If you have ever worked on fibre optics, you know the correct equipment means all the difference in the world. Getting the job done correctly and quickly you must rely on the proper equipment. There are so many tools available and choosing the correct one can be an issue.
Technicians are never without fibre-optic equipment, which include but are not limited to:
- Fibre-optic transceivers - Includes a transmitter and receiver to help transform and transmit electrical signals over optical fibres.
- Patch cord - A type of fibre-optic equipment that may be custom made. These cords may also be laser optimised. Cable break-out kits generally vary in colour code, length, and fibre count. Some of these cables include four or six fibres, while the larger models may contain 12.
- Fibre-optic splice-on connectors - May be the bulkhead or patch panel type. A fibre-optic coupler is another type of equipment used for connecting two or more devices. The fibre-optic coupler needs to be aligned correctly in order to function properly.
- Fibre-optic microscope - A type of equipment often used in laboratories and research facilities. An inspection microscope utilises advanced fibre-optic technology. Its powerful magnification and high resolution enables the user to inspect small details easily.
- Power meter - A type of fibre-optic equipment that enables precise read outs. These are used to take measurements of fibre-optic cables and are generally powered by a rechargeable battery or power adapter. Most of these meters feature a backlight as well.
A fibre-optic cable, also known as an optical-fibre cable, is an assembly similar to an electrical cable, but containing one or more optical fibres that are used to carry light.
Common used fiber optic test equipment includes fiber optic power meter, fiber optic light source, fiber multimeter, optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) and fiber fault locator. Power meter is used for absolute optical fiber power measurement as well as fiber optic loss related measurement.
Some of the most popular uses of fibre optic cables are listed below.
- Internet. Fibre optic cables transmit large amounts of data at very high speeds
- Computer Networking
- Surgery and Dentistry
- Automotive Industry
- Telephone
- Lighting and Decorations
- Mechanical Inspections
- Cable Television