How to Select an OTDR

Peter Schweiger peter_schweiger@agilent.com Photonics Measurement Division - Agilent Technologies

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) remains a fundamental tool for

measuring fiber links, but the product offering has changed as both the
available technology and the fiber network under test has changed.

Available products can be grouped into three classes

1. Break locators and fault finders
2. Mainstream Mini-OTDRs
3. Optical Characterization Platforms

To choose, first evaluate your needs and the skill of the intended users
honestly. Questions to ask:

1. Are you Installing or Maintaining fiber?

2. If Maintenance, is finding the location of the fault the main task?
3. If Installation, do you need measure more than loss and length? E.g. Connector quality, dispersion,
Optical Return Loss?

For simple maintenance, a simple or low cost OTDR is a good fit. They are easy to use, require the
lowest possible investment and some even provide total link loss and optical return loss values.

If you are doing complex installation of high speed networks than you are probably looking for an
Optical Characterization Platform. These allow modules, either to be plugged in or better yet snapped
on and give the most flexibility, speed and performance.

If you are in between the cases above, welcome to 80% of the users. You need a regular Mini-OTDR
based system. There are many products on the market and choosing the best fit requires both a look
through the key specs, and some hands on time.

What is an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR)

Figure 1. Simplified Block Diagram and Examples of Events on an OTDR

Figure 1 shows a simplified block diagram and an example of how different events appear on an OTDR
display or trace.
An OTDR sends pulses of light into a fiber and digitizes the reflected backscatter signal coupled back to its
detector. Using the fibers refractive index, it converts time into distance over a scale of 100m to beyond
200km. It can measure distance to faults very accurately.

The need for speed

Whether 100m or 10km long, the increased deployment of fibers needs to be tested in less time with fewer
people.

The key specification for an OTDR is dynamic range. Its the dB difference between the initial power level
reflected from the fiber under test and the value equal to the noise floor of the detector, it is specified at the
OTDRs largest pulse width when making a measurement for 3 minutes.
This figure in dB determines both how far you can measure and how fast an instrument can obtain a clear
trace.

Every dB counts. In fact 1db extra dynamic range over another unit can mean an increase in speed and
productivity of up to 2X.

Most products on the market are grouped into performance ranges and can be segmented into dynamic
range classes of the nearest 5dB. Table 1outlines the dramatic effect of dynamic range vs. averaging time
to acquire a good trace.

Table 1. Dynamic Range vs. Average Time to Acquire a Trace

Link length <50 km 100 km 150 km 200+km

Test time
180 sec 30dB 35dB 40dB 45dB
40 sec 35dB 40dB 45dB
10 sec 40dB 45dB
2 sec 45dB

If you are driving hours to measure 2 short fibers, you dont need to pay the premium for a 45dB OTDR.
But if you are installing Metropolitan fiber networks with 864 fibers. The time difference can add up to
weeks and a faster OTDR can pay for itself in the very first cable measured. Dynamic range is key, but
Ergonomics, storage and other specs should influence your decision.

Table 2. Key Product Specifications and their importance

Dynamic Range Determines range and speed. Serious products range
from 30-45db for Single mode (SM) testing, 18-
34dB for Multimode (MM) fiber testing. Compare
products at the same pulsewidth.

Reflection Accuracy. Reflections or Reflectances are caused by

 connectors, mechanical splices, and breaks. High
speed networks require small reflectances. Look for
a product that measures accurately across a realistic
range like 14-60dB with an accuracy of +-2dB.. A
great test is to see if an open 100m from the unit
reads 14dB.
Loss Accuracy Determines total link loss and individual splice loss
And linearity accuracy. Measuring fusion splices takes high
dynamic range and repeatability. Measure a splice a
few times and evaluate the instruments
repeatability.

Battery Life hrs Look for 4+ hours and fast charge times, does the
unit indicate actual time remaining or simply
display a guess-O-gauge?
Size and Weight Products exist from 1kg -9kg. In todays crowded
POPs which unit will fit? The smaller the unit, the
lower shipping costs are too. If you want to hold it
while measuring and youll need a unit <4kg.
Trace storage What is the internal and optional memory in the
product. Does it support flash cards? Do you want a
hard drive in an instrument that could be dropped?
User interface 50% of users love touchscreen. 50% prefer reliable
keys. Many users? Choose an OTDR with a variety
of interfaces. A keyboard input port is a must if you
are documenting lots of fibers.
Expandability Just enough test or fit for future? Empty frames can
cause extra weight and complexity. Inquire if a built
in source is an option or standard.
Available Wavelengths A single wavelength allow fault location, Dual
sources can show changes in loss at different
wavelengths to detect fiber bending.
Service and Support Asking what an extended warranty would cost is a
great indication of the reliability of a unit and
efficiency of the repair organization. Can you get
on-site training for your unit?
Consider the whole product and all its supplied accessories and youll make a decision that fits your whole
process better.

Buy as much dynamic range as you can afford. It makes everything possible.

Whatever you buy. Learn it. Only a small percentage of users actually take advantage of all the time saving
features in modern units. Dont buy a 200hp car and keep it in 1st gear. Read the manual or ask a
professional to teach you some driving tip. www.otdr.com