FUSION SPLICER 90S Rev5
69
ECF Splice
When fibers having some core concentricity-error are aligned using the core-to-
core method, their outer claddings are not aligned with each other as shown
below. However, surface tension created during arc discharge aligns the fibers
cladding-to-cladding due to the viscous self-centering effect. This results in a
high splice loss due to the fact that the cores of the fibers are offset during the
process.
The ECF (Eccentricity Correct Function) function in the fusion splicer prevents
this from happening. The amount of offset expected due to this surface tension
phenomenon is calculated in advance, and this is taken into account to determine
an intentional core axis offset amount that is added after the fiber cores are
aligned. With this function, the fibers are core-to-core spliced even with the
effect mentioned above. Some “Core step” may remain at splice point but this
gives much lower splice loss than core axial offset. A long arc discharge
counteracts ECF, because surface tension eventually aligns the spliced fibers
cladding-to-cladding. Canceling [ECF] by setting this "OFF" reduces core step
amount and increases core axial offset.
Attenuation splice mode (AT1,AT2)
Attenuation splice mode makes an intentional core axial offset to create
attenuation at the splice point. Two types of attenuation splice modes are
included in the fusion splicer as stated below. Select either "AT1(SM)", "AT1
(DS)", "AT2(SM)", "AT2 (DS) or AT2 (MM) in data base area at [Fiber Type].
[AT1]
[AT1] creates an intentional core axial offset and splices fibers. [AT1] mode
provides an estimated splice loss, but this should be regarded as a reference
as the estimated splice loss may not be correct in some cases, depending on
fiber properties. A power meter is recommended for correct splice loss
measurements.
Parameter
Description
Target Loss
Sets target splice loss.
Coefficient
If actual splice loss measured does not match [Target Loss],
the “coefficient” can be used to adjust this. This is often more
practical than "Target loss" or "MFD" in terms of accuracy.
MFD-Left
MFD-Right
Sets MFD of fibers to be spliced.
Other Parameters Refer to other splice modes for complete description.
[AT2]
This mode allows the users to set a starting core offset value and a finishing core
offset value. Set [Start Offset] manually and then splicing starts. Re-arcing is
performed continuously / automatically until the axial offset reaches [Stop Offset]
value. A splice loss estimate is not performed.
Parameter
Description
Start Offset
Sets axial offset amount before splicing.
Stop Offset
Re-arc is continuously performed until axial offset reaches
specific offset amount [Stop Offset]. Axial offset amount
decreases as splicing occurs, so [Stop Offset] must
always be smaller than [Start Offset]. The maximum
amount of [Stop Offset] is 80% of [Start Offset].
Other Parameters
Refer to other splice modes for complete description.
[AT2] mode provides more stable performance than [AT1] mode,
but some variation may inevitably occur. To decrease variation,
set the [Cleave Limit] as low as possible.
Attenuation splices made with [AT1] / [AT2] modes are not as
accurate as power meter attenuation feedback splicing.
[AT2 (MM)] mode is for attenuation splicing with MM fiber.
Cladding alignment is performed with [AT2 (MM)] mode.
Surface tension
ECF OFF
ECF ON
