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The manufacturers of fiber optic patch cables try their best to provide customers with the best quality of the cable. They carry out various tests to ensure the quality of the cable during the manufacturing process. These tests are critical and they play a vital role in every network. It is highly important to know about both vendors and customers to know about these tests to get the best of the product.
In this article, we are going to talk about 3 commonly used tests in the fiber optic industry. These tests make sure that users are getting high-quality fiber optic patch cables.
Three-Dimensional Surface Measurement
Three-dimensional surface measurement or 3D metrology test is one of the most important tests for monitoring the performance of fiber optic connectors. 3D interferometer is one of the most important tools in the inspection of fiber optic cables during production. The radius of curvature, apex offset, and fiber height are three main factors.
Apex Offset – it is the rectilinear distance between the center of the fiber optic patch cable and the highest point of the polished ferrule. It is a key term to increase during the polishing process. Incorrect polishing can disturb the apex offset.
Fiber Height – it refers to the extended height between the core and ferrule. This height should not be too high or too low. Too high can be damaged when mated and too low can create a gap between the ferrules.
The radius of Curvature – it is the roundness of the ferrule surface. This radius of high-quality Fiber optic patch cable should be of a certain range. If the radius is too tight, it will put too much compression on the glass. There will not be enough glass compression if it is the other way around.
End Face Cleanliness of Fiber Optic Patch Cables
End face clarity is yet another important test. It is an indispensable procedure in the maintenance of fiber optic patch cables even today. All the fiber optic engineers carry the tool for the cleanliness of fiber optic end face. Manufacturers do a certain inspection to make sure the end faces are round and clean to ensure quality and performance.
Even the tiniest bit of contaminants on the ferrule can increase the return loss. It can also do permanent damage to ferrules. If there is a dust particle between two ferrules, it can increase the gap and misalignment between them. The result would be poor signal quality.
Insertion Loss & Return Loss Test
Insertion loss is the loss of the signal as a result of injecting a device in a transmission line or optic fiber patch cable. Return Loss or RL is known as the loss of signal reflected the light surface. IL & RL test matters a lot. The return loss and insertion loss should be corresponding to certain standards for the manufacturers.
According to the TIA standards, the insertion loss should be 0.75dB, which is the worst-case scenario. The range of loss for easily available fiber optic connectors in the market is 0.3dB to 0.5dB. Producers of fiber optic patch cables use various gadgets to make sure the IL & RL are within the limits so that end-users get quality products.
We at NewYork Cables carry a wide range of fiber optic patch cables including OM1, OM2, OM3, and OS2. All of these cables have undergone these tests to ensure product quality and high-performance. You can order them from our website at a discounted price with free shipping.
| Specification | Cat5e | Cat6 | Cat6a |
| Cable Jacket | Plenum, Riser & PVC | Plenum, Riser & PVC | Plenum & Riser |
| Wire Gauge | 24-AWG | 23-AWG | 23-AWG Highly Twisted |
| Frequencies | 350 MHZ | 550 MHZ | 750 MHZ |
| Installation Temp | 0°C to 60°C | 0°C to 60°C | 0°C to 60°C |
| Pairs | 4 Twisted Pairs | 4 Twisted Pairs | 4 Twisted Pairs |
| Package | Easy Pull Box | Easy Pull Box | Wood Spool |
| Colors | Black, Blue, White, Red, Green, Yellow | Black, Blue, White, Red, Green, Yellow | Black, Blue, White, Red, Green, Yellow |
| Standard Compliance | ETL, FCC, CE, CSA, ISO/IES, RoHS | FCC, CE, CSA, ISO/IES, RoHS | ETL, FCC, CE, CSA, ISO/IES, RoHS |
