Making Measurements

Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements

The soft core, while allowing precise centering, is also the chief liabil- ity of the connector. The soft material is easily damaged. Care must be taken to minimize excessive scratching and wear. While minor wear is not a problem if the glass face is not affected, scratches or grit can cause the glass fiber to move out of alignment. Also, if unkeyed con- nectors are used, the nickel silver can be pushed onto the glass sur- face. Scratches, fiber movement, or glass contamination will cause loss of signal and increased reflections, resulting in poor return loss.

Inspecting Connectors

Because fiber- optic connectors are susceptible to damage that is not immediately obvious to the naked eye, poor measurements result with- out the user being aware. Microscopic examination and return loss measurements are the best way to ensure good measurements. Good cleaning practices can help ensure that optimum connector perfor- mance is maintained. With glass- to- glass interfaces, any degradation of a ferrule or the end of the fiber, any stray particles, or finger oil can have a significant effect on connector performance. Where many repeat connections are required, use of a connector saver or patch cable is recommended.

Figure 2- 6 shows the end of a clean fiber- optic cable. The dark circle in the center of the micrograph is the fiber’s 125 ∝m core and cladding which carries the light. The surrounding area is the soft nickel- silver ferrule. Figure 2- 7 shows a dirty fiber end from neglect or perhaps improper cleaning. Material is smeared and ground into the end of the fiber causing light scattering and poor reflection. Not only is the preci- sion polish lost, but this action can grind off the glass face and destroy the connector.

Figure 2- 8 shows physical damage to the glass fiber end caused by either repeated connections made without removing loose particles or using improper cleaning tools. When severe, the damage of one con- nector end can be transferred to another good connector endface that comes in contact with the damaged one. Periodic checks of fiber ends, and replacing connecting cables after many connections is a wise prac- tice.

The cure for these problems is disciplined connector care as described in the following list and in “Cleaning Connectors” on page 2- 47.

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Agilent Technologies Agilent 86120C manual Inspecting Connectors
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Agilent 86120C specifications

Agilent Technologies is renowned for its innovative solutions in the field of electronic measurement and test instrumentation. Among its extensive portfolio, the Agilent 86120C stands out as a high-performance optical sampling oscilloscope designed for advanced optical communication system testing and development.

One of the key features of the Agilent 86120C is its ability to perform high-speed digital modulation analysis. With a bandwidth of up to 20 GHz, it supports a wide range of optical signals, making it ideal for testing and characterizing various optical components and systems. The device is capable of analyzing multiple modulation formats, including pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-4), making it a critical tool for engineers working on next-generation data transport technologies.

Another outstanding characteristic of the Agilent 86120C is its sophisticated optical performance monitoring capabilities. It employs advanced algorithms and techniques to provide real-time assessment of signal integrity. The oscilloscope can measure parameters such as eye diagrams, jitter, and signal-to-noise ratios, which are crucial for ensuring the reliability and performance of optical communication links.

Incorporating cutting-edge technologies, the Agilent 86120C features a high-sensitivity photodetector optimized for low-light detection and high-speed applications. This allows users to accurately capture and analyze signals, even when working with low-power transmission systems. The oscilloscope also supports multiple input channels, enabling simultaneous testing of multiple wavelengths or different signal paths.

User-friendly software is another highlight of the Agilent 86120C. The intuitive interface streamlines the measurement process and provides comprehensive data analysis tools. Users can quickly generate reports, conduct statistical analysis, and visualize data in various formats to enhance their understanding of signal behavior.

Additionally, the Agilent 86120C is equipped with connectivity options for seamless integration into larger test setups. It can easily interface with other Agilent test instruments, PCs, and networked environments, allowing engineers to create a comprehensive testing environment tailored to their specific needs.

In conclusion, the Agilent 86120C optical sampling oscilloscope combines high performance, advanced features, and cutting-edge technologies to meet the demanding requirements of optical communication testing. Its versatility makes it an essential tool for engineers working in the rapidly evolving field of data communications.
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