Optical fiber jumper interface monitoring device and optical communication test equipment

Abstract

This application relates to a fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device and an optical communication testing equipment. The monitoring device includes a light source, a circulator, and an optical power measurement module. The circulator has a first port, a second port, and a third port sequentially opened along the circulator's signal direction. An optical signal generated by the light source is incident on the first port of the circulator. The second port of the circulator is connected to the second end of the fiber optic patch cord, and the third port is connected to the optical power measurement module. The optical power measurement module receives and measures the optical power value of the optical signal output from the third port of the circulator. The optical power value is used to determine whether the first end of the fiber optic patch cord is properly connected to the equipment. Therefore, when optical communication is abnormal, it is possible to identify whether the abnormality is caused by a connection problem, improving the timeliness of fault diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary waste caused by replacing optical components due to connection problems. This saves time and manpower costs associated with replacing components and rebuilding the optical path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to a fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device and an optical communication testing device. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic patch cords (also known as fiber optic connectors) are patch cords used to connect equipment to fiber optic cabling links. They are generally used for connections between optical transceivers and terminal boxes, and are mainly used in fiber optic communication systems, fiber optic access networks, fiber optic data transmission, and local area networks.

[0003] Before leaving the factory, fiber optic patch cords undergo batch testing of their insertion and return losses using an insertion loss and return loss tester, with both ends connected to the tester. However, in practical applications, when one end of the patch cord is connected to equipment (such as a terminal box), the optical path connection at that end cannot be tested using the same tester. If an optical communication anomaly occurs due to a misconnection between the patch cord and the equipment, it is difficult to diagnose the problem visually. Often, the solution involves replacing the optical components and rebuilding the optical path. This lack of monitorability in the connection between the patch cord and the equipment leads to unnecessary waste in optical path setup and troubleshooting. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device and an optical communication testing device to address the problem of unmonitorable connection between fiber optic patch cords and equipment.

[0005] A fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device is disclosed, wherein the first end of the fiber optic patch cord is connected to a device. The device includes a light source, a circulator, and an optical power measurement module. The circulator has a first port, a second port, and a third port sequentially opened in the circulator's circulator signal direction. An optical signal generated by the light source is incident on the first port of the circulator. The second port of the circulator is connected to the second end of the fiber optic patch cord, and the third port is connected to the optical power measurement module. The optical power measurement module is used to receive and measure the optical power value of the optical signal output from the third port of the circulator. The optical power value is used to determine whether the first end of the fiber optic patch cord is properly connected to the device.

[0006] When one end of the fiber optic patch cord is connected to the device, the optical signal emitted by the light source is input through the first port of the circulator and output to the fiber optic patch cord through the second port of the circulator. If the fiber optic patch cord and the device are not properly connected at the second port of the circulator, the optical power will return to the third port due to the characteristics of the circulator. If the fiber optic patch cord and the device are properly connected, then no optical signal will return from the third port. The optical power measurement module can measure the optical power value of the optical signal output from the third port of the circulator. The optical power value can be used to determine whether the fiber optic patch cord and the device are properly connected at the second port.

[0007] This enables monitoring of whether the interface at the first end of the fiber optic patch cord is properly connected to the device. When optical communication is abnormal, it can be determined whether the abnormality is caused by improper connection, which improves the timeliness of troubleshooting, avoids unnecessary waste caused by replacing optical components due to improper connection, and saves time and manpower costs caused by replacing components and rebuilding the optical path.

[0008] In one embodiment, the device further includes an optical path adapter, through which the second port of the circulator is connected to the second end of the fiber optic patch cord.

[0009] Because the types of fiber optic patch cords compatible with the circulator's ports are relatively limited, improving the design of the circulator's second port is necessary to expand the types of fiber optic patch cords that the monitoring device can monitor, which involves a significant workload. In this embodiment, by setting an optical path adapter between the circulator's second port and the second end of the fiber optic patch cord, the need for improving the circulator's second port can be eliminated. Simultaneously, this allows the monitoring device to monitor whether various types of fiber optic patch cords are properly connected, thus broadening its compatibility.

[0010] In one embodiment, the optical power measurement module is an optical power meter. Using an existing optical power meter in the monitoring device allows for rapid setup and easy operation.

[0011] In one embodiment, the device further includes a host computer connected to the optical power meter, the host computer receiving the optical power value output by the optical power meter, and determining that the first end of the optical fiber patch cord is not properly connected to the device when the optical power value is greater than a preset threshold.

[0012] By connecting the optical power meter to the host computer, the host computer can read the optical power value and automatically determine whether the first end of the fiber optic patch cord is properly connected to the device. This increases the degree of automation and reduces labor costs.

[0013] In one embodiment, the optical power measurement module includes a photoelectric conversion module and an amplification processing module connected together; the photoelectric conversion module is connected to the third port of the circulator and is used to receive the optical signal output from the third port of the circulator and convert the optical signal into a corresponding electrical signal; the amplification processing module is used to amplify the electrical signal and determine the optical power value of the optical signal based on the amplified electrical signal.

[0014] By setting up a photoelectric conversion module and an amplification processing module, it is possible to acquire optical signals and measure optical power values. Since the photoelectric conversion module and the amplification processing module are low in cost, it is more cost-effective to measure optical power values ​​using a photoelectric conversion module and an amplification processing module compared to using an existing optical power meter.

[0015] In one embodiment, the amplification processing module is further configured to determine that the first end of the fiber optic patch cord is not properly connected to the device when the optical power value is greater than a preset threshold.

[0016] In one embodiment, the device further includes an alarm module connected to the optical power measurement module; the alarm module is used to issue an alarm signal if the first end of the fiber optic patch cord is not properly connected to the device, thereby alerting the operator to troubleshoot the fault promptly.

[0017] In one embodiment, the fiber optic patch cord is a single-mode fiber or a multi-mode fiber.

[0018] In one embodiment, the wavelength of the light source matches the type of the fiber optic patch cord.

[0019] An optical communication testing device includes a fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device as described above.

[0020] The aforementioned fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device and optical communication testing equipment, when one end of the fiber optic patch cord is connected to the equipment, the optical signal emitted by the light source is input through the first port of the circulator and output to the fiber optic patch cord through the second port of the circulator. If the fiber optic patch cord and the equipment are not properly connected at the second port of the circulator, due to the characteristics of the circulator, the optical power will return to the third port; if the fiber optic patch cord and the equipment are properly connected, then no optical signal will return from the third port. The optical power measurement module can measure the optical power value of the optical signal output from the third port of the circulator. The optical power value can be used to determine whether the fiber optic patch cord and the equipment are properly connected at the second port. This enables monitoring of whether the interface at the first end of the fiber optic patch cord is properly connected to the equipment. When optical path communication is abnormal, it can be determined whether the abnormality is caused by improper connection, improving the timeliness of fault diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary waste caused by replacing optical components due to improper connection, and saving the time and manpower costs of rebuilding the optical path due to component replacement. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device in one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the signal transmission direction of the circulator.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the forward transmission optical path of the circulator;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the reverse transmission optical path of the circulator;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transmission of optical signals when the fiber optic patch cord is not connected in place, as shown in one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a monitoring method using a fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0028] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device 10 is provided, wherein the first end of the fiber optic patch cord 20 to be monitored is connected to a device 30. The monitoring device 10 includes a light source 101, a circulator 102, and an optical power measurement module 103. The circulator 102 has a first port (port 1 shown), a second port (port 2 shown), and a third port (port 3 shown) sequentially opened in the circulator signal direction. The optical signal generated by the light source 101 is incident on the first port of the circulator 102. The second port of the circulator 102 is connected to the second end of the fiber optic patch cord 20, and the third port is connected to the optical power measurement module 103. The optical power measurement module 103 is used to receive and measure the optical power value of the optical signal output from the third port of the circulator 102. The optical power value is used to determine whether the first end of the fiber optic patch cord 20 is properly connected to the device 30.

[0029] Circulator 102 is a multi-port optical device with non-reciprocal characteristics. When an optical signal is input from any port, it will be output from the next port in a predetermined order with very little loss. For example... Figure 2As shown, when an optical signal is input from any port, it can be output from the next port with very little loss in the numerical order shown in the diagram. However, the loss to all other ports from that port is very high, making them disconnected ports. Specifically, if an optical signal is input from port 1, the optical signal can only be output from port 2, and similarly, if an optical signal is input from port 2, it can only be output from port 3. The non-reciprocity of the circulator makes it an important device in bidirectional communication. It can perform the task of separating forward and reverse transmission and has wide applications in single-fiber bidirectional communication, uplink / downlink, multiplexing / demultiplexing, and dispersion compensation in optical communication.

[0030] There are many specific implementation schemes for the circulator 102, which can be divided into two main categories: transmission type and reflection type. The principle of the circulator will be explained below using a transmission type circulator as an example. (Refer to...) Figures 3-4 In this circulator, the changes in the polarization state and position of the light beam as it travels from port 1 to port 2 are as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the light input from port 1 is transformed into two beams of light with mutually perpendicular polarization directions after passing through birefringent crystal 1. After passing through the Faraday rotator, their polarization directions are rotated 45° to the right. After passing through the half-wave plate (the polarization state is at 22.5° with the fast axis), their polarization directions are rotated another 45° to the right. After passing through the half-wave plate, the polarization directions of these two beams of light become mutually perpendicular, along the z and y directions respectively. Finally, they are combined into a single beam of light by birefringent crystal 2 and output from port 2.

[0031] In this circulator, the changes in the polarization state and position of the light beam as it travels from port 2 to port 3 are as follows: Figure 4 As shown, light input at port 2 is divided into two beams with mutually perpendicular polarization directions after passing through birefringent crystal 2. After passing through a half-wave plate, the polarization direction is deflected 45° to the left. Then, after passing through a Faraday rotator, the beam polarization state is deflected 45° to the right, returning to its original incident polarization direction. The two beams are then separated again by birefringent crystal 1, and finally combined by a triangular prism and a PBS prism, exiting from port 3. Note that the Faraday rotator is non-reciprocal, meaning the polarization state rotates in the same direction during forward and reverse propagation; while the wave plate is reciprocal, meaning the polarization state rotates in opposite directions during forward and reverse propagation.

[0032] The fiber optic patch cord 20 can be either single-mode fiber or multi-mode fiber. The wavelength of the light source 101 needs to match the type of the fiber optic patch cord 20. In actual testing, the wavelength of the optical signal output by the light source 101 can be selected according to the type of the fiber optic patch cord 20 to be monitored and the wavelength of its transmitted optical signal. For example, when the fiber optic patch cord 20 is single-mode fiber, a light source with a wavelength of 1310nm (Nanometer) or 1550nm can be selected according to the wavelength of its transmitted optical signal.

[0033] The specific type of device 30 connected to the fiber optic patch cord 20 is not limited. When the device 30 forms an optical path through the fiber optic patch cord 20, the first end of the fiber optic patch cord 20 is connected to the device 30. Specifically, the interface of the fiber optic patch cord 20 can be connected to the plug-in connector of the device 30. When the interface of the fiber optic patch cord 20 is properly connected to the device 30, the optical path is conductive; when the interface of the fiber optic patch cord 20 is not properly connected to the device 30, the optical path is not conductive.

[0034] Currently, when the optical path is not conductive, because the other end of device 30 is fixed or is in a waveguide or other package that cannot be directly manually connected to other adapters, the insertion loss and return loss tester cannot connect to both ends of the optical path. It cannot detect whether the connection between fiber optic patch cord 20 and device 30 is correct solely by checking the unconnected first end of fiber optic patch cord 20. In this situation, the usual practice is to repeatedly plug and unplug the device, checking the status of device 30 to determine the connection status between the interface of fiber optic patch cord 20 and device 30. If multiple plugging and unplugging attempts are ineffective, new optical components (such as fiber optic patch cord 20, device 30, or fiber optic patch cord adapter) are often replaced, and the optical path is re-established until it is conductive. This unmonitorable connection between fiber optic patch cord 20 and device 30 introduces many uncertainties into optical path setup and troubleshooting, and the need to replace optical components due to incomplete connection between the interface of fiber optic patch cord 20 and device 30 results in unnecessary waste.

[0035] In this embodiment, when one end of the fiber optic patch cord 20 is connected to the device 30, the optical signal emitted by the light source 101 is input through the first port of the circulator 102 and output to the fiber optic patch cord 20 through the second port. If the connection between the fiber optic patch cord 20 and the device 30 at the second port is not properly made, due to the characteristics of the circulator 102, the optical power will return to the third port, such as... Figure 5 As shown; if the fiber optic patch cord 20 and the device 30 are properly connected, then there will be no optical signal returned from the third port; the optical power measurement module 103 can measure the optical power value of the optical signal output from the third port of the circulator 102, and thus the optical power measurement module 103 can monitor the optical power value of the third port to determine whether the fiber optic patch cord 20 and the device 30 at the second port are properly connected.

[0036] It is understandable that in practical applications, due to different selections, the number of ports of the circulator 102 can be greater than 3. When connecting the monitoring optical path, it is sufficient to ensure that the signal transmission direction of the circulator 102 is: the port input connected to the light source 101, the port output connected to the fiber optic patch cord 20, the port input connected to the fiber optic patch cord 20, and the port output connected to the optical power measurement module 103.

[0037] The aforementioned fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device 10 includes a light source 101, a circulator 102, and an optical power measurement module 103. The circulator 102 has a first port (port 1 shown in the figure), a second port (port 2 shown in the figure), and a third port (port 3 shown in the figure) sequentially opened in the circulator signal direction. The optical signal generated by the light source 101 is incident on the first port of the circulator 102. The second port of the circulator 102 is connected to the second end of the fiber optic patch cord 20, and the third port is connected to the optical power measurement module 103. The optical power measurement module 103 is used to receive and measure the optical power value of the optical signal output from the third port of the circulator 102. The optical power value is used to determine whether the first end of the fiber optic patch cord 20 is properly connected to the device 30. When the connection between the fiber optic patch cord 20 and the device 30 is not properly established, due to the characteristics of the circulator 102, the optical signal emitted by the light source 101 will return to the third port. If the fiber optic patch cord 20 and the device 30 are properly connected, then no optical signal will return to the third port. Therefore, by monitoring the optical power value at the third port of the circulator 102 through the optical power measurement module 103, it can be determined whether the fiber optic patch cord 20 and the device 30 at the second port are properly connected, thus realizing the monitoring of the interface of the fiber optic patch cord 20. When the optical path communication is abnormal, it can be found that the abnormality is caused by the improper connection, which improves the timeliness of fault diagnosis and avoids unnecessary waste caused by replacing optical components due to improper connection, saving the time and manpower costs caused by replacing components and rebuilding the optical path. In addition, when using this monitoring device 10, only one end of the optical path to be tested needs to be connected, and it is not necessary to connect both ends of the optical path to be tested at the same time, so the actual application scenarios are wider.

[0038] In one embodiment, the monitoring device 10 further includes an optical path adapter, through which the second port of the circulator 102 is connected to the second end of the fiber optic patch cord 20.

[0039] The fiber optic patch cord 20 includes the fiber optic cable body and the connector. Depending on the type of connector, the fiber optic patch cord 20 can include FC patch cords, SC patch cords, ST patch cords, LC patch cords, MT patch cords, etc. The connectors for each type of patch cord are different. However, the types of patch cords that the port of the circulator 102 can adapt to are relatively limited. In order to expand the types of fiber optic patch cords 20 that the monitoring device 10 can monitor, the second port of the circulator 102 needs to be redesigned, which requires a large amount of work.

[0040] In this embodiment, by setting an optical path adapter between the second port of the circulator 102 and the second end of the fiber optic patch cord 20, the improvement design of the second port of the circulator 102 can be eliminated, and at the same time, the monitoring device 10 can monitor whether various types of fiber optic patch cords 20 are connected in place, thus expanding the range of compatibility.

[0041] In actual testing, if the second end of the fiber optic patch cord 20 to be tested is already connected to an optical path adapter, the optical path adapter connected to it can be directly connected to the second port of the circulator 102.

[0042] In one embodiment, the optical power measurement module 103 is an optical power meter.

[0043] An optical power meter is an instrument used to measure optical power. It can be used for direct measurement of optical power as well as relative measurement of optical attenuation. It is an essential basic testing instrument for research, development, production, construction, and maintenance departments in optical fiber communication systems. In this embodiment, by using an existing optical power meter, the accuracy of optical power measurement can be guaranteed, and the monitoring device 10 can be set up quickly and is easy to operate.

[0044] In one embodiment, the monitoring device 10 further includes a host computer connected to the optical power meter. The host computer receives the optical power value output by the optical power meter and determines whether the first end of the fiber optic patch cord 20 is properly connected to the device 30 based on the optical power value.

[0045] By connecting the optical power meter to the host computer, the host computer reads the optical power value and automatically determines whether the first end of the fiber optic patch cord 20 is properly connected to the device 30. This increases the degree of automation and reduces labor costs.

[0046] Furthermore, when the optical power value exceeds a preset threshold, the host computer determines that the first end of the fiber optic patch cord 20 is not properly connected to the device 30.

[0047] When the fiber optic patch cord 20 is properly connected to the device 30, the third port of the circulator 102 returns almost no optical signal. At this time, the optical power value is very small, below the preset threshold, allowing the host computer to determine that the fiber optic patch cord 20 interface is properly connected. When the third port of the circulator 102 outputs the optical signal emitted by the light source 101 with low loss, the optical power value is larger, exceeding the preset threshold, allowing the host computer to determine that the fiber optic patch cord 20 interface is not properly connected. The preset threshold can be pre-set by the operator in the host computer based on experimental data or experience, or it can be set during each monitoring session in conjunction with the power of the optical signal output by the light source 100.

[0048] In one embodiment, the optical power measurement module 103 includes a photoelectric conversion module and an amplification processing module connected together; the photoelectric conversion module is connected to the third port of the circulator 102 and is used to receive the optical signal output from the third port of the circulator 102 and convert the optical signal into a corresponding electrical signal; the amplification processing module is used to amplify the electrical signal and determine the optical power value of the optical signal based on the amplified electrical signal.

[0049] When the connection between fiber optic patch cord 20 and device 30 is not properly established, due to the characteristics of circulator 102, the optical signal emitted by light source 101 will return to the third port. At this time, the photoelectric conversion module receives the optical signal, converts it into a corresponding electrical signal, and outputs it to the amplification module. The amplification module amplifies the electrical signal and determines the optical power value based on the amplified electrical signal; in this case, the optical power value is relatively high. If the connection between fiber optic patch cord 20 and device 30 is properly established, no optical signal will return from the third port. The photoelectric conversion module will not receive any optical signal (or a very small optical signal) and will not output any electrical signal (or a very small electrical signal) to the amplification module. The amplification module will determine that the optical power value is zero or very low. Therefore, the optical power value monitored by the optical power measurement module 103 can be used to determine whether the connection between fiber optic patch cord 20 and device 30 at the second port is properly established, thus enabling monitoring of the fiber optic patch cord 20 interface.

[0050] In this embodiment, by setting up a photoelectric conversion module and an amplification processing module, optical signal acquisition and optical power measurement can be achieved, which can significantly reduce costs compared to directly using an optical power meter. The structure of the photoelectric conversion module and the amplification processing module is not limited, as long as they can achieve the above functions and meet the monitoring requirements.

[0051] In one embodiment, the amplification processing module is further configured to determine whether the first end of the fiber optic patch cord 20 is properly connected to the device 30 based on the optical power value. This enables the optical power measurement module 103 to monitor the interface connection status of the fiber optic patch cord 20, thereby improving the automation level of the optical power measurement module 103.

[0052] Specifically, the amplification processing module determines that the first end of the fiber optic patch cord 20 is not properly connected to the device 30 when the optical power value exceeds a preset threshold. The amplification processing module may have a preset threshold stored in it, and may also include an interactive unit through which the operator inputs the preset threshold.

[0053] In one embodiment, the monitoring device 10 further includes an alarm module connected to the optical power measurement module 103; the alarm module is used to issue an alarm signal when the first end of the fiber optic patch cord 20 is not properly connected to the device 30, so as to remind the operator to troubleshoot the fault in time.

[0054] Specifically, when the optical power measurement module 103 outputs an optical power value, the alarm module can receive the optical power value and, if it is determined from the optical power value that the first end of the fiber optic patch cord 20 is not properly connected to the device 30, issue an alarm signal.

[0055] When the optical power measurement module 103 outputs a first disconnect signal corresponding to the first end of the fiber optic patch cord 20 not being connected to the device 30, the alarm module receives the first disconnect signal and issues an alarm signal based on the signal.

[0056] In one embodiment, the alarm module can also be connected to a host computer. When the host computer outputs a second disconnect signal corresponding to the failure of the first end of the fiber optic patch cord 20 to be connected to the device 30, the alarm module is used to receive the second disconnect signal and issue an alarm signal.

[0057] Furthermore, when there are a large number of monitoring devices 10, the alarm modules in each monitoring device 10 can be connected to the host computer so that the host computer can know the connection status of each fiber optic patch cord 20 in a timely manner, which facilitates centralized management by operators.

[0058] It is understood that the alarm module can be a standalone module or integrated into the amplification processing module or the host computer, and those skilled in the art can configure it according to actual needs. By configuring the alarm module, operators can be promptly alerted.

[0059] The aforementioned fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device 10 measures the optical power value of the optical signal at the third port of the circulator 102 through the optical power measurement module 103. Based on the optical power value, it can determine whether the connection between the first end of the fiber optic patch cord 20 and the device 30 is in place, thereby monitoring whether the connection between the fiber optic patch cord 20 and the device 30 is in place. When the optical path communication is abnormal, it can identify whether the abnormality is caused by the connection being incomplete, thereby improving the timeliness of fault diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary waste caused by replacing optical components due to connection incompleteness. It also saves time and manpower costs caused by replacing components and rebuilding the optical path.

[0060] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the monitoring method applied to the above-mentioned fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device 10 includes steps 200-400.

[0061] Step 200: Connect the second end of the fiber optic patch cord to the second port of the circulator, connect the first port of the circulator to the light source, and connect the third port of the circulator to the optical power measurement module.

[0062] The fiber optic patch cord can be made of single-mode fiber or multi-mode fiber. The specific type of device 30 connected to the fiber optic patch cord is not limited. When device 30 forms an optical path through the fiber optic patch cord, the interface of the fiber optic patch cord can be connected to the plug-in connector of device 30. When the interface of the fiber optic patch cord is properly connected to device 30, the optical path is conductive (assuming all components are functioning correctly); when the interface of the fiber optic patch cord is not properly connected to device 30, the optical path is not conductive.

[0063] It is understandable that when the interface at the second end of the fiber optic patch cord is incompatible with the second port of the circulator, the second end of the fiber optic patch cord can be connected to the second port of the circulator. Specifically, this can include connecting the second end of the fiber optic patch cord to one end of an optical path adapter, and connecting the other end of the optical path adapter to the second port of the circulator. If the second end of the fiber optic patch cord to be tested is already connected to an optical path adapter, then the optical path adapter itself can be directly connected to the second port of the circulator.

[0064] Step 300: Control the light source to emit a light signal to the first port of the circulator.

[0065] The wavelength of the optical signal emitted by the light source needs to match the type of fiber optic patch cord. In actual testing, the wavelength of the optical signal output by the light source needs to be selected according to the type of fiber optic patch cord to be monitored and the wavelength of its transmitted light. The power of the optical signal emitted by the light source can be set according to the testing needs and does not need to be limited.

[0066] Step 400: The optical power measurement module receives and measures the optical power value of the optical signal at the third port of the circulator, and determines whether the connection between the first end of the fiber optic patch cord and the device 30 is in place based on the optical power value.

[0067] When one end of the fiber optic patch cord is connected to the device 30 connector, the optical signal emitted by the light source is input through the first port of the circulator and output through the second port. If the fiber optic patch cord is not properly connected to the device 30 at the second port, due to the characteristics of the circulator, the optical power will return to the third port; if the fiber optic patch cord is properly connected to the device 30, then no optical signal will return to the third port. Therefore, by monitoring the optical power value at the third port through the optical power measurement module, it can be determined whether the fiber optic patch cord at the second port is properly connected to the device 30.

[0068] This monitoring method can determine whether the connection between the first end of the fiber optic patch cord and the device 30 is in place based on the optical power value, thereby enabling monitoring of whether the connection between the fiber optic patch cord and the device 30 is in place. When there is an abnormality in the optical path communication, it can be found out whether the abnormality is caused by a poor connection, which improves the timeliness of fault diagnosis, avoids unnecessary waste caused by replacing optical components due to poor connection, and saves time and manpower costs caused by replacing components and rebuilding the optical path.

[0069] In one embodiment, an optical communication testing device 30 is provided, including a fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device 10. The structure of the fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device 10 can be set with reference to the above embodiments, and will not be described again.

[0070] In one embodiment, the optical communication test equipment 30 has multiple monitoring devices 10, each monitoring device 10 being used to monitor whether a fiber optic patch cord is connected in place.

[0071] Furthermore, the optical communication testing equipment 30 may include only one host computer, and the optical power meters in multiple monitoring devices 10 are all connected to the host computer. The host computer manages the connection status of multiple fiber optic patch cords, making it convenient for operators to view them centrally.

[0072] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0073] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device, characterized in that, The first end of the fiber optic patch cord is connected to the device, which includes a light source, a circulator, and an optical power measurement module. The circulator has a first port, a second port, and a third port sequentially opened in the circular signal direction. The light source is connected to the first port of the circulator, the first end of the fiber optic patch cord is connected to the device, the second port of the circulator is connected to the second end of the fiber optic patch cord, and the third port is connected to the optical power measurement module. The optical signal generated by the light source is incident on the first port of the circulator and transmitted to the fiber optic patch cord through the second port. If the connection between the fiber optic patch cord and the device is not properly made, the optical signal emitted by the light source will return to the third port; if the connection between the fiber optic patch cord and the device is properly made, no optical signal will return from the third port. The optical power measurement module is used to receive and measure the optical power value of the optical signal output from the third port of the circulator. The optical power value is used to determine whether the first end of the optical fiber patch cord is properly connected to the device.

2. The fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes an optical path adapter, through which the second port of the circulator is connected to the second end of the fiber optic patch cord.

3. The fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical power measurement module is an optical power meter.

4. The fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The device also includes a host computer connected to the optical power meter. The host computer receives the optical power value output by the optical power meter and determines that the first end of the optical fiber patch cord is not properly connected to the device when the optical power value is greater than a preset threshold.

5. The fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical power measurement module includes a photoelectric conversion module and an amplification processing module connected together; The photoelectric conversion module is connected to the third port of the circulator and is used to receive the optical signal output from the third port of the circulator and convert the optical signal into a corresponding electrical signal. The amplification processing module is used to amplify the electrical signal and determine the optical power value of the optical signal based on the amplified electrical signal.

6. The fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The amplification processing module is also used to determine that the first end of the fiber optic patch cord is not properly connected to the device when the optical power value is greater than a preset threshold.

7. The fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The device further includes an alarm module connected to the optical power measurement module; The alarm module is used to issue an alarm signal if the first end of the fiber optic patch cord is not properly connected to the device.

8. The fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The fiber optic patch cord is a single-mode fiber or a multi-mode fiber.

9. The fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The wavelength of the light source matches the type of the fiber optic patch cord.

10. An optical communication testing device, characterized in that, Includes the fiber optic patch cord interface monitoring device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images