
PDL5 User Manual
PDL5-UM-00001 Rev 001
24
Dark Current Measurement
For loss and power measurements below -50 dBm, it is necessary to perform a
dark current measurement (measurement of power with no light).
1.
Ensure that the detector is covered, for example, that the detector
cap is on or the output connector is connected to the detector. This
dark current value will be subtracted from future loss and power
measurements.
2.
Press the DARK key. The key LED lights up to indicate that the user-
stored value of ID (the dark signal from extraneous sources) is used
to calculate the DUT loss or power.
4.
If the detector is not properly covered, the message “Too Much
Light!” is displayed. If the ID value is not stored prior to a
measurement, the last value stored is used.
Measuring Absolute Power
In Absolute Power mode, measurements are displayed in dBm.
To perform power measurement of a DUT, make sure to perform the set-up
steps in the “SET-UP FOR PDL, LOSS AND POWER MEASUREMENTS” section on
page 22 and then, follow these steps:
1.
Press the PWR/PDL key twice to set the meter to Power mode.
2.
Press the
or
key to select the required output port.
3.
Press the
key to select the wavelength at which the measurement
is to be performed.
4.
Clean the output connector of the measurement jumper and the
input connector of the DUT, and connect the two connectors.
5.
Connect the output connector of the DUT to the detector on the
front of the meter. The detector must be equipped with the
appropriate detector adapter. The PDL5 meter displays the DUT
absolute power output (see Figure 10).
6.
For measurements at additional wavelengths, repeat the steps 2 to
5 for each wavelength.