Optical Pulse Test Apparatus for SMF and MMF
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical pulse test apparatuses cannot effectively test both single-mode fibers (SMF) and multimode fibers (MMF) using a single apparatus due to differences in core diameter, leading to significant losses and inadequate precision in failure detection, especially for long-distance SMF transmission.
Innovation Solution
An optical pulse test apparatus that includes a light source, optical coupler, connector, and signal processing unit capable of designating fiber type as SMF or MMF, allowing for the use of specific refractive index parameters to accurately test transmission characteristics without hardware changes, and includes means to adjust allowable connection loss ranges based on fiber type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the connector is designed for SMF core diameter, then SMF testing precision is improved, but MMF testing suffers from large loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter of connector core diameter from fixed to variable. The connector includes a first core diameter configured for SMF and a second core diameter configured for MMF, allowing the connector to adapt its physical parameters based on the fiber type being tested, thereby resolving the contradiction between optimized SMF coupling and acceptable MMF coupling
2Measurement precision
If the connector is designed for MMF core diameter, then MMF testing is improved, but SMF testing suffers from considerable loss
Solution Approach 1:
The connector dynamically changes its core diameter parameter based on the selected fiber type. When MMF testing is required, the connector operates with a second core diameter optimized for MMF coupling, and when SMF testing is required, it switches to a first core diameter optimized for SMF coupling, thereby eliminating the contradiction
3Device complexity
If a single connector design is used, then device simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different fiber types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the single connector universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: it can couple with both SMF and MMF by changing its core diameter parameter. This multi-functionality allows one connector design to serve both fiber types without requiring separate dedicated connectors, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The connector's core diameter is made variable between two states (first for SMF, second for MMF), allowing a single physical component to adapt its parameters to match different fiber types, thus achieving both simplicity and adaptability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate detection of failures in long-distance SMF transmission and efficient testing of MMF without hardware switching, correcting connection abnormalities by shifting allowable loss ranges, thus supporting both fiber types within a single apparatus configuration.
Implementation Method 1
an optical coupler which receives the optical pulse emitted from the light source, emits the optical pulse to the connector, receives return light from the optical fiber through the connector, and enters return light into the optical receiver
Implementation Method 2
light which enters the core portion is reflected (refracted) from the boundary portion between the core portion and the clad portion and propagates in the length direction
Implementation Method 3
light which enters the core portion is reflected (refracted) from the boundary portion between the core portion and the clad portion and propagates in the length direction
Data Source
AI summary
[Task] To enable a test of an optical transmission path using an MMF with a simple configuration in an optical pulse test apparatus which is used for an SFM for long-distance transmission.[Means for Resolution] An optical coupler 22, a light source 21, a connector 23, and an optical receiver 25 are respectively connected to each other by SMF optical paths Fa to Fc. A signal processing unit 30 includes fiber type designation means 31a for designating the type of an optical fiber of a test-target optical transmission path 1 as either an SMF or an MMF, SMF parameter designation means 31b for, when an SMF is designated, designating test parameters including the refractive index of the SMF, and MMF parameter designation means 31c for, when an MMF is designated, designating test parameters including the refractive index of the MMF. The transmission characteristic of the optical transmission path 1 using the designated optical fiber with respect to distance is obtained on the basis of the parameters including the refractive index of the designated optical fiber and intensity data of return light Pr and displayed on a display unit 50.