Optical Power Meter Selection and Usage Guide

High-bandwidth premises networks of today require a solid fibre optic network architecture. Fibre cabling must be installed and maintained properly to reduce network downtime, whether you demand power measurements, sophisticated troubleshooting, inspection, or simple fibre verification capabilities.

An optical power meter is necessary and one of the best telecom tools. A testing tool called an optical power meter (OPM) is used to precisely measure the power of fibre optic hardware or the strength of an optical signal transmitted through a fibre cable.

It aids in calculating the power loss the optical signal experiences as it travels through the optical media. Testing of fibre optic cables is necessary after installation and termination. Each fibre optic cable plant must undergo three major tests: continuity, loss, and power.  A fibre optic power meter is required for this.

Simply put, the tool used to gauge an optical signal’s power is called an optical power meter (OPM). The phrase describes a tool for evaluating average power in fibre optic systems. Radiometers, photometers, laser power meters, fibre optic meters, and lux meters are common names for additional general-purpose light power measuring equipment.

A calibrated sensor, measuring amplifier, and display comprise a conventional optical power meter. The photodiode that makes up most of the sensor is chosen for the right range of wavelengths and power levels. The specified wavelength and measured optical power are shown on the display device.

• Power meters are calibrated using a traceable standard, such as a NIST standard.
• Although a conventional optical power meter responds to a wide range of light, calibration is wavelength-dependent. It is typically not a problem because it is usually known what the test wavelength is, but it has a few disadvantages.
• Incorrect readings will happen if there are other spurious wavelengths present. Thus, the user must set the meter to the proper test wavelength.

Before Using a Power Meter

Before using a fibre optic power meter, you should do a few things to prepare. Before entering the job site, read the manual and practice several tests with your power meter. Prepare documentation that details the location and installation of each cable next.

Refrain from relying on memory because you can forget where your cords are, especially if the job is big. Moreover, make a worksheet to record the results of your tests. Certain power meters contain a memory option for storing your data. They are also useful for substantial projects.

Consider some key Safety Regulations

While using a power meter to examine fibre optic connections, it’s crucial to use caution. When dealing with high-power cables, wear eye protection. It’s a good idea to check the connectors with your power meter before checking, even with a low-power design.

How to Measure Power using an Optical Power Meter

Fasten the meter to the cable using a power meter to measure fibre optic power. See the meter’s reading by turning on the transmitter, which is the power source. To ensure it doesn’t have too much or too little power, compare the meter reading with the system’s recommended correct power.

Because Fibre optic cables operate similarly to electric circuit voltage and require just the appropriate amount of power to function effectively, accurate power measurement is crucial.

Using a Power Meter to Test Loss

A power meter is utilized to test for loss, but a test source is also required. The meter will measure every section of the cable’s optical power loss. The cable is connected to a functional reference cable.

The single-ended loss and double-ended loss techniques are both utilized in loss testing. Only the launch cable is used for single-ended loss testing. A receive cable is also connected to the meter while double-ended loss testing.

These must meet specific loss requirements for connectors, splices, multimode, and single-mode Fibres. Before beginning, you should know these rules and the basic loss calculation formula.

Moreover, optical loss test kits, matching reference test cables, mating adapters with hybrids, a visual fault locator or Fibre tracer, cleaning supplies, and an ODTR may be needed for the procedures mentioned above (for outdoor networks).

If Fibre optic connections function properly, they can benefit businesses. To ensure your Fibre optic system will run without a hitch 24 hours a day, utilize a Fibre optic power meter and other helpful equipment.

There are three different types of devices and tools you  can use To detect optical power loss:

Although optical power meters and stabilized light sources come in different packages, they can measure end-to-end optical attenuation over an optical link when used in conjunction. Further measurements can be made using such component hardware.

1. Integrated test set:

A test set that combines an optical power meter and a stabilized light source is called an integrated test set. An OLTS is a traditional name for an integrated test set.

Optical Loss Test Sets (OLTS) equipment is extensively covered in Generic Requirements for Hand-Held Stabilized Light Sources, Optical Power Meters, Reflectance Meters, and Optical Loss Test Sets.

• ODTR:

It can measure optical link loss if the markers on an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) are placed at the endpoint where the required Fibre loss is determined. Taking a bidirectional average of the Fibre can improve the precision of such a measurement.

How to Choose the Right Optical Power Meter

how crucial an optical power meter is for Fibre optic testing. Choosing an appropriate optical power meter is crucial. Application, calibrated wavelengths, interface type, and measuring range are all important considerations when choosing an optical power meter.

1. Application:

An optical power meter measures the optical power in Fibre optic devices and regular Fibre optic links. However, there are also optical power meters made for specific uses, such as PON and CWDM optical power meters, which can offer quick and simple power measurements for the appropriate uses.

• Wavelength Range and Calibrated Wavelengths:

Each optical power meter can measure a specific range of wavelengths, often between 800 and 1700 nm. It is advised to calibrate the power meter to the same wavelengths the devices are operating on before testing the optical power if a more precise optical power measurement is needed.

The most frequently employed wavelengths are 850 nm, 1310 nm, 1550 nm, etc. So, it is important to consider both the supported wavelength range and calibrated wavelengths.

• Measuring Range:

Another factor to consider is the limited range of optical power that an optical power meter can test. An optical power meter can measure optical power from -70 dBm to +30 dBm.

• Interface Type:

A Fibre patch cable is typically used to connect the port on an optical power meter with the appropriate port on equipment for Fibre optic testing. On the optical power meters, it could fix the optical adapter ports.

One FC adapter, for instance, is typically found in many optical power meters. Optical power meters with various exchangeable adapters are also available if your patch cords aren’t terminated with the appropriate Fibre optic connector. Optical power meters are also available for multi-Fibre connections like MPO/MTP.