A blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system, including a multi-path light source output end, a light blocking device and a light detector, wherein the light blocking device is a multi-path input and multi-path output optical fiber device, which is arranged between the multi-path light source output end and the light detector, and the light blocking device only allows light to pass through any one path, and blocks the remaining light paths. The present invention reduces the overall size by arranging the light blocking device, and arranging the optical fiber collimator assembly on the collimator alignment base, and can be made into a portable instrument, avoids mechanical movement between the optical link and the optical fiber collimator assembly, ensures the consistency of position when switching the optical path, is not easily affected by vibration, has low requirements for the use environment, has a fast switching speed, a simple structure, and a low manufacturing cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of optical communication, and in particular to a blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system. Background Art

[0002] With the development and application of optical technology, multi-channel optical communication devices are widely used. In order to ensure the normal operation of multi-channel optical communication devices, it is particularly important to measure the fiber insertion loss of multi-channel optical communication devices. Therefore, a multi-channel optical fiber insertion loss test system is developed.

[0003] In a multi-channel fiber insertion loss test system, the switching of wavelengths and channels is achieved by switching optical switches, and the switching of optical switches is achieved by rebuilding the optical path. The traditional mechanical optical switch is the main practical optical switch, which can guide light from the input optical fiber to the specified output optical fiber, and often achieves switching by changing the position of the input end. In the process of its switching work, there are often the following shortcomings:

[0004] 1. There is mechanical movement between the optical path and the collimator components. It is difficult to ensure the consistency of the optical path every time the optical path is switched, and deviations are prone to occur, resulting in poor repeatability of the optical path and large measurement errors;

[0005] 2. When switching the optical path, the optical fiber is prone to shaking and twisting. In order to meet the alignment of the optical path, the switching speed is relatively slow. It takes more than 10 seconds to test 12 channels.

[0006] 3. When the input collimator switches, it is easy to pull or twist the optical fiber, causing slight changes in the optical fiber signal, especially changes in the polarization state, resulting in changes in the test value;

[0007] 4. In order to ensure the stability of the optical path, the use environment has high requirements and is easily affected by vibration;

[0008] 5. The size is too large to be impacted and cannot be used as a portable instrument;

[0009] 6. In order to ensure the accuracy during switching, the collimator fixing components and circuit control system have high requirements, the processing accuracy is high, and the production cost is high. Summary of the invention

[0010] In view of this, the present invention aims to address the deficiencies in the prior art, and its main purpose is to provide a blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system, which solves the technical problems that when the optical path is switched, there is mechanical movement between the optical link and the collimator components, it is difficult to ensure the position of the switched optical path, the optical fiber is easily pulled and twisted, resulting in large errors in the measured values, the switching speed is low, and the requirements for the use environment are high. It is large in size, cannot be made into a portable instrument, has high manufacturing precision requirements, and is costly.

[0011] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0012] A blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system of the present invention comprises a multi-path light source output end, a light blocking device and a light detector. The light blocking device is a multi-path input and multi-path output optical fiber device, which is arranged between the multi-path light source output end and the light detector. The light blocking device allows only any one path to pass light and blocks the remaining light paths.

[0013] As a preferred solution, the light blocking device includes but is not limited to a PLC blocking chip.

[0014] As a preferred solution, the light blocking device includes a multi-channel optical fiber collimator assembly, a light blocking component, a driving device and a collimator alignment base;

[0015] The multiple fiber collimator assemblies are arranged on the collimator alignment base, and the multiple fiber collimator assemblies each include a precisely aligned input fiber collimator and a corresponding output fiber collimator;

[0016] The light blocking component is movably arranged between the input fiber collimator and the output fiber collimator, and a light through hole is opened on the light blocking component, and the light through hole only allows light to pass through one fiber collimator component and blocks the other fiber collimator components;

[0017] The driving end of the driving device is connected to the light blocking component, and the driving device enables the light through holes of the light blocking component to move sequentially along the arrangement route of the optical fiber collimator assembly.

[0018] As a preferred solution, the driving device includes but is not limited to a stepper motor and a servo motor.

[0019] As a preferred solution, the arrangement route of the optical fiber collimator assembly is circular or linear.

[0020] As a preferred solution, the arrangement route of the optical fiber collimator assembly is circular, the light blocking device is circular, and the driving device drives the light blocking component to rotate along the center of the circle.

[0021] As a preferred solution, the light blocking component is made of a soft light-absorbing material and is ring-shaped. The light blocking component is provided with only one light-through hole corresponding to the optical fiber collimator assembly.

[0022] As a preferred solution, the light blocking component may be in a columnar shape, and a plurality of light through holes are formed on the light blocking component, and the plurality of light through holes are distributed in a spiral shape along the length direction of the light blocking component.

[0023] As a preferred solution, the PLC blocking chip includes a chip body, multiple input ports and output ports, the multiple input ports and output ports are arranged on both sides of the chip body in a one-to-one correspondence, the chip body includes a shell and an integrated component arranged in the shell, the integrated component includes an electrode layer, a liquid crystal layer, a reflection grating, a waveguide layer and a substrate, the waveguide layer is arranged on the substrate, the reflection grating is arranged between the waveguide layer and the liquid crystal layer, the electrode layer is arranged on one end of the liquid crystal layer away from the reflection grating, and the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer is changed by adjusting the voltage of the electrode layer to block the waveguide layer, so that only any one of the input ports and output ports is allowed to pass light, and all other ports are blocked from passing light.

[0024] As a preferred solution, the multi-path light source output end is composed of multiple wavelength light sources, multiple blocking optical switch components, optical fiber wavelength combiners and splitters connected in sequence, and any one of the wavelength light sources is divided into multiple light sources and output from the multi-path light source output end.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has obvious advantages and beneficial effects. Specifically, it can be seen from the above technical solution that it mainly has the following advantages:

[0026] 1. The optical path switching speed is fast, making the test time less than 1 second.

[0027] 2. By setting a light-blocking device for selectively blocking multiple light sources and installing the fiber collimator assembly on the collimator alignment base, there is no mechanical movement between the optical link and the fiber collimator assembly, and the optical path does not change at all during operation, thus solving the problems of unstable optical path and poor repeatability;

[0028] 3. The fixed installation of the optical fiber collimator assembly and the collimator alignment base makes the overall structure small in size, highly integrated, and has low requirements on the use environment, so it can be used as a portable device;

[0029] 4. The coordinated use of the driving device and the light-blocking component ensures that after the channel is switched, there is no need to add power to maintain the optical path, no heat is generated, the optical path is more stable, and it is energy-saving and environmentally friendly;

[0030] 5. The installation position of the input collimator, output collimator and light hole is determined, which can meet the accurate switching of the optical path. It does not require high processing accuracy or complex circuit control system, has fast testing speed and low production cost.

[0031] 6. The error of the entire test system is greatly reduced and tends to zero, and can be used as a calibration device for other equipment;

[0032] 7. When the optical link is switched, it is not easily affected by jitter.

[0033] In order to more clearly illustrate the structural features and effects of the present invention, the present invention is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical path of a conventional multi-fiber insertion loss test system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a typical commonly used design of a conventional multi-channel optical switch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 It is a functional block diagram of a blocking multi-fiber insertion loss tester of embodiments 1-5 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 It is a functional block diagram of a blocking multi-fiber insertion loss tester with an optical splitter added to embodiments 1-5 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a single-channel light blocking device and a principle diagram of an optical path of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a physical picture of a 12-way single-channel mechanical optical switch array according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the light blocking device of Example 2 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure decomposition of the light blocking device of Example 2 of the present invention;

[0042] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the light blocking device of Example 3 of the present invention;

[0043] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the light blocking device of Example 4 of the present invention;

[0044] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of the structure decomposition of the light blocking device of Example 4 of the present invention;

[0045] Fig.12 This is a schematic diagram of a product of a light blocking device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0046] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram of a testing instrument according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0047] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of test data of a test instrument according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0048] Fig.15 It is a structural schematic diagram of a light blocking device based on a PLC chip according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0049] Fig.16 It is a cross-sectional view of a light blocking device based on a PLC blocking chip according to Example 5 of the present invention.

[0050] Description of reference numerals:

[0051] 10. Light blocking component; 11. Light through hole;

[0052] 20. collimator alignment base; 21. first mounting plate; 22. second mounting plate; 221. horizontal plate; 222. vertical plate; 223. second avoidance through hole;

[0053] 30. driving device; 31. transmission arm;

[0054] 40. mounting block; 41. mounting through hole; 42. first avoidance through hole; 43. accommodating groove;

[0055] 50. Fiber collimator assembly; 51. Input fiber collimator; 52. Output fiber collimator;

[0056] 60, input port; 61, output port; 62, chip body; 621, housing; 622, integrated component; 6221, electrode layer; 6222, liquid crystal layer; 6223, reflection grating; 6224, waveguide layer; 6225, substrate;

[0057] 70. Multi-channel light source output terminal; 71. Wavelength light source; 72. Optical fiber wavelength combiner; 73. Splitter; 74. Traditional 1×4 optical switch; 75. Traditional multi-channel optical switch; 76. Blocking optical switch component;

[0058] 80. Light blocking device; 81. MPO connector;

[0059] 90. Photodetector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and implementation examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0061] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be a central element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be a central element at the same time. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right" and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0062] First, the application scenarios to which this application can be applied are introduced.

[0063] The present application can be applied to the field of optical communication technology. With the development and application of optical technology, the structure of multi-channel optical communication devices tends to be complicated. In order to ensure the normal operation of multi-channel optical communication devices, it is particularly important to measure the optical fiber insertion loss of multi-channel optical communication devices. Therefore, a multi-channel optical fiber insertion loss test system is produced.

[0064] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the optical path of an existing multi-fiber insertion loss test system.

[0065] It consists of a wavelength light source 71, a conventional 1×4 optical switch 74, a 50:50 optical splitter 73, a conventional multi-channel optical switch 75, a multi-channel optical fiber test busbar (with an MPO connector 81), a multi-channel optical fiber test line (with an MPO connector 81) and a large-area optical detector 90. When the test system is working, the wavelength and channel switching are achieved by switching the optical switch, and the switching of the optical switch is completed by reconstructing the optical path. The test system can simultaneously measure the insertion loss and return loss of the optical connector.

[0066] The function of the optical switch is to ensure that only one optical fiber is transmitting light at any time. It is a time-sharing detection that requires all channels to have the same response efficiency. The optical power meter is a large-area detector or an integrating sphere detector that can receive light from all channels. Figure 1 In the test system, the test of each channel is completed by switching the optical switch.

[0067] See also Figure 2 , Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a typical commonly used design of a traditional multi-channel optical switch. The input fiber collimator 51 is driven to rotate by the driving device 30 and the transmission arm 31, and is aligned with a relative output fiber collimator 52, and the optical path is switched to the corresponding optical fiber.

[0068] The following problems may occur during the switching process of a multi-channel optical switch:

[0069] 1. There is mechanical movement between the optical path and the collimator components. It is difficult to ensure the consistency of the position of the optical path each time it is switched, and deviations are prone to occur, resulting in poor repeatability of the optical path and large measurement errors;

[0070] 2. The optical path cannot ensure that the alignment position is completely consistent during each switch, resulting in poor optical path repeatability and large measurement errors;

[0071] 3. When the input collimator switches, the switching speed cannot be too fast due to pulling the input optical fiber, otherwise the test data will be affected;

[0072] 4. To ensure the stability of the optical path, the use environment has high requirements and cannot be affected by vibration;

[0073] 5. It is too large to be made into a portable instrument;

[0074] 6. To ensure the accuracy during switching, high requirements are placed on the collimator fixing components and circuit control system, and high processing accuracy is required, so the production cost is high.

[0075] Among the above problems, slow test speed is a prominent problem. When the existing multi-channel insertion loss test system tests a 12-channel MPO connector 81, the test time generally ranges from 10 seconds to several tens of seconds.

[0076] Based on this, embodiments 1-5 of the present invention provide a blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system based on a "blocking" working principle, rather than based on an optical switch working principle. Figure 3 It is a functional block diagram of the blocking multi-fiber insertion loss tester of the present invention, which is composed of a multi-path light source output terminal 70, a light blocking device 80 and a large-area light detector 90 connected in sequence.

[0077] The light blocking device 80 is a key component of the present invention. It is a multi-path input and multi-path output optical fiber device. The light blocking device 80 allows only one path of light to pass and blocks the remaining light paths. At the input end of the light blocking device 80, all channels have continuous light. The detector is a shared large-area light detector 90, and the receiving range covers all light paths. The light blocking device 80 selects one of the paths to be received. When the light path is switched, the light blocking device 80 is used to replace the switching coupling of the collimator, eliminating the change in optical power caused by the re-coupling of the collimator. Since there is no mechanical movement in the optical fiber at all, the test data is strictly repeated.

[0078] The multiple light sources may be N independent light sources, or one light source may be divided into N light sources through a 1-to-N light splitter 73, which can save the cost of the multiple light sources.

[0079] Figure 4 The functional block diagram of the blocking multi-fiber insertion loss tester after adding the optical splitter 73. The optical path includes: wavelength light source 71, blocking optical switch 76, optical fiber wavelength combiner 72, 1 to N optical splitter 73, light blocking device 80, large area light detector 90, wherein the wavelength light source 71 is a multi-path light source.

[0080] Figure 4 The wavelength light source 71 includes but is not limited to a wavelength 1310nm light source and a wavelength 1550nm light source, and both are temperature-controlled lasers. The two light sources of the temperature-controlled laser are selectively turned on, and after being combined by the optical fiber wavelength combiner 72, one light source is divided into multiple light sources by the splitter 73, and output from the multiple light source output end 70, and output to the light detector 90 through the light blocking device 80. Figure 4 A plurality of MPO connectors 81 are connected between the light blocking device 80 and the light detector 90. The MPO connector 81 is the most common type of multi-fiber connector.

[0081] The temperature-controlled wavelength light source 71 can maintain the stability and consistency of the light source and improve the accuracy of the test results. The wavelength light source 71 includes but is not limited to 1310LD, 1550LD, DFB laser, DBR laser, VCSEL laser, and TunableLaser laser.

[0082] The light blocking device 80 of the present invention includes but is not limited to a PLC blocking chip. The light blocking device 80 is arranged between the multi-path light source output end 70 and the light detector 90. The light blocking device 80 only allows any one path to pass light and blocks the remaining light paths. That is, the light blocking device 80 can realize a single light path blocking solution and be applied to a single-channel blocking optical switch.

[0083] In embodiment 1, the light blocking device 80 may be composed of N single-channel mechanical optical switches; Figure 5 (A) is a schematic diagram of the appearance of a single-channel mechanical optical switch, which has two optical fibers, one input and one output; Figure 5 (B) is a schematic diagram of the optical path of a single-channel mechanical optical switch. A light-blocking component 10 is inserted between two precisely aligned optical fiber collimators to control the on and off state of the optical path. Each single-channel mechanical optical switch can independently switch and control an optical path, and maintain the on and off state of the optical path without power.

[0084] The use of a single-channel mechanical optical switch can form a multi-channel single-channel mechanical optical switch array, which is the first solution adopted. The single-channel mechanical optical switch is a mature product available on the market. Figure 6 This is a physical picture of a 12-way single-channel mechanical optical switch array, with 6 channels on each of the upper and lower layers. This solution does not consume extra power and meets environmental protection requirements; the optical switch does not generate heat, the circuit temperature drift is low, and the optical path stability is high. However, the disadvantages of this solution are: the optical switch speed is slow, the optical switch array is large, the circuit drive is complex, the cost is high, and the reliability is low due to the large number of discrete components.

[0085] In Examples 2-4, the light blocking device 80 includes a multi-channel optical fiber collimator assembly 50, a light blocking component 10, a driving device 30 and a collimator alignment base 20; the multi-channel optical fiber collimator assembly 50 is arranged on the collimator alignment base 20, and the multi-channel optical fiber collimator assembly 50 includes a precisely aligned input optical fiber collimator 51 and a corresponding output optical fiber collimator 52, so as to ensure a one-to-one correspondence between the optical paths and reduce the measurement error; the light blocking component 10 is movably arranged between the input optical fiber collimator 51 and the output optical fiber collimator 52, and a light through hole 11 is opened on the light blocking component 10, and the light through hole 11 only allows one optical fiber collimator assembly 50 to pass light , and blocks other fiber collimator components 50; the transmission end of the driving device 30 is connected to the light blocking component 10, and the driving device 30 moves the light hole 11 of the light blocking component 10 in sequence along the arrangement route of the fiber collimator component 50, so as to realize accurate switching and reconstruction of the optical path, avoid mechanical movement between the optical link and the fiber collimator component 50, damage the optical fiber, and at the same time ensure the consistency of position when switching the optical link, improve the stability and accuracy of the optical path, and is not easily affected by vibration; the driving device 30 includes but is not limited to a stepper motor and a servo motor to realize precise control of rotation; the arrangement route of the fiber collimator component 50 is circular or linear.

[0086] In view of the shortcomings of Example 1, the solution of Example 2 of the present invention is as follows. Figures 7 and 8 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the assembly structure and schematic diagram of the structural decomposition of the light blocking device 80 of Example 2.

[0087] N optical fiber collimator assemblies 50 are linearly arranged on the collimator alignment base 20 , and each optical fiber collimator assembly 50 includes a precisely aligned input optical fiber collimator 51 and a corresponding output optical fiber collimator 52 , forming N optical fiber paths.

[0088] In the free space between the opposing fiber collimators, a light blocking component 10 is movably disposed between the input fiber collimator 51 and the output fiber collimator 52. A light through hole 11 is provided on the light blocking component 10, which allows only one fiber collimator assembly 50 to pass light and blocks all other fiber collimator assemblies 50.

[0089] The light shielding component 10 may be annular and made of soft light-absorbing material. A light hole 11 corresponding to the collimator assembly is provided on the light shielding component 10 . A transmission member is provided on the light shielding component 10 , which is connected to the transmission end of the driving device 30 .

[0090] The driving device 30 includes but is not limited to a stepper motor and a servo motor. When the driving device 30 rotates, it drives the transmission member to work, so that the light shielding component 10 moves back and forth along the length direction of the accommodating groove 43, independently controls the opening and closing of a light path, and can maintain the open or closed state without power.

[0091] The light blocking member 10 may also be configured as a linear blocking plate.

[0092] Embodiment 2 overcomes the shortcomings of the 12-way optical switch array of Embodiment 1, such as slow speed, complex driving, high cost, and low reliability. However, the volume is still relatively large, which is not conducive to the miniaturization of the test system.

[0093] In Example 3 of the present invention, please refer to Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the light blocking device 80.

[0094] N optical fiber collimator assemblies 50 are linearly arranged on the collimator alignment base 20 , and each optical fiber collimator assembly 50 includes a precisely aligned input optical fiber collimator 51 and a corresponding output optical fiber collimator 52 , forming N optical fiber paths.

[0095] The light shielding component 10 movably disposed between the input fiber collimator 51 and the output fiber collimator 52 is a cylinder, on which N light holes 11 are formed, which are equally spaced and spirally distributed along the length of the cylinder. A transmission member is disposed at one end of the cylinder, which is connected to the driving device 30 through a coupling device, so that the cylinder rotates around the axis.

[0096] When the cylinder rotates along its axis, only one pair of optical fiber collimators is always connected to the light hole 11, and the other pairs of optical fiber collimators are blocked by the wall of the light hole 11. In the absence of power, they can remain in an open or closed state.

[0097] Fig. 9 The light blocking device 80 is designed to be very small in size and easy to drive, which is a very optimized design. However, due to the working distance limitation of the fiber collimator, the diameter of the cylinder cannot be too large, so the number of light holes 11 cannot be too large. This design is suitable for the case where the number of channels is not too large, such as 12 channels.

[0098] In Example 4, please refer to Figure 10 to Figure 11 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 Schematic diagram of the assembly structure and schematic diagram of the structural decomposition of the light blocking device 80 of Example 4.

[0099] The light blocking device 80 includes an N-channel optical fiber collimator assembly 50 , a light blocking component 10 , a driving device 30 and a collimator alignment base 20 .

[0100] On the collimator alignment base 20, N optical fiber collimator assemblies 50 are distributed along the circumference. Each optical fiber collimator assembly 50 includes a precisely aligned input optical fiber collimator 51 and a corresponding output optical fiber collimator 52, forming N optical fiber paths.

[0101] The light shielding component 10 movably disposed between the input optical fiber collimator 51 and the output optical fiber collimator 52 is circular in shape, and a light through hole 11 corresponding to the collimator assembly is formed on the light shielding component 10 .

[0102] The driving end of the driving device 30 is connected to the light blocking component 10. The driving device 30 rotates, driving the circular light blocking component 10 to rotate around the center of the circle, blocking the N optical fiber collimator assemblies 50 arranged in a circle, allowing only one optical fiber collimator assembly 50 to pass light, and blocking all other optical fiber collimator assemblies 50.

[0103] The driving device 30 includes but is not limited to a stepper motor and a servo driver to achieve precise control of the rotation.

[0104] Example 4 has been produced. Fig.12 This is a product photo of the light blocking device 80 of the fourth embodiment, in which the N-channel optical fiber collimator assembly 50, the stepper motor and the motor coupling are clearly visible.

[0105] The design of the light blocking device 80 of Example 4 has been successfully used in a "blocking" multi-fiber insertion loss test system. Fig.13 The photo of the test instrument is shown in Figure 1. The light source signal is output through an MPO connector 81, and on the right is the MPO interface of the large area light detector 90.

[0106] Actual tests have found that this test instrument has the following characteristics:

[0107] 1) Fast test speed:

[0108] Since the optical path does not change at all, there is no need to wait for the optical path to return to a steady state after movement, and the test speed is significantly accelerated. The insertion loss of 12-channel MPO is completed in less than 1 second and displayed on the computer screen. This is without optimizing the test parameters. All existing multi-fiber testers take at least 10 seconds to measure the insertion loss of 12-channel MPO. The blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system is more than 10 times faster than the existing multi-fiber insertion loss test system based on optical switches.

[0109] 2) Test repeatability error is almost zero:

[0110] Since the optical path does not change at all, the optical signal has excellent repeatability, the test is absolutely repeatable, and the error is almost zero when repeating the test. Fig.14This is a screenshot of the product test data of this test instrument. It can be seen that the error is within 0.01dB. This small error is mostly caused by random changes in the light source and rounding errors. This equipment can be used as a calibration device for other multi-fiber insertion loss test systems.

[0111] 3) Energy saving:

[0112] No need to continuously power on to maintain the light path, reducing energy consumption and being environmentally friendly.

[0113] 4) Strong structure:

[0114] Since there are no precision moving parts, the test instrument has a solid structure and can be made into a portable instrument for use at the test site.

[0115] 5) Low cost:

[0116] Since it does not require high processing accuracy and does not have a complicated circuit system, the manufacturing cost of this test instrument is low and cheap.

[0117] Furthermore, the aforementioned collimator alignment base 20 includes a fixed seat and two mounting blocks 40 mounted on the fixed seat, the two mounting blocks 40 are arranged in parallel on both sides of the light blocking component 10, and mounting through holes 41 corresponding to multiple optical fiber collimator assemblies 50 are provided on the mounting blocks 40, which is convenient for production and assembly. The two mounting blocks 40 are provided with accommodating grooves 43 corresponding to the light blocking component 10 on one side close to the light blocking component 10, ensuring that the light blocking component 10 can work normally under the drive of the driving device 30; the mounting blocks 40 are also provided with a first avoidance through hole 42 corresponding to the transmission end of the driving device 30, and the two mounting blocks 40 are connected to the collimator alignment base 20 through the first mounting plate 21.

[0118] Furthermore, the driving device 30 is fixed on the collimator alignment base 20 through a second mounting plate 22. The second mounting plate 22 is "L-shaped". The second mounting plate 22 includes a horizontal plate 221 and a vertical plate 222. The horizontal plate 221 is vertically connected to the vertical plate 222. The horizontal plate 221 is also connected to the collimator alignment base 20. A second avoidance through hole 223 corresponding to the transmission end of the driving device 30 is provided on the vertical plate 222. While improving the overall structural stability, it ensures the connection between the transmission end of the driving device 30 and the light blocking device 80, thereby realizing the connection and blocking of the optical link.

[0119] The above four embodiments are all based on mechanical motion. The light blocking device 80 can also be based on chip technology. There are no moving parts, super miniaturization, lower cost, and it is easier to make a portable instrument.

[0120] Fig.15FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a light blocking device 80 based on a PLC chip. A PLC blocking chip is coupled and permanently fixed by two one-dimensional optical fiber arrays and packaged in a suitable device housing.

[0121] Fig.16 It is a cross-sectional view of a light blocking device 80 based on a PLC blocking chip.

[0122] In Example 5, please refer to Figure 15 to Figure 16 The light blocking device 80 is a PLC blocking chip, which includes a chip body 62, a multi-way input port 60 and an output port 61. The multi-way input port and the output port are arranged on both sides of the chip body 62 in a one-to-one correspondence. The chip body 62 includes a shell 621 and an integrated component 622 arranged in the shell 621. The integrated component 622 includes an electrode layer 6221, a liquid crystal layer 6222, a reflection grid, a waveguide layer 6224 and a substrate 6225. The waveguide layer 6224 is arranged on the substrate 6225, and the reflection grid is arranged between the waveguide layer 6224 and the liquid crystal layer. The electrode layer 6221 is arranged on the end face of the liquid crystal layer 6222 away from the reflection grid, the reflection grating 6223 is covered by the liquid crystal layer 6222, the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer 6222 can be adjusted by voltage, and the reflectivity of the reflection grating 6223 changes with the change of voltage. When the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer 6222 and the reflectivity of the reflection grating 6223 are equal, light is allowed to pass through, and the connection of the optical link is realized; when the refractive index and the emissivity of the reflection grating 6223 are greatly different, the light is reflected in large quantities, and the transmittance is close to zero, so that the optical link is blocked.

[0123] There is no relative mechanical movement in the whole process, the structure is compact and can be miniaturized; a waveguide corresponding to the reflection grating 6223 is also provided on the shell 621 to facilitate the switching and reconstruction of the optical link.

[0124] Working principle: There is continuous light in all channels. The light detector 90 is a shared large-area detector that can receive all light paths. The PLC blocking chip selects one path to replace the switching coupling of the collimator, so that only one optical fiber passes light at any time, eliminating the change in optical power caused by the re-coupling of the collimator when the light path is switched.

[0125] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system, characterized in that: It comprises a multi-path light source output end (70), a light blocking device (80) and a light detector (90); the light blocking device (80) is a multi-path input and multi-path output optical fiber device, which is arranged between the multi-path light source output end (70) and the light detector (90); the light blocking device (80) allows only one path of light to pass through and blocks the remaining light paths; The light blocking device (80) comprises a multi-channel optical fiber collimator assembly (50), a light blocking component (10), a driving device (30) and a collimator alignment base (20); The multiple fiber collimator assemblies (50) are arranged on the collimator alignment base (20), and the multiple fiber collimator assemblies (50) each comprise a precisely aligned input fiber collimator (51) and a corresponding output fiber collimator (52); The light blocking component (10) is movably arranged between the input optical fiber collimator (51) and the output optical fiber collimator (52), and a light through hole (11) is provided on the light blocking component (10), and the light through hole (11) allows only one optical fiber collimator assembly (50) to pass light, and blocks the other optical fiber collimator assemblies (50); The collimator alignment base (20) comprises a fixed base and two mounting blocks (40) mounted on the fixed base, the two mounting blocks (40) being arranged in parallel on both sides of the light shielding component (10), the mounting blocks (40) also being provided with a first avoidance through hole (42) corresponding to the driving end of the driving device (30), the driving end of the driving device (30) passing through the first avoidance through hole to be connected to the light shielding component (10), and the driving device (30) causing the light through hole (11) of the light shielding component (10) to move sequentially along the arrangement route of the optical fiber collimator assembly (50).

2. A blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The arrangement route of the optical fiber collimator assembly (50) is circular, the light blocking device (80) is circular, and the driving device (30) drives the light blocking component (10) to rotate along the center of the circle.

3. A blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system, characterized in that: It comprises a multi-path light source output end (70), a light blocking device (80) and a light detector (90); the light blocking device (80) is a multi-path input and multi-path output optical fiber device, which is arranged between the multi-path light source output end (70) and the light detector (90); the light blocking device (80) allows only one path of light to pass through and blocks the remaining light paths; the light blocking device (80) comprises a PLC blocking chip; The PLC barrier chip comprises a chip body (62), a plurality of input ports (60) and an output port (61), wherein the plurality of input ports (60) and the output ports (61) are arranged on both sides of the chip body (62) in a one-to-one correspondence, and the chip body (62) comprises a housing (621) and an integrated component (622) arranged in the housing (621), wherein the integrated component (622) comprises an electrode layer (6221), a liquid crystal layer (6222), a reflection grating (6223), a waveguide layer (6224) and a substrate (6225), wherein The waveguide layer (6224) is arranged on the substrate (6225), the reflection grating (6223) is arranged between the waveguide layer (6224) and the liquid crystal layer (6222), the electrode layer (6221) is arranged on one end of the liquid crystal layer (6222) away from the reflection grating (6223), and the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer (6222) is changed by adjusting the voltage of the electrode layer (6221) to block the waveguide layer (6224), so that only any one of the input port (60) and the output port (61) is allowed to pass light, and all other paths are blocked from passing light.

4. A blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system, characterized in that: It comprises a multi-path light source output end (70), a light blocking device (80) and a light detector (90); the light blocking device (80) is a multi-path input and multi-path output optical fiber device, which is arranged between the multi-path light source output end (70) and the light detector (90); the light blocking device (80) allows only one path of light to pass through and blocks the remaining light paths; The light blocking device (80) comprises a multi-channel optical fiber collimator assembly (50), a light blocking component (10), a driving device (30) and a collimator alignment base (20); The multiple fiber collimator assemblies (50) are arranged on the collimator alignment base (20), and the multiple fiber collimator assemblies (50) each comprise a precisely aligned input fiber collimator (51) and a corresponding output fiber collimator (52); The light blocking component (10) is movably arranged between the input optical fiber collimator (51) and the output optical fiber collimator (52); The arrangement route of the optical fiber collimator assembly (50) is linear, the light blocking component (10) is made of a soft light-absorbing material and is ring-shaped, and the light blocking component (10) is provided with only one light-through hole (11) corresponding to the optical fiber collimator assembly (50); The driving end of the driving device (30) is connected to the light shielding component (10), and the driving device (30) causes the light through hole (11) of the light shielding component (10) to move sequentially along the arrangement route of the optical fiber collimator assembly (50).

5. A blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system, characterized in that: It comprises a multi-path light source output end (70), a light blocking device (80) and a light detector (90); the light blocking device (80) is a multi-path input and multi-path output optical fiber device, which is arranged between the multi-path light source output end (70) and the light detector (90); the light blocking device (80) allows only one path of light to pass through and blocks the remaining light paths; The light blocking device (80) comprises a multi-channel optical fiber collimator assembly (50), a light blocking component (10), a driving device (30) and a collimator alignment base (20); The multiple fiber collimator assemblies (50) are arranged on the collimator alignment base (20), and the multiple fiber collimator assemblies (50) each comprise a precisely aligned input fiber collimator (51) and a corresponding output fiber collimator (52); The light blocking component (10) is movably arranged between the input optical fiber collimator (51) and the output optical fiber collimator (52); The arrangement route of the optical fiber collimator assembly (50) is linear, the light blocking component (10) is in the shape of a bar, a plurality of light through holes (11) are provided on the light blocking component (10), and the plurality of light through holes (11) are distributed in a spiral shape along the length direction of the light blocking component (10); The driving end of the driving device (30) is connected to the light shielding component (10), and the driving device (30) causes the light through hole (11) of the light shielding component (10) to move sequentially along the arrangement route of the optical fiber collimator assembly (50).

6. A blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system according to claim 1, 4 or 5, characterized in that: The driving device (30) comprises a stepping motor or a servo motor.

7. A blocking multi-fiber insertion loss test system according to claim 1 or 2 or 4 or 5, characterized in that: The multi-path light source output end (70) is composed of a plurality of wavelength light sources (71), a plurality of blocking optical switch components (76), an optical fiber wavelength combiner (72) and a splitter (73) connected in sequence, and any one of the wavelength light sources (71) is divided into a plurality of light sources, which are output from the multi-path light source output end (70).

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