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EETP/BSNL
GOLD CERTIFICATION
COURSE
OPTICAL FIBER TECHNOLOGY
VERSION 1 DECEMBER 2013
Page 1 of 20
Contents
Sl. No. Name of Topic
Page No.
INTRODUCTION
SPLICING
SPLICING METHODS
11
WARNING
12
13
CONNECTORS
15
18
10
SUMMARY
20
11
20
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3.1
INTRODUCTION
3.2
OBJECTIVE
3.3
SPLICING
3.4
SPLICING METHODS
3.5
3.6
FIBER OPTIC CABLE SPLICING PROCEDURE (HOW TO SPLICE FIBER
OPTIC CABLE)
3.7
WARNING
3.8
CAUTION
3.9
3.10
CONNECTORS
3.11
3.12
SUMMARY
3.13
3.14
3.1
INTRODUCTION
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splices capable of achieving acceptable performance within a single-mode system loss budget
are somewhat more expensive to purchase, more time consuming to install, and may require
capital equipment outlays on par with fusion splicing. Typical insertion losses for singlemode mechanical splices range from 0.05 to 0.2 dB.
3.2
OBJECTIVE
3.3
Need of splicing
Principle of fusion splicing
Fiber optic cable splicing procedure
Use of different types of connectors and couplers
SPLICING
Splices are permanent connection between two fibres. The splicing involves cutting of
the edges of the two fibres to be spliced. This cut has to be carefully made to have a smooth
surface and is generally achieved by a special cutting tool. The two ends, thus, prepared are
then brought together and made to butt against each other. The fibres are then fixed
permanently and reinforced. The fixing process can be achieved in a number of ways. It
could be mechanically fixed permanently through uses of epoxies or through fusion.
There are two types of fiber splicing
Fusion splicing.
Mechanical splicing doesnt physically fuse two optical fibers together, rather two
fibers are held butt-to-butt inside a sleeve with some mechanical mechanism. You will get
worse insertion loss and back reflection in mechanical splices than in fusion splices (the
second type we are introducing below).Mechanical splicing is mostly used for emergency
repairs and fiber testing. You can check out some mechanical splice products here.
Figure 1:
Mechanical splice
The second type splicing is called fusion splicing. In fusion splicing, two fibers are
literally welded (fused) together by an electric arc. Fusion splicing is the most widely used
method of splicing as it provides for the lowest insertion loss and virtually no back reflection.
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Fusion splicing provides the most reliable joint between two fibers. Fusion splicing is done
by an automatic machine called fusion splicer (fusion splicing machines).
Figure 2:
3.3.1
Fusion Splice
SPLICE LOSSES
Splice losses can be divided into two categories as shown in Table.
Extrinsic and
Extrinsic, or splice process-related, factors are those induced by the splicing methods
and procedures. Splice process factors include lateral and angular misalignment (separation
and transverse offset between the fibre cores, axial tilt), fibre end quality, contamination and
core deformation. They can be controlled or minimized by the skill of the individual doing
the splicing, and by the automated fiber alignment and fusing cycles on newer equipment.
Additional splice process factors exist for mechanical (butt-spliced) joints, including fiberend separation, fiber-end angle and fresnel reflection.
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Figure 3:
Fibre misalignment
The second category of losses is related to the properties of the fibres spliced and is
referred to as intrinsic splice loss. Intrinsic parameters include variations in fibre diameter
(both core and cladding), index profile, Numerical aperture, Mode Field Diameter (MFD)
and non-circularity of the fibre cores.
Figure 4:
For single-mode dispersion non-shifted fibers, the dominant fiber-related factor is MFD
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mismatch. The intrinsic loss contribution due to MFD mismatch may be estimated from
Figure.
Figure 5:
As shown in Figure, the actual splice loss (bi-directional average) is practically nondirectional, (e.g., similar fiber-related loss will be seen across the joint regardless of the
direction of optical propagation). Also, the intrinsic loss is relatively low for MFD
mismatches expected within typical manufacturers tolerances. For example, the worst-case,
fiber-related bi-directional loss for fibers having a 9.3 0.5 micron MFD specification
would be approximately 0.04 dB.
3.4
SPLICING METHODS
The following three types are widely used:
1.
1.
2.
Mechanical splicing.
3.
Fusion splicing.
This is the oldest splicing technique used in fibre splicing. After fibre end preparation,
it is axially aligned in a precision Vgroove. Cylindrical rods or other kind of reference
surfaces are used for alignment. During the alignment of fibre end, a small amount of
adhesive or glue of same refractive index as the core material is set between and around the
fibre ends. A two component epoxy or an UV curable adhesive is used as the bonding agent.
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The splice loss of this type of joint is same or less than fusion splices. But fusion splicing
technique is more reliable, so at present this technique is very rarely used.
2.
Mechanical Splicing
This splicing is mainly used for temporary splicing in case of emergency repairing.
This method is also convenient to connect measuring instruments to bare fibres for taking
various measurements.
The mechanical splices consists of 4 basic components :
(i)
(ii)
A retainer.
(iii)
(i)
A protective housing.
A very good mechanical splice for M.M. fibres can have an optical performance good
as fusion spliced fibre or glue spliced. But in case of single mode fibre, this type of splice
cannot have stability of loss.
3.
Fusion Splicing
The fusion splicing technique is the most popular technique used for achieving low
splice losses. The fusion can be achieved either through electrical arc or through gas flame.
The process involves cutting of the fibres and fixing them in micropositioners the fusion
splicing machine. The fibres are then aligned either manually or automatically core aligning
(in case of S.M. fibre) process. Afterwards, the operation that takes place involve withdrawal
of the fibres to a specified distance, preheating the fibre ends through electric arc and
bringing together of the fibre ends in a position and splicing through high temperature fusion.
If proper care is taken and splicing is done strictly as per schedule, then the splicing loss can
be minimized as low as 0.01 dB/joint. After fusion splicing, the splicing joint should be
provided with a proper protector to have following protections:
(a)
Mechanical protection
(b)
Sometimes the two types of protection are combined. Coating with Epoxy resins
protects against moisture and also provides mechanical strength at the joint. Nowadays the
heat shrinkable tubes are most widely used, which are fixed on the joints by the fusion tools.
3.5
It is most widely used method for splicing optical fiber. There are a number of fusion
welding machines manufactured by different companies, some of them are fully automatic
and controlled by a microprocessor and some are partly automatic and manually controlled.
In some cases, the fiber ends & the fusion process can be seen on a TV-monitor screen.
The process can be sub-divided into the following three steps :
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Figure 6:
3.6
Fusion Splice
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6. Place the fusion splice protection sleeve. Put a fusion splice protection sleeve onto
the fiber being spliced.
7. Clean the bare fiber. Carefully clean the stripped bare fiber with lint-free wipes
soaked in isopropyl alcohol. After cleaning, prevent the fiber from touching anything.
8. Fiber cleaving. With a high precision fiber cleaver, cleave the fiber to a specified
length according to your fusion splicers manual.
9. Prepare second fiber being spliced. Strip, clean and cleave the other fiber to be
spliced.
10. Fusion splicing. Place both fibers in the fusion splicer and do the fusion splice
according to its manual.
11. Heat shrinks the fusion splice protection sleeve. Slide the fusion splice protection
sleeve on the joint and put it into the heat shrink oven, and press the heat button.
12. Place splice into splice tray. Carefully place the finished splice into the splice tray
and loop excess fiber around its guides. Ensure that the fibers minimum bending
radius is not compromised.
13. Perform OTDR test. Perform a OTDR test of the splice and redo the splice if
necessary.
14. Close the splice tray. After all fibers have been spliced, carefully close the splice tray
and place it into the splice enclosure.
15. Bidirectional OTDR test (or power meter test). Test the splices with an OTDR or
power meter from both directions.
16. Mount the splice enclosure. Close and mount the splice enclosure if all splices meet
the specifications.
3.7
WARNING
Do not use a voltage other than the allowable power voltage indicated. Doing so may
cause a fire or electric shock.
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or malfunction, do not get liquid or metallic
objects inside the splicer. Check for condensation before operating. If necessary,
allow the condensation to evaporate before using the splicer.
Do not make mechanical or electrical modifications to the splicer; this may expose
you to dangerous voltages or other hazards.
If liquid, a metallic object or other foreign substance gets inside the splicer,
immediately turn off the power and disconnect the power source. Contact qualified
service personnel.
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This fusion splicer performs an arc discharge. Avoid the use of the splicer in a
hazardous location in which flammable gas can generate or only electrical
Do not touch the electrodes. Doing so may cause personal injury or electric shock. If
an abnormal condition such as unusual noise, smoke or unusual odor occurs,
immediately turn off the power and disconnect the power source. Next, contact the
maintenance service center.
Do not let water come in contact with the battery. Safety and protective devices to
prevent danger are built in the battery, but if these devices are damaged, excessive
current flow may cause abnormal chemical reaction in the battery fluid, heat
generation, bursting and fire may result.
Do not use or leave the battery exposed to high temperature conditions, such as a fire.
Only use the specified battery charger. Not doing so can cause the battery to be
overcharged or excessive current flow may cause abnormal chemical reaction in
battery fluid, heat generation, bursting and fire could result.
Make sure the polarities are correctly connected. Reversed connections may cause
abnormal chemical reaction in battery fluid, heat generation, bursting and fire could
result.
Do not attach the battery to a power supply plug or directly to a car's cigarette lighter.
Excessive current flow may cause heat generation.
Use the battery only for the application for which it was designed. Not doing so will
result in a loss of performance and a shortened life expectancy. Also excessive current
flow may cause loss of control during charging or discharging of the battery, heat
generation, bursting and fire.
Do not disassemble or modify the battery. Safety and protective devices to prevent
danger are built in the battery. If these devices are damaged, excessive current flow
may cause loss of control during charging or discharging of the battery, heat
generation, bursting and fire.
Do not place the battery close to heat sources or leave exposed directly to the sun for
long periods of time. Safety and protective devices to prevent danger are built in the
battery. If these devices are damaged, excessive current flow may cause loss of
control during charging or discharging of the battery, heat generation, bursting and
fire.
3.8
CAUTION
Avoid places with too much dust or dirt. Dirt or dust that can accumulate in the fusion
splicer causing short circuits or insufficient cooling, which may lead to splicer
malfunction or deterioration, resulting in fire or electric shock.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not plug/unplug the power cord or remove the
battery with wet hands.
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Disconnect the power cord by grasping the plug, not the cord.
If you are not going to use the splicer for a while, remove the battery before storing it.
Not doing so will shorten a battery life.
Only use 99% pure alcohol to clean the splicer. To prevent malfunction and damage,
do not use any other kind of chemicals.
The heating plate of the heat shrink oven may be hot during and after heating. Do not
touch it directly.
Do not operate the splicer in rain. Doing so may cause the battery or AC power
supply to be short-circuited.
3.9
Repeated fiber optic connector disconnection and reconnection often leaves debris in
the bulkhead adapter or receptacle. With single mode fiber core as small as 9
micrometer, even a single 1 micrometer dust particle can cause a big signal loss or
even interrupt the communication, if left blocking the fiber core.
Figure 7:
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Figure 8:
Figure 9:
3.9.1
Basically there are two types of fiber optic connector applications that need cleaning.
We will describe the products suitable for each application later in this article.
3.9.2
Fiber optic cleaning kit on the market can be divided to following types based on the
cleaning method.
Wet cleaning: Optic cleaning with a solvent. Typically IPA (isopropyl alcohol).
Non-Abrasive cleaning: Cleaning without abrasive material touching the fiber optic
connector end face. Examples are air dusters or pressured solvent jet used in
automated in-situ connector cleaners.
3.10 CONNECTORS
Connectors are vital elements in the Fibre Optics Technology. Connectors can be
defined as a remittable means of arranging transfer of optical energy from one fibre optic
component to another in an optical fibre system. The connector is a mechanical device
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mounted on the end of a fiber optic cable, light source, receiver, or housing. It allows it to be
mated to a similar device. The transmitter provides the information-bearing light to the fiber
optic cable through a connector. The receiver gets the information-bearing light from the
fiber optic cable through a connector. The connector must direct light and collect light. It
must also be easily attached and detached from equipment.
There are many different connector types. Each connector type has strong points. For
example, ST connectors are a good choice for easy field installations; the FC connector has a
floating ferrule that provides good mechanical isolation; the SC connector offers excellent
packing density, and its push-pull design resists fiber end face contact damage during
unmating and remating cycles.
3.10.1 D4 CONNECTOR. 2.5MM FERRULE. SCREW-ON. SIMPLEX ONLY.
D4 connectors are made from a 2.5mm diameter ceramic (zirconia) ferrule for
durability. They have a high-performance threading mounting system and a keyed body for
repeatability and intermateability.
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3.10.4 FC CONNECTOR
FC connector also has a 2.5mm ferrule (made of ceramic (zirconia) or stainless alloy)
. It is specifically designed for telecommunication applications and provides non-optical
disconnect performance. Designed with a threaded coupling for durable connections. It has
been the most popular single mode connectors for many years. However it is now gradually
being replaced by SC and LC connectors.
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3.10.5 LC CONNECTOR
Externally LC connectors resemble a standard RJ45 telephone jack. Internally they
resemble a miniature version of the SC connector. LC connectors use a 1.25mm ceramic
(zirconia) ferrule instead of the 2.5mm ferrule. LC connectors are licensed by Lucent and
incorporate a push-and-latch design providing pull-proof stability in system rack mounts.
Highly favored for single mode applications.
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Splitter: (50:50)
Combiners
3.12 SUMMARY
Fiber optic cable fusion splicing provides the lowest loss connection. High precision
fusion splicers are generally bulky and expensive. With proper training, a fiber splicing
technician can routinely achieve less than 0.1 dB insertion loss for single mode fiber.
Splices are critical points in the optical fibre network, as they strongly affect not only
the quality of the links, but also their lifetime. In fact, the splice shall ensure high quality and
stability of performance with time. High quality in splicing is usually defined as low splice
loss and tensile strength near that of the fibre proof test level. Splices shall be stable over the
design life of the system under its expected environmental conditions.
At present, two technologies, fusion and mechanical, can be used for splicing glass
optical fibres and the choice between them depends upon the expected functional
performance and considerations of installation and maintenance. These splices are designed
to provide permanent connections. The most basic fiber optic measurement is optical power
from the end of a fiber. This measurement is the basis for loss measurements as well as the
power from a source or presented at a receiver. Fiber optic power meter is a test instrument
used for absolute optical fiber power measurement as well as fiber optic loss related
measurement.
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