nm Singlemode Source (cont.) Power requirement 2 AA alkaline batteries Battery life2 30 hours (typical) Automatic power off 30 minutes (Can be enabled or disabled by the user.) Low battery warning LED blinks Size 5.6 in x 3.2 in x 1.6 in (14.2 cm x 8.1 cm x 4.1 cm) Weight 9.8 oz (278 g) 2. In auto-wavelength mode. Battery life depends on the condition and type of batteries used. Fluke Networks recommends alkaline batteries.
Specifications FindFiber Source Specifications Emitter type Laser Source connector Fixed SC FindFiber ID numbers 1 through 8. Default is 3. Power indicator LED Power requirement 2 AA alkaline batteries Battery life >80 hours (typical) Automatic power-off 30 minutes Low battery indicator Blinking LED Size 7.1 in x 1.3 in x 1.0 in (17.9 cm x 3.2 cm x 2.5 cm) Weight 4.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Certifications, Compliance, and Regulatory Information Conforms to relevant European Union directives Conforms to relevant Australian standards Laser safety 42 Listed by the Canadian Standards Association Complies with 21CFR.1040.
Appendix A: How to Test Your Test Reference Cords Why You Must Do this Test Equipment You Must Have To get accurate measurements of loss, you must use highquality test reference cords that are in good condition and comply with ISO/IEC 14763-3. Measurements of optical power loss are very much affected by the condition of the endfaces on the fiber connectors. Dirty endfaces and endfaces with damage are the most common causes of problems in fiber links.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual ffl24.eps SimpliFiber Pro optical power meter. Use the connector adapter that connects to the cords you will test. Fiber cleaning supplies A microscope for inspecting fiber connectors (the FT500 FiberInspector Mini Video Microscope is shown) A test reference cord that you are sure is good. One connector is SC. The other connector is the same as on the cords you will test.
Appendix A: How to Test Your Test Reference Cords 1 Clean and Inspect the Connectors 1-1 Test reference cords must have endfaces that are clean and have no damage. Always use correct procedures to clean endfaces. See page 13 or use the procedures given with your cleaning supplies. A B 1-2 After you clean an endface, use a fiber microscope to examine the endface. Figure A-2 shows examples of what you can see with a fiber microscope. C D amd172.eps A clean endface that has no damage.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual 2 Set the Reference 3-3 On the meter, press until LOSS appears. 2-1 Set the reference as described on page 24. 3-4 If the source’s AUTO LED is not on, press . 2-2 Make sure that the reference value is good: 3-5 If you want the source to automatically switch wavelengths, press until the wavelength LEDs blink alternately. Or you may press to switch wavelengths as needed. For 50/125 μm fiber, the reference value must be better than -24.
Appendix A: How to Test Your Test Reference Cords . A B C ffl25.eps Figure A-3.
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Appendix B: Using Mandrels You should use mandrels when testing multimode fiber. Mandrels can improve measurement repeatability and consistency. They also allow the use of LED light sources to certify 50 μm and 62.5 μm fiber links for current and planned high bit-rate applications, such as Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Mandrels are available from Fluke Networks. Caution Do not use mandrels when testing singlemode fiber. Figure B-1 shows how to wrap the fiber around a mandrel.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Place top wrap in groove under retainer Wrap 5 times in grooves Right: no bends at retainer Wrong: bends at retainer amd67.eps Figure B-1.
Appendix B: Using Mandrels Reference connections Test connections ffl16.eps Figure B-2.
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Appendix C: Fiber Test Method Names Industry standards use different names for equivalent fiber test methods. Tables C-1and C-2 show the names used in this manual and by four common industry standards for the three fiber test methods. Table C-1. Reference Method Names fore TIA/EIA Standards Link End Connections Included in Loss Results Method Name in This Manual TIA-526-14B (multimode) TIA/EIA-526-7 (singlemode) 2 connections 1 Jumper One-Cord Reference Method (was Method B) Method A.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Table C-2.
Appendix D: Loss Test Methods Introduction The number of fiber connections represented in loss test results depends on the reference and test connections. This appendix describes the three common methods: 1 Jumper, 2 Jumper, and 3 Jumper. Note See Appendix C for a cross-reference of the method names in various standards. This appendix also describes modified connections you can use if you do not have the correct connector adapters for the meter.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual 1 Jumper Method Results from the 1 jumper method account for the loss of two connections plus the fiber in the link. This method is suitable for testing premises fiber, where patch cords are typically used at both ends of the link and connector loss is a significant portion of the total loss. 1 jumper reference connections cancel out the effects of the test reference cords, as shown in Figure D-1.
Appendix D: Loss Test Methods Reference connections Fiber link Test connections ffl11.eps Figure D-1.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual 2 Jumper Method Results from the 2 jumper method account for the loss of one connection plus the fiber in the link. This method is suitable for links where the fiber's loss is a significant portion of the total loss, such as when the link is long or a patch cord is used at only one end. 2 jumper reference connections cancel out the effects of one connection and two test reference cords, as shown in Figure D-2.
Appendix D: Loss Test Methods Reference connections Fiber link Test connections ffl10.eps Figure D-2.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual 3 Jumper Method Results from the 3 jumper method account for the loss of only the fiber in the link. This method is suitable for testing links where the fiber's loss is the majority of the total loss, such as when the link is very long or patch cords are not used at either end. 3 jumper reference connections cancel out the effects of two connections and the test reference cords, as shown in Figure D-3. 60 The test connections add only the fiber in link.
Appendix D: Loss Test Methods Reference connections Fiber link Test connections ffl12.eps Figure D-3.
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual Modified 1 Jumper Method This section describes modified reference and test connections that produce 1 jumper results. Use these connections if you need 1 jumper results but do not have connector adapters that match the connectors on the link. This method lets you connect to the link without disturbing the source’s output connections after setting the reference.
Appendix D: Loss Test Methods LC to LC adapter SC to LC test reference cord SC to LC test reference cord Reference connections Fiber link Short LC to LC test reference cord. (0.3 m or less. Added after referencing.) Test connections ffl13.eps Figure D-4.
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Index –1– –C– 1 jumper method, 23, 56 modified, 62 1, 2, 3 jumper, 55 calibration date, 32 cautions, 4 certifications and compliance, 42 CheckActive mode, 16 cleaning connectors and adapters, 13 display and case, 32 connections 1 jumper method, 56 modified, 62 3 jumper method, 60 fiber loss test methods, 55 locating fibers, 19 loss measurement, 27 PC, 31 power measurement, 20 reference, 25 connector adapter, 14 connectors, 7 –2– 2 kHz modulated mode, 12 –A– accessories optional, 32 AUTO, 12 auto power-
SimpliFiber Pro Meter and Test Kits Users Manual –I– –N– ID, 18 negative loss, 29 –K– –O– keys, 7 Knowledge Base, 2 options, 32 –L– –P– locating fibers, 18 loss display, 28 measuring, 26 negative, 29 setting the reference, 23 test methods, 55 PC connections, 31 power auto power-off, 11 display, 21 measuring, 20 minimum/maximum (Min/Max), 22 unit of measurement, 11 –M– –R– maintenance, 32 mandrels, 49 memory, 29 method names, 53 minimum/maximum (Min/Max), 22 records number, 30 uploading to a
