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Invalid Operating Margin

This document provides an explanation of an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) certification test report. The report indicates if a fiber optic link passes or fails based on the measured optical power level. It will show an invalid operating margin error if more light is received than the reference light source power, indicating a failed test setup. Maintaining the integrity of the reference light source connection and wrapping the multimode fiber are important to getting accurate test results.

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49 views1 page

Invalid Operating Margin

This document provides an explanation of an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) certification test report. The report indicates if a fiber optic link passes or fails based on the measured optical power level. It will show an invalid operating margin error if more light is received than the reference light source power, indicating a failed test setup. Maintaining the integrity of the reference light source connection and wrapping the multimode fiber are important to getting accurate test results.

Uploaded by

austintan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Interpreting OWL Reporter Certification Reports

Total Allowable System Loss


Optical Loss

INVALID OPERATING MARGIN


OPERATING
MARGIN **
PASS or
SYSTEM OVERHEAD
FAIL

Light Measured Minimum


Source Power Required
Reference Power
Power

Legend ** If the Measured Power is greater than the Light Source Reference Power, then the circuit will receive an Invalid Operating Margin
error, indicating an invalid test condition. Circuit test results receiving this error should be considered as a FAIL.
In other words, more light is received through the whole link from end to end than was received through the single reference patch
Shown as a PASS on OWL Reporter cable. This is physically impossible since this would indicate GAIN in the system rather than LOSS.
This condition usually occurs when the reference was set up incorrectly. The correct sequence of steps to set a reference follow:
Shown as a PASS on OWL Reporter; however,
1) MULTIMODE ONLY - wrap the reference cable seven (7) times around a 0.7” mandrel (0.7” for 62.5um, and 0.9” for 50um) and secure.
Invalid Operating Margin will also be indicated.
2) Connect the ends of the reference cable to the power meter detector port and the appropriate light source port.
Shown as a FAIL on OWL Reporter 3) Power ON and set the units to the same wavelength.
4) Set the reference (or “ZERO”) in the power meter using the procedure in the operations guide.
This sheet shows an example of a certification test result. Actual values The most important part of certification testing is to ensure that the integrity of the reference (or “ZERO”) is maintained. Two factors to
may vary due to several factors, including: keep in mind are:
– cabling standard – Do NOT remove the patch cord from the light source port until all tests have been completed
– fiber type
– test wavelength – MULTIMODE ONLY - do NOT allow the patch cord to unwrap from the mandrel
– number of interconnections
– number of splices
– light source power level

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