OLS-85/OLS-85P
39
G
ENERAL
INFORMATION
6 S
OURCE
O
PERATION
6
S
OURCE
O
PERATION
General information
Various fiber optic tests (e.g. loss test, fiber identification)
require a reliable and stable optical source. OLS-85/OLS-85P
devices are high-quality optical sources, which in addition to a
stable optical signal have other useful properties, which simplify
and shorten the work processes and exclude potential sources of
error in measurement setups.
OLS-85/OLS-85P devices include several light sources – i.e.
lasers and/or LEDs – which are stabilized using an automatic
gain control mechanism. LEDs are typically used for multi-mode
fiber measurements. On the other hand, lasers are used for
single-mode fiber measurements.
NOTE:
In this manual, the word laser is used synonymously for laser and
LED sources.
The output signals of the light sources may be either continuous
wave (CW) or modulated at certain frequencies, i.e. 270 Hz,
1 kHz, or 2 kHz. Viavi power meters (e.g. OLP-3x, OLP-8x, MTS-
2k/4k/6k) are capable of detecting these modulation
frequencies. This method improves ambient light rejection in
certain measurement setups. Additionally, the modulated
signals can be used for fiber identification or for confirmation of
continuity.
OLS-85/OLS-85P instruments provide the Auto
feature. When
activated, the OLS-85/OLS-85P embeds wavelength ID
information into the emitted signal(s). This wavelength ID
information can be utilized by a compatible Viavi power meter
(e.g. OLP-85) for automatic wavelength setup and for
simultaneous reception of multiple wavelengths. This minimizes
test time and prevents common errors such as incorrect
wavelength setting on the optical power meter.
Furthermore, all OLS-85/OLS-85P instruments provide Auto-
-
Multi and Auto-
-Serial modes, which significantly reduce test
time compared to manually switching wavelengths.
