Test method and test device for a jumper cable for an optical module

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of optical communication test, especially to a test method and test device for jumper wire of optical module; the test method comprises: adjusting the extrusion displacement of the jumper wire to be tested by moving the connector at one end of the jumper wire to be tested; performing N extrusion cycles under each extrusion displacement; detecting whether fiber damage occurs in the jumper wire to be tested under the free state after each extrusion displacement; obtaining the last extrusion displacement corresponding to the occurrence of fiber damage in the jumper wire to be tested, and recording the extrusion displacement as the critical value of the extrusion displacement. The present application solves the problem that the jumper wire of optical module cannot be detected according to the actual application, and can detect the fiber damage of the jumper wire of optical module under the extrusion state through the test method, avoiding the problem of cost increase caused by fiber damage after the jumper wire is made into optical module products, and improving the yield and service life of the optical module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical communication testing technology, and in particular to a testing method and testing device for jumpers used in optical modules. Background Technology

[0002] An optical module is a device used in optical communication, primarily converting electrical signals into optical signals for transmission between optical fibers. Optical modules play a crucial role in optical fiber communication systems, enabling high-speed, long-distance data transmission and are widely used in data centers, telecommunications networks, and wireless communication. Patch cords for optical modules are widely used in their production. These patch cords have bare ferrules without protective sleeves, making them prone to fiber damage, especially at the connection between the bare ferrule and the optical fiber. Fiber damage to the patch cords can affect the normal operation of the optical module, increasing the probability of product failure and impacting its lifespan. Therefore, a testing method and apparatus for optical module patch cords are urgently needed to address these issues. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a method for testing jumpers used in optical modules, comprising:

[0004] Adjust the squeezing displacement of the jumper under test by moving the connector at one end of the jumper under test;

[0005] Perform N extrusion cycles at each extrusion displacement;

[0006] Test whether fiber damage occurs in the jumper wire under test after it returns to its free state following each compression displacement.

[0007] Obtain the last extrusion displacement before fiber damage occurs in the jumper under test, and record this extrusion displacement as the critical value of extrusion displacement.

[0008] Furthermore, the method of moving one end of the jumper to be tested includes fixing the connectors at both ends of the jumper to be tested onto the clamping components, and moving one of the clamping components to adjust the distance between the two clamping components, thereby adjusting the squeezing displacement of the jumper to be tested.

[0009] Furthermore, the method for adjusting the extrusion displacement of the jumper to be tested includes setting the initial extrusion displacement of the jumper to be tested to L0, and then sequentially adjusting the extrusion displacement to L0 + i × 0.5 mm, where i is the i-th adjustment and i ≥ 1.

[0010] Furthermore, the extrusion cycle includes switching the jumper under test from a free state to an extrusion state, and then returning it from the extrusion state to a free state.

[0011] Furthermore, the test temperature of the jumper to be tested is -40℃ to 85℃.

[0012] Furthermore, the test humidity of the jumper to be tested is 20%RH to 85%RH.

[0013] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a testing device for jumpers used in optical modules, comprising:

[0014] Base;

[0015] A clamping assembly is used to fix the connectors at both ends of the jumper to be tested, and the clamping assembly is disposed on the base;

[0016] A drive mechanism is used to connect one of the clamping components to adjust the spacing between the two clamping components;

[0017] Optical performance testing components are used to test the fiber loss of jumpers under test.

[0018] Furthermore, the base is provided with a slide rail, and the clamping assembly is movably mounted on the slide rail via a slider.

[0019] By employing the above technical solutions, this invention has the following advantages compared to existing technologies:

[0020] 1) The testing method for jumpers used in optical modules provided by this invention is easy to operate and solves the dilemma that jumpers used in optical modules cannot be tested according to actual application problems. This testing method can detect fiber damage of jumpers used in optical modules under extrusion conditions, avoiding the problem of increased costs due to poor fiber damage after the jumpers are manufactured into finished optical modules, thereby improving the yield and service life of optical modules.

[0021] 2) The test method for jumpers used in optical modules provided by this invention can be used to optimize the assembly method of optical modules by using the test results obtained through this test method, and provide guidance for the coordination of various components of optical modules. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the test device for the jumper wire of the optical module provided in Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of certain parts may be enlarged for clarity.

[0025] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two elements or the interaction between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] In the description of this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0027] Furthermore, in the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Additionally, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] This invention provides a testing method for jumpers used in optical modules, comprising the following steps:

[0030] Adjust the squeezing displacement of the jumper under test by moving the connector at one end of the jumper under test;

[0031] Perform N extrusion cycles at each extrusion displacement;

[0032] Test whether fiber damage occurs in the jumper wire under test after it returns to its free state following each compression displacement.

[0033] Obtain the last extrusion displacement before fiber damage occurs in the jumper under test, and record this extrusion displacement as the critical value of extrusion displacement.

[0034] Specifically, the patch cord for the optical module is a bare ferrule type, which is relatively short and is assembled in the optical module. During use, the optical module will squeeze the patch cord during the insertion process, causing the patch cord to arch. During repeated squeezing, the patch cord for the optical module will suffer fiber damage, and there is even a risk that the optical module will fail due to fiber damage. The fiber damage of the patch cord for the optical module mainly occurs at the junction of the connector and the optical fiber, and a small amount of fiber damage occurs in the middle part of the optical fiber of the patch cord. The test method of this application is mainly used for testing the patch cord for the optical module. The connectors at both ends of the patch cord to be tested are fixed, one of the connectors of the patch cord to be tested is moved, the distance between the two connectors is adjusted, and then the patch cord to be tested is squeezed. The squeezing displacement is recorded. The squeezing displacement is the displacement of the connector. After multiple squeezing cycles, the fiber damage of the patch cord is tested.

[0035] An optimized implementation method for moving one end of the jumper to be tested includes fixing the connectors at both ends of the jumper to be tested onto clamping components, and moving one of the clamping components to adjust the distance between the two clamping components, thereby adjusting the squeezing displacement of the jumper to be tested.

[0036] In an optimized implementation, the method for adjusting the extrusion displacement of the jumper to be tested includes setting the initial extrusion displacement of the jumper to be tested to L0, and then sequentially adjusting the extrusion displacement to L0±i×0.5mm, where i is the i-th adjustment and i≥1.

[0037] Specifically, when the connectors at both ends of the jumper under test are fixed and in their initial state, the jumper under test is in a free state, meaning that the two ends of the jumper are neither stretched nor compressed, and the length of the jumper under test is recorded. Then, one connector of the jumper under test is moved to compress it, with the compression displacement L0. After N compression cycles, the jumper under test is measured to see if fiber damage occurs. For ease of testing, the compression displacement is increased in a step-like manner, with the compression displacement of the first test as the minimum, and the compression displacement is increased sequentially. The compression displacement is adjusted in 0.5mm increments, i.e., the compression displacement is adjusted sequentially as L0 + i × 0.5mm, where i is the i-th adjustment of the compression displacement. After N compression cycles, the jumper under test is measured to see if fiber damage occurs. The last compression displacement before fiber damage occurs is obtained and recorded as the critical compression displacement value.

[0038] Different compression displacements will cause varying degrees of damage to patch cords. Within a certain compression displacement range, the patch cord will not experience fiber damage during its service life. However, exceeding the critical compression displacement value will easily cause fiber damage. This critical compression displacement value can guide the design of optical modules. For existing designs of patch cords used in optical modules, this testing method, under unified test conditions, can verify the performance of different patch cord models and rank the performance of patch cords produced by various suppliers based on the experimental results. By statistically analyzing test data on patch cords of different lengths and compression displacements under unified test conditions, the relationship between patch cord length, compression displacement, and patch cord performance can be summarized. This relationship can be used as a reference when designing and laying out optical modules, allowing for reasonable design of patch cord lengths and compression displacements to achieve optimal assembly performance.

[0039] Preferably, the critical value of the compression displacement is different for jumpers of different lengths. The critical value of the compression displacement corresponding to different lengths of jumpers can be obtained according to the test method of this application. If the critical value of the compression displacement is exceeded, the jumper is more likely to suffer fiber damage. By testing the critical value of the compression displacement of jumpers of different lengths, on the one hand, the performance of jumper products provided by different suppliers can be compared, and on the other hand, it can provide a reverse reference for optical module design, or facilitate the performance optimization of optical module after assembly. For example, the length of the jumper can be adjusted, and the installation position of the jumper can be adjusted so that the compression displacement during the insertion process is less than the critical value of the compression displacement.

[0040] In the optimized implementation, the compression cycle includes switching the jumper under test from a free state to a compressed state, and then returning it to a free state. Specifically, the jumper under test is initially in a free state, where both ends are neither stretched nor compressed. The connector at one end is moved according to the compression displacement to compress the jumper under test for a period of time, and then it returns to a free state, completing one compression cycle. During the test, N compression cycles are performed, preferably 50. Of course, the number of compression cycles can be determined according to the actual situation.

[0041] In the optimized implementation method, the compression time of the jumper wire under test in the compression state is determined according to the experimental design.

[0042] In some embodiments, the extrusion time can be adjusted under the same extrusion displacement parameter to obtain the relationship between extrusion time and fiber loss, which can provide guidance for the practical application of optical modules.

[0043] In the optimized implementation method, the test temperature of the jumper to be tested is -40℃ to 85℃, and the relationship between the test temperature and fiber loss can be obtained as needed.

[0044] In the optimized implementation method, the test humidity of the jumper to be tested is 20%RH to 85%RH, and the relationship between the test humidity and fiber loss can be obtained as needed.

[0045] By adjusting the test temperature and humidity parameters, the lifespan of the jumper under test can be calculated under different temperature and humidity conditions, reducing the probability of unknown fiber damage during the use of jumpers for optical modules.

[0046] The following describes the specific implementation methods.

[0047] MPO short jumpers from manufacturers A, B, and C were tested. 20pcs jumpers from each manufacturer were used for the experiment at 25℃ and 40% RH. The critical extrusion displacement values ​​for the jumpers from manufacturers A, B, and C were obtained through testing. The extrusion displacement value L was defined as the displacement value L obtained from the test, with the connectors at both ends of the jumper fixed to limit the extrusion position. One connector was moved, and 50 extrusion cycles were performed according to the extrusion displacement value L, with each extrusion lasting 1 minute. The experimental results are as follows:

[0048] Manufacturer A, 20 pieces, 1 piece had fiber damage;

[0049] Manufacturer B, 20pcs, 4pcs had fiber damage;

[0050] Manufacturer C, 20pcs, 5pcs had fiber damage.

[0051] In actual use of optical modules, the proportion of fiber loss in MPO short jumpers from manufacturer A is relatively small, at 2%, while the proportion of fiber loss in MPO short jumpers from manufacturers B and C is relatively large, at around 10%. Fiber loss causes optical module defects, resulting in higher costs.

[0052] The testing method of this application can identify and confirm the jumper products of the manufacturer before the experiment, and optimize the assembly of optical modules based on the test data (critical values ​​of extrusion displacement corresponding to different length jumpers) to improve the yield of optical modules; at the same time, it proposes optimization directions for the current assembly method of optical modules, such as the design of the internal layout of optical modules.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] As per the instruction manual Figure 1 As shown, the present invention also provides a testing device for jumpers for optical modules, used to implement the testing method in Embodiment 1.

[0055] The testing device includes: a base 1, a clamping component 4, a driving mechanism, and an optical performance testing component. The clamping component 4 is used to fix the connectors at both ends of the jumper to be tested. The clamping component 4 is disposed on the base 1. The driving mechanism is used to connect one of the clamping components 4 to adjust the distance between the two clamping components 4. The optical performance testing component is used to test the fiber loss of the jumper to be tested.

[0056] Specifically, the testing device also includes a slide rail 2 and a slider 3. The slide rail 2 is disposed on the base 1. One of the clamping components 4 is disposed on the base 1, and the other clamping component 4 is disposed on the slider 3. The slider 3 is disposed on the slide rail 2 and can move along the slide rail 2 to adjust the distance between the two clamping components 4 to obtain the squeezing displacement of the jumper wire.

[0057] As one specific implementation, there are two sliders 3, both of which are set on the slide rail 2. One slider 3 is fixedly set on the slide rail 2, and the other slider 3 is movably set on the slide rail 2 and can move along the slide rail 2. Two clamping components 4 are respectively installed on the two sliders 3. Of course, according to actual testing requirements, both sliders 3 can be movably set on the slide rail 2, and the squeezing displacement of the jumper can be adjusted by moving one or both sliders 2.

[0058] As one specific implementation, the number of sliders 3 is one, one of which is fixedly installed on the base 1 and located near the slide rail 2, and the other is located on the slider 3. By moving the slider 3, the distance between the two clamping components 4 is changed, thereby adjusting the squeezing displacement of the jumper.

[0059] Preferably, the jumper connector is fixed on the clamping assembly 4 to prevent the connector from sliding, thus fully simulating the situation where the connector is fixed with glue in actual applications.

[0060] In an optimized implementation, the slide rail 2 is further provided with a limiting component to restrict the stroke of the slider 3 and prevent the jumper cable from being subjected to tension. The position of the limiting component is set according to the length of the jumper cable in its free state, so that when the slider 3 moves to the position of the limiting component, the length of the jumper cable is not greater than its length in its free state. Preferably, a limiting component is provided on the moving path of the slider 3 to limit the moving stroke of the slider 3, that is, to limit the squeezing displacement of the jumper cable and avoid damage to the jumper cable.

[0061] In an optimized implementation, a drive unit is connected to the slider 3, which is movably connected to the slide rail 2. The drive unit can drive the slider 3 to move along the slide rail 2. The drive unit can be a conventional linear motion device such as a cylinder, lead screw, or electric module. Of course, the position of the slider 3 can also be manually adjusted.

[0062] In an optimized implementation, a scale 5 is provided on the base 1, which is set along the slide rail 2 to measure the distance the slider 3 moves on the slide rail 2, and then to measure the amount of extrusion displacement of the jumper during the movement of the slider 3.

[0063] Preferably, the optical performance testing component includes a red light pen and / or an optical power meter, which can measure the fiber loss (hereinafter referred to as fiber loss) of the jumper. Specifically, one implementation is to test the jumper on the testing device, remove the jumper, and connect it to the optical power meter to detect the fiber loss; another implementation is to connect the jumper to be tested to the optical power meter and detect the fiber loss of the jumper in real time.

[0064] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Although embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A test method for jumpers used in optical modules, characterized in that, include: Fix the connectors at both ends of the jumper to be tested so that the jumper is in a free state. Move the connector at one end of the jumper to be tested to adjust the axial compression displacement of the jumper. The compression displacement is the displacement of the connector. The jumper is a bare core type jumper. N extrusion cycles are performed at each extrusion displacement. Each extrusion cycle includes switching the jumper under test from a free state to an extrusion state and then returning it from the extrusion state to a free state. The extrusion displacement increases in a stepwise manner with a step of 0.5 mm. The test jumper wire is checked to see if fiber damage occurs after N extrusion cycles corresponding to each extrusion displacement and when it returns to its free state. Obtain the last extrusion displacement before fiber damage occurs in the jumper under test, and record this extrusion displacement as the critical value of extrusion displacement. The length or installation position of the jumper to be tested is adjusted by the critical value of the compression displacement so that the actual compression displacement during the insertion process of the optical module assembly is less than the critical value of the compression displacement.

2. The test method for jumpers used in optical modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method of moving one end of the jumper to be tested includes fixing the connectors at both ends of the jumper to be tested onto the clamping components, moving one of the clamping components to adjust the distance between the two clamping components, thereby adjusting the squeezing displacement of the jumper to be tested.

3. The test method for jumpers used in optical modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method for adjusting the extrusion displacement of the jumper to be tested includes setting the initial extrusion displacement of the jumper to be tested to L0, and then sequentially adjusting the extrusion displacement to L0±i×0.5mm, where i is the i-th adjustment and i≥1.

4. The test method for jumpers used in optical modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test temperature for the jumper to be tested is -40℃ to 85℃.

5. The test method for jumpers used in optical modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test humidity for the jumper to be tested is 20%RH to 85%RH.

6. An apparatus for implementing the testing method for jumpers for optical modules according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, include: Base; A clamping assembly is used to fix the connectors at both ends of the jumper wire to be tested. The clamping assembly is disposed on the base, and the base is provided with a slide rail. One of the clamping assemblies is movably disposed on the slide rail by a slider. The slide rail is also provided with a limiting member for limiting the stroke of the slider to prevent the jumper wire to be tested from being subjected to tension. A drive mechanism is used to connect one of the clamping components to adjust the spacing between the two clamping components; Optical performance testing components are used to test the fiber loss of the jumper wire under test; The base is equipped with a scale, which is set along the slide rail and is used to measure the distance the slider moves on the slide rail.

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