Friday, November 27, 2009

Throwing light on Fiber Optic Testing

An optical Fiber is one of the most efficient modes of data transmission; it is a thread like structure and transmits data in the form of light waves. For efficient working of an optical Fiber it must be timely checked and tested. A Fiber optic tester is a device used to detect any defect that could harm the transmission efficiency of an optical Fiber. An optical Fiber can face two defects contamination and damage the first one refers to the deposition of dust gum or oils in the transmission path and the latter refers to the cracks or pits formed in the Fiber.

These defects can be detected using a Fiber optic tester there are three different types of Fiber optic testers available, first are the continuity testers they use a light source that transmits light from one of the Fiber and detect the light at the other end, these testers just tell whether the Fiber is defected or not, they do not provide information about the defect. Next is the insertion loss testing it provides information about the total loss in the Fiber per km and also highlights the bends, splices and links in the Fiber. Last is the OTDR it stands for optical time domain reflectometer, it provides complete information about the Fiber its length splice losses, connector losses and Fiber defects and stores the information electronically. It is one of the most advanced Fiber optic testers.

After completing the Fiber optic testing the defects must be removed and this is done by cleaning Fiber optic cables by using special solvents like isopropyl alcohol or by using Fiber specific solvents air blasting can also be used for cleaning Fiber optics. All these things are called Fiber optic tools and are a part of Fiber optic testing equipment.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Clean and clear fiber optic

When it comes to fiber optic cleaner there is none better than the AFC 3000, a patented ferrule cleaning system. AEFOS, the company that manufactures this equipment for the fiber optic communications market is credited to come up with the “Numero Uno” among all fiber optic cleaners.

Though this fine product is definitely the company’s flag ship product, there are other products which are a part of the AEFOS’ arsenal. The company also deals in fiber optic cable tools such as fiber optic inspection scopes and fiber optic testers. The company has built a solid reputation of creating handy and useful fiber optic cleaners and other fiber optic cable tools which produces instant result and helps one to keep the system free of any dust particles.

The initial industry practice was to connector cleaners. However, experts soon realized that the cleaning of connector “inside the box” is also required. Gone are the days when one used swabs which came in the category of basic and purpose built swabs. In today’s scenario, the ideal practice is fiber optic connectors need to be clean every time they are mated. Today we have covered connector ends in shape of closed end plastic tubes which protect and keep away dust from settling in.

The innovation in this field has been pioneered by companies like AEFOS. The cleaning cycle using AEFOS’ fiber optic cleaner is 3 seconds. The result of the cycle is a readability of 99.5%. With an easy to use device which comes with a user manual, AEFOS manufactures both male and female tips ranging from 1.25mm to 2.5mm.

The company is dedicated to manufacturing of the best fiber optic cleaners, fiber optic testers and other important equipment for the fiber optic industry. With inside-cleaning option available using fiber optic inspection scope, the idea of any debris present in the system is just not possible.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Why Fiber Optic Cleaning is needed?

Data transmission is the key to communication and to stay connected. Over the decades, scientists and engineers have tried to develop new instruments to send and receive data at greater speeds and also to lessen the loss of data due to attenuation and other reasons, this led to the creation of optical fibers. Optical fibers are very thin wire like structures used to transmit data in the form of waves of light by the process of total internal reflection of light.

The fibers need to be connected very carefully so that dust and dirt do not get deposited on them at time of installation or in the various stages of manufacturing. Dirt causes a decrease in the efficiency of the fiber. Also over a period of time after use, the connections need to be regularly checked and re cleaned to ensure a good connection.
Fiber optic cleaning methods include two different approaches namely, the dry cleaning process and the wet cleaning process. The dry cleaning process, as the name suggests, does not require the use of any cleaning solvent to clean the fiber, instead products like air spray are used which may be a compressed air or canned air. Wet cleaning process involves the use of solvent such as IPA.

Nowadays a more common method of
fiber optic cleaning is through a ferrule cleaner which is an automated instrument such as AFC3000 automated ferrule cleaner which is battery operated and is a fiber optic connector cleaner. It can clean plugged panel and fixed connector hardware devices. It is an extremely cost effective and efficient method of cleaning optical fibers. The AFC 3000 is used worldwide for these applications.

The AFC 3000 cleans the fiber optics very effectively and can be used both with PC and APC ferrules. It has a cleaning cycle of 3 seconds and can be used for over 600 cleans. It has an incredible cleaning readability of 99.5% and is a very light weight, automated, and a rugged
ferrule cleaner which is a huge time saver for installations of such equipment as ROADM’s and other equipment used by telecoms and large data centers and the military and research facilities worldwide.

The AFC 3000 is built to be used with Male and Female 2.5 mm FC, SC, ST andE 2000 connectors or adapters and 1.25 mm LC, MU, or Lemo connectors (SMPTE) most commonly used in the broadcast industry.

Protect your fiber optic investments through proper care and regular cleaning for its long life and durability.

To find more on fiber optic cleaning and ferrule cleaner, visit:
http://www.aefos.com.