VDV Works Virtual Hands-On Training Fiber Optics Testing: Using OTDRs   Part of the VDV Academy Fiber Optic Training Programs
Home Read About OTDRs  Dos & Don'ts  Tools  Setup Take Data Viewing the trace Measure Loss Modify Test Parameters Compare Traces Troubleshooting Quiz More Useful References  Understanding OTDRs "Virtual Hands-On" Termination "Virtual Hands-On" Testing	Comparing Traces Comparing two traces in the same window is useful for confirming data collection and contrasting different test methods on the same fiber. All OTDRs offer this feature, where you can copy one trace and paste it on another to compare them. Here is an example of how you can use this feature. To compare fibers, open one trace then choose COMPARISON from the menu to choose the second fiber or more,depending on the OTDR capability. Measurements at Different Wavelengths Note that the two traces  are taken from the same multimode fiber cable plant at different test wavelengths. The major difference in the slope of the traces displays the different attenuation coefficient of the fiber. The blue line (top) represents the attenuation coefficient of the cable in at 1300 nm , the green line (bottom) represents the same cable measured at 850 nm. There is also a noticable difference in the reflectance at the splice. Variations in reflectance due to the wavelength difference is not unusual. Other reasons you might want to compare two traces includes: Compare several fibers in the same cable to see if they are different. Traces taken at different times to see if the cable has changed. At different wavelengths, since fiber is more sensitive to stress at longer wavelengths, this allows finding stress points caused bu installation. At different pulse widths (below) to decide which setting gives the best compromise between noise and resoluton or to find events lost with wide pulse widths. NEXT BACK
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