ANAHEIM, Calif. -- At OFC/NFOEC 2006 Photon Kinetics will demonstrate a comprehensive suite of high performance OTDRs, fiber handling tools and test automation software that will accelerate the optical fiber cable testing process, increasing output and enabling significant reductions in overall measurement time and cost.

The typical OTDR cable testing process consists of a series of time-consuming operations that together determine the true cost of testing. The process starts with the definition of a test plan, i.e. how the fibers are to be tested, how signatures should be analyzed, what specification limits apply etc. Then the fibers must be prepared and coupled to the OTDR; the OTDR data acquired, analyzed and finally results stored and/or reported. For most manufacturers, this multi-step process is tedious, slow and expensive.

Photon Kinetics’ answer to the cable testing problem starts with the new OASYS.net software which allows the user to define the cable test plan and package it in a single, compact file. The test file can be defined and executed at a given test station or downloaded to multiple test stations via the factory network. For temporary coupling of fibers to the OTDR, the new 1120 Bare Fiber Aligner and the automated 1001 Multiple Fiber Handler enable fast, low loss connection of single fibers or multiple fiber ribbons/tubes, respectively. Finally, the 8000 and new 8000i OTDRs provide high speed acquisition and analysis of defect-revealing fiber signatures. The OASYS.net software directs this entire process from beginning to end while providing real-time test status feedback during the test. And, at test completion, it generates a report locally and/or uplinks all test data, including fiber signatures, to the network.

Warren Hill, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, commented on the new cable testing product suite. “There are several types of test applications in a cable plant and we have a solution for them all. The optimal combination of products for a particular application depends on the process stage at which testing is being performed. For example, the 8000i OTDR, 1120 aligner and OASYS.net are ideal for in-process, on-the-line testing of cable components, or as an economical solution for low to moderate volume final cable testing.” Hill added, “On the other hand, the 8000 OTDR, 1001 automated handler and OASYS.net product combination represents the ultimate cable test solution for high volume final QC, providing not only the highest measurement precision, but also the highest possible throughput, measuring over 120 fibers per hour. Both solution sets are able to address manufacturer-specific testing objectives with a variety of OTDR laser wavelength offerings including 1490 and 1383 nm. Other non-standard wavelengths are available on request.”

Photon Kinetics Inc.