DSX-PCxx Patch Cord Adapters
Users Manual
10
Mechanical Stress Tests for Patch Cords
Every patch cord design should be evaluated for changes in performance,
especially return loss performance, under mechanical stress. Refer to the ANSI/
TIA or ISO/IEC standards for more information about stress tests.
Since it is not practical to do the stress tests on every patch cord produced, you
can do tests on samples of your patch cords to ensure quality. The sample size
depends on the necessary level of quality. Or, you can use the stress tests to see
the possible shift in performance, then apply the shift to worst-case margins to
make sure that patch cords meet specifications under worst-case conditions. You
can apply the shift as you test, or you can use LinkWare software to upload test
results to a PC for evaluation.
When to Replace the Jacks in the Adapters
The RJ45 jacks in the DSX-PCxx adapters are typically good for 5000 insertions
when used continuously.
When used non-continuously, the lifetime can be reduced to 750 insertions.
After 750 insertions, the gold plating that prevents oxidation on the contacts is
possibly worn away, but continuous use wipes off the oxidation and extends the
life of the contacts.
W
Caution
If you do tests on patch cords that have poorly crimped
plugs, you can reduce the life of the patch cord adapter's
jacks or make them unusable.
Replace the jacks in the adapters when any of these conditions occur:
Margins for patch cord tests begin to get smaller.
Patch cord tests, especially wire map or return loss tests, begin to give
inconsistent results.
You have connected patch cords to the jacks more than 5000 times.
The characterization test given in Appendix A fails or the results are very
different from the results you saw when the adapters were new.
