Adapter for testing optical fiber devices and method for protecting it

Abstract

An adapter for testing optical fiber devices and its protection method are disclosed. This relates to the field of optical communication testing technology, and particularly to an adapter for testing optical fiber devices such as optical modules, optical fiber connectors, and optical fiber patch cords, and its protection method. It includes a main housing; a connector interface at one end of the main housing; a cable interface at the other end of the main housing; and an internal connecting optical fiber inside the main housing. The connector interface is used to connect to the optical device under test (DUT), and the cable interface is used to connect a test cable. The connector interface and the DUT interface remain in a plugged-in state throughout the entire testing cycle. Plug-in and unplugging with the cable are achieved through the adapter, and the DUT does not bear the brunt of plugging and unplugging. During testing, the adapter is replaced when it reaches a preset plugging and unplugging lifespan. The DUT only requires one or a limited number of plugging and unplugging cycles during the entire testing cycle for complete testing, thereby extending the DUT's lifespan. By forming an independent plugging and unplugging isolation unit, it transfers frequent plugging and unplugging behavior from the DUT to the replaceable adapter, effectively protecting the fiber end face and improving testing reliability and device lifespan.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical communication testing technology, and in particular to an adapter for testing optical fiber devices and its protection method during the testing of optical modules, optical fiber connectors and optical fiber patch cords. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of optical communication, optical devices such as optical modules, fiber optic connectors, and fiber optic patch cords need to be connected and disconnected multiple times with test equipment during the manufacturing, aging test, performance testing, and reliability verification processes.

[0003] Current testing methods typically involve directly inserting test cables into the interface of the optical device under test (ODT) for signal testing, subjecting the ODT interface to frequent plugging and unplugging during the test cycle. This is especially problematic for precision fiber optic connections such as MPO, LC, and SC, particularly MPO connectors / modules, where the mating life is defined as only 50 cycles according to GR1435 and YD1272.5 standards. Frequent plugging and unplugging during production and testing significantly reduces the reliability and mating life of the devices.

[0004] Once the fiber end face inside the optical device under test is damaged, it is usually difficult to repair. At best, it will lead to distorted test data; at worst, it will cause the module to be scrapped, increasing manufacturing costs and reducing product reliability.

[0005] The existing technology lacks a plug-in isolation structure specifically for the testing phase that can transfer frequent plugging and unplugging behavior from the optical device under test to a replaceable component without changing the structure of the optical device under test, thereby achieving end-face protection during the testing phase. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the deficiencies and shortcomings of the prior art by providing an adapter for testing optical fiber devices and its protection method. By forming an independent plug-in isolation unit, it transfers the frequent plugging and unplugging behavior from the optical device under test to the replaceable adapter, effectively protecting the optical fiber end face and improving test reliability and device lifespan.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, an adapter for testing optical fiber devices adopts the following technical solution: it includes a main housing 10; a connector interface 20 disposed at one end of the main housing 10; a cable interface 30 disposed at the other end of the main housing 10; and an internal connecting optical fiber 40 disposed inside the main housing 10; the connector interface 20 is used to connect to the optical device under test, and the cable interface 30 is used to connect the test cable.

[0008] The connector interface 20 and the cable interface 30 are fixedly connected as a whole by the main housing 10. The main housing 10 can encapsulate and protect the internal optical fiber and make the adapter an independent plug-in isolation unit, which is used to transfer the frequently plugged-in interface from the optical device under test to the adapter side during the test.

[0009] The connector interface 20 and cable interface 30 are MPO interfaces, LC interfaces, SC interfaces, or combinations thereof.

[0010] The connector interface 20 is a female terminal structure, and the cable interface 30 is a male terminal structure.

[0011] The main housing 10 includes an upper housing 101 and a lower housing 102, which are fixedly connected by a snap-fit ​​structure, a threaded structure or a screw connection structure.

[0012] The main housing 10 is provided with an optical fiber guiding channel 103 and an optical fiber fixing groove 104, which are used to limit the bending radius of the optical fiber and to position and fix the optical fiber.

[0013] The main housing 10 is provided with a stress buffer structure 105, which is used to absorb the axial or radial stress generated when the connector is plugged in or removed.

[0014] The optical fiber inside the main housing 10 is a single-mode optical fiber or a multimode optical fiber.

[0015] A protection method for an adapter used in testing optical fiber devices includes the following steps:

[0016] S1: Insert the connector interface 20 of the adapter according to any one of claims 1-7 into the interface of the optical device under test;

[0017] S2: Connect the test cable to the cable interface 30 of the adapter;

[0018] S3: Establish an optical signal transmission link through the adapter, and make frequent plugging and unplugging operations occur between the test cable and the adapter during the test.

[0019] The connector interface 20 remains plugged into the interface of the optical device under test throughout the entire test cycle. The connection with the cable is achieved through an adapter, and the optical device under test does not bear the responsibility of the number of plugging and unplugging cycles.

[0020] During testing, the adapter is replaced when it reaches the preset insertion and removal lifespan, while the optical device under test only needs to be inserted and removed once or a limited number of times throughout the entire testing cycle to complete the test, thereby extending the service life of the optical device under test.

[0021] The working principle of this invention is as follows: In use: First, the connector interface 20 is inserted into the interface of the optical device under test and kept in the plugged state throughout the test cycle; then, the test cable is plugged into the cable interface 30; the internal connecting optical fiber 40 is path-constrained by the optical fiber guide channel 103 and positioned and fixed by the optical fiber fixing slot 104, while the stress buffer structure 105 absorbs the axial or radial stress generated during the insertion and removal process.

[0022] During testing, all frequent plugging and unplugging operations occur between the test cable and cable interface 30, while the connector interface 20 and the optical device under test remain relatively stationary, thus achieving the transfer of the plugging and unplugging interface. When the adapter reaches its preset plugging and unplugging life, only the adapter needs to be replaced, while the optical device under test does not need to be replaced or only requires a very small number of plugging and unplugging operations to complete the full test cycle.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the present invention after adopting the above technical solution are as follows: By setting the main housing 10 and fixing the connector interface 20 and the cable interface 30 into one unit, an independent plug-in isolation unit is formed. During the test, the frequently plugged-in interface is transferred from the optical device under test to the adapter side, effectively reducing the risk of mechanical wear and contamination of the optical fiber end face inside the optical device under test. At the same time, the main housing is provided with an optical fiber guiding channel 103, an optical fiber fixing groove 104 and a stress buffer structure 105, which can perform path control and stress release on the internal connecting optical fiber 40, ensuring the stability of optical signal transmission and the consistency of test data. When the adapter reaches the plug-in life, it can be replaced, and the optical device under test does not need to withstand high-frequency plugging and unplugging, thereby significantly extending the service life of the optical device under test and reducing production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0024] 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.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the decomposed structure;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a left view of the connector interface 20 in this invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a right view of the connector interface 20 in this invention;

[0029] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the main housing 10 in this invention.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: Main housing 10, connector interface 20, cable interface 30, internal connecting optical fiber 40, upper housing 101, lower housing 102, optical fiber guide channel 103, optical fiber fixing groove 104, stress buffer structure 105. Detailed Implementation

[0031] See Figure 1-5 As shown in the figure, the specific embodiment of this fiber optic device testing adapter adopts the following technical solution: It includes a main housing 10, a connector interface 20 located at one end of the main housing 10, and a cable interface 30 located at the other end of the main housing 10. An internal connecting optical fiber 40 is disposed inside the main housing 10. The connector interface 20 is used to connect to the optical device under test, and the cable interface 30 is used to connect the test cable. The connector interface 20 and the cable interface 30 are fixedly connected as a whole through the main housing 10. The main housing 10 can encapsulate and protect the internal optical fiber, and make the adapter form an independent plug-in isolation unit, used to transfer the frequently plugged-in interface from the optical device under test to the adapter side during testing. The connector interface 20 and the cable interface 30 are MPO interfaces, LC interfaces, SC interfaces, or combinations thereof. The connector interface 20 is a female structure, and the cable interface 30 is a male structure. The main housing 10 includes an upper housing 101 and a lower housing 102, which are fixedly connected by a snap-fit ​​structure, a threaded structure, or a screw connection structure. The main housing 10 is internally provided with an optical fiber guiding channel 103 and an optical fiber fixing groove 104, which are used to limit the bending radius of the optical fiber and to position and fix the optical fiber. The main housing 10 is internally provided with a stress buffer structure 105, which is used to absorb axial or radial stress generated during connector insertion and removal. The optical fiber inside the main housing 10 is either single-mode or multi-mode optical fiber.

[0032] A method for protecting an adapter used in testing optical fiber devices includes the following steps: S1: inserting the connector interface 20 of the adapter according to any one of claims 1-7 into the interface of the optical device under test; S2: connecting the test cable to the cable interface 30 of the adapter; S3: establishing an optical signal transmission link through the adapter, and ensuring that frequent plugging and unplugging operations during the test occur between the test cable and the adapter.

[0033] The connector interface 20 remains plugged into the interface of the optical device under test throughout the entire test cycle. The connection with the cable is achieved through an adapter, and the optical device under test does not bear the responsibility of the number of plugging and unplugging cycles.

[0034] During testing, the adapter is replaced when it reaches the preset insertion and removal lifespan, while the optical device under test only needs to be inserted and removed once or a limited number of times throughout the entire testing cycle to complete the test, thereby extending the service life of the optical device under test.

[0035] In use: First, insert the connector interface 20 into the interface of the optical device under test and keep it plugged in throughout the test cycle; then, plug the test cable into the cable interface 30; the internal connecting optical fiber 40 is path-constrained by the optical fiber guide channel 103 and positioned and fixed by the optical fiber fixing slot 104, while the stress buffer structure 105 absorbs the axial or radial stress generated during the insertion and removal process.

[0036] During testing, all frequent plugging and unplugging operations occur between the test cable and cable interface 30, while the connector interface 20 and the optical device under test remain relatively stationary, thus achieving the transfer of the plugging and unplugging interface. When the adapter reaches its preset plugging and unplugging life, only the adapter needs to be replaced, while the optical device under test does not need to be replaced or only requires a very small number of plugging and unplugging operations to complete the full test cycle.

[0037] This specific embodiment sets up a main housing 10 and fixes the connector interface 20 and cable interface 30 into one unit to form an independent plug-in isolation unit. During the test, the frequently plugging and unplugging interface is transferred from the optical device under test to the adapter side, effectively reducing the risk of mechanical wear and contamination of the optical fiber end face inside the optical device under test. At the same time, the main housing is provided with an optical fiber guiding channel 103, an optical fiber fixing groove 104 and a stress buffer structure 105, which can control the path and release stress of the internal connecting optical fiber 40, ensuring the stability of optical signal transmission and the consistency of test data. When the adapter reaches the plug-in life, it can be replaced, and the optical device under test does not need to endure high-frequency plugging and unplugging, thereby significantly extending the service life of the optical device under test and reducing production costs.

[0038] The above description is only used to illustrate the technical solution of the present invention and is not intended to limit it. Any other modifications or equivalent substitutions made by those skilled in the art to the technical solution of the present invention, as long as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adapter for testing optical fiber devices, characterized in that: It includes a main housing (10); a connector interface (20) at one end of the main housing (10); a cable interface (30) at the other end of the main housing (10); and an internal connecting optical fiber (40) inside the main housing (10). The connector interface (20) is used to connect to the optical device under test, and the cable interface (30) is used to connect to the test cable.

2. The adapter for testing optical fiber devices according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector interface (20) and the cable interface (30) are fixedly connected as one unit through the main housing (10).

3. The adapter for testing optical fiber devices according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector interface (20) and cable interface (30) are MPO interfaces, LC interfaces, SC interfaces or combinations thereof.

4. The adapter for testing optical fiber devices according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector interface (20) is a female end structure, and the cable interface (30) is a male end structure.

5. The adapter for testing optical fiber devices according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main housing (10) includes an upper housing (101) and a lower housing (102), which are fixedly connected by a snap-fit ​​structure, a threaded structure or a screw connection structure.

6. The adapter for testing optical fiber devices according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main housing (10) is provided with an optical fiber guiding channel (103) and an optical fiber fixing groove (104) to limit the bending radius of the optical fiber and to position and fix the optical fiber.

7. The adapter for testing optical fiber devices according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main housing (10) is provided with a stress buffer structure (105) inside, which is used to absorb the axial or radial stress generated when the connector is plugged in or out.

8. The adapter for testing optical fiber devices according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical fiber inside the main housing (10) is a single-mode optical fiber or a multimode optical fiber.

9. A protection method for an adapter used in testing optical fiber devices, characterized in that: It includes the following steps: S1: Insert the connector interface 20 of the adapter according to any one of claims 1-7 into the interface of the optical device under test; S2: Connect the test cable to the cable interface 30 of the adapter; S3: Establish an optical signal transmission link through the adapter, and make frequent plugging and unplugging operations occur between the test cable and the adapter during the test.

10. A protection method for an adapter used in testing optical fiber devices according to claim 9, characterized in that: The connector interface (20) is kept in a plugged-in state with the interface of the optical device under test. It remains plugged-in throughout the entire test cycle. The plugging and unplugging of the cable are achieved through the adapter. The optical device under test does not bear the number of plugging and unplugging cycles. During the test, the adapter is replaced when it reaches the preset plugging and unplugging life. The optical device under test only needs to be plugged and unplugged once or a limited number of times throughout the entire test cycle to complete the test, thereby extending the service life of the optical device under test.

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