TEST: Ask FOC

QUESTION: We have had no changes in our fiber optic cable assembly production process, but the measured Insertion Loss (IL) and Return Loss (RL) values of our product aren’t as good as they were. Could there be something wrong with the measurement equipment? ...

QUESTION: When measured on my properly calibrated IL/RL meter, some of my patch cords show ‘gain.’ How can this be possible? Since a patch cord cannot have gain, is there something wrong with the instrument?   ANSWER: If your IL/RL meter is properly...

QUESTION: For benchtop microscopes, what types of contamination are they best suited to identify?   ANSWER: Cleanliness can describe both permanent defects (example: cracks) and loose contamination defects (example: dirt, dust, cleaning solvent...

QUESTION: What are the different types of standards for MT/MPO measurements using interferometry?   ANSWER: There are two types of IEC standards for MT/MPO measurements using interferometry. The first is the “Measurement Standard” and its primary...

QUESTION: How do we decide which passive component tester to purchase?   ANSWER: The passive component tester (PCT) – must be correctly configured by the seller to support your product requirements.  Start by answering these 7 foundational questions....

It’s fair to say most assembly houses test the optical loss of a single mated pair using a launch cable connected to the DUT with the far end of the DUT plugged directly into the power meter via the adapter cap. To complete the test, the DUT is flipped and ...

QUESTION: Why is it important to measure Insertion Loss and Return Loss?   ANSWER: It’s quite simple: Your customers demand it. Your customers need to know that you’ve tested every fiber optic jumper and cable and have acquired accurate IL/RL measurements...

  QUESTION: Fiber Optic Center promotes/sells the Viavi Sidewinder but I have heard that some people are using and happy with the Sumix Manta.  Do you also sell that or know the differences between them?   ANSWER: FOC has selected the Viavi...

QUESTION: Can the errors made in the Termination processes be detected by subsequent production-line tests / measurements?   ANSWER: The processes involved in Termination play a CRITICAL role in determining the long-term reliability of the product, and more...

QUESTION: When does Bi-Directional make sense?    ANSWER: Bi-Directional make sense if you can use the launch and receive test method and your jumps have the same connectors on each end. Some good product types for this are MTP to MTP jumps and large...