HP 83481A, User Manual, Page: 34 / 98

The Instrument at a Glance
Lightwave Connector Care
Optical performance testing
Introduction Consistent measurements with your lightwave equipment are a good
indication that you have good connections . However , you may wish to know
the insertion loss and/or return loss of your lightwave cables or accessories . If
you test your cables and accessories for insertion loss and return loss upon
receipt, and retain the measured data for comparison, you will be able to tell
in the future if any degradation has occurred.
Insertion loss Insertion loss can be tested using a number of dierent test equipment
congurations . Some of these are:
an HP 8153A lightwave multimeter with a source and a power sensor
module
an HP 8702B or HP 8703A lightwave component analyzer system with a
lightwave source and receiver
Many other possibilities exist. The basic requirements are an appropriate
lightwave source and a compatible lightwave receiver . Refer to the manuals
provided with your lightwave test equipment for information on how to
perform an insertion loss test.
Typical insertion loss for cables is less than 1 dB , and can be as little as
0.1 dB . F or actual specications on your particular cable or accessory , refer to
the manufacturer .
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