Preventive Maintenance of Fiber Optic Cables and Optics 2006-05

Cleaning Optical Transceivers
The best way to clean a transceiver port is t o remove particles using a
stream of Clean Dry Air (CDA). Included below are some helpful tips to
properly clean fiber optic modules.
Notes
• Always handle optical modules in an ESD safe area using the proper safety
precautions.
• Ensure that the module power is off and handle the modules with care.
• Always use CDA or an approved canned compressed air supply.
• Always hold the can of compressed air upright. Tipping may release liquids in
the air stream.
• Do not touch the inner surfaces of the module inclu ding the Optical Sub-
Assemblies (OSA), or insert any foreign objects into the ports.
• Use of finger cots or powder free surgical gloves are not required but may be
used to ensure cleanliness.
Cleaning Procedure
1. With the clean dry air, blow the
inner barrel of the Transmitter and
Receiver Optical Sub-Assemblies.
This will dislodge loose
particles (see Figure 7 ).
Fig.7 – CDA cleaning
(module)
2. Examine the surface of the OSA lens under high intensity light using a
microscope or verify the optical signal and eye pattern quality (see
Figures 8 & 9). If contaminants still remain, repeat the process.
Fig.8 – Particles in OSA Fig.9 – Particle removed