TEST-LEAD VERIFICATION TEST
KI23400/KI27400 UM-2
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37 -
A Test Lead Verification Test
Procedure
Test lead loss repeatability is often a limiting factor in loss test
accuracy and repeatability. As a result, test standards may mandate
that test lead performance is verified before, during and after testing.
Typically, the test limits are set to verify that test lead
loss is “superior”
to typical values.
It is in any case good practice to regularly verify test leads, so we have
included this procedure also as a means of learning how to use this
instrument for a simple but accurate loss test procedure.
This method meets TIA-568.3-D Annexe E.5.1.2 (informative).
In this example, we use One-Way Autotest to perform a simple ILM
(Insertion Loss Measurement) on a patch-lead connector.
Clean & inspect connectors prior to each mating, as per IEC 61300-3-
35.
For SM fiber, a loop, and for MM fiber a Mandrel Wrap may be
employed. The MM source on these instruments is EF compliant, but
the additional use of a mandrel wrap may give better repeatability.
Connect a reference patch-lead (test grade) between the light source
and power meter ports of the instrument as shown below. Use the
source port type which matches the fiber to be tested, eg single mode
or multimode.
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Switch on the instrument, wait for the source to stabilise, and
press [AUTO].
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Set measurement reference: press and hold [Set Ref] for 3
seconds until beeps stop.
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If the connector coupled to the light sources is moved, the
reference must be taken again. Do not move this connector.
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Remove reference patch-lead connection at power meter port,
connect reference patch-lead to the patch-lead to be tested
via a thru-connector adapter, connect the free end of patch-
lead to be tested to power meter port.
Please note that for test leads, both the patch leads used in this test
should have “reference grade” loss performance.
Reference patch-lead
