User Guide FTB-100B

PR
EL
IM
IN
AR
FTB-100B
Mini-OTDR
User Guide
P/N: 1038647
April 2004
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in

a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, be it electronically,
mechanically, or by any other means such as photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of EXFO Electro-Optical
Engineering Inc. (EXFO).
Information provided by EXFO is believed to be accurate and reliable.
However, no responsibility is assumed by EXFO for its use nor for any
infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from
its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent
rights of EXFO.
EXFOs Commerce And Government Entities (CAGE) code under the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is 0L8C3.
Trademarks
EXFOs trademarks have been identified as such. However, the presence
or absence of such identification does not affect the legal status of any
trademark.
Units of Measurement
Units of measurement in this publication conform to SI standards and
practices.
The information contained in this publication is subject to change without

notice.
2004 EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc.
Contents
Contents
Certification Information ..................................................................................................... viii
1 Introducing the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR .......................................................... 1

Main Features .........................................................................................................................2
Power Sources ........................................................................................................................8
Available Models ..................................................................................................................10
OTDR Basic Principles ............................................................................................................11
Safety Conventions ...............................................................................................................14
2 Safety Information ..................................................................................... 15

Laser Safety Information .......................................................................................................15
Electrical Safety Information .................................................................................................17
Battery Safety Information ....................................................................................................19
3 Getting Started with Your OTDR ............................................................... 21

Upgrading or Reinstalling the Software ................................................................................21
Inserting and Removing Test Modules ..................................................................................24
Turning the FTB-100B On or Off ...........................................................................................29
Launching the OTDR Application ..........................................................................................31
Exiting the OTDR Test Application .........................................................................................32
Installing an External Keyboard .............................................................................................32
Installing an External Printer .................................................................................................33
Installing a PC Card ...............................................................................................................33
Enabling Power Detection .....................................................................................................34
4 Customizing Your FTB-100B ....................................................................... 35

Specifying Regional Settings .................................................................................................35
Selecting a Startup Application .............................................................................................39
Activating or Deactivating the Touchscreen Keyboard ..........................................................40
Activating or Deactivating the Backlight ...............................................................................42
Setting Brightness and Contrast ...........................................................................................42
Recalibrating the Touchscreen ..............................................................................................44
Mini-OTDR
iii
Contents
5 Setting Up Your OTDR .................................................................................45

Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI) .........................................................................45
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers ...............................................................................46
Setting Parameters in Advanced Mode .................................................................................47
Naming Trace Files Automatically .........................................................................................47
Changing the Storage Path ...................................................................................................50
Setting the Autorange Acquisition Time ...............................................................................52
Using the Same Pulse or Acquisition Time for All Wavelengths .............................................53
Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and Helix Factor .................................................................54
Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width and Acquisition Time ..................................................56
Enabling the High-Resolution Feature ...................................................................................60
Understanding the Timer ......................................................................................................61
Customizing the Acquisition Distance Range Values .............................................................62
Customizing the Acquisition Time Values .............................................................................64
Setting Analysis Parameters ..................................................................................................66
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds ..................................................................................................71
Setting a Default Span Start and Span End ...........................................................................73
6 Testing Fibers in Auto Mode ......................................................................75

Acquiring Traces ...................................................................................................................75
Activating or Deactivating the Fault Finder Features .............................................................81
7 Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode ..............................................................83

8 Testing Fibers in Template Mode ...............................................................89
Template Principle .................................................................................................................89
Restrictions of Template Mode ..............................................................................................91
Processing Traces Online vs. Offline ......................................................................................93
Acquiring the Reference Trace ..............................................................................................94
Acquiring Traces in Template Mode ......................................................................................96
Selecting a Reference Trace .................................................................................................101
iv
FTB-100B
Contents
9 Analyzing Traces and Events ................................................................... 103

Reloading Trace Files ...........................................................................................................103
Trace Display and Event Table Description ...........................................................................106
Locating Events in the Trace Display and Event Table ..........................................................110
Customizing the Event Table ...............................................................................................111
Setting Trace Display Parameters ........................................................................................113
Selecting the Measurement Unit .........................................................................................115
Displaying or Hiding a Trace ...............................................................................................117
Clearing Traces from the Display .........................................................................................119
Setting Zoom Options ........................................................................................................120
Using Zoom Controls ..........................................................................................................122
Viewing and Modifying Current Trace Parameters ..............................................................124
Deleting Events ...................................................................................................................127
Analyzing or Reanalyzing a Trace ........................................................................................129
Analyzing the Fiber on a Specific Fiber Span .......................................................................131
Swapping Traces .................................................................................................................132
10 Analyzing the Results Manually .............................................................. 133

Using Markers .....................................................................................................................133
Getting Event Distances and Relative Powers ......................................................................135
Getting Event Loss (Four-Point and Least-Square Approximation) ......................................136
Getting Attenuation (Two-Point and Least-Square Approximation) ....................................139
Getting Reflectance ............................................................................................................141
Getting Optical Return Loss (ORL) .......................................................................................142
11 Managing Trace Files from the OTDR Test Application .......................... 143
Saving a Trace in a Different Format ...................................................................................144
OTDR Trace File Compatibility .............................................................................................144
Renaming a Trace File .........................................................................................................146
Copying Trace Files .............................................................................................................148
Moving Trace Files ..............................................................................................................150
Deleting Trace Files .............................................................................................................152
12 Creating and Printing Trace Reports ....................................................... 155

Documenting Results ..........................................................................................................155
Printing a Report ................................................................................................................157
13 Using the OTDR as a Light Source or VFL ................................................ 159
Mini-OTDR
Contents
14 Using the Power Meter .............................................................................165

Accessing the Power Meter .................................................................................................165
Nulling Electrical Offsets .....................................................................................................166
Setting Power Loss Thresholds ............................................................................................167
Setting Reference Values ....................................................................................................168
Performing Power Measurements .......................................................................................169
Viewing Power Meter Results .............................................................................................170
Saving Power Meter Results ................................................................................................171
Reloading Power Meter Results ..........................................................................................173
Clearing Power Measurements from the Display ................................................................174
Creating a Power Meter Results Report ...............................................................................175
Printing a Power Measurement Report ...............................................................................176
15 Analyzing Bidirectional Traces .................................................................177

Launching and Exiting the Bidirectional Analysis Utility ......................................................179
Creating Bidirectional Trace Files .........................................................................................181
Reloading Existing Bidirectional Trace Files .........................................................................184
Analyzing the Fiber on a Specific Fiber Span .......................................................................186
Analyzing Bidirectional Traces .............................................................................................188
Changing Event Tables ........................................................................................................189
Viewing and Modifying Current Trace Parameters ..............................................................190
Modifying the Event Tolerance Interval ...............................................................................194
Saving Traces ......................................................................................................................195
Documenting Results ..........................................................................................................197
Creating a Report ...............................................................................................................197
Printing a Report ................................................................................................................201
16 Maintenance ..............................................................................................203
Cleaning EUI Connectors ....................................................................................................204
General Power Information .................................................................................................206
Battery Maintenance Recommendations ............................................................................207
Replacing the Batteries .......................................................................................................208
Verifying Your Mini-OTDR ...................................................................................................210
Recalibrating the Unit .........................................................................................................222
17 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................223
Solving Common Problems .................................................................................................223
Finding Information on the EXFO Web Site ........................................................................226
Contacting the Technical Support Group ............................................................................227
Viewing the FTB-100B System Information .........................................................................228
Transportation ....................................................................................................................229
vi
FTB-100B
Contents
18 Warranty ................................................................................................... 231

General Information ...........................................................................................................231
Liability ...............................................................................................................................232
Exclusions ...........................................................................................................................232
Certification ........................................................................................................................232
Service and Repairs .............................................................................................................233
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ........................................................................................234
A Description of Event Types ...................................................................... 235

Span Start ..........................................................................................................................235
Span End ...........................................................................................................................235
Continuous Fiber ...............................................................................................................236
End of Analysis ..................................................................................................................237
Non-Reflective Event ..........................................................................................................238
Reflective Event .................................................................................................................239
Positive Event .....................................................................................................................240
Launch Level ......................................................................................................................241
Fiber Section ......................................................................................................................242
Merged Reflective Event ....................................................................................................243
Echo ..................................................................................................................................245
Reflective Event (Possible Echo) .........................................................................................246
B Technical Specifications ........................................................................... 247

C Installing ToolBox on a Computer ........................................................... 251
D Adding a Logo to the Mini-OTDR Start-up Screen .................................. 255
Index .............................................................................................................. 257
Mini-OTDR
vii
Certification Information
F.C.C. Information
Electronic test equipment is exempt from Part 15 compliance (FCC) in
the United States. However, compliance verification tests are
systematically performed on most EXFO equipment.
Information
Electronic test equipment is subject to the EMC Directive in the European
Union. The EN61326 standard prescribes both emission and immunity
requirements for laboratory, measurement, and control equipment.
This unit has undergone extensive testing according to the European Union
Directive and Standards.
IMPORTANT
Use of shielded remote I/O cables, with properly grounded shields
and metal connectors, is recommended in order to reduce radio
frequency interference that may emanate from these cables.
viii
FTB-100B
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Application of Council Directive(s):
Manufacturers Name:
Manufacturers Address:
Equipment Type/Environment:
Trade Name/Model No.:
73/23/EEC - The Low Voltage Directive

89/336/EEC - The EMC Directive
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENG.
400 Godin Avenue, Vanier (Quebec)
Canada G1M 2K2
(418) 683-0211
Industrial Scientific Equipment
FTB-100B Mini-OTDR
Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:
EN 60825-1:1994
/ A2: 2001
Safety of laser products Part 1: Equipment classifications, requirements, and

users guide
EN 55022: 1998/
A1: 2000
Limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of

information technology equipment
EN 61326:1997/
A2: 2001
Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use EMC

Requirements
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above Directive and Standards.
Manufacturer
Signature:
Full Name:
Stephen Bull, E. Eng
Position:
Vice-President Research and

Development
Address:
400 Godin Avenue Vanier (Quebec),

Canada
March 22, 2002
Date:
Mini-OTDR
ix
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Application of Council Directive(s):
Manufacturers Name:
Manufacturers Address:
Equipment Type/Environment:
Trade Name/Model No.:
73/23/EEC - The Low Voltage Directive

89/336/EEC - The EMC Directive
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENG.
400 Godin Avenue, Vanier (Quebec)
Canada G1M 2K2
(418) 683-0211
Industrial Scientific Equipment
FTB-7000B, FTB-7000D, FTB-74000C Optical
Time Domain Reflectometer
Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:
EN 60825-1:1994
/ A2: 2001
Safety of laser products Part 1: Equipment classifications, requirements, and

users guide
EN 55022: 1998/
A1: 2000
Limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of

information technology equipment
EN 61326:1997/
A2: 2001
Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use EMC

Requirements
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above Directive and Standards.
Manufacturer
Signature:
Full Name:
Stephen Bull, E. Eng
Position:
Vice-President Research and

Development
Address:
400 Godin Avenue Vanier, Quebec,

Canada
December 12, 2003
Date:
FTB-100B
Introducing the FTB-100B

Mini-OTDR
An optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) is used to characterize a
fiber-optic span, usually optical fiber sections joined by splices and
connectors. An OTDR provides an inside view of the fiber, and can
calculate fiber length, attenuation, breaks, total return loss, as well as
splice, connector and total losses.
Backlight button
Strap buckle
OTDR module
SM OTDR
Visual
fault locator (VFL)
port (optional)
Touchscreen
Safety label
On/Off button
Module handle
LEDs
(see Understanding the

Mini-OTDR LEDs on page 5)
OTDR port
Strap buckle
The FTB-100B Mini-OTDR is a dedicated mini optical time domain

reflectometer.
Mini-OTDR
Introducing the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR

Main Features
Main Features
FTB-100B Mini-OTDR supports EXFOs extensive line of OTDR test
modules, which offers all the features required by both intensive and
occasional OTDR users.
Modular Flexibility
Modules can be easily switched in a matter of seconds without the use of
any tools.
OTDR modules are also compatible with the FTB-400 Universal Test
System. For more information, refer to the FTB-400 Universal Test System
user guide.
The FTB-7000B, FTB-7000D and FTB-70000C OTDR offer an impressive
dynamic range with short dead zones to meet today's stringent network
test requirements. OTDR modules perform quick acquisitions with low
noise levels to enable accurate low-loss splice location.
An OTDR trace, made of up to 128 000 points, provides a sampling
resolution as fine as 4 cm.
The OTDR modules provide a light source and can include an optional
visual fault locator.
FTB-100B

Main Features
Test module retaining screw
Left side of the unit
Main battery compartment
A fold-up stand is located on the back panel. Pull it out to support your unit.
FTB-100B-D1M1W1N2
36069-2R
9 V battery compartment Fold-up stand

(not watertight)
Mini-OTDR
September 2001
Product
identification label
Main battery compartment

(not watertight)

Main Features
Unit with Power Meter Option
Combined parallel
and serial port
(female DB-25)
AC
adapter/charger
socket
PC Card
reader
Floppy
drive
Power
meter port
Parallel port
(female DB-25)
Keyboard
port
Serial port
(male DB-9)
Unit without Power Meter Option
Your unit can also come equipped with an optional power meter to offer
you more test possibilities.
Your unit's rugged design enables it to absorb the hits that are a daily reality
in outside plant testing. Moreover, by being splashproof, the unit offers a
high-performance, all-weather platform.
FTB-100B

Main Features
Integrated Touchscreen
The units touchscreen provides fast access to all menus and functions. It
can detect the position of your finger (even if you are wearing gloves) or
any other blunt pointing device.
The FTB-100B Mini-OTDR is available with a color or monochrome LCD
screen. For information about the touchscreens size and resolution, see
Technical Specifications on page 247.
Understanding the Mini-OTDR LEDs

The LEDs on the front panel indicate the status of the Mini-OTDR.
On: floppy drive is being accessed.
On: FTB-100B is plugged in.
Flashing: internal battery pack is charging.
Off: unit is not plugged in.
On: main battery is empty.
Flashing: less than 10 % of battery power left.
On: FTB-100B is turned on.
Mini-OTDR

Main Features
Test Modes
The FTB-100B Mini-OTDR provides the following test modes for acquiring
traces:
Auto mode: Automatically evaluates fiber length, sets acquisition

parameters, acquires traces, and displays event tables and acquired
traces. See Testing Fibers in Auto Mode on page 75.
Advanced mode: Offers all the tools needed to perform integral OTDR
tests and measurements and gives you control over all test parameters.
See Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode on page 83.
Create Ref./Template mode: Tests fibers and compares the results to a

reference trace that was previously acquired and analyzed. This allows
you to save time when testing a large number of fibers. Reference trace
documentation is also automatically copied to new acquisitions.
While testing in Template mode, you can also update the reference
trace by adding events detected on newly acquired traces. See Testing
Fibers in Template Mode on page 89.
FTB-100B

Main Features
Data Post-Processing with ToolBox

Using the ToolBox software on your computer, you can obtain OTDR
post-processing functions such as
Bidirectional trace analysis
Offline Template Trace mode
Customized printout
Batch printing
Conversion of traces to many formats such as Telcordia or ASCII

format. Refer to the FTB-7000B/70000C/7000D Optical Time Domain
Reflectometer user guide)
For more information on ToolBox installation, see Installing ToolBox on a

Computer on page 251.
Bidirectional Averaging Feature

Improve the accuracy of your loss measurements with the bidirectional
averaging feature (available on singlemode OTDRs only), which uses
OTDR acquisitions from both ends of a fiber span to average loss results for
each event.
Mini-OTDR

Power Sources
Power Sources
The FTB-100B Mini-OTDR operates with the following power sources:
AC adapter/charger
rechargeable NiMH battery
Note: The FTB-100B Mini-OTDR also contains a 9 V alkaline battery which keeps
the clock running at all times.
AC Adapter/Charger
The AC adapter/charger provided with the Mini-OTDR converts AC power
to DC power from a standard power outlet.
Whenever connected to the AC adapter/charger, the Mini-OTDR is
powered by DC current. If the rechargeable NiMH battery is not fully
charged, it will be charged at the same time.
If the AC adapter/charger is disconnected, the rechargeable NiMH battery
automatically takes over without affecting unit operation.
You can switch from the AC adapter/charger to battery power or vice versa
without turning off the Mini-OTDR or losing data.
IMPORTANT
You should leave the unit plugged in when not in use.
FTB-100B

Power Sources
Rechargeable NiMH Battery

Whenever the AC adapter/charger is not connected and the NiMH battery
is charged, the NiMH battery powers the unit.
Having extra batteries on hand allows you to extend the operating time of
the Mini-OTDR when the primary battery runs low.
You can switch from battery power to the AC adapter/charger or vice versa
without turning off the Mini-OTDR or losing data.
Mini-OTDR

Available Models
Available Models
A wide variety of singlemode OTDR modules is offered at several
wavelengths (including 850 nm, 1300 nm, 1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm, and
1625 nm) to cover all fiber applications from long-haul or WDM networks
to metropolitan networks.
OTDR Module
Description
FTB-7200B-C/D Dedicated to multimode applications and provides an

Multimode
event dead zone of only two meters.
FTB-7200D-B
Singlemode
A 1310 nm and 1550 nm module offering a 35 dB dynamic

range.
FTB-7300D-B
Singlemode
Includes one, two or three wavelengths among the

following: 1310 nm, 1490 nm 1550 nm and 1625 nm.
Offers a 38 dB dynamic range; can acquire up to 128 000
points. Optimized for metro network installation and
troubleshooting, access and FTTH test applications, as
well as inside plant testing.
FTB-7400B-B
Singlemode
Offers a 40 dB dynamic range with a 3-meter event dead

zone. Acquires up to 52 000 data points while sampling a
single trace.
FTB-74234C-B High-power 1310 nm, 1550 nm and 1625 nm module.

Singlemode
Offers a 40 dB dynamic range with a 3-meter event dead
zone; can acquire up to 52 000 data points while sampling
a single trace. Particularly suitable for measuring B-, C-,
and L-band fiber attenuation when dealing with mixed
networks (1310 nm and DWDM transmission).
FTB-7500B-B
Singlemode
10
Offers a 45 dB dynamic range (on NZDSF with a 20 s

pulse) with a 3-meter event dead zone. The high-launch
power level minimizes noise effects on the signal.
Acquires up to 52 000 data points while sampling a single
trace. It is particularly suitable for long-range applications,
but it is also recommended when measuring time is a key
factor.
FTB-100B

OTDR Basic Principles

An OTDR sends short pulses of light into a fiber. Light scattering occurs in
the fiber due to discontinuities such as connectors, splices, bends, and
faults. An OTDR then detects and analyzes the backscattered signals. The
signal strength is measured for specific intervals of time and is used to
characterize events.
The lapse of time between launch and detection, in relation to the speed of
light in the glass material, allows the OTDR to calculate distances, as
follows:
c t
Distance = --- --n 2
where
c = speed of light in a vacuum (2.998 x 108 m/s)
t
= time delay from the launch of the pulse to the reception of the
pulse
n = index of refraction of the fiber under test (as specified by the

manufacturer)
Mini-OTDR
11

An OTDR uses the effects of Rayleigh scattering and Fresnel reflection to

measure the fibers condition, but the Fresnel reflection is tens of
thousands of times greater in power level than the backscatter.
Rayleigh scattering occurs when a pulse travels down the fiber and
small variations in the material, such as variations and discontinuities
in the index of refraction, cause light to be scattered in all directions.
However, the phenomenon of small amounts of light being reflected
directly back toward the transmitter is called backscattering.
Fresnel reflections occur when the light traveling down the fiber
encounters abrupt changes in material density that may occur at
connections or breaks where an air gap exists. A very large quantity of
light is reflected, as compared with the Rayleigh scattering. The
strength of the reflection depends on the degree of change in the index
of refraction.
When the full trace is being displayed, each point on the screen represents
an average of many sampling points. You will have to zoom to see each
point (see Using Zoom Controls on page 122).
Light pulses
Laser
diode
Light pulses
Optical
coupler
OTDR
port
Fiber
Reflections come back
to the OTDR
Returned signal
Avanlanche
photodetector (APD)
Pulse
generator
Set of
instructions
Analog-to-digital
converter (A/D)
Analyzed signal
Microprocessor
12
Display
FTB-100B

New Features of the OTDR Module

The new FTB-7000D OTDR module offers:
Mini-OTDR
A 1 m event dead zone, which is particularly useful to locate events

that are closely spaced.
A high-resolution feature allowing you to to obtain more data points

per acquisition. This way, the data points will be closer to each other,
which will result in a greater distance resolution for the trace.
13

Safety Conventions
Safety Conventions
Before using the product described in this manual, you should understand
the following conventions:
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
CAUTION
may result in minor or moderate injury. Do not proceed unless you
CAUTION
may result in component damage. Do not proceed unless you
IMPORTANT
Refers to information about this product you should not overlook.
14
FTB-100B
Safety Information
Laser Safety Information
WARNING
Do not install or terminate fibers while a light source is active.
Never look directly into a live fiber and ensure that your eyes are
protected at all times.
WARNING
Use of controls, adjustments and procedures for operation and
maintenance other than those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.
Models without VFL

Your FTB-100B Mini-OTDR is a Class 1M laser product in compliance with
standards IEC 60825-1 Amendment 2: 2001 and 21 CFR 1040.10.
Laser radiation may be encountered at the output port.
The product is safe under reasonably forseeable conditions of operation
but it may be hazardous if you use optics within a diverging or collimated
beam. Do not view directly with optical instruments.
IEC 60825-1 :1993 + A2 : 2001

21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11
LASER RADIATION
DO NOT VIEW DIRECTLY
WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS
CLASS 1M LASER PRODUCT
Affixed to modules
side panel
:850 nm, PW < 100 nsec, Ppk < 500 mW, Pavg < 115 W
:1300/1310/1410/1550/1625 nm, PW < 20 sec, Ppk < 160 mW, Pavg < 2 mW
QST572A
Mini-OTDR
15
Safety Information
Laser Safety Information
FTB-7000D-B with VFL

Your FTB-100B Mini-OTDR is a Class 3R laser product in compliance with
standards IEC 60825-1 Amendment 2: 2001 and 21 CFR 1040.10. It is
potentially harmful in direct intrabeam viewing.
The following label(s) indicate that the product contains a Class 3R source:
IEC 60825-1:1993+A2:2001
21 CFR 1040.10
LASER RADIATION
AVOID DIRECT EYE EXPOSURE
CLASS 3R LASER PRODUCT
: 650 10 nm
Pout maximum < 5mW (into free space)
QST498C
If VFL option is available
Affixed to modules
side panel
All Other Models with VFL

Your FTB-100B Mini-OTDR is a Class 2M laser product in compliance with
standards IEC 60825-1 Amendment 2: 2001 and 21 CFR 1040.10. Visible
laser radiation is emitted at the output port.
Natural aversion responses, including the blink reflex, usually provide
adequate eye protection. However, viewing the output may be more
hazardous if you use optics within the beam.
The following label(s) indicate that the product contains a Class 2M source:
IEC 60825-1:1993+A2:2001
21 CFR 1040.10 AND 1040.11
LASER RADIATION
DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM OR VIEW
DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS
CLASS 2M LASER PRODUCT
: 650 10 nm, Pout max = 1 mW
Affixed to modules
side panel
QST182C
16
FTB-100B
Safety Information
Electrical Safety Information
CAUTION
To avoid damaging the unit, the following rating must be
respected: 18 volts, 1.66 A, positive core.
CAUTION
Do not remove or insert modules when the power is on.
This unit uses an international safety standard three-wire power cable. This
cable serves as a ground when connected to an appropriate AC power
receptacle.
Note: If you need to ensure that the unit is completely powered off, disconnect the
power cable and remove the batteries.
WARNING
Mini-OTDR
Insert the power cable plug into a power outlet with a

protective ground contact. Do not use an extension cord
without a protective conductor.
If the unit is to be powered via an auto transformer for voltage

reduction, connect the common terminal to the grounded
power source pole.
Before powering on the unit, connect all grounding terminals,

extension cords and devices to a protective ground via a ground
socket. Any interruption of the protective grounding is a
potential shock hazard and may cause personal injury.
Whenever the ground protection is impaired, do not use the
unit and secure it against any accidental operation.
Do not tamper with the protective ground terminal.
17
Safety Information
Only qualified electricians should connect a new plug if needed. The color
coding used in the electric cable depends on the cable. New plugs should
meet the local safety requirements and include:
adequate load-carrying capacity
ground connection
cable clamp
IMPORTANT
EXFO assumes no liability for your failure to comply with the
indications in this documentation.
WARNING
18
Use the external power supply indoors only.
To avoid electrical shock, do not operate the unit if any part of

the outer surface (covers, panels, etc.) is damaged.
Only authorized personnel should carry out adjustments,

maintenance or repair of opened units under voltage. A person
qualified in first aid must also be present. Do not replace any
components while power cable and batteries are connected.
Operation of any electrical instrument around flammable gases

or fumes constitutes a major safety hazard.
Capacitors inside the unit may be charged even if the unit has
been disconnected from its electrical supply.
FTB-100B
Safety Information
Battery Safety Information
Battery Safety Information
WARNING
Do not throw batteries into fire or water.
Do not short-circuit the batteries electrical contacts.
CAUTION
Use NiMH batteries only. Use of other batteries may damage the
unit and compromise your safety.
Mini-OTDR
19
Getting Started with Your

OTDR
Upgrading or Reinstalling the Software
All the necessary software for your FTB-100B has been pre-installed and
configured at the factory.
You may have to upgrade your FTB-100Bs internal software when new and
improved software versions become available. Also, you can completely
reinstall the internal software, in the unlikely event that your FTB-100B
suffers a serious crash. Upgrading or reinstalling the FTB-100B software is
performed from a computer via the serial port.
Before using your new OTDR module with an FTB-400 Universal Test
System or FTB-100B Mini-OTDR that you already have, you must ensure
that its software vesion is up-to-date.
IMPORTANT
If the software version installed on your Universal Test System or
Mini-OTDR is too old, your new OTDR module will NOT function.
You will have to upgrade the software first.
Module
FTB-7000B-B
FTB-74000C-B
FTB-7000D-B
Mini-OTDR
To upgrade the software on an...
You need to install...
FTB-100 Mini-OTDR
FTB-100 2.7R3 or more recent
FTB-100B Mini-OTDR
FTB-100B 2.7R3 or more recent
FTB-300 Universal Test System
ToolBox 5.5.4.x or more recent
ToolBox 6.13.0.397 or more recent
FTB-100B Mini-OTDR
FTB-100B 2.7R3 or more recent
ToolBox 6.13.0.397 or more recent
FTB-100B Mini-OTDR
FTB-100B 2.8 or more recent
ToolBox 6.21 or more recent
21
Getting Started with Your OTDR

For more information on upgrading the software,

see Upgrading or Reinstalling the Software on page 21 or contact EXFO for
assistance.
IMPORTANT
Perform the software upgrade only if the version indicated on the
CD-ROM is greater than the software version currently installed. To
find the version of the installed software, see Viewing the FTB-100B
System Information on page 228.
CAUTION
Never shut down the FTB-100B while the upgrade is in progress.
This could corrupt the FTB-100Bs internal memory.
To upgrade the software:
1. Plug the GP-276 Null Modem serial cable provided with the FTB-100B
into an available COM port on your computer and into the FTB-100Bs
serial port.
2. Turn on the computer.
22
FTB-100B

3. Launch the installation process as follows:

3a. Insert the upgrade CD into the computers CD-ROM drive.
3b. On the Windows taskbar, click on Start and select Run.
3c. Type E:\Install.exe in the Open box (the drive letter may vary
according to the location of your CD-ROM drive).
3d. Click on OK to start the installation wizard, then from the startup
screen, click on Install.
4. Turn on the FTB-100B. The upgrade starts automatically. The upgrade is
complete when the Exit button becomes available on the computers
screen. For more information, see Turning the FTB-100B On or Off on
page 29.
5. Click on Exit (displayed on the computers screen). You return to your
computer environment and the FTB-100B automatically restarts with
the upgraded software.
Mini-OTDR
23

Inserting and Removing Test Modules
CAUTION
Never insert or remove a module while the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR is
powered on. This will result in immediate and irreparable damage
to both the module and unit.
To insert a module into the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR:
1. Power off your unit.
2. Position the FTB-100B so that its right panel is facing you.
3. Take the module and place it so that the connector pins are at the
back, as explained and shown below (identification sticker must be on
left side and retaining screw hole under connector pins).
CAUTION
Inserting a module upside down could result in permanent damage
to the module, as the connector pins might be bent.
24
FTB-100B

Identification sticker
on left side
FTB-100B
right panel
Connector
pins at the
back
Protruding edges
on right side
Retaining
screw hole
at the back
4. Insert the protruding edges of the module into the grooves of the units
module slot.
5. Push the module all the way to the back of the slot, until the retaining
screw makes contact with the unit casing.
6. Place the FTB-100B so that its left panel is facing you.
7. While applying slight pressure to the module, turn the retaining screw
clockwise until it is tightened. This will secure the module into its
seated position.
Mini-OTDR
25

Turn retaining screw knob

clockwise
FTB-100B
left panel
When you turn on the FTB-100B, the startup sequence will automatically
detect the module.
26
FTB-100B

To remove a module from the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR:

1. Position the FTB-100B so that the left panel is facing you.
2. Turn the retaining screw counterclockwise until it stops. The module
will be slowly released from the slot.
Turn retaining screw knob

counterclockwise
FTB-100B
left panel
3. Place the FTB-100B so that the right panel is facing you.
Mini-OTDR
27

4. Hold the module by its side or by the handle (NOT by the connector)
and pull it out.
CAUTION
Pulling out a module by a connector could seriously damage both
the module and connector. Always pull out a module by its casing.
5. Cover the empty slot with the supplied protective cover.
CAUTION
Failure to reinstall protective covers over empty slots may result in
ventilation problems.
28
FTB-100B

Turning the FTB-100B On or Off
IMPORTANT
Make sure to fully charge the battery prior to using the instrument
for the first time.
IMPORTANT
Let the unit reach operating temperature before turning it on.
By default, every time you perform a cold start (power up the unit after the
AC adapter has been unplugged and all batteries removed), you must
indicate the current date and time, time format and time zone of your
location.
Note: You can change these settings later. For more information, see Specifying
Regional Settings on page 35.
You can also deactivate the display of the settings dialog box. For more
information, see Specifying Regional Settings on page 35.
IMPORTANT
At startup, if the free memory is less than 512 KB, the application
will display instructions to correct the situation.
Mini-OTDR
29

To turn the unit on:

1. Hold down the blue On/Off button on the front panel for one or two
seconds. The startup screen briefly appears and the unit starts.
2. Set the various parameters according to your needs, then press OK..
Initial Settings
For more information, see Specifying Regional Settings on page 35.

The main window appears. For more information, see Launching the
OTDR Application on the following page.
To turn the unit off:
Press and hold the blue On/Off button on the front panel for one or two
seconds. The FTB-100B will shut down.
30
FTB-100B

Launching the OTDR Application
Launching the OTDR Application

Your OTDR module may be fully configured and controlled from its
dedicated application in the FTB-7000B/7000D/70000C Optical Time
Domain Reflectometer.
To launch the OTDR application:
1. From the Main Menu, select the Tools tab.
2. Select the button corresponding to the desired OTDR mode.
Note: The Power Meter and VFL buttons are available if you purchased the Power
Meter or the Visual Fault Locator option with your unit.
Tool indicator
Button
bar
Battery
indicator
CAUTION
Never connect a live fiber to the OTDR port. This could result in
permanent damage to the OTDR. Any incoming signal greater than
30 dBm will affect the OTDR acquisition and could damage the
OTDR module.
Mini-OTDR
31

Exiting the OTDR Test Application
Exiting the OTDR Test Application

When you exit the application, you will return to the main menu, from
which you can select another OTDR operation mode or other software.
Note: Traces that are in memory when you close the application will be recalled
automatically upon startup, even if they were not previously saved.
However, traces will be lost if the unit crashes or malfunctions.
To close the OTDR test application:
Click on the Main Menu button located at the bottom of the toolbar.
Installing an External Keyboard

When you are required to enter alphanumeric data, a touchscreen
keyboard will be displayed.
However, you can also use an external keyboard. To install an external
keyboard on your FTB-7000B/7000D/70000C Optical Time Domain
Reflectometer, simply connect the keyboard to the keyboard port. To
locate the keyboard port, see illustration on page 4.
Note: It is not necessary to turn off the FTB-100B before connecting the keyboard.
The software will automatically detect the presence of a keyboard.
Even if a keyboard is connected, the touchscreen keyboard will continue to
be displayed. For more information, see Activating or Deactivating the
Touchscreen Keyboard on page 40.
32
FTB-100B

Installing an External Printer
Installing an External Printer

Note: Only PCL-compatible and Canon BJ family printers work with the
FTB-100B.
To install a printer on your FTB-100B:
1. Connect the printer to the parallel port (DB-25). To locate this port, see
illustration on page 4.
2. Turn on the FTB-100B.
Installing a PC Card
Since the FTB-100Bs internal memory is limited to 512 KB, you may want
to use a PC Card to get additional storage space for your traces.
The units PC Card reader supports only flash ATA memory cards (Type II).
You can access the PC Card through the dialog box used to change the
storage path (Location dialog box). It appears as the Storage Card item in
the list of available locations.
To install a PC Card:
1. Turn on the FTB-100B.
2. Put the PC Card in the reader; it will be detected automatically. To
locate the PC Card reader, see illustration on page 4.
Note: If the Location dialog box is already open at the time you insert a PC Card,
close and reopen the dialog box to access the PC Card.
Mini-OTDR
33

Enabling Power Detection
Enabling Power Detection

If your OTDRs model is FTB-7000B or 70000C, you can use your OTDR to
verify if power, coming from a light source, can be detected on the fiber.
To enable power detection:
1. In the main window, select Power Detection.
2. Press the On/Off button. A message will indicate if power is detected
on the fiber or not.
3. Press Main Menu to exit this function and return to the main window.
34
FTB-100B
Customizing Your FTB-100B

From the main window, you can access the System Setup window, which
allows you to perform the following operations:
specify regional settings
select the startup option
activate or deactivate the touchscreen keyboard
activate or deactivate the backlight
set touchscreen brightness and contrast
recalibrate the touchscreen
Specifying Regional Settings

Normally, regional settings are set the first time you use the Mini-OTDR.
However, if you travel across time zones to test fibers (for example, when
laying down long-haul fiber spans), you might have to change certain
regional settings (such as date, time, and time zone).
Also, you can change the interface language if your Mini-OTDR is going to
be used by someone speaking a different language.
You can also configure the application so that it will not prompt you to set
the various parameters each time you perform a cold start. A cold start is
when you power up the unit after the AC adapter has been unplugged and
all batteries removed.
You can also prevent the application from prompting you to set the various
parameters each time you perform a cold start.
You can also deactivate the regional settings configuration. This way, the
application will not prompt you to enter the parameters each time you
perform a cold start.
Mini-OTDR
35

To change the date, time and time zone:

Note: If the application is prompting you to change the initial settings (after a cold
start), go directly to step 3.
1. From the Main Menu window, press System Setup, then select the
Regional Settings tab.
2. Press Change Date & Time.
3. Set the parameters according to your needs.
In the Date or Time box, select the item you want to modify (it
becomes highlighted). Modify it using the arrow buttons located on
opposite sides of the box.
Note: When PM or AM is selected, the arrow buttons switch between the two
indications.
36
FTB-100B

Under Time Format, select the option corresponding to the desired

format.
In the Time Zone box, press the up (goes to the next time zone to the
east) or down (goes to the next time zone to the west) arrow to switch
between the available time zones.
4. Once the proper settings are entered, press OK. If necessary, press Exit
System Setup to return to the main window.
To select the interface language:
2. Press Change Language.
Note: Due to memory constraints, only one Asian language can be installed at a
time.
3. From the Change Language dialog box, select the language you want
to use, and press OK. You return to the Regional Settings tab, the
interface changes to reflect the newly selected language, and the
selected language appears beside the Language indication.
4. Press Exit System Setup to return to the main window.
Mini-OTDR
37

To activate or deactivate the regional settings configuration at

startup:
1. From the Main Menu window, select System Setup, then select the
System tab.
2. Under Cold Boot, if you want to activate the configuration at startup,
select the Show Date/Time Setup on Cold Boot box.
OR
If you want to deactivate it, clear the box.
3. Press Exit System Setup.
38
FTB-100B

Selecting a Startup Application
Selecting a Startup Application

By default, the first time you start your Mini-OTDR, the main window is
displayed (see Turning the FTB-100B On or Off on page 29). However, you
can configure your FTB-100B to automatically start in any of the available
applications.
To select a startup application:
System tab.
2. Select the application you want to launch automatically when you turn
on the Mini-OTDR.
Note: The Power Meter application is only available if you purchased this option
with the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR.
3. Press Exit System Setup to return to the main window. The next time
you turn on your Mini-OTDR, the selected application will start
automatically.
Mini-OTDR
39

Activating or Deactivating the Touchscreen Keyboard
Activating or Deactivating the

Touchscreen Keyboard
The touchscreen keyboard enables you to enter data without an external
keyboard. By default, this option is activated.
This way, when you select a text or number box, the touchscreen keyboard
or keypad appears automatically. However, you can deactivate it if you
prefer using an external keyboard (see Installing an External Keyboard on
page 32).
Touchscreen
keyboard
Touchscreen
keypad
Note: The touchscreen keypad appears only for numerical fields and not for
alphanumerical ones.
40
FTB-100B

Activating or Deactivating the Touchscreen Keyboard
To activate or deactivate the touchscreen keyboard:

2. Select the Use Touchscreen Keyboard box.
If you prefer not to display the touchscreen keyboard, simply clear the
Use Touchscreen Keyboard box.
Mini-OTDR
41

Activating or Deactivating the Backlight
Activating or Deactivating the Backlight

To activate or deactivate the LCD backlight, press the backlight button on
the Mini-OTDRs front panel.
You can also deactivate the backlight directly from the application. For
more information, see Setting Brightness and Contrast on page 42.
Setting Brightness and Contrast

To better suit your needs, you can adjust the LCD backlight to one of these
levels: Off, Low, or High. These levels are actually preset brightness values.
You can set more precise brightness and contrast values to better suit your
needs.
Note: On a color screen, if you select the lowest brightness setting, the backlight
will be completely deactivated. Press the backlight button to reactivate it.
42
FTB-100B

Setting Brightness and Contrast
To set the brightness and contrast:

Press the backlight button on the units front panel until you reach the
desired brightness
OR
Screen tab.
2. From the System Setup window, under Brightness and/or Contrast,
move the slider until the screen appearance is to your liking.

To activate or deactivate the backlight:
Press the backlight button on the units front panel until you reach Off.
OR
Screen tab.
2. From the System Setup window, under Brightness, move the slider to
the lowest possible value.
Mini-OTDR
43

Recalibrating the Touchscreen
Recalibrating the Touchscreen

If you notice the touchscreen does not behave in the way it used to (e.g., It
is now difficult to select items or manipulate zoom window handles) it
probably needs a recalibration.
To recalibrate the touchscreen:
Screen tab.
2. To properly calibrate the touchscreen, EXFO suggests that you select
the Audible Touchscreen Feedback option (under Touchscreen).
This will give you feedback at the exact moment when you touch the
screen, ensuring more accurate calibration results.
3. Under Touchscreen, press Calibrate Touchscreen.
4. In the displayed window, simply touch the center of the different
cross-hair targets that appear on the screen. If the calibration window
does not appear, see Solving Common Problems on page 223.
Note: If you touch the cross hairs inconsistently (for example, the top left of a
cross hair, then the bottom right of the following cross hair), the application
will ignore the calibration and you will have to restart the procedure.
Once the calibration procedure has been performed successfully, the
application displays a message indicating that the Mini-OTDR will be
shut down to activate the new calibration values.
Press OK to acknowledge.
5. Turn on the Mini-OTDR again.
44
FTB-100B
Setting Up Your OTDR

Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI)
The EUI fixed baseplate is available for connectors with angled (APC) or
non-angled (UPC) polishing. A green border around the baseplate
indicates that it is for APC-type connectors, as shown below:
Green border
indicates APC
option
Bare metal
(or blue border)
indicates UPC
option
To install an EUI connector adapter onto the EUI baseplate:

1. Hold the EUI connector adapter so the dust cap opens downwards.
3
2
2. Close the dust cap in order to hold the connector adapter more firmly.
3. Insert the connector adapter into the baseplate.
4. While pushing firmly, turn the connector adapter clockwise on the
baseplate to lock it in place.
Mini-OTDR
45

Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers
IMPORTANT
To ensure maximum power and to avoid erroneous readings:
Always clean fiber ends as explained below before inserting

them into the port. EXFO is not responsible for damage or
errors caused by bad fiber cleaning or handling.
Ensure that your patchcord has appropriate connectors. Joining

mismatched connectors will damage the ferrules.
To connect the fiber-optic cable to the port:

1. Clean the fiber ends as follows:
1a. Gently wipe the fiber end with a lint-free swab dipped in isopropyl
alcohol.
1b. Use compressed air to dry completely.
1c. Visually inspect the fiber end to ensure its cleanliness.
2. Carefully align the connector and port to prevent the fiber end from
touching the outside of the port or rubbing against other surfaces. If
your connector features a key, ensure that it is fully fitted into the ports
corresponding notch.
3. Push the connector in so that the fiber-optic cable is firmly in place,
thus ensuring adequate contact.
If your connector features a screwsleeve, tighten the connector
enough to firmly maintain the fiber in place. Do not overtighten, as this
will damage the fiber and the port.
Note: If your fiber-optic cable is not properly aligned and/or connected, you will
notice heavy loss and reflection.
46
FTB-100B

Setting Parameters in Advanced Mode
Setting Parameters in Advanced Mode

Some of the parameters can only be set in Advanced mode.
To work in Advanced OTDR mode:
From the main window, start the Advanced OTDR mode (for more
information, see Launching the OTDR Application on page 31).
Naming Trace Files Automatically

When you activate the automatic filenaming function, the application
builds a filename according to your specifications, each time a new trace is
saved.
This name is made of a static part (alphanumeric) and a variable part
(numeric) that will be incremented or decremented, according to your
selection.
If you choose incrementation...
If you choose decrementation...
The variable part increases until it reaches The variable part decreases from that limit
a limit value corresponding to the highest value to 1.
value that can be formed with the number
of digits you have specified.
For example, if you select two digits, the
number will be incremented until it
reaches 99 (01, 02, 03, ..., 98, 99), then it will
go back to 01.
For example, if you select two digits, the

number will be decremented until it
reaches 01 (99, 98, 97, ..., 02, 01), then it will
go back to 99.
By setting the default name and number of the first trace to be stored, all
subsequent traces will be stored with the same name and incremental
number structure.
This function is particularly useful when working in Template mode or
when testing ribbon fibers.
Mini-OTDR
47

To configure the automatic filenaming:

1. From the main window, press Storage.
2. From the displayed dialog box, select the File Autonaming button.
48
FTB-100B

3. From the Autonaming Setup dialog box, set the parameters.

Static part
Variable part (incremented)

The value appearing in this box will be used in
the next flename.
File name extension

Number of digits composing
the variable part
You can enter the desired information in the boxes corresponding to

the static part and variable parts.
You can type up to three characters representing your own filename

extension.
IMPORTANT
The filename extension you specify does not modify the actual
format of the related file. For instance, if you enter .sor as the
filename extension, the file will not be directly converted to a
Telcordia (Bellcore) file format. For more information on file format
conversion, see Saving a Trace in a Different Format on page 144.
If you want the variable part to increase each time a file is saved, select
Increment. If you want it to decrease, select Decrement.
Press OK to confirm your new settings.
Mini-OTDR
49

Changing the Storage Path

When you want to reload, copy, move or save files, you can change either
the location from which the application will retrieve the files
the location to which it will send the files.
The factory default storage path is \User Files\Traces.
IMPORTANT
By default, traces are stored in the units internal memory. If free
memory goes below 512 KB, the units performance may degrade
significantly. To free up memory, delete some of the stored trace
files (see Deleting Trace Files on page 152) or transfer them to a
floppy disk or a PC Card (see Installing a PC Card on page 33).
To change the storage path:
1. From the current window, select Location.
2. Browse until you find the appropriate storage location.
Current
storage
location
50
FTB-100B

3. If you need to create a folder,

3a. Select the storage location where you want to add the new folder.
3b. From the Location dialog box, press the New Folder button.
3c. In the Create Folder dialog box, type the desired name and press
OK.
4. Press OK. The Location dialog box disappears and the new storage
location is indicated at the top of the dialog box.
Mini-OTDR
51

Setting the Autorange Acquisition Time
Setting the Autorange Acquisition Time

Note: This function is available both in Advanced OTDR and Automatic OTDR
modes.
When performing automatic acquisitions in Advanced mode (see Testing
Fibers in Advanced Mode on page 83) or before activating Auto mode (see
Testing Fibers in Auto Mode on page 75), you can set an autorange
acquisition time for the OTDR to average acquisitions over a set time
period. The default value is 15 seconds.
Note: In Template OTDR mode, the acquisition time of the reference trace is used
for all trace acquisitions, not the autorange acquisition time.
To set the autorange acquisition time:
1. From the main window, press OTDR Setupthen go to the Acquisition
tab.
2. Go to the Autorange Acquisition Timebox and press the up or down

arrow to select your preference The default value is 30 seconds.
3. Press Exit OTDR Setup to return to the main window.
52
FTB-100B

Using the Same Pulse or Acquisition Time for All Wavelengths
Using the Same Pulse or Acquisition Time for

All Wavelengths
You can use the same pulse and/or acquisition time value for testing at all
wavelengths on a multiwavelength OTDR module.
To use the same pulse and acquisition time for all wavelengths:
1. From the main window, press the OTDR Setup button, then go to the
Acquisition tab.
2. Select the Same Pulse for All Wavelengths box and/or the Same Time
for All Wavelengths box.
When a particular option is selected, the corresponding dial (Pulse or

Time) appears on the OTDR tab. When it is not, list boxes for each
available test wavelength appear instead (see Setting Distance Range,
Pulse Width and Acquisition Time on page 56).
Mini-OTDR
53

Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and Helix Factor
Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and Helix

Factor
You should set the IOR, RBS coefficient and Helix factor before performing
tests in order to apply them to all newly acquired traces. However, if you
are in Advanced OTDR mode, you can also set them at a later time in the
Trace Info. tab to re-analyze a specific trace (see Viewing and Modifying
Current Trace Parameters on page 124).
The index of refraction (IOR) value is used to convert time-of-flight to

distance. The knowledge of the proper IOR is thus crucial for all OTDR
measurements associated with distance (event position, attenuation,
section length, total length, etc.).
It can be obtained from the cable or fiber manufacturer. You should
verify this information before each test. You can enter any value
between 1.3 and 1.7, inclusively.
The Rayleigh backscatter (RBS) coefficient represents the amount of

backscatter in a particular fiber. The RBS coefficient is used in the
calculation of event loss and reflectance.
It can be obtained from the cable manufacturer. The test application
determines a default value for each wavelength. You can set the RBS
coefficient for each available wavelength.
The Helix factor takes into consideration the difference between the
length of the cable and the length of the fiber inside the cable. Fibers
within a cable are spiraling around the cable core. The Helix factor
describes the pitch of the spiral.
The length of the OTDR distance axis is always equivalent to the
physical length of the cable (not the fiber). The Helix factor value must
be between 0 % and 10 %.
54
FTB-100B

Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and Helix Factor
To set the IOR, RBS and Helix factor parameters:

1. From the main window, press the Setup button.
2. From the OTDR Setup window, go to the Acquisition tab.
3. Use the up or down arrow located on the side of the wavelength box to
select the desired wavelength.
Wavelength to
which settings
will be applied
IMPORTANT
Change the default RBS coefficient only if you have actual values
provided by the fiber manufacturer. If you set this parameter
incorrectly, your reflectance measurements will be inaccurate.
4. Select the default settings by pressing Default. When the application
prompts you, answer Yes only if you want to apply the new settings to
all wavelengths.
OR
Enter your own values in the appropriate boxes, for each available
wavelength.
Note: You cannot define a different Helix factor for each wavelength. This value
takes into account the difference between the length of the cable and the
length of the fiber inside the cable; it does not vary with wavelengths.
Mini-OTDR
55

Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width and Acquisition Time
Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width and

Acquisition Time
Distance: corresponds to the distance range of the fiber span to be

tested according to the selected measurement unis (see Selecting the
Measurement Unit on page 115).
Changing the distance range alters the available settings of the pulse
width and leaves only the settings available for the specified range. You
can select either one of the predefined values or the Auto option.
If your OTDR model is FTB-7000D or later, you can customize the
available distance range values (see Customizing the Acquisition
Distance Range Values on page 62).
If you select Auto, the application will evaluate the fiber length and set
the acquisition parameters accordingly.
Pulse: corresponds to the pulse width for the test. A longer pulse
allows to probe further down the fiber, but results in less resolution. A
shorter pulse width provides higher resolution, but less distance range.
The available distance ranges and pulse widths depend on your OTDR
model.
Note: Not all pulse widths are compatible with all distance ranges.
You can select either one of the predefined values or the Auto option.
If you select Auto, the application will evaluate the fiber type and length
and set the acquisition parameters accordingly.
Note: If you deactivate the Same Pulse Value for all Wavelengths option (see
Using the Same Pulse or Acquisition Time for All Wavelengths on page 53),
the Pulse dial is replaced by boxes (one per wavelength).
56
FTB-100B

Time: corresponds to the acquisition duration (period during which

results will be averaged). Generally, longer acquisition times generate
cleaner traces (this is especially true with long-distance traces)
because as the acquisition time increases, more of the noise is
averaged out. This averaging increases the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
and the OTDRs ability to detect small events.
The time settings will also determine how the timer displayed in the
toolbar counts time during testing (see Understanding the Timer on
page 61).
Note: If you deactivate the Same Time Value for all Wavelengths option (see
Using the Same Pulse or Acquisition Time for All Wavelengths on page 53),
the Time dial is replaced by boxes (one per wavelength).
If the predefined values do not suit your needs, you can customize one
or all of them. For more information, see Customizing the Acquisition
Time Values on page 64
In addition to the displayed values, the following time modes are
available:
Real: used to immediately view changes in the fiber under test. In

this mode, the SNR of the trace is lower than in Custom mode and
the trace is refreshed instead of averaged until you press Stop.
You can alternate between real mode and averaging time interval
mode while an acquistion is in progress.
Mini-OTDR
Auto: If you select Auto, the application will use the autorange
acquisition time that you have previously defined (see Setting the
Autorange Acquisition Time on page 52). It will also evaluate the
fiber type and length and set the acquisition parameters
accordingly.
57

The following table shows how the distance range, pulse width and
acquisition time are set for each test mode.
Test mode
Auto
Behavior
The OTDR selects the pulse width and distance
range optimized for the fiber under test as well as a

standard acquisition time.
The application uses the evaluated parameters for
all subsequent acquisitions on the same link,

thereby saving time for each fiber.
When you start testing another link, you can reset
these parameters by pressing Reset in the Test

Settings section of the OTDR tab. For more
information, see Testing Fibers in Auto Mode on
page 75.
Template OTDR mode
The acquisition parameters used are the ones that
Advanced OTDR mode
The distance range, pulse width and acquisition
were set when acquiring the reference trace. For

more information, see Testing Fibers in Template
Mode on page 89.
time are set with the controls in the OTDR pane.
For more information, see Testing Fibers in
Advanced Mode on page 83.
Note: Distance range, pulse width and acquisition time are indicated in the Trace
Info. pane.
You can use the same distance range, pulse width and acquisition time
parameters for testing at all wavelengths on a multiwavelength OTDR
module.
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FTB-100B

To set the parameters:

From the OTDR tab,
Press the dial corresponding to the parameter you wish to set (the
selection marker will move clockwise) .
OR
Press directly on the value to move the selection marker immediately

to that value.
Distance dial
Pulse dial
or list boxes
Time dial
or list
boxes
If you want to use the same values for all wavelengths of a

multiwavelength module, see Using the Same Pulse or Acquisition Time for
All Wavelengths on page 53.
Mini-OTDR
59

Enabling the High-Resolution Feature
Enabling the High-Resolution Feature

Note: You can use high resolution with any test mode, but you must be in
Advanced mode to select it. In Template mode, you will have to acquire the
reference trace using high resolution. This way, all subsequent acquisitions
will use this option automatically. For more information on parameter
definition, see Setting Parameters in Advanced Mode on page 47.
If your OTDRs model is FTB-7000D or later, you can select the
high-resolution option to obtain more data points per acquisition. This way,
the data points will be closer to each other, which will result in a greater
distance resolution for the trace.
To enable the high-resolution feature:
From the main window, select the OTDR tab. Select the High Resolution
Acquisition box.
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FTB-100B

Understanding the Timer
Understanding the Timer

Once the acquisition has begun, a timer is displayed on the right-hand side
of the screen, indicating the time remaining in the test.
The timer counts down to indicate the time remaining until next
acquisition.
If the time on the Time dial is increased during the acquisition, the
timer will update the countdown.
If the value on the Distance or Pulse dial is modified during the

acquisition, the timer is reset.
Time dial
Mini-OTDR
Timer
61

Customizing the Acquisition Distance Range Values
Customizing the Acquisition Distance Range

Values
Note: This function is available in Advanced mode only. For more information on
parameters definition, see Setting Parameters in Advanced Mode on
page 47.
If your OTDRs model is FTB-7000D or later, you can customize one or all of
the values associated with the Distance dial of the main window. Once the
customization is complete, you are ready to set the distance range value
for your test. For more information, see Setting Distance Range, Pulse
Width and Acquisition Time on page 56.
Note: The Auto value cannot be modified.
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FTB-100B

Customizing the Acquisition Distance Range Values
To customize the distance range values:

1. From the main window, select OTDR Setup, then the Acquisition tab.
2. From the Distance list, select the value you want to modify (the value
will become highlighted), then press the Edit button.
Note: You can revert to factory values by pressing the Default button.
3. In the displayed dialog box, enter the new value and confirm with OK.
Mini-OTDR
63

Customizing the Acquisition Time Values

page 47.
You can customize one or all of the values associated with the Time (s)
dial of the main window. The acquisition time values represent the time
during which the OTDR will average acquisitions.
Note: The Auto and Real values cannot be modified.

The acquisition time value represents the time during which the OTDR will
average acquisitions.
You can customize the acquisition time to improve the signal-to-noise ratio
(SNR) of the trace and enhance the detection of low-level events. The SNR
improves by a factor of two (or 3 dB) each time the acquisition time is
increased by a factor of four.
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FTB-100B

To customize the acquisition time values:

1. From the main window, select OTDR Setup, then the Acquisition tab.
2. From the Time list, select the value you want to modify (the value will
become highlighted), then press the Edit button.
Note: You can revert to factory values by pressing the Default button.
3. In the displayed dialog box, enter the new value and confirm with OK.
Mini-OTDR
65

Setting Analysis Parameters

The OTDR trace acquisition procedure will be completed by the analysis.
You can either choose to automatically analyze each trace immediately
after the acquisition, or perform the analysis whenever suits you best.
You can set the following analysis parameters for the OTDR:
analysis after acquisition
splice loss, reflectance and end-of-fiber thresholds
default fiber span
Enabling or Disabling Analysis After Acquisition

Note: This function is not available offline. You can set the automatic trace
analysis function only in Advanced OTDR mode. With the Automatic OTDR
mode, automatic trace analysis cannot be deactivated.
Enable or disable analysis after acquisition according to your specific
testing needs.
You can also set a default fiber span, which will be applied during the
analysis of all traces to display test results. For details, see Setting a Default
Span Start and Span End on page 73.
When the analysis process is disabled, the Event table of a newly acquired
trace will be empty. To generate the Event table, see Analyzing or
Reanalyzing a Trace on page 129).
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FTB-100B

To enable or disable the analysis after trace acquisition:

1. From the main window, press OTDR Setup.
2. From the OTDR Setup window, go to the Analysis tab.
3. If you want the OTDR to automatically analyze an acquired trace,
select the Analyze Data Automatically after Acquisition box.
If you clear the Analyze Data Automatically after Acquisition box, the
trace will be saved without being analyzed.
Note: By default, traces are automatically analyzed as they are acquired.

Mini-OTDR
67

Setting the Analysis Detection Thresholds

page 47.
To optimize event detection, analysis detection thresholds can be set. You
can set these thresholds for a number of purposes:
Splice loss threshold: To display or hide small non-reflective events.
Reflectance threshold: To hide false reflective events generated by

noise, transform non-harmful reflective events into loss events, or
detect reflective events that could be harmful to network and other
fiber-optic equipment.
End-of-fiber threshold: To stop the analysis as soon as an important

event loss occurs; e.g., an event that could compromise signal
transmission toward the end of a network.
IMPORTANT
The end-of-fiber (EoF) threshold that you define will also be used in
Automatic OTDR mode and in Advanced OTDR mode if you let the
application evaluate the acquisition settings.
If you set this threshold, an EoF event will be inserted at the first
event for which the loss crosses the threshold. The application will
then use this EoF event to determine the acquisition settings.
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FTB-100B

To set the analysis detection thresholds:

2. From the OTDR Setup window, select the Analysis tab.
3. Under Detection Threshold Analysis, set the parameters.
Enter the desired values in the appropriate boxes.

OR
Under Parameters, select the default settings by pressing Default.

The analysis detection thresholds that you have just set are applied to all
newly acquired traces, as well as to trace re-analysis.
Note: Analysis thresholds are only recorded in the trace during analysis. For traces
acquired, but not yet analyzed, you can change the analysis detection
thresholds in the OTDR test application before performing the analysis.
Mini-OTDR
69

The following examples show how different splice-loss threshold levels

can affect the number of displayed events, especially small non-reflective
events such as those caused by two splices. Three traces are shown,
corresponding to three threshold level settings.
Event location
Threshold at 0.05 dB
With the threshold set to 0.05 dB, two events are displayed at distances
corresponding to the location of the first and second splices.
Threshold at 0.1 dB
Only the first splice is displayed, as the threshold is set to 0.1 dB and
the second splice loss is lower than 0.1 dB.
Threshold at 0.15 dB
The first two splices are not displayed, as the threshold is set to 0.15 dB
and the first and second splice losses are lower than 0.15 dB.
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FTB-100B

Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds

Your Mini-OTDR allows you to set Pass/Fail threshold parameters for your
tests.
The loss, reflectance and attenuation thresholds that you set are applied to
all events where such values can be measured. Setting these thresholds
allows you either to ignore events with known lower values, or to ensure
that all events are detectedeven the ones for which very small values are
measured.
The following table provides the default, minimum and maximum
thresholds.
Test
Default
Minimum
Maximum
Splice and connector loss (dB)
0.015
0.015
5.000
Reflectance (dB)
45.00
80.0
0.0
Fiber section attenuation (dB/km)
0.000
0.00
5.000
Once the thresholds are set, the application will be able to perform
Pass/Fail tests to determine the status of the various events (pass, warning,
fail).
The Pass/Fail test is performed on two occasions:
when analyzing or reanalyzing a trace
at the reloading of a trace
The application also displays asterisks to mark events for which the
measured value is greater than the predefined thresholds in the Event
table. The failed values appear in red (on color screens).
You can also set the application to display pass/fail messages when the
Pass/Fail test is performed.
Mini-OTDR
71

To set pass/fail thresholds:

1. From the main window, select OTDR Setup, then the Event Table tab.
2. Select the Mark Faults in Event Table box. The other boxes become
available.
3. Enterthe desired values in the appropriate fields.

4. If you want the application to display messages when events fail the
test, select Display Pass/Fail Message.
5. PressExit OTDR Setupto return to the main window.
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Setting a Default Span Start and Span End

By default, the span start and span end of a fiber are assigned to the first
event (the launch level event) and the last event (often a non-reflective or
reflective end event) of a trace, respectively.
You can change the default fiber span that will be applied during the initial
trace analysis.
You can set the span start and span end on a particular event or at a certain
distance value from the beginning or end of the trace.
In the application, the number of available events is preset to 10 and,

therefore, does not reflect the number of events actually displayed on
the fiber span.
If you select an event number greater than the total number of events
available, the span event is reset to the beginning or end of the trace.
After you have set a distance value for a span event, the application
searches for a nearby event. If it finds one, the span event is assigned to
that event, rather than at the exact distance you have set.
Consequently, the span may start or end at a distance slightly different
than the value you entered.
Changes to the span start and span end will modify the contents of the
Event table. The span start becomes Event 1 and its distance reference
becomes 0. Events excluded from the fiber span are grayed out in the
Event table, and do not appear in the trace display. The cumulative loss is
calculated within the defined fiber span only.
Note: You can also change the fiber span of a single trace after the analysis and
re-analyze the trace (see Analyzing or Reanalyzing a Trace on page 129).
However, if you want to keep working with the original parameters, you
must reenter them. Otherwise, the modified parameters will be applied to
all newly acquired traces.
Mini-OTDR
73

To change the default span start and span end for traces:
2. From the OTDR Setup window, go to the Analysis tab.
3. If you want to set the span start and end with a distance value, under
Span Start and Span End, select the Set in Distance option.
Go to the Position box and enter the desired value, using the distance
unit displayed to the right of the field.
Under Span End, select the option indicating whether the span end
position is from the fiber span start or from the end of fiber.
OR
If you want to set the span start and end with a distance value, under
Span Start and Span End, select the Set on Event option.
From the Event Number field, use the Up or Down arrow to select the
number of the event that you want to designate as span start or span
end.
The span event parameters are applied to all newly acquired traces.
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FTB-100B
Testing Fibers in Auto Mode

Acquiring Traces
Auto mode automatically evaluates fiber length, sets acquisition
parameters, acquires traces, and displays event tables and acquired traces.
In Automatic OTDR mode, you cannot set parameters directly. The
application uses the parameters defined in Advanced mode, with the
following exceptions:
analysis is automatically performed after acquisitions
the fiber span start is set to the launch level and the fiber span end is
set to end-of-fiber events on the trace
If you ever need to modify other parameters, you can go to Advanced

mode, change the desired parameters and return to Auto mode. For more
information, see Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode on page 83 and Setting
Up Your OTDR on page 45.
By default, in Automatic OTDR mode, all available test wavelengths are
selected. In the case of a single-wavelength OTDR, only that specific
wavelength is displayed.
Mini-OTDR
75

Acquiring Traces
In Auto mode, the application will automatically evaluate the best settings
according to the fiber link currently connected to the unit.
The pulse width will be determined using a factory-defined

signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) requirement specified where the
End-of-Fiber (EoF) event has been detected.
The EoF event detection algorithm uses the end-of-fiber threshold
defined in the Analysis tab of the application setup (for more
information, see Setting Analysis Parameters on page 66). If you are not
sure about the right value to choose, revert to the factory default value
for this parameter.
The range will then be set automatically. This optimum value may
differ from the values currently associated with the Distance dial of the
main window. In this case, the application will add the required
value and mark it with a * symbol.
The application uses the acquisition time defined in the Acquisition

tab of the application setup (for more information, see Setting the
Autorange Acquisition Time on page 52). The default value is 15
seconds. Longer acquisition time gives better OTDR results.
This evaluation takes less than 5 seconds. If you interrupt it, no data will be
displayed. The remaining time (see Understanding the Timer on page 61)
and the acquisition settings you selected are indicated in the Status
section.
Once the parameters have been evaluated, the test application starts
acquiring the trace. The trace display is continually updated.
Note: You can interrupt the acquisition at any time by pressing Stop. If you do so,
the OTDR displays all the information acquired to that point.
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FTB-100B

Acquiring Traces
Once the acquisition is complete or interrupted by pressing Stop (if the

acquisition lasted at least five seconds), the analysis starts.
Once the acquired trace is analyzed, it is displayed on the screen and the
events appear in the Event pane at the bottom of the window. For more
information, see Analyzing Traces and Events on page 103.
Trace
display
Event
tab
The application will also display status messages if you have selected to
display pass/fail messages. For more information, see Setting Pass/Fail
Thresholds on page 71.
Mini-OTDR
77

Acquiring Traces
You can save the trace after analysis. If former results have not been saved
yet, the application prompts you to save them before launching a new
acquisition.
IMPORTANT
For more information on the various test modes, see Test Modes on page 6.
To acquire traces in Auto mode:
1. Clean the connectors properly (see Cleaning and Connecting Optical
Fibers on page 46).
2. Connect a fiber to the OTDR port.
CAUTION
OTDR module.
78
FTB-100B

Acquiring Traces
3. Before starting the Automatic OTDR mode, if necessary, set the

autorange acquisition time (see Setting the Autorange Acquisition Time
on page 52).
4. From the Main Menu window, start the Automatic OTDR mode (for
more information, see Launching the OTDR Application on page 31).
5. If desired, activate the fault finder feature (see Activating or
Deactivating the Fault Finder Features on page 81).
Note: Normally, you do not have to activate the fault finder feature if you already
have activated it in a previous test session.
6. From the main window, select the OTDR tab. Select the boxes
corresponding to the desired test wavelength(s).
Note: At least one wavelength must be selected.
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79

Acquiring Traces
7. Press Start to begin the acquisition.

Note: Fiber characteristics are evaluated only once per session. Other fibers you
connect to, within the same cable, will be tested using the same settings. If
you want to reset these settings, press Reset in the OTDR tab.
Once the parameters have been evaluated, the test application starts
acquiring the trace.
8. Once the analysis is complete, save the trace by pressing Quick Save
in the button bar.
8a. If necessary, change the folder to which the file will be saved by
pressing the Location button. For more information, see
Changing the Storage Path on page 50.
8b. If necessary, specify a filename.
IMPORTANT
If you specify the name of an exisiting trace, the original file will be
overwritten and only the new file will be available.
Press OK to confirm.
Note: You cannot save the results if you deactivated the storage and print features
(see Activating or Deactivating the Fault Finder Features on page 81).
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FTB-100B

Activating or Deactivating the Fault Finder Features
Activating or Deactivating the Fault Finder

Features
The application offers you a special testing feature to rapidly locate fiber
ends. This could be particularly useful if you want to perform a quick test
without having to save and/or print the results.
The application can also display a message indicating the length of the
fiber under test and highlight the corresponding value in the Event table. If
you are testing more than one wavelength, all information will be displayed
in a single message.
The test procedure remains similar to the usual test performed in Auto
mode.
By default, the save and print options are available and no message is
displayed to indicate the fiber length.
Note: Since the application keeps your settings in memory, normally, you only
have to activate the fault finder features once.
Mini-OTDR
81

Activating or Deactivating the Fault Finder Features
To activate or deactivate the fault finder features:

1. From the Main Menu window, select Automatic OTDR, then select
OTDR Setup.
2. Under Fault Finder, select the box(es) corresponding to the desired
behavior.
OR
If you want to revert the application to its default behavior, clear the
boxes.
3. Press Exit OTDR Setup.
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FTB-100B
Testing Fibers in Advanced

Mode
Advanced mode offers all the tools needed to perform integral OTDR tests
and measurements manually and gives the user control over all test
parameters.
Note: Many parameters can only be set if you select Advanced mode first. They
are identified as such in this user documentation. After the settings are
complete, you can simply return to the test mode you prefer.
By default, in Advanced OTDR mode, all available test wavelengths are
selected. In the case of a single-wavelength OTDR, only that specific
wavelength is displayed.
In this mode, you can either set the acquisition parameters yourself or let
the application determine the most appropriate values.
In the latter case, the application will automatically evaluate the best
settings according to the fiber link currently connected to the unit:
The pulse width will be determined using a factory-defined

signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) requirement specified where the
End-of-Fiber (EoF) event has been detected.
The EoF event detection algorithm uses the end-of-fiber threshold
defined in the Analysis tab of the application setup (for more
information, see Setting Analysis Parameters on page 66). If you are not
sure about the right value to choose, revert to the factory default value
for this parameter.
Mini-OTDR
The range will then be set automatically. This optimum value may
differ from the values currently associated with the Distance dial of the
main window. In this case, the application will add the required
value and mark it with a * symbol.
The application uses the acquisition time defined in the Acquisition

tab of the application setup (for more information, see Setting the
Autorange Acquisition Time on page 52). The default value is 15
seconds. Longer acquisition time gives better OTDR results.
83
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Even if the application sets the acquisition parameters, you can modify
these values as needed, even while the acquisition is in progress. The
OTDR simply restarts the averaging each time a modification is made.
Note: You can interrupt the acquisition at any time by pressing Stop. If you do so,
the OTDR displays all the information acquired to that point.
Once the acquisition is complete or if it is interrupted by pressing Stop (if
the acquisition lasted at least five seconds), the analysis starts, if enabled.
Once the acquired trace is analyzed, it is displayed on the screen and the
events appear in the Event pane at the bottom of the window. For more
information, see Analyzing Traces and Events on page 103.
Trace
display
Event
tab
The application will also display pass/fail messages if you have selected
this option. For more information, see Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds on
page 71.
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FTB-100B
acquisition.
IMPORTANT
For more information on the various test modes, see Test Modes on page 6.
To acquire traces:
Fibers on page 46).
CAUTION
OTDR module.
Mini-OTDR
85
3. From the Main Menu window, start the Advanced OTDR mode (for
4. If you want the application to provide automatic acquisition values, set
the autorange acquisition time (see Setting the Autorange Acquisition
Time on page 52).
5. If you want to set the acquisition parameters yourself, if necessary, set
a custom acquisition time (see Customizing the Acquisition Time
Values on page 64).
6. If you want to set the acquisition parameters yourself, if necessary, set
a custom distance range (see Customizing the Acquisition Distance
Range Values on page 62).
7. If you want to set your own IOR, RBS coefficient or Helix factor, see
Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and Helix Factor on page 54.
8. If you want to test in high resolution, enable the feature before
proceeding (see Enabling the High-Resolution Feature on page 60).
9. From the main window, select the OTDR tab. Select the boxes
corresponding to the desired test wavelength(s).
Note: At least one wavelength must be selected.
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FTB-100B
10. If you want the application to provide automatic acquisition values,

move either the Distance, Pulse or Time dial to the Auto position. The
other dials are automatically set accordingly.
OR
If you prefer to set the parameters manually, move the Distance, Pulse
and Time dials to the desired value. For more information, see Setting
Distance Range, Pulse Width and Acquisition Time on page 56.
If you want to apply the same parameters to all wavelengths, see Using
the Same Pulse or Acquisition Time for All Wavelengths on page 53
Note: Pulse and Time dials are replaced by list boxes when the Same Pulse for
All Wavelengths and the Same Time for All Wavelengths options are
deactivated. The Auto setting is also available from these list boxes.
11. Press Start to begin the acquisition.
Mini-OTDR
87
in the button bar.
12a.If necessary, change the folder to which the file will be saved by
12b.If necessary, specify a filename.
IMPORTANT
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FTB-100B
Testing Fibers in Template

Mode
Template mode allows you to test fibers and compare them to a reference
trace that was previously acquired and analyzed.
Template Principle
Cables contain numerous fibers. Theoretically, on all these fibers, you will
find the same events at the same location (due to connectors, splices,
etc.). Template mode allows you to test these fibers one after the other
quickly and efficiently and ensures that no event remains undetected.
The Template mode concept is to acquire a reference trace (template),
add information and comments on the current job, then save the trace.
For a more accurate reference trace, you can update it with new events
that may occur during the first acquisitions (up to fifteen).
The test application will flag possible problems and discrepancies between
the reference trace and other traces.
Each new acquisition will be compared to the reference trace and the
software will mark and measure any missing event.
If the reference trace was created with the ToolBox software on an
FTB-400 Universal Test System or a computer, the event-related comments
inserted in the reference trace, as well as the reference trace report, are
automatically copied to subsequent traces.
Note: You cannot add comments to events or to a reference trace with the
FTB-100B Mini-OTDR.
Mini-OTDR
89
Testing Fibers in Template Mode

Template Principle
acquisition.
IMPORTANT
Template mode can be used online on an unlimited number of traces, as
long as you have at least one reference trace. Thus, you can use Template
mode to automate trace acquisition.
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FTB-100B

Restrictions of Template Mode

To speed up trace acquisition in Template mode, certain restrictions apply.
The parameters used to acquire the reference trace are automatically

applied when acquiring subsequent traces (including the
high-resolution option, when applicable).
The reference trace and subsequent traces must be acquired using

identical wavelength(s), but pulse settings can be adjacent and still be
accepted.
The OTDR that you intend to use must support at least one wavelength
that was used to acquire the reference trace.
The reference trace and subsequent traces (or recalled traces) must
respect the following criteria:
Item
Pulse width
To be valid...
Must be:
trace pulse-
Reference
--------------------------------------------------------- Current trace pulse
OR
Current trace pulse ( Reference trace pulse 4 )
Mini-OTDR
91

Item
Pulse width
To be valid...
This would also be valid:
trace pulse-
Current
--------------------------------------------------
Reference trace pulse
4
OR
Reference trace pulse ( Current trace pulse 4 )
Fiber types
Compare singlemode traces with singlemode traces.

Compare multimode traces with multimode traces.
Number of
events
Traces must have at least two events (span start and span end) and a
fiber section.
Acquisition
mode
Trace must not be acquired in Real mode (see Setting Distance

Range, Pulse Width and Acquisition Time on page 56).
Wavelengths
Reference wavelengths and subsequent (or reloaded) traces

wavelengths must be identical.
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FTB-100B

Processing Traces Online vs. Offline
Processing Traces Online vs. Offline

With the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR, you can use Create Ref./Template mode
only while you are online.
To analyze or view traces offline, you must use ToolBox on an FTB-400
Universal Test System or computer. For more information, refer to the
FTB-7000B/FTB-70000C Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Series user
guide.
You can also use the Batch Processor to analyze traces. For more
information, refer to the Batch Processor user guide.
The main difference between online and offline operations is that while
online, you acquire the traces as you go along and while offline, the traces
you use are already stored on disk, and applying the span length option is
not mandatory.
Mini-OTDR
93

Acquiring the Reference Trace

You must acquire a reference trace to be used as a template before you
activate Reference Creation/Template mode.
To acquire the trace to be used as a template:
Fibers on page 46).
CAUTION
OTDR module.
3. Acquire a trace in Auto or Advanced test mode. If you want to test
using high resolution, you will have to select this option before
acquiring the reference trace. For more information, see Testing Fibers
in Auto Mode on page 75 or Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode on
page 83.
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FTB-100B

4. Generate the report by pressing the Report button (for more

information, see Creating and Printing Trace Reports on page 155). If
necessary, define the span start and end (see Analyzing the Fiber on a
Specific Fiber Span on page 131).
in the button bar.
IMPORTANT
Note: For easier management, you can name the reference trace as the cable
name and set the autonaming function to include both the cable name and
fiber number (for more information, see Naming Trace Files Automatically
on page 47).
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95

Acquiring Traces in Template Mode

To acquire traces in Create Ref./Template OTDR mode, your reference
trace must already be loaded in the application.
If desired, you can update the reference trace with the new events that
could be found to generate a more accurate trace.
The application will automatically switch to the Template mode after the
reference updating (Create Reference) is complete. The reference
updating is complete after the number of acquisitions (up to fifteen) is
reached.
The application allows you to either:
Consider only the events already indicated in the reference trace and
ignore any other event occurring on the current trace.
Keep all the events on the current trace, whether they are in the
reference trace or not (you can delete them later. The Delete Event
button will be available for every new event from the Event Table tab
in the main window).
Confirm, for each newly detected event, if this event will be:
added to the reference trace. The application will update all

previous acquisitions with the new information.
For example, if an event occurred on the sixth acquisition, the
application would update traces 1 through 5.
Note: You can only add events to the reference trace during reference updating.
96
deleted from the new trace
kept in the current trace (but not copied to previous or future

traces)
FTB-100B

To acquire traces in Create Ref./Template OTDR mode:

1. Once you have acquired your reference trace, entered your comments,
and created a report, start the Create Ref./Template OTDR mode (for
1a. From the Create Ref./Template OTDR main window, press OTDR
Setup.
1b. Select the Create Ref./Template tab.
1c. If necessary, select Create Reference to update your reference

trace for the next acquisitions.
This mode will use the first traces (up to fifteen, or less, if you
decide to stop the process manually) to continue compiling
events and updating the previous traces accordingly.
Note: You can disable the mode by clearing the Create Reference box between
two acquisitions.
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97

IMPORTANT
Once the first 15 acquisitions have been performed, or if you
deactivate the Create Reference mode manually, the only way to
reactivate it will be to close the application and start a new Create
Ref./Template mode acquisition.
1d. Set the CreateRef./Template mode option you want to use on the
current trace acquisition: use reference events, all newly detected
events or confirm everytime whether or not to add the new event
to the current trace.
1e. Press Exit OTDR Setup to return to main window.
2. When the application prompts you, select the trace you want to use as
the reference trace. If you do not select it immediately, you will have to
select it manually before launching your test (see Selecting a Reference
Trace on page 101).
3. Press Start. Events from subsequent traces will automatically be
analyzed and measured.
Note: If you chose to keep all events, adding newly detected events to the
reference trace during the first acquisitions generates a more accurate
reference trace.
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If you have set the application to prompt you each time a new event is
found, the New Event Found dialog box appears to let you update the
reference trace.
Simply select the appropriate option.
Note: Previous traces will not be updated if the Create Reference Mode is not
active.
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99

in the button bar.
IMPORTANT
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FTB-100B

Selecting a Reference Trace

In Create Ref./Template OTDR mode, you can only select a file as a
reference trace. This operation is closely related to reloading a trace.
Note: Normally, the following procedure will only be useful if you did not select a
reference trace file when the Recall Reference Trace File dialog box
appeared during the activation of Create Ref./Template OTDR mode.
To select a reference trace:
1. From the Main Menu window, select Storage, then select the Recall
Template button.
2. If necessary, select the storage location from where you want to reload
the file. For more information, see Changing the Storage Path on
page 50.
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3. Select the file to be used as a reference and press OK.
The selected trace is automatically loaded.
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Analyzing Traces and Events

Once the acquired trace is analyzed, it appears in the trace display and the
events are displayed in the Event table at the bottom of the screen. The
trace display and Event table are explained in the following pages. You can
also re-analyze reloaded traces.
Reloading Trace Files

In Advanced OTDR mode, you can reload a trace as the main trace or the
reference trace.
You can reload both the main and reference trace at the same time. You
can open two triple-wavelength trace files simultaneously, each containing
three traces. A total of six traces are available: three for main traces and
three for reference.
In Automatic OTDR mode, you can reload a trace for viewing only.
Consequently, you cannot select a trace as main or reference trace.
Note: If you reload a trace acquired with a version of the application previous to
2.8R0, a message informs you that it will be resaved in the new format.
Note: You cannot reload bidirectional traces in the OTDR test application. Use the
Bidirectional Analysis utility instead (see Analyzing Bidirectional Traces on
page 177).
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103

The application can reload traces saved in different formats, but does not
necessarily allow all operations on them.
File format
File extension
Display
Modification Re-analysis
EXFO (ToolBox 6.21 and later)
.trc
FTB-100 version 2.8R0 and

later
.trc
FTB-100 version 2.7R4 and

earlier
.ftb100
For detailed information on compatibility between EXFOs file formats and

software versions, see OTDR Trace File Compatibility on page 144.
For information on the various criteria that are applied when loading traces
in Template mode, see Restrictions of Template Mode on page 91.
For information on how to navigate between traces, see Displaying or
Hiding a Trace on page 117.
To reload a trace:
2. From the Storage dialog box, select Recall File(s).
3. If necessary, change the location to retrieve the file that has been
stored. For more information, see Changing the Storage Path on
page 50.
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4. Scroll through the list of files in the Recall File(s) dialog box and select
a trace file to reload.
Name of the trace set

as the reference trace
5. If you are in Advanced OTDR mode, press the Select as Main Trace or
Select as Reference Trace button to indicate whether the selected
trace will be used as the main or the reference trace.
You can select another file from the list and press the appropriate
button to set the trace as the main or reference trace, according to your
needs.
6. Press OK. You return to the Storage dialog box.
If you had already acquired (but not stored) a trace, the application
prompts you to save the current trace (even if the trace is hidden).
Press Yes to store the trace. You can now reload another trace.
7. If necessary, specify which trace(s) should be displayed. For more
information, see Displaying or Hiding a Trace on page 117.
8. Press Close to return to the main window.
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Trace Display and Event Table Description

The application shows the analysis results both on a graph and in a table.
The events that are detailed in the Event table are marked by numbers
along the displayed trace.
Default
injection
level
Event
no. 6
Distance
unit
Marker A
Magnifying
glass
Event
table
Trace
editing
buttons
Scroll buttons
Some items in the trace display are always visible, while others will appear
only if you choose to display them or when you move from one pane or
another.
The blue rectangle on the Y axis (relative powers) indicates the proper
injection level range for the defined test pulse.
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Once the trace is acquired, you can change trace display parameters (such
as the grid and zoom window display). For more information, see Setting
Trace Display Parameters on page 113.
You can view all of the traces, in turn, in both the Trace Info pane and the
trace display with the navigation buttons. For more information, see
Displaying or Hiding a Trace on page 117.
When more than one trace is recalled in the OTDR test application, each
trace is displayed in a different color in the trace display (in shades of gray
for black and white screens). The colors are assigned dynamically
depending on the order in which the traces have been loaded into the
OTDR.
The contents of the graph changes according to the tab selected in the
main window.
Event tab: The application shows marker A or markers A and B on the

graph.
These markers pinpoint an event or a fiber section, depending on what
is selected in the Event table. You can move markers directly by
selecting an event in the Event table or on the graph. You can also drag
markers from one location to another on the graph.
The magnifying glass button is displayed in the bottom right corner of
the Event tab; it allows you to zoom in on an event selected in the
Event table. The Zoom window will not appear in the trace display
when the Event tab is selected.
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Measure tab: The application shows two, three or four markers: a, A,

B, and b, depending on which button you select from the
Measurements section. The application will also display a magnifying
glass icon if you select one of the zoom buttons.
These markers can be repositioned along the trace to calculate loss,
attenuation, reflectance, and optical return loss (ORL).
You can reposition all markers by using the controls in the Markers
section. You can drag them directly from the trace display. Selecting
marker A or B will move the a-A or B-b pair.
The zoom window will appear in the trace display when the Measure
tab is selected.
Trace Info. tab: The information about all the trace files (including the
reference) can be displayed.
The Event table lists all the events detected on the fiber. An event can be
defined as the point at which change in the transmission properties of light
can be measured. Events can consist of losses due to transmission, splices,
connectors or breaks. If the event is not within the established thresholds,
it is a fault.
If you press and hold the row corresponding to a specific event for a few
seconds, the application will display the name of this event.
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For each event listed in the Event table, information is displayed in the
following columns:
Type: Various symbols are used to describe different event types. For a
more detailed description of symbols, see Description of Event Types
on page 235.
No.: Event number (a sequential number assigned by the OTDR test

application) or, in parentheses, the length of a fiber section (the
distance between two events).
Loc.: Location; i.e., distance between the OTDR and the measured
event or between the event and the beginning of the fiber span.
Loss: Loss in dB for each event (calculated by the application).
Refl.: Reflectance measured at each reflective event along the fiber.
Att.: Attenuation (loss/distance) measured for each fiber section.
Cumul.: Cumulative loss from the trace span start to span end; the
running total is provided at the end of each event and fiber span.
Cumulative loss is calculated for the events displayed in the Event
table, excluding those that are hidden. For a more accurate link loss
value, refer to the loss measurement displayed in the Trace Info. tab.
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Locating Events in the Trace Display and Event Table
Locating Events in the Trace Display and Event

Table
You can view information about all detected events on a trace by scrolling
through the Event table. When selecting an event in the Event table,
marker A appears on the trace over the selected event. When the selected
event is a fiber section, this fiber section is delimited by two markers
(A and B). For more information on markers, see Using Markers on
page 133.
To quickly locate an event in the Event table:
Select the event on the trace. The list scrolls automatically to the event you
selected.
IMPORTANT
If you have configured the application to automatically close all
files except the reference file (see Clearing Traces from the Display
on page 119), only the channels being retested will remain on the
screen.
If you want to view all results, deactivate the automatic file-closing
option.
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Customizing the Event Table

This function is available in Advanced OTDR mode only. You can include or
exclude items from the Event table to better suit your needs.
Note: Hiding the fiber sections will not delete these items.
Fiber sections: You can display or hide fiber sections in the Event table
depending on the types of value you want to view.
For example, by hiding the fiber sections, you can obtain the running
total of connectors and splices loss instead of having a loss value for
the entire link.
Mini-OTDR
Launch level: In the event table, the Launch Level event is represented
by the
icon. In the Att. column, the injection level value for that
event is identified by the @ symbol. You can hide the injection level
value and symbol from the Att. column, but not the
icon.
You can set the application to include, when applicable, the losses
caused by the span start and span end events in the calculated values
appearing in the Event table.
111

To customize the Event table appearance:

1. From the OTDR Setup window, select the Event Table tab.
2. Select the boxes corresponding to the item you want to display or
include in the table.
OR
To hide them, clear the boxes.
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FTB-100B

Setting Trace Display Parameters

Once you have started the desired OTDR test mode (Automatic, Advanced,
or Template), you can change several trace display options:
the grid: You can choose to display or to hide the grid appearing on the
graphs background. By default, the grid is displayed.
the zoom window (Advanced and Template OTDR modes only): The
zoom window is displayed in the upper right-hand corner of the trace
display. It shows you which portion of the graph is being zoomed.
Note: The zoom window is only visible in the display when the Measure tab is
selected.
the filename in the trace display: By default, the filename is displayed

at the top of the trace display.
Zoom
window
Filename
Grid
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To set the trace display parameters:

1. From the main window, press the OTDR Setup button, then select the
General tab.
2. Select the boxes corresponding to the item you want to display on the
graph.
OR
To hide them, clear the boxes.
Changes will be applied once you exit the OTDR Setup window.
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Selecting the Measurement Unit

You can select the measurement unit that will be used throughout the
application, except for certain values such as the pulse and the
wavelength. By convention, these values are always expressed in meters
(nanometers in the case of the wavelength).
The default distance unit is the kilometer.
Unit used
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115

To select the unit of measurement for your display:

1. From the main window of the OTDR test application, select OTDR
Setup.
2. From the Setup window, select the General tab.
3. In the Distance Unit section, select the option corresponding to the
desired distance unit.
4. Press Exit OTDR Setup. You return to the main window and the newly
selected measurement unit appears everywhere units are used.
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Displaying or Hiding a Trace

Note: You cannot hide a trace in Template OTDR mode.
There are two ways of displaying or hiding traces in the OTDR test
application.
You can view, in turn, all the traces you have reloaded, including main
and reference traces, as well as multiwavelength traces.
You can select the fibers and the wavelengths (for multiwavelength
files) that will be available when using the navigation button. You can
also specify which trace will be displayed (current trace). By default,
the application takes the last item from the list of traces you have just
reloaded.
To display or hide traces in turn:

Press the Next Trace button to switch from one fiber to another or from
one wavelength to another (for multiwavelength files).
Navigation
button
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117

To specify which traces to display or hide:

2. Select the box(es) corresponding to the traces to display.

OR
Clear the box(es) to hide them.
Note: A hidden trace cannot be displayed with the navigation button. In
multiwavelength trace files, you can show or hide traces independently.
3. From the list of traces, select the row corresponding to the trace you
want to set as the current trace (the row will become highlighted) and
press the Set as Active Trace button. The trace will turn black in the
display to indicate that it was selected.
Note: In Template mode, since only one trace can be selected at a time in
multiwavelength trace files, the Set as Active Trace button is not available.
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FTB-100B

Clearing Traces from the Display
Clearing Traces from the Display

Note: This function is available in Advanced OTDR mode only.
Note: Clearing traces from the display does not delete them from the disk.
Although the test application automatically reloads the last traces used, you
can clear the screen and start new acquisitions. Also, if a trace (main or
reference) you acquired does not meet your requirements, you can clear
that trace and start over.
To clear traces from the display:
2. From the Storage dialog box, press Clear Main or Clear Reference.
If you had already acquired or modified (but not stored) some traces, a
warning message appears for each trace (even if the trace is hidden)
asking you if you want to save it or not. Press Yes to save the trace.
3. Press Close to return to the main window. You can now acquire a new
trace. For more information, see Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode on
page 83.
Note: You can always overwrite an existing main trace, but not a reference trace.
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Setting Zoom Options

You can set two options for the zoom controls:
Reset the zoom automatically on trace acquisition.
Automatically zoom in on the defined fiber span after trace analysis or

when recalling a trace.
Resetting the Zoom Automatically

You can reset the zoom controls to full-trace view when acquiring or
recalling a trace. By default, this option is selected.
To reset the zoom automatically to full-trace view:
1. From the main window, press the OTDR Setup button.
2. From the OTDR Setup window, select the General tab.
3. Under Zoom Options,
Select Reset Zoom Automatically to reset the zoom controls to
full-trace view when a trace is acquired or recalled.
OR
Deselect Reset Zoom Automatically to leave the zoom level as is in the
trace display when a trace is acquired or recalled.
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FTB-100B

Automatically Zooming in on the Fiber Span

You can set the trace display to show only the span start to the span end of
the trace in full-trace view. The view in the trace display will be reset when
you recall or select another trace, or after trace analysis. By default, this
option is not selected.
To automatically zoom in on the fiber span:
1. From the main window, press the OTDR Setup button.
2. From the OTDR Setup window, select the General tab.
3. Under Zoom Options,
Select Zoom Automatically on Defined Fiber Span to automatically
zoom on the fiber span in the trace display when a trace is recalled or
selected, or after trace analysis.
OR
Deselect Zoom Automatically on Defined Fiber Span to leave the
zoom level as is in the trace display when a trace is recalled or
selected, or after trace analysis.
Note: Zoom Automatically on Defined Fiber Span is active only when in full
-race view, not when you have zoomed in on a trace.
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121

Using Zoom Controls
Using Zoom Controls

Use the zoom controls to change the scale of the trace display. When the
scale changes, the trace display is always centered in the area that you
defined with the zoom box. From the Event tab, you can also quickly zoom
in on or out of the selected event.
To zoom in on the trace:
1. Press the
button.
2. Use the zoom box to define the zooming area.
Zoom box.
On-screen
instructions
for using the
zoom box.
Drag the zoom box to the desired location.
Note: You can move the zoom box outside of the area shown in the trace display,
but not outside of the trace display boundaries.
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FTB-100B

Using Zoom Controls
Drag the zoom box handles to delimit the desired zoom area.The
coordinates are displayed in the lower portion of the trace display.
Note: You can zoom in on the horizontal and vertical scale independently.
Note: If you define the zoom area to the maximum permitted value and try to
zoom in, the application will automatically zoom out instead.
3. Press OK to zoom in or Cancel to exit the zoom function.
To zoom out of a trace:
Simply press the
button as many times as needed.
To revert to the complete graph view:

Press the
button.
To automatically zoom in on the selected event:

1. From the main window, go to the Event tab.
2. From the Event table, select the desired event.
3. Press the
Mini-OTDR
button to zoom in. Press the button again to zoom out.
123

Viewing and Modifying Current Trace Parameters
Viewing and Modifying Current Trace

Parameters
You can view the trace parameters and modify them to your convenience.
Note: Parameter modification is only possible in Advanced OTDR mode.
You can modify the index of refraction (IOR), Rayleigh backscatter (RBS)
coefficient and Helix factor for the displayed trace.
These modifications alter the displayed traces. These settings will also be
used when you re-analyze the trace. However, if you want to modify the
parameters that will be used for future acquisitions, see Setting the IOR,
RBS Coefficient and Helix Factor on page 54 .
To view or change trace parameters:
Press the Trace Info. tab.
Trace name
(Main or
Reference)
Trace information
Fiber settings information
Note: Even if more than one trace is available for display in the OTDR test
application, only one is shown at a time in the Trace Info. tab. To display
the traces in turn, press Next Trace in the toolbar. The active trace appears
in black in the trace display.
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These parameters are displayed in the following order:
Mini-OTDR
Filename: Name of the trace file.
Date (yyy-mm-dd): Date of the acquisition.
Wavelength: Test wavelength and type of fiber used: SM (singlemode)

or MM (multimode).
Pulse: Pulse width used to perform the acquisition.
Time: Duration (either in minutes or seconds) of the acquisition.
Span Length: Measured length of the total fiber span between span
start and span end.
Total Loss: Total measured loss of the fiber between span start and
span end.
Average Loss: Average loss of the total fiber span, indicated as a

function of distance.
Average Splice Loss: Average of all non-reflective events between

span start and span end.
Helix Factor: Helix for the displayed trace. If you modify this
parameter, the trace distance measurements will be adjusted.
IOR: Refraction index of the displayed trace. If you modify this

parameter, the distance measurements for the trace will be adjusted.
Backscatter: Rayleigh backscatter coefficient setting of the displayed

trace. If you modify this parameter, the reflectance and ORL
measurements for the trace will be adjusted.
Splice Detection: Current setting for detecting small non-reflective

events during trace analysis.
Refl. Detection: Current setting for detecting small reflective events

during trace analysis.
End-of-Fiber Det.: Current setting for detecting important event loss

that could compromise signal transmission during trace analysis.
125

To modify the IOR, RBS coefficient and Helix factor parameters:

1. From the main window, select the Trace Info..
Press the Fiber Settings button.

Enter the desired values for the current trace in the appropriate boxes.
OR
If you want to revert a particular item to its default value, press the
Default button appearing next to this item.
Press OK to apply the changes.You return to the main window.
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FTB-100B

Deleting Events
Deleting Events
Almost any event can be deleted from the Event table, except:
end of analysis
fiber section
launch level
end of fiber
span start
span end
Note: The End of fiber event indicates the span end that was set for the first
analysis of the trace, not the span end assigned to another event or
distance from the span end in the Analysis tab.
Mini-OTDR
Pass/Fail test: sends a message if thresholds (set for the event notifier)
are exceeded (see Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds on page 71).
Storage dialog box: retains the position of previously loaded file

(see Managing Trace Files from the OTDR Test Application on
page 143).
127

Deleting Events
To delete an event:
1. Locate the event you want to delete (see Locating Events in the Trace
Display and Event Table on page 110).
IMPORTANT
The only way to recover deleted items is to re-analyze the trace,
as you would do for a new trace. For more information, see
Analyzing or Reanalyzing a Trace on page 129.
2. Select Delete Event. When the application prompts you, press Yes to
confirm the deletion, or No to keep the event.
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FTB-100B

Analyzing or Reanalyzing a Trace

You can analyze a displayed trace at any time. Analyzing or reanalyzing a
trace will:
produce an Event table for a trace, if there was none (e.g., the Analyze
Data Automatically after Acquisition option was not selected) (see
Enabling or Disabling Analysis After Acquisition on page 66).
re-analyze a trace acquired with a previous version of the software.
recreate the original Event table if it was modified.
perform a Pass/Fail test, if enabled (for more information, see Setting

Pass/Fail Thresholds on page 71).
If you prefer to focus your analysis on a specific fiber span, see Analyzing
the Fiber on a Specific Fiber Span on page 131.
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129

To analyze or re-analyze a trace:

1. From the main window, go to the Event tab.
2. Press the Analyze Trace button.
3. From the Re-Analyze Trace dialog box, select an option for setting the
span start and end markers on the trace. On the first analysis, this
dialog box is not displayed and the default span start and end are
applied (See Setting a Default Span Start and Span End on page 73).
Keep Current Span Delimiter Positions applies the current fiber

span upon trace re-analysis.
Reset Span Delimiters Positions applies the fiber span defined in

the OTDR Setup upon trace re-analysis.
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Analyzing the Fiber on a Specific Fiber Span

If you want to focus your fiber analysis on a specific fiber span, you can
define events (new or existing) as a span start and/or span end.
Note: You can set a default span start and end, which will be applied during the
first analysis or re-analysis performed upon trace acquisition.
To change the fiber span of a trace:
Follow the same procedure as for setting the default fiber span. For details,
see Setting a Default Span Start and Span End on page 73.
Changes to the span start and span end will modify the contents of the
Event table. The span start becomes Event 1 and its distance reference
becomes 0. Events excluded from the fiber span are grayed out in the
Event table, and do not appear in the trace display. The cumulative loss is
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Swapping Traces
Swapping Traces
Since the Event table and the trace information are based on the main
trace, you may want to interchange main and reference traces.
When you swap traces, the application will provide a new set of events
corresponding to the new main trace.
To swap traces:
2. From the Storage dialog box, select Swap Main/Reference.
Note: You can change a main trace into a reference trace, and vice versa, even if
only one trace is in the applications memory.
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10 Analyzing the Results

Manually
Note: This function is available in Advanced OTDR and Template OTDR modes
only.
Once a trace has been acquired or recalled from memory, you can use
markers and zoom in on or out of any event or trace segment to measure
splice loss, fiber section attenuation, reflectance, and optical return loss.
Using Markers
You can use markers to view the position and relative power of an event.
Markers are available when you press Measure from the main window.
To move a marker:
1. Press the markers button until it displays the desired marker.
In addition to the a, A, B, and b markers, you can select the Trace or All
options.
2. Once the appropriate marker is selected, use the right and left arrow
buttons to move the marker along the trace.
When you have selected the All option, all your markers move at once.
If you have zoomed in on a trace, the trace display view automatically
zooms out to display all markers.
Note: If one of the markers does not appear in the trace display, the All option
will not be available when you press the markers button.
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133
Analyzing the Results Manually

Using Markers
If you zoom in on a trace and select the Trace option, pressing the right or
left arrow moves the trace. In full-trace view, the Trace option has no effect
on marker movement.
Distance between
span start and A
Markers button/
indicates the
currently selected
marker
Right and
left arrows
Distance between
span start and B
Distance between A
and B
Power at A
Power at B
Power difference
between A and B
Note: You can also select the marker directly on the trace display and drag it to
the desired position.
If a marker is moved close to another, both will move together. This
ensures a minimum distance is maintained between markers.
A marker may disappear from the trace after you zoom in (see Using Zoom
Controls on page 122). You can recall it by selecting a missing marker with
the Markers button or by using one of the arrows to bring the selected
marker back into the displayed area.
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Getting Event Distances and Relative Powers
Getting Event Distances and Relative Powers

The OTDR test application automatically calculates the position of an event
and displays this distance in the Event table.
You can retrieve the position of an event as well as the distance between
events manually. You can also display various relative power readings.
Distances and relative powers correspond to the X axis and Y axis,
respectively.
.
To get the distance to an event and the associated relative power

level:
1. From the main window, select the Measure tab.
2. Move marker A to the beginning of the event. For more information
about markers, see Using Markers on page 133.
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Getting Event Loss (Four-Point and Least-Square Approximation)
Getting Event Loss (Four-Point and

Least-Square Approximation)
Event loss (expressed in dB) is calculated by measuring the signal level
reduction in Rayleigh backscatter (RBS) caused by this event. Event loss
can result from both reflective and non-reflective events.
Two loss calculations are provided simultaneously: the four-point event
loss and the A-B LSA loss. Both calculations use the least-square
approximation (LSA) method to determine the event loss. However, the
four-point event loss is the preferred method and the one that corresponds
to the loss displayed in the Event table.
Four-point event loss: the LSA method is used to fit a straight line to the
backscatter data within the two regions defined by markers a, A and
b, B, i.e. over the regions to the left and to the right of the event
bordered by markers A and B, respectively.
Four-point
event loss
The two fitted lines are then extrapolated toward the center of the
event and the loss event is directly read off from the drop in power
between the two lines.
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FTB-100B

A-B LSA loss: the loss of the event bordered by the markers A and B is
obtained by fitting a straight line to the backscatter data between these
two markers.
A-B LSA loss

a
The event is then obtained by the reduction in power (dB) over the
distance between the two markers as calculated from the slope of the
fitted line.
Although this method works fairly well for splice loss, it is clearly not
appropriate for reflective event (definitely not a "straight-line" event).
A-B LSA Loss is typically mainly be used to rapidly computes loss over a
given length of a fiber section.
Note: A-B LSA event loss measurement should be used on fiber sections only.
Measuring events will not yield meaningful results.
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137

To get event loss:

2. In the Measurements section, press Loss. Markers a, A, B and b
appear on the graph.
3. Zoom in and position marker A at the end of the linear area preceding
the event to be measured. For more information, see Using Zoom
Controls on page 122 and Using Markers on page 133.
4. Position submarker a at the beginning of the linear area preceding the
event to be measured.
5. Position marker B at the beginning of the linear area following the
6. Position submarker b at the end of the linear area following the event
to be measured.
Four-point event
loss from the
areas delimited by
markers
a, A, B and b
138
Least-square
approximation
FTB-100B

Getting Attenuation (Two-Point and Least-Square Approximation)
Getting Attenuation (Two-Point and

Least-Square Approximation)
A two-point attenuation measurement gives the reduction in Rayleigh
backscatter level as a function of distance (expressed in dB/km) between
two selected points. Only those two points are used to perform the
calculation and there is no averaging.
The least-square approximation (LSA) method measures the attenuation
(loss over distance) between two points by fitting a straight line in the
backscatter data between markers A and B. The LSA attenuation
corresponds to the difference in power ( dB) over the distance between
two points.
The LSA method, when compared to the two-point method, gives an
average measurement and is more reliable when there is a high level of
noise. However, it should not be used if an event such as an echo appears
between the two markers.
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139

Getting Attenuation (Two-Point and Least-Square Approximation)
To get attenuation:
2. In the Measurements section, press the Att. button. Markers A and B
appear on the graph.
3. Place markers A and B at any two points on the trace. For more
information, see Using Markers on page 133.
4. Zoom in on the trace and fine-tune the marker positioning if necessary.
For more information, see Using Zoom Controls on page 122.
Note: There should not be any events between markers A and B when
performing the two-point attenuation measurement.
Loss over distance

between markers
A and B
140
Least-square
approximation
FTB-100B

Getting Reflectance
Getting Reflectance
Reflectance is the ratio of reflected light to input light.
To get reflectance:
2. In the Measurements section, press the Refl. button. Markers a, A and
B appear on the graph.
3. Zoom in and position marker A on the linear area preceding the event
to be measured. For more information, see Using Zoom Controls on
page 122 and Using Markers on page 133.
4. Position submarker a at the beginning of the linear area preceding the
5. Position marker B at the peak of the reflective event to be measured.
Note: Using this procedure, you can measure the reflectance of all the events in a
merged reflective fault event.
Reflectance
Note: For non-reflective events, will be displayed.
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141

Getting Optical Return Loss (ORL)
Getting Optical Return Loss (ORL)

Note: You must use a singlemode OTDR module for ORL calculations.
The ORL calculation will provide the following information:
the ORL between markers A and B
the total ORL is calculated between the span start and the span end
Optical return loss (ORL) refers to the total effect of multiple reflections
and scattering events within a fiber-optic system.
To get the ORL value:
2. Under Measurements, press ORL. Markers A and B appear on the
graph.
ORL between
markers A and B
Total return
loss of the
span
3. Position markers A and B to delimit the area for which you want to
know the ORL value.
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FTB-100B
11 Managing Trace Files from the

OTDR Test Application
Once you have acquired traces, or when you want to work with them after
acquisition, you will need to save, reload, rename, and delete trace files.
You can store and reload trace files from the OTDR test application. To
rename, copy, move, and delete trace files, you will have to use the File
Manager from the main window.
IMPORTANT
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143
Managing Trace Files from the OTDR Test Application

Saving a Trace in a Different Format
Saving a Trace in a Different Format

On the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR, you can save traces in .trc format only. You
can open traces in .trc format with both the Mini-OTDR application and the
ToolBox software. To open them with other software, you must first resave
them in a compatible format, such as Telcordia (Bellcore) or ASCII.
Note: On the FTB-100B, if you attempt to resave a trace acquired with a version of
the application prior to 2.8R0, or in ToolBox with a module manufactured
before September 1999, you will receive a message that it will be resaved in
the new format.
To save an OTDR trace file in a different format:
Use the OTDR application from ToolBox installed on an FTB-400 Universal
Test System or on a computer. For more information on trace saving in
another format with ToolBox, refer to the FTB-7000B/70000C/7000D Optical
Time Domain Reflectometer Series user guide.
OTDR Trace File Compatibility

The table presented hereafter shows the compatibility between the format
of a specific trace and the software version that you intend to use to open
that trace.
Symbols used in the table
3
Conv
144
Meaning
Fully compatible
Conversion or re-analysis necessary
Not compatible
FTB-100B

OTDR Trace File Compatibility
Software used to open the file...
File generated with...
ToolBox ToolBox ToolBox ToolBox FTB-100 FTB-100 FTB-100

5.5
6.5 or
6.7 to 6.21 or 2.5 or
2.6 or
2.8
earlier
6.20
later
earlier
2.7
3
3
3
3
Conva
Conva
Conva
Convb
3
3
Conva
Conva
Conva
ToolBox 6.7 to
6.20
Convc
Convc
Convad
Conva
Conva
ToolBox 6.21 or
later
Convc
Convc
Convad
Conva
Conva
FTB-100 2.2 or
earlier
FTB-100 2.5
2
2
2
3
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
ToolBox 5.5
ToolBox 6.5 or
earlier
FTB-100 2.6 or 2.7

FTB-100 2.8
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Conve
Convde Convde
Should be saved in or converted to FTB-100 (.ftb100) format.

Should be re-analyzed to view the Event table.
Data should be saved in FTB-300 (.ftb300) format and re-analyzed to view the Event table.
Triple-wavelength trace files are not compatible.
Should be converted with ToolBox 6.21 or later.
Mini-OTDR
145

Renaming a Trace File

You can rename a trace file directly from the File Manager. You can also
rename files from a floppy disk.
To rename a trace file from the File Manager:
1. From the Utilities tab in the main window, press the File Manager
icon.
2. Select a file from the list under Available Files.

If necessary, use the Location button to change the folder containing
the file to rename. For more information, see Changing the Storage
Path on page 50.
146
FTB-100B

Note: You cannot rename more than one file at a time. The Rename button will
be grayed out if more than one file is present in the Files To Be Processed
list.
3. Press the
button. The file moves to Files To Be Processed.
4. Select Rename.
5. From the Rename File dialog box, enter the new name in the To box
and press OK.
The dialog box disappears and the file is renamed.

To rename a file on a floppy disk:
1. Copy the file to the User Files folder in the units internal memory
(Flash ROM). For more information, see Copying Trace Files on
page 148.
2. Delete the file from the floppy disk.
3. Rename the file using the procedure given on page 146.
4. Copy the renamed file to the floppy disk and delete it from the internal
memory.
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147
Copying Trace Files

To copy files to another directory from the File Manager:
icon.
2. Select the files to copy from the list under Available Files.
the files to copy. For more information, see Changing the Storage Path
on page 50.
3. Press the
button. The files move to Files To Be Processed.
4. Select Copy. The application lists the selected files.

Copying Trace Files
5. If necessary, select Location to select the new directory in which the

selected files will be copied. For more information, see Changing the
Storage Path on page 50.
6. Confirm with OK. The files are copied to the selected directory and you
return to the File Manager.
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149

Moving Trace Files
Moving Trace Files
IMPORTANT
Moving files to another directory deletes them from the folder in
which they were stored before the move.
To move files from one directory to another from the File
Manager:
icon.
150
FTB-100B

Moving Trace Files
2. Select the files you want to move from the list under Available Files.
the files to move. For more information, see Changing the Storage Path
on page 50.
3. Press the
button. The file moves to Files to Be Processed.
4. Select Move. The application lists the selected files.

5. If necessary, select Location to select the new folder to which the
selected files will be moved. For more information, see Changing the
6. Confirm with OK. The files are moved to the selected directory (and
deleted from the current directory) and you return to the File Manager.
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151

Deleting Trace Files

To delete files from the File Manager:
icon.
2. Select the files you want to delete from the list under Available Files.
the files to delete. For more information, see Changing the Storage
Path on page 50.
3. Press the
152
button. The files move to Files To Be Processed.
FTB-100B

4. Select Delete. The application lists the selected files.
5. Confirm the deletion of all listed files with OK. The files are deleted
and you return to the File Manager.
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153
12 Creating and Printing Trace

Reports
For future reference, you can add notes on the location of the tested fiber,
type of job performed and general comments related to a trace in trace
reports. You can specify which information must be included in your
printed documents.
Documenting Results
After acquiring a trace, you might want to include or update information
about the tested fiber and the job or add comments. The information you
enter is saved only for the currently open trace file
Note: The information must be entered before acquiring traces in Template
mode. For more information, see Testing Fibers in Template Mode on
page 89.
After entering the required data, you may save the contents as a template.
The next time you access the report to document a newly acquired trace,
the template is automatically recalled, eliminating repetitive
documentation operations.
Mini-OTDR
155
Creating and Printing Trace Reports

Documenting Results
To document results:
1. From the main window, once a trace has been acquired or reloaded,
press Report.
2. Enter the desired information.
Note: The information in the Test Date, Test Time, Unit and Serial No. boxes is
provided by the application and cannot be edited.
Note: If you select the Use Autonaming box, the Fiber ID box becomes
unavailable.
If you want to save the contents as a template, use the Keep as
Template button.
3. Press Exit Report to return to the trace display. The information
entered is saved with the trace and can be viewed or changed at any
time using the same process.
To clear all the information from the Report window:
Press the Clear Fields button.
156
FTB-100B

Printing a Report
Printing a Report
You can print trace reports directly from the FTB-100B. Only the
information related to the active trace is printed in a report. You can print
two types of reports: summarized and detailed.
A summarized report gives you the following:
cable information (fiber ID, cable ID, location A, and location B)
link measurements (link length and loss, average loss, splice loss
and total ORL)
test and cable setup for main or reference traces (filename, OTDR
model, software version, wavelength, distance, refractive index,
RBS, acquisition time, pulse width and Helix factor)
Event table (without fiber sections)
trace
A detailed report provides the above information, as well as job

information (test date and time, unit serial and model numbers, job and
customer ID), test and cable setup for main file and reference file,
comments and marker information (A, B, and A to B distances, as well as A
to B attenuation, loss and ORLonly if you select the option allowing you
to include the zoom and markers).
In the detailed report, you can also print the zoom and markers.
Mini-OTDR
157

Printing a Report
To print reports:
1. From the main window, press Print.
2. From the Print dialog box, select the report format.
Note: In Automatic OTDR mode, the trace report that prints is always the
summarized one. The Report Format options are not displayed.
3. If necessary, define the printer settings by using the Printer Settings
button.
4. Select Print to launch the process. You will automatically return to the
main window.
Note: If you attempt to print a report without a printer actually being connected
and detected by the Mini-OTDR, the application will display a warning
message.
158
FTB-100B
13 Using the OTDR as a Light

Source or VFL
If you want to perform measurements with a power meter and your

OTDR as a source, the OTDR port can transmit a special tone. This port
can be used only to transmitnot detect that tone.
The Visual Fault Locator (VFL) application is used to set the OTDR
module to send a red signal along the fiber, which can be used for
visual fault location and fiber identification.
Note: The VFL option will be available only if your OTDR module is equipped
with a VFL port.
CAUTION
OTDR module.
Mini-OTDR
159
Using the OTDR as a Light Source or VFL
To use your Mini-OTDR as a source:

Fibers on page 46).
2. Connect one end of the fiber under test to the OTDR port.
3. From the main window, go to the Tools tab, then Sources to start the
corresponding application.
160
FTB-100B
4. Turn the source on using the On/Off button. The display has a flashing
On indicator.
Selected
wavelength
5. Press Select Wavelength to switch between the available wavelengths.

Note: If only one wavelength is available, it is selected by default.
Mini-OTDR
161
6. Selcct the desired modulation.

Under Modulation,
For loss measurement, with a power meter at the other end, select
CW (to set the source to continuous output).
For fiber identification, select 1 kHz or 2 kHz. This will allow the
person at the other end of the link to identify the fiber under test,
which could be particularly useful when working with cables
containing many fibers.
For easier fiber identification, the application also offers a flashing
pattern. If you select this option, the modulated signal (1 KHz or
2 KHz) will be sent for 1 second, then will be off for the next
second, then be sent again for 1 second, and so on. If you want the
OTDR to emit light in a flashing pattern, select 1 kHz Blink or
2 kHz Blink.
You can stop light emission at any time by pressing On/Off again.
Using an EXFO power meter with tone-detection features, such as the
FOT-930 or FPM-300, an operator at the other end will be able to quickly
locate the correct fiber or perform loss measurements. Refer to the power
meter user guide for details.
162
FTB-100B
To identify fiber faults visually:

Fibers on page 46).
2. Connect the fiber under test to the VFL port.
3. From the main window, go to the Tools tab, then select VFL.
Mini-OTDR
163
4. Select CW ON to turn on the VFL with continuous output.

Select 1 Hz ON to turn on the VFL with 1 Hz pulsed output.
Blinks when 1 Hz is
on; remains static
when CW is on.
5. Press OFF to turn the VFL off.
164
FTB-100B
14 Using the Power Meter

Note: The Power Meter application is only available if you purchased the power
meter option with the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR.
Accessing the Power Meter

To access the power meter application, in the main window, select the
Tools tab, then select Power Meter.
Note: The Quick Save, Report, Print, and Results buttons are not displayed
when you first access the Power Meter application, but will be displayed
after you press the Store button for the first time.
Mini-OTDR
165
Using the Power Meter

Nulling Electrical Offsets
Below is a description of the Power Meter buttons and functions.
Reference value
(when in reference mode)
Selected wavelength
Detected power
Swiches between available

power meter wavelengths
Stores a reading to the

Results window
Initiates the procedure to

set a reference value
Switches between dBm and

W as measurement units
Accesses reference mode
Nulling Electrical Offsets

The offset nulling process provides a zero-power reference measurement,
thus eliminating the effects of electronic offsets and dark current due to
detectors.
Temperature and humidity variations affect the performance of electronic
circuits and optical detectors. For this reason, EXFO recommends
performing a nulling of the electrical offsets whenever environmental
conditions change.
IMPORTANT
Light must not reach the detector when nulling offsets.
To perform an offset nulling:
From the Power Meter button bar, select Nulling.
166
FTB-100B

Setting Power Loss Thresholds
Setting Power Loss Thresholds

When a measured value is below a set power threshold, the
appears beside the measurement, in the Results window.
symbol
To set the power thresholds:

1. Press Setup.
2. From the list in the Threshold tab, select the wavelength for which you
want to set a threshold.
2
3
3. Press Edit Thresholds and modify the threshold for the selected
wavelength. For the watt (W) threshold, select the desired
measurement unit.
Note: Threshold values with the dB, dBm or dBm/dB measurement unit will be
converted to a negative value if a positive value was entered. In watts, it is
impossible to enter a negative value.
4. Press OK to close the dialog box, then press Exit Setup to confirm the
new thresholds.
Mini-OTDR
167

Setting Reference Values
Setting Reference Values

In Reference mode, the power meter compares the power of the received
signal to a reference value as shown in the example below.
Reference power
(in dBm)
36.77 ( 34.97 ) = 1.80

Actual power of the
received signal (in dBm)
Displayed value
(in dB)
You can set a different reference value for each wavelength. A reference
value remains in memory until a new one is stored at the same
wavelength.
To set reference values to use in reference mode:
1. Press dB to access the Reference mode.
Current
wavelength
2
4
2. Press Select Wavelength until the desired wavelength is displayed.

3. Connect a source to the power meters detector.
4. Select the Perform Ref.button.
168
FTB-100B

Performing Power Measurements
Performing Power Measurements

Once you have performed your first power measurement, additional
buttons appear in the toolbar on the right-hand side of the screen allowing
you to view results, save them, create reports and print them.
To take a power measurement:
1. Connect a source to the power meter detector.
2. Press dBm/W to select the power measurement unit.
5
2
3. Turn on the source.

4. Press Select Wavelength to set the power meter to the required
wavelength.
5. Select Store. Your reading is added to the Results window (see
Viewing Power Meter Results on page 170).
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for each wavelength.
Mini-OTDR
169

Viewing Power Meter Results
Viewing Power Meter Results

To view power measurements:
1. Press Results. All your readings are displayed on a list in the order they
were performed.
For each power meter reading, a lot of information is displayed, as
explained below.
Wavelength at which power was measured
Power measurement results (in dB)
Reference power
(in dBm) if a
reference was used
Fiber number
Average power
measured
To change the
fiber name
To delete a row in the table
Symbol indicating a measurement below the
user-defined threshold. For more information, see
Setting Power Loss Thresholds on page 167.
2. Press Exit Results to return to the Power Meter main window.

You can store your power measurements by pressing Quick Save from the
button bar. For details, see Saving Power Meter Results on page 171.
170
FTB-100B

Saving Power Meter Results

Power Meter results are saved as insertion loss (IL) files.
Note: When you select a storage location from the Power Meter application, the
default storage path is \User Files\IL files.
IMPORTANT
To save the power meter results:
from the button bar.
2. If necessary, change the the folder to which the file will be saved by
pressing the Location button. For more information, see Changing the
Note: When you select a storage location from the Power Meter application, the
default storage path is \User Files\IL files.
Mini-OTDR
171

3. If necessary, specify a filename.
IMPORTANT
If you specify the name of an already-exisiting trace, the original file
will be overwritten and only the new file will be available.
Note: You can also access the Store File dialog box by pressing Storage from the
button bar, then by pressing the Store File button.
172
FTB-100B

Reloading Power Meter Results
Reloading Power Meter Results

To reload power meter results:
1. From the power meter main window, select Storage, then Recall
File(s).
If you have already performed power measurements (but not saved
them), the application will prompt you to save the current data. Select
Yes to save the measurement file; you can reload a new file
afterwards.
2. If necessary, change the location from which the file should be
reloaded. For more information, see Changing the Storage Path on
page 50.
3. From the given list of files, select the file to reload.
Confirm with OK.

4. To view the reloaded file, select Exit Storage. Then, from the Power
Meter main window, select Results. The power measurements are
displayed on the Results list.
Mini-OTDR
173

Clearing Power Measurements from the Display
Clearing Power Measurements from the

Display
If a power measurement you performed does not meet your requirements,
it is possible to clear the screen and start over.
Note: Clearing measurements from the display does not delete them from the
disk. To delete files, see Deleting Trace Files on page 152.
To clear the display:
From the Power Meter window, select Storage, then Clear Display.
If you have already performed power measurements (but not saved them),
the application will prompt you to save the current data.
Select Yes to save the file. For more information on saving results, see
Saving Power Meter Results on page 171.
174
FTB-100B

Creating a Power Meter Results Report
Creating a Power Meter Results Report

A report is available to keep notes on the location of the tested fiber, the
type of job performed and general comments. This information will be
saved, with your measurements, in the power meter results file.
To speed up information entry, once you have provided the required data,
you may keep the contents as a template that will be used for all new
results.
To create a power meter result report:
1. Select Report on the Power Meter main window.
2. Enter the relevant information.

If you want, you can save the information as a template by using the
Keep as Template button.
3. Press Exit Report to return to the Power Meter main window.
To clear all the information from the Report window:
Press the Clear Fields button.
Mini-OTDR
175

Printing a Power Measurement Report
Printing a Power Measurement Report

You can print two types of power measurement reports: summarized and
detailed. The type of information contained in power measurement reports
differs from the contents of OTDR traces reports.
A summarized report for your power measurements provides the
following:
cable information (cable ID, location A, and location B)
job information (test date and time, unit serial and model numbers, job
and customer ID)
results table (without fiber sections)
A detailed report gives you the same information as the summarized report
and, in addition, comments and the Average table.
To print a power measurement report:
Follow the procedure described in Printing a Report on page 157.
176
FTB-100B
15 Analyzing Bidirectional Traces

Note: The OTDR Bidirectional Analysis utility is available offline only (i.e., on the
FTB-400 Work on Results function tab or on a computer that runs ToolBox.
For information ToolBox installation, see Installing ToolBox on a Computer
on page 251.
If two OTDR traces are acquired in opposite directions on the same fiber
span, the OTDR Bidirectional Analysis utility allows you to match the
corresponding events.
The application performs a bidirectional analysis and generates an event
table with the averaged loss for each event i.e. the average of the losses
obtained from both directions..
Bidirectional analysis is the recommended method for splice loss
measurements on singlemode fibers by the Telecommunications Industry
Association (test procedure EIA/TIA FOTP-61 Measurement of Fiber or
Cable Attenuation Using an OTDR).
It removes the so-called "gainers" (increase in the optical power) and
exaggerated losses and provides accurate measurements. This analysis is
particularly useful to test the quality of a link, especially if it comprises
several sections with different types of fibers or fibers from different
manufacturers.
Mini-OTDR
177
Analyzing Bidirectional Traces
Gainers and exaggerated losses result from the joining of two fibers of
different mode-field diameters (MFD). The mode-field diameter of a fiber
corresponds to the size of the area where light is dispersed accross its core
and cladding.
Mismatch of MFDs will contribute to differences in backreflected signal
that are not related to the loss at the splice point, i.e to the true loss seen in
transmission. In this case, a unidirectional OTDR trace will show an
apparent increase (gainer) or decrease (exaggerated loss) in signal,
depending on the direction of measurement.
Bidirectional average of OTDR splice loss measurements provides the most
accurate splice loss results.
You can also analyze OTDR traces that use a multiwavelength feature.
To work with the OTDR Bidirectional Analysis utility, you must acquire and
save the traces before the analysis.
178
FTB-100B

Launching and Exiting the Bidirectional Analysis Utility
Launching and Exiting the Bidirectional

Analysis Utility
To launch the Bidirectional Analysis utility:
1. From the ToolBox main interface, go to the Work on Results (Offline)
function tab.
2. Select the OTDR pane, then press the Bidirectional Analysis button.
The main window is displayed. If you are using this utility for the first time,
or if you have closed the files before exiting last time you used the utility, no
trace will be automatically loaded.
Buttons
allowing
access to
panes
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179

Launching and Exiting the Bidirectional Analysis Utility
The main window contains buttons allowing you to access the various
panes. These panes include:
Results for the A->B trace, presented in a table
Results for the B->A trace, presented in a table
Results for the bidirectional trace, presented in a table
Options to modify the span start and span end values
Information about the A->B trace and settings used
Information about the B ->A trace and settings used
Information about the bidirectional trace and settings used
To close the application from the main window:
180
Click on
(in the top right corner of the main window).
Click on the Exit button located at the bottom of the function bar.
FTB-100B

Creating Bidirectional Trace Files

To work with the OTDR Bidirectional Analysis utility, you must acquire and
save the traces before the analysis.
You can reload unidirectional traces to combine them into a bidirectional
trace. It is possible to use both single-wavelength and multiwavelength
traces. However, once a multiwavelength trace file is recalled, it is
converted into a single-wavelength trace file and you will have to specify
which wavelength the application will use.
The A->B and B->A traces must respect the following criteria:
Item
To be valid...
Pulse width
Must be identical for both traces.
Fiber types
Use only traces acquired using singlemode fibers.
Acquisition offset Must be set to zero for both traces.

Wavelengths
Must be identical for both traces.
Trace
Both must be single files (not bidirectional).
When two traces are reloaded in the bidirectional analysis utility, the A->B
trace is on the left and the B->A trace is on the right. If the analysis does
not match the traces, error or warning messages will appear. A message
will be displayed if there are any inconsistencies in the event table,
wavelength, index of refraction, Helix factor, or Rayleigh backscatter
coefficient.
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181

To create a bidirectional trace file:

1. If necessary, clear the window by selecting Close from the button bar.
The application will prompt you if some files have not been saved.
2. From the button bar, select Open.
3. Select Create Bidirectional File by Opening A->B File and B->A
File.
182
FTB-100B

4. Select the files to reload.

4a. Press the Select button, on the right of the A->B File Path box.
Choose the first file (ensure that it is highlighted).
Note: You can select the Show Preview box to display an overview of the trace(s)
to ensure you will open the appropriate file.
Press OK.
4b. Press the Select button, on the right of the B->A File Path box.
Choose the second file (ensure that it is highlighted) and press
OK.
5. Back to the Open dialog box, press OK to confirm. If you selected a
multiwavelength file, specify the desired wavelength and press OK.
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183

Reloading Existing Bidirectional Trace Files

You can reload previously merged bidirectional traces to view results or to
re-analyze the trace.
To reload an existing bidirectional trace file:
1. If necessary, clear the window by selecting Close from the button bar.
The application will prompt you if any files have not been saved.
2. From the button bar, select Open.
3. Select Open Existing Bidirectional File.
184
FTB-100B

4. Press the Select button, on the right of the Bidirectional File Path box.
Choose the desired file (ensure that it is highlighted).
Note: You can select the Show Preview box to display an overview of the trace(s)
to ensure you will open the appropriate file.
Press OK.
5. Back to the Open dialog box, press OK to confirm.
Mini-OTDR
185


If you want to focus your fiber analysis on a specific fiber span, you can
define events (new or existing) as span start and span end.
Span start and span end are defined on both the A->B and B->A trace.
Traces are aligned on the span start of the A->B trace and on span end of
the B->A trace. The two other span events are not used in the bidirectional
analysis.
Changes to the span start and span end modify the Event table. The span
start becomes Event 1 and its distance reference becomes 0. All events on
both traces are numbered on the trace display. The cumulative loss is
Note: You can also set a default span start and span end, which will be applied
during the first analysis performed after trace acquisition. For more
information, see Setting a Default Span Start and Span End on page 73.
You can use the zoom control buttons to modify the trace display. For more
information, see Using Zoom Controls on page 122.
To set a fiber span:
1. From the main window, select the Span button.
186
FTB-100B

2. Select the Span Start or Span End option button according to the type
of span event you want to create for the A->B and B->A trace.
3
4
Ratio of matched events between A-> B trace and B->A trace
3. Enter the span event location by moving marker A along the trace using
one of the following options:
Drag marker A to position it to the desired span event location.
Enter a distance value in the Position text field.
Use the single-arrow buttons to move marker A on the trace.
Use one of the double-arrow buttons to move marker A from event

to event; this will designate an existing event as a span event.
Note: Each of the three first options above may lead to the creation of a new
event, except if your location corresponds to an already existing event on
the trace.
4. Select Set Span Event to set the span start or span end marker on the
appropriate event in the trace display. The change is applied
automatically.
Mini-OTDR
187


You can use either single-wavelength or multiwavelength trace files for
bidirectional analysis. For details, see Creating Bidirectional Trace Files on
page 181 and Reloading Existing Bidirectional Trace Files on page 184.
Once the traces are reloaded, you can proceed with the analysis.
To analyze a multiwavelength trace file:
1. Reload the desired traces. For more information, see Creating
Bidirectional Trace Files on page 181 and Reloading Existing
Bidirectional Trace Files on page 184.
2. Select the Bidir. Table button.
The Bidir. Table pane lists all the events detected on the fiber, as shown
below.
Event type detected
For more information,
see Description of Event Typeson page 177
Event number
Span length (distance between two events)
Distance from the span start to the specified event
Attenuation (loss/distance) of individual fiber section
Current loss in dB
Average of the loss measured
between A->B and B-> A traces
(most important information)
188
Cumulative loss calculated from span start to

specified event.
Includes loss of each event of the span
FTB-100B

Changing Event Tables
3. When the bidirectional analysis of the first wavelength is complete, you

can save the analysis as a single trace. For information about saving
traces, see Saving Traces on page 195.
4. If you want to create a bidirectional trace at an other wavelength,
repeat the previous procedure.
For more information about other analysis functions such as inserting,
deleting and reanalyzing a trace, changing trace display parameters and
entering comments, see Analyzing Traces and Events on page 103.
Changing Event Tables

You can change event tables and edit the A->B and B->A traces.
If you change events in one event table, the Bidir. Table will be adjusted
accordingly.
If an event is detected in one direction but not in the other, it will
automatically be inserted by the utility at the location most likely to
designate an event within the default tolerance interval; the current loss
measured before an average bidirectional loss will be calculated.
To change event tables and edit the A->B or B->A trace:
Press the corresponding table button (Table A->B or Table B->A) and
then select the Change button. For more information, see Analyzing Traces
and Events on page 103.
Mini-OTDR
189

Viewing and Modifying Current Trace

Parameters
You can view the current trace parameters for the bidirectional trace as
well as for the A -> B and B -> A traces. However, you can only modify the
analysis settings for the current A->B and B->A traces, not for the
bidirectional trace.
Two groups of parameters can be changed:
the fiber settings: index of refraction (IOR), Rayleigh backscatter (RBS)

coefficient and Helix factor
the analysis detection thresholds: for splice loss, reflectance and

end-of-fiber detection.
These modifications alter the displayed traces. These settings will also be
used when you re-analyze the trace. However, if you want to modify the
parameters that will be used for future acquisitions, see Setting the IOR,
RBS Coefficient and Helix Factor on page 54 and Setting the Analysis
Detection Thresholds on page 68.
To view or change trace parameters:
Select the Bidir. Info, A->B Info or B->A Info button.
Trace information
190
Event Tolerance (Bidir. Info pane)

or Trace settings information
Edit Tolerance or
Edit Current Trace
Settings (A->B Info
and B -> A Info
panes) button
FTB-100B

The parameters are displayed in the following order:
Date: Acquisition date.
Time: Moment at which the test was completed.
Wavelength: Test wavelength and type of fiber used: SM (singlemode)

or MM (multimode).
Pulse: Pulse width used to perform the acquisition.
Length: Measured length of the total fiber span between span start and
span end.
Total Loss: Total measured loss of the fiber between span start and
span end.
Avg. Loss: Average loss of the total fiber span as a function of distance.
Avg. Splice Loss: Average of all non-reflective events between span

start and span end.
Max. Splice Loss: Maximum value of all non-reflective events between

span start and span end.
The following parameters are also displayed for the bidirectional trace:
Mini-OTDR
Default Tolerance: Default tolerance applied for matching events from

A->B and B->A traces in the resulting bidirectional trace.
Tolerance: Tolerance interval value used in the bidirectional trace file

that can be modified by user to eliminate mismatched events.
191

Parameters specific to the A->B or B->A trace are displayed as follows:
192
High-Resolution Acq.: Indicates whether or not the acquisitions were

performed using the high-resolution feature.
Helix Factor: Helix factor setting of the displayed trace. If you modify
this parameter, the distance measurements for the trace will be
adjusted.
IOR: Index of refraction setting of the displayed trace. If you modify this
parameter, the distance measurements for the trace will be adjusted.
RBS: Rayleigh backscatter coefficient setting of the displayed trace. If

you modify this parameter, the reflectance and ORL measurements for
the trace will be adjusted.
Splice Loss Threshold: Splice loss threshold setting for detecting

small non-reflective events during trace analysis.
Reflectance Threshold: Reflectance threshold setting for detecting

small reflective events during trace analysis.
End-of-Fiber Threshold: End-of-fiber threshold setting for detecting

important event loss, which could compromise signal transmission,
during trace analysis.
FTB-100B

To modify the current trace settings:

1. From the main window, press the A->B Info or B->A Info button.
Press the Edit Current Trace Settings button.

2. Enter the desired values for the current trace in the appropriate boxes.
OR
If you want to revert to default values, press the Default button.
Press OK to confirm. You return to the Trace Info pane.

Note: Modifying the current trace parameters from the Edit Current Trace
Settings button in the A->B Info or B->A Info pane affects the trace that is
displayed.
Mini-OTDR
193

Modifying the Event Tolerance Interval
Modifying the Event Tolerance Interval

By default, a tolerance interval parameter is used during bidirectional
analysis to match events from A->B and B->A traces in the resulting
bidirectional trace.
Sometimes, when you know the exact location of events in traces acquired
in both directions and are expecting a perfect match, you get pairs of
closely spaced events closely in a combined trace. This is due to a
difference in the measured distance of events in each direction, which is
greater than the default tolerance interval.
You can increase the tolerance interval value in order to eliminate
mismatched events on the bidirectional trace.
To change the tolerance interval value:
1. Press the Bidir. Info button and then Edit Tolerance.
2. Enter the desired value in the Tolerance (to be adjusted) box.

Press Default to return to the default tolerance value.
Press OK. You return to the Bidir. Info pane.

Note: The new value will be used for all subsequent analyses. This value will be
changed if the utility is reset to the default event-matching tolerance value.
194
FTB-100B

Saving Traces
Saving Traces
After recalling, analyzing and displaying the two traces in the bidirectional
table, these traces may be stored as a merged bidirectional trace in order
to facilitate file management. All information in the tables, comments and
reports for A->B, B->A, as well as the bidirectional trace will be saved in
the bidirectional file.
By default, the application saves the bidirectional file only. Consequently,
the changes you make will not be automatically saved to the original files.
You will have to save the A->B file and/or the B->A file manually.
It is also possible to modify the file path, but not the file format (.bdr for the
bidirectional file and .trc for the A->B and the B->A files).
If you want to discard the original traces and only keep the bidirectional
file, you will have to delete the files manually via Microsoft Explorer
available from ToolBox>Utilities. For more information, refer to the
FTB-400 Universal Test System user guide and Microsoft help.
To save the bidirectional file directly:
From the button bar, select Save.
To save files manually:
1. From the main window, select the Result tab then press Save As.
Mini-OTDR
195

Saving Traces
2. From the displayed dialog box,

Go up to parent folder
Create a folder
If necessary, select a different folder or create one to save your file.
From File To Be Saved, select the desired file.
Specify the filename in the corresponding box.
Press OK to save the file.
IMPORTANT
If you specified an existing filename, the application will display a
warning message. To avoid losing data, press Yes only if you want
to overwrite the existing file.
196
FTB-100B

Documenting Results
Documenting Results
After acquiring a trace, you might want to include or update information
about the tested fiber and the job or add comments. For more information,
see Documenting Results on page 155.
Creating a Report
You can customize your report before printing it by specifying which type of
document you want, which information will appear in your report and in
what order. You can even insert or remove page breaks between sections.
If you choose the compressed format, you cannot insert page breaks
between sections.
By default, the report contains a header that can include only the default
title OTDR Report or other items such as the file name or the test date.
You can also add a footer to your document. Unless you specify that you
prefer to see only the page number, the following elements are added to
the bottom of the pages:
Mini-OTDR
a space for a signature
the printing date and the page number.
197

Creating a Report
The application offers the following types of reports:

Report format
Sample
Normal
OTDR Report
Job Info
: Periodic
: JOHN
: FRANK
: Bidir.AB
Reason
Operator A
Operator B
File
: 01234
: BILL CO.
: TELCO
: 1996/06/12
Job ID
Contractor
Customer
Test Date
Cable Info
: F0295
: New York
:
:
Fiber ID
Location A
Cable Mfg.
Ribbon ID
No.
: 0.479 dB
: 32.61 dB
ments
Link MeasureAvg. Splice Loss
Total ORL
: 6.844 dB
: 19.678 km
: 0.348 dB/km
Link Loss
Link Length
Avg. Loss
OTDR Rep
: CO1245
: Newark
:
:
Cable ID
Location B
Type
Color ID
6.107
OTDR Trace
8.169
10.246
dB
12.328
40.00
30.00
25.00
11
2
20.00
10
5 6 7 8
9
10
11
15.00
Loss
(dB)
Positive Fault
Fiber Section
(2.062 km)
Non-Reflective
Fault
Fiber Section
(2.077 km)
Positive Fault
Fiber Section
(2.082 km)
Positive Fault
-14.7*
5.00
0.00
10
15
20
B 25
Event Type
Loc.
(km)
0.000
Launch Level
(6.107 km)
Fiber Section
Loss
(dB)
<<<<
1.708
Atten.
(dB/km)
Refl.
(dB)
A
A to B Dis.
A to B Loss
km
35
30
Events Table
Refl.
(dB)
-0.508
0.442
0.984
0.458
-0.215
0.509
-0.065
0.278
0.033
0.213
0.238
0.232
0.382
0.501
0.311
0.169
0.924
0.251
10.00
No.
ort
(Continued)
Event Type
Fiber Section
(1.233 km)
13.561
Non-Reflective
Fault
Fiber Section
(0.827 km)
14.388
Non-Reflective
Fault
Fiber Section
(1.179 km)
15.567
Non-Reflective
Fault
Fiber Section
(2.049 km)
17.616
Non-Reflective
Fault
Fiber Section
(0.738 km)
18.353
Non-Reflective
Fault
Fiber Section
(1.324 km)
19.678
Reflective End
6
35.00
Events Table
Loc.
(km)
-28.2*
0.000
1.708
0.28
: 16.332 km,
19.763 dB
: 8.164 km
: 19.763 dB
Wavelength
Filename
Hardware
Serial Number
Software
Range
Refr. Index
RBS
Acq. Time
Pulse Width
Helix Factor
Cumul.
(dB)
__
__________________
Date : _________
Page 1 / 2
This is an example
of a bidirect
Cumul.
(dB)
1.200
1.642
2.626
3.083
2.869
0.24
3.377
3.312
0.23
3.590
3.623
0.26
3.836
4.074
0.20
4.306
4.688
0.24
5.189
5.500
0.23
5.670
6.594
0.19
6.844
6.844
0.21
0.22
Marker Info
B
A to B Att.
Loss 4-pt
Test & Cable
: 1550 nm
(SM)
: Bidir.AB
: FTB-7323B-70
: 28419-1J
: OTDR 2.31
C
: 40.0 km
: 1.4685
: -82.29
: 1 min 17
sec
: 275 ns
: 0.00
Atten.
(dB/km)
ional acquisit
ion.
Setup Main
: 24.496 km,
0.000 dB
: 2.42 dB/km
: 18.465 dB
File
Comments
Compressed
Job Info
Job ID
Contractor
Customer
Test Date
: 01234
: BILL CO.
: TELCO
: 1996/06/12
Fiber ID
Location A
Cable Mfg.
Ribbon ID
: F0295
: New York
:
:
Link Loss
Link Length
Avg. Loss
: 6.844 dB
: 19.678 km
: 0.348 dB/km
: Periodic
: JOHN
: FRANK
: Bidir.AB
Reason
Operator A
Operator B
File
Cable Info
: CO1245
: Newark
:
:
Cable ID
Location B
Type
Color ID
Link Measurements
Avg. Splice Loss
Total ORL
: 0.479 dB
: 32.61 dB
OTDR Trace
dB
40.00
35.00
30.00
25.00
20.00
2
15.00
11
3
5 67
8
9
10
10.00
5.00
0.00
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
km
Events Table
No.
Loc.
(km)
0.000
Event Type
Launch Level
Fiber Section
Positive Fault
Fiber Section
6.107
8.169
10.246
12.328
13.561
14.388
15.567
17.616
10
18.353
11
19.678
(6.107 km)
(2.062 km)
Non-Reflective Fault
Fiber Section (2.077 km)
Positive Fault
Positive Fault
Reflective End
Loss
(dB)
Refl.
(dB)
<<<<
1.708
-0.508
0.442
0.984
0.458
-0.215
0.509
-0.065
0.278
0.033
0.213
0.238
0.232
0.382
0.501
0.311
0.169
0.924
0.251
-28.2*
Atten.
(dB/km)
0.28
0.21
0.22
0.24
0.23
0.26
0.20
0.24
0.23
0.19
-14.7*
Cumul.
(dB)
0.000
1.708
1.200
1.642
2.626
3.083
2.869
3.377
3.312
3.590
3.623
3.836
4.074
4.306
4.688
5.189
5.500
5.670
6.594
6.844
6.844
Marker Info
A
A to B Dis.
A to B Loss
: 16.332 km, 19.762 dB

: 8.164 km
: 19.762 dB
Wavelength
Filename
Hardware
Serial Number
Software
Range
Refr. Index
RBS
Acq. Time
Pulse Width
Helix Factor
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
B
A to B Att.
Loss 4-pt
: 24.496 km, 0.000 dB

: 2.42 dB/km
: 18.465 dB
Test & Cable Setup Main File

1550 nm (SM)
Bidir.AB
FTB-7323B-70
28419-1J
OTDR 2.31 C
40.0 km
1.4685
-82.29
1 min 17 sec
275 ns
0.00
Comments
This is an example of a bidirectional acquisition.
198
FTB-100B

Creating a Report
To customize your report:

1. From the main window, press the Print button.
2. From the Print Configuration window, select the Report tab.
3. From the Format box, select the desired type of report.
4
4. From the Content list, select all the boxes corresponding to the
sections you want to include in your report. You can remove any
unwanted section by clearing the corresponding boxes.
5. If necessary, rearrange the order of appearance of the various sections.
5a. From the Content list, select the section to move (ensure that the
item is highlighted).
5b. Use the Move Up and/or Move Down buttons.
Mini-OTDR
199

Creating a Report
6. If you selected a the Normal format, add or remove page breaks if

necessary.
If you want to add a page break:

From the Content list, select the section before which you want to
insert a page break (ensure that the item is highlighted).
Press Add Page Break.
If you want to remove a page break:

From the Content list, select the page break to remove (ensure
that the item is highlighted).
Press Remove Page Break.
Note: You cannot add or remove page breaks in compressed reports.

7. If necessary, you can add an item to the default title of your report by
selecting the desired option from the Append to Title box. You can
also include the test wavelength by selecting the Include Test
Wavelength box.
8. If necessary, you can add a footer to your report by selecting the Print
Footer box. If you prefer not to see the printing date, simply select the
Page Number Only box.
You are now ready to specify the printing options and to launch the
printing. For more information, see Printing a Report on page 201.
200
FTB-100B

Printing a Report
Printing a Report
Once you have entered information about the test and customized your
report, you can print it. For more information, see Documenting Results on
page 155 Printing a Report on page 157 and Creating a Report on page 197.
By default, the application only prints the bidirectional trace, however, you
can also print the A -> B and B -> A traces.
To print your report:
1. From the main window, press Print.
2. If necessary, from the Print Configuration window, select the Print
Setup button to change the current printer and its parameters.
3
4
3. In the Number of Copies box, enter the desired value.
Mini-OTDR
201

Printing a Report
4. If desired, you can set various options that will determine the way
graphs and/or event tables will be printed.
Select the Options tab, then select the boxes corresponding to the
options to activate.
Select the Print According to Zoom box to keep the trace as it

appears in the Graph tab of the main window. For example, if you
zoom in on an event, the trace will be printed with the zoom factor
applied.
If you want to also print the original traces, select the Print AB and
BA Traces box.
If you wish to print information related to the fiber spans you have
set, select the Print Event Table between Spans box.
5. Press Print.
202
FTB-100B
16 Maintenance
To help ensure long, trouble-free operation:
Always clean fiber-optic connectors before using them.
Keep the unit free of dust.
Clean the unit casing and front panel with a cloth slightly dampened
with water.
Store unit at room temperature in a clean and dry area. Keep the unit
out of direct sunlight.
Avoid high humidity or significant temperature fluctuations.
Avoid unnecessary shocks and vibrations.
If any liquids are spilled on or into the unit, turn off the power
immediately and let the unit dry completely.
WARNING
Use of controls, adjustments and procedures for operation and
maintenance other than those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.
Mini-OTDR
203
Maintenance
Cleaning EUI Connectors

Regular cleaning of EUI connectors will help maintain optimum
performance. There is no need to disassemble the unit.
IMPORTANT
If any damage occurs to internal connectors, the module casing will
have to be opened and a new calibration will be required.
To clean EUI connectors:
1. Remove the EUI from the instrument to expose the connector
baseplate and ferrule.
Turn
Pull
Push
2. Moisten a 2.5 mm cleaning tip provided by EXFO with one drop of

isopropyl alcohol (alcohol may leave traces if used abundantly).
3. Slowly insert the cleaning tip into the EUI adapter until it comes out on
the other side (a slow clockwise rotating movement may help).
3
5
204
FTB-100B
Maintenance
4. Gently turn the cleaning tip one full turn, then continue to turn as you
withdraw it.
5. Repeat steps 3 to 4 with a dry cleaning tip.
Note: Make sure you dont touch the soft end of the cleaning tip.
6. Clean the ferrule in the connector port as follows:
6a. Deposit one drop of isopropyl alcohol on a lint-free wiping cloth.
IMPORTANT
Isopropyl alcohol may leave residues if used abundantly or left to
evaporate (about 10 seconds).
Avoid contact between the tip of the bottle and the wiping cloth,
and dry the surface quickly.
6b. Gently wipe the connector and ferrule.
6c. With a dry lint-free wiping cloth, gently wipe the same surfaces to
ensure that the connector and ferrule are perfectly dry.
6d. Verify connector surface with a portable fiber-optic microscope
(e.g., EXFOs FOMS) or fiber inspection probe (e.g., EXFOs FIP).
WARNING
Verifying the surface of the connector WHILE THE UNIT IS ACTIVE
WILL result in permanent eye damage.
7. Put the EUI back onto the instrument (push and turn clockwise).
8. Throw out cleaning tips and wiping clothes after one use.
Mini-OTDR
205
Maintenance
General Power Information
General Power Information

Your FTB-100B operates on DC power from either its internal batteries or
from an AC adapter/charger. The adapter/charger accepts from
100 V to 240 V, 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
The AC adapter/charger provided with your FTB-100B converts AC power
into DC power from a standard power outlet. It plugs directly into the
FTB-100B AC adapter/charger socket, allowing you to use the FTB-100B
even when batteries are low. For information on battery recharge time, see
the table Technical Specifications on page 247.
The FTB-100B comes with one nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery. Having
extra batteries on hand allows you to extend the operating time of the
FTB-100B when the primary battery runs low.
You can switch from battery power to the AC adapter/charger or vice-versa
without turning off the FTB-100B or losing data.
206
FTB-100B
Maintenance
Battery Maintenance Recommendations
Battery Maintenance Recommendations
Mini-OTDR
To extend the life of the 9 V clock battery, do not leave the main battery
in the unit when it is discharged.
EXFO highly recommends removing the NiMH main battery and 9 V

clock battery if the unit will not be used for more than two weeks.
EXFO recommends leaving the FTB-100B plugged in when not in use.
Change the Ni-MH main battery after 300 cycles (approximately

18 months of use) otherwise the unit operating time might be reduced
by as much as 50 %.
If the NiMH main battery is not used for a long period of time (i.e. over
three months), it will not be damaged, but might need to be recharged.
In the worst case scenario, the battery will require a complete
recalibration; i.e. a full discharge, immediately followed by a full
charge, then followed by a full discharge.
207
Maintenance
Replacing the Batteries

The FTB-100B uses two different battery types:
the main battery (NiMH), which powers the FTB-100B
the clock battery (commercial 9 V), which keeps the clock running at
all times
Replacing the Main Battery

The battery LED starts flashing when only 10 % of power remains in the
main battery.
To replace the main battery:
1. Save all your traces.
2. Turn off the FTB-100B.
3. Open the battery compartment located on the left panel of the
FTB-100B.
208
FTB-100B
Maintenance
4. Remove the battery by pulling on its strap.

Back of the FTB-100B
(-) T D C (+)
Positive end
Strap
Negative end
5. Slide the new battery into the compartment with the positive end up. It
will not go in completely if inserted incorrectly.
6. Close the battery compartment.
Replacing the Clock Battery

The 9 V battery keeps the internal clock running when you need to change
the main battery.
To replace the clock battery:
1. Push up then pull the latch of the 9 V battery compartment. The battery
compartment door comes off.
2. Pull on the battery strap found in the upper left corner. The battery
comes out.
Mini-OTDR
209
Maintenance
Verifying Your Mini-OTDR
3. Insert the new 9 V battery as shown below, making sure that the
battery strap is partly behind the battery.
4. Put the battery compartment door back in place.

Note: Make sure you push on the door until you hear it click.
Battery Energy Indicators

Pressing the PUSH button on the battery pack will produce the LED
indications shown below:
Capacitya
LED Indicator Number
Notes
On or below 10 %
Blinks 3 times
10 % to 25 %
Lit for 5 seconds
26 % to 50 %
Lit for 5 seconds
51 % to 75 %
Lit for 5 seconds
76 % to 100 %
Lit for 5 seconds
a.
These values represent the relative state of the battery; if the battery voltage is below
5.8 Vdc, there will be no LED indication.

You can perform several tests to ensure your Mini-OTDR operates within
specifications.
210
FTB-100B
Maintenance
Measuring Deviation
Deviation is measured in order to determine if the OTDR needs
recalibration.
To measure the deviation of your OTDR:
1. Connect at least 2 km of fiber to the OTDR output port.
2. Set the distance range at 2.5 km and acquisition time at 180 seconds.
3. Measure the deviation between a 10 ns pulse and a 30 ns pulse for
each laser.
30 ns
10 ns
The deviation () should be between 2.0 dB and 3.0 dB. The deviation must
be measured in the linear backscatter region. Do not measure the
deviation near distinct reflections.
Performance will be affected if the observed deviation is beyond these
limits. The OTDR will eventually require a factory calibration.
Note: This does not affect the precision of distance or loss measurements.
Mini-OTDR
211
Maintenance
Evaluating the Launch Level

Evaluating the launch level is one of the factors allowing you to ensure that
the OTDR operates within specifications.
To evaluate the launch level of your OTDR:
1. Connect at least 2 km of fiber to the OTDR output port.
Ensure that the connector port and fiber connector are properly
cleaned and that the fiber setting parameters are accurate (IOR, Helix
factor and RBS).
Do not use a test jumper between the OTDR and the fiber under test to
limit the number of connectors.
2. Set the distance range to the fiber length used for the evaluation, the
pulse width to the shortest value available, and the acquisition time to
15 seconds.
212
FTB-100B
Maintenance
3. Evaluate the launch level at 0 km by extrapolating the linear region of

the curve.
The launch level should be located within the launch window (blue
rectangle) appearing on the left side of the Y axis on the graph. If the
injection level is below this window, clean the output connector again,
retest the fiber and change the output connector if necessary. If the
situation persists, a degradation in dynamic range will be observed. Return
the OTDR to EXFO.
Note: This does not affect the precision of distance or loss measurements.
Mini-OTDR
213
Maintenance
Verifying the OTDRs Zero

Setting your OTDR to zero can only be done at EXFO. However, you can
test your OTDR to verify the accuracy of its measurement origin.
To verify the measurement origin of your OTDR:
1. Connect a patchcord, approximately 10 m long, to the OTDR output
port. The exact length of the jumper must have been measured
mechanically. Ideally, an unjacketed patchcord should be used.
Ensure that the connector port and fiber connector are correctly
cleaned.
Ensure that the fiber setting parameters are accurate (IOR, Helix factor
and RBS).
2. Set the distance range to less than 2 km, the pulse width to 10 ns and
the acquisition time to 30 s.
214
FTB-100B
Maintenance
3. Take a distance measurement, positioning the A marker as shown

below.
Note: You can also press the Analyze button from the Event pane. The analysis
should return the right position directly.
The position of the marker should be equal to the length of the jumper
( 2 m). For example, 8 to 12 m if the jumper is 10 m long.
If the distance error is beyond this limit, return the OTDR to EXFO.
Mini-OTDR
215
Maintenance
Measuring Dead Zones

You measure the dead zones of your OTDR to verify if they are within
specifications. For dead zones specification values, see Technical
Specifications on page 247.
To measure the event and attenuation dead zones of your OTDR:
1. Connect 2 km of fiber directly to the OTDR output port. Use the shortest
pulse width and distance range possible.
Ensure the connector port and fiber connector are correctly cleaned.
Ensure the fiber setting parameters are accurate (IOR, Helix factor
and RBS).
2. Measure the length (E) of the first reflection at 1.5 dB from the
maximum, as shown below. This is the event dead zone.
3. Measure the distance (A) between the beginning of the reflection and
the point where the trace returns to the backscattering level with a
0.5 dB uncertainty, as shown below. Use A and B markers in the
Measure pane. This is the attenuation dead zone.
1.5 dB
0.5 dB
E
A
216
FTB-100B
Maintenance
If the results exceed the maximum permitted specification (refer to the

calibration certificate that came with your product), performance will be
affected. It is possible that a damaged output connector may be the cause.
The reflectance of the output connector should be below 35 dB in order to
attain an adequate dead zone. If reflectance is greater than 35 dB
(e.g. 20) the incorrect dead zone specification will be the result of a bad
connection. If this is the case, carefully clean the connector. If the problem
persists, change the output connector. If the problem remains even after
changing the output connector, return the OTDR to EXFO.
Note: This does not affect the precision of the distance or loss measurements.
Mini-OTDR
217
Measuring the Dynamic Range

The dynamic range of your OTDR is measured in order to verify if it is
within specifications. For dynamic range specifications, see Technical
Specifications on page 247.
To measure the dynamic range of your OTDR:
1. Connect the OTDR as indicated below. Other configurations are
possible. EXFO suggests the one included in Determining the
Measurement Range on page 220, as it includes an attenuator. The
shortest fiber length from that setup can be used; however, the fiber
should have several sections longer than 2 km, with no loss greater
than 8 dB and with an average attenuation not exceeding 1 dB/km.
Ensure the connector ports and fiber connectors are correctly cleaned,
and that the fiber setting parameters are accurate (IOR, Helix factor
and RBS).
OTDR
2km or more
2km or more
1 to M reels of fiber
( Add as needed )
Fiber End
Maintenance
2. Set the distance range to 160 km (singlemode fiber), the pulse width to
the longest value available and the acquisition time to 180 seconds
(3 minutes).
1 dB
Dynamic range
Dynamic range is the difference between the launch level and the position
on the curve where the peak-to-peak noise level is 1 dB, plus a correction
factor relative to the noise amplitude (which is 5.2 dB).
If the result falls below the minimum permitted specification (refer to the
calibration certificate that came with your product), a degradation of
performance will be observed. It could be caused by a damaged output
connector. If this is the case, clean the connector. If the problem persists,
change the output connector. If the problem remains even after changing
the output connector, return the OTDR to EXFO.
Note: This does not affect the precision of the distance or loss measurements.
Mini-OTDR
219
Maintenance
Determining the Measurement Range

You can determine the measurement range of your singlemode OTDR
modules only, not multimode modules.
To determine the measurement range of your ODTR:
1. Connect the OTDR as indicated below. Other configurations are
possible, but the fiber should have several sections longer than 2 km,
with no loss greater than 8 dB and with the average attenuation not
exceeding 1 dB/km. A variable attenuator will be used to adjust the loss
in the span. One or several non-reflective events with a nominal loss of
0.5 dB should be present. Join a series of fiber reels between the OTDR
and the variable attenuator for a length of approximately 20 km. Join
another series of reels to complete the fiber length needed for the test.
Ensure the connector port and fiber connector are correctly cleaned.
Make sure the fiber settings are accurate (IOR, Helix factor and RBS).
Measured
Fiber Event
20 km
OTDR
2 km or more
2 km or more
1 to M reels of fiber
4 km min
Fiber End
( Add as needed )
220
FTB-100B
Maintenance
2. Set the distance range to 80 km (singlemode fiber), the pulse width to

the longest value available and the acquisition time to 180 seconds
(3 minutes).
The measurement range using the non-reflective event method represents

the amount of attenuation (in dB) between the launch level and a 0.5 dB
splice (which can be detected and measured to an accuracy of 0.1 dB).
You can measure it by simply making an acquisition on a fiber with a
known attenuation and a known 0.5 dB splice. Attenuation (length of fiber)
between the splice and the launch level is added until the analysis can no
longer measure the splice to within 0.1 dB.
Mini-OTDR
221
Maintenance
Recalibrating the Unit
Recalibrating the Unit

EXFOs manufacturing and service center calibrations are based on the
ISO/IEC 17025 Standard, which states that calibration documents must not
contain a recommended calibration interval, unless this has been
previously agreed upon with the customer.
Validity of specifications depends on operating conditions. For example,
the calibration validity period can be longer or shorter depending on the
intensity of use, environmental conditions and unit maintenance. You
should determine the adequate calibration interval for your unit according
to your accuracy requirements.
Under normal use, EXFO recommends calibrating your unit every year.
222
FTB-100B
17 Troubleshooting
Solving Common Problems
Problem
Cause
Unit does not power up. Battery pack is

discharged.
Solution
Charge the battery pack.
Replace the battery pack with a
fully charged one.
Connect the Mini-OTDR to an
external power supply using the

AC/DC adapter/charger.
Mini-OTDR is not
Connect the Mini-OTDR to an external
connected to an
power supply using the AC/DC
external power supply. adapter/charger.
External power supply Make sure the external power supply
is unplugged.
is plugged in at both ends.
Unit screen
is darka.
Mini-OTDRs backlight Press the backlight button.

is off.
Battery pack is
discharged and unit
has shut down.
Charge the battery pack.

Replace the battery pack with a
fully charged one.
Connect the Mini-OTDR to an
external power supply using the

AC/DC adapter/charger.
External keyboard is not External keyboard has Unplug the keyboard and then
working.
not been detected.
plug it again.
Turn off the Mini-OTDR, plug in
the keyboard, and turn on the

Mini-OTDR.
Screen characters are

dim.
Mini-OTDR
Contrast and/or
brightness control(s)
are not set properly.
Adjust the contrast and brightness

controls.
223
Troubleshooting
Problem
Cause
Solution
Battery indicator
remains low after a full
charge.
Battery is not
completely charged.
Perform a complete battery

discharge/recharge cycleb.
Selecting and
manipulating the zoom
box handles is difficult.
Screen calibration is
not sufficiently
accurate.
Recalibrate the touchscreen carefully

using a stylus (see Recalibrating the
Touchscreen on page 44).
Screen calibration is
The Calibrate
Touchscreen button is very poor.
not perfoming any
action OR Impossible to
calibrate the
touchscreen.
Plug an external keyboard to your unit

(see Installing an External Keyboard
on page 32) then press the Ctrl, Shift
and T keys at the same time.
Mini-OTDRs operating
time is reduced.
Replace the NiMH main battery.
NiMH main battery is

probably worn out.
Calibrate the touchscreen normally

(see Recalibrating the Touchscreen
on page 44).
NiMH main battery

Charge the NiMH main battery.
was not fully charged. Perform a complete battery
The 9 V battery must be
replaced frequently.
When pressing the
PUSH button on the
battery, the LEDs do not
light up.
224
See Battery Maintenance

Recommendations on page 207.
Battery voltage is
below 5.8 V and the
NiMH main battery is
discharged.
Perform a complete battery

FTB-100B
Troubleshooting
Problem
Cause
Internal flash ROM has

Units performance
less than 512 KB of
degrades noticeably
free memory left.
OR
Upon startup, the
application indicates
that the storage capacity
is low and that the
operation of the unit
may slow down.
Solution
Free up memory by deleting some

stored trace files or by transferring
them to an optional PC Card or floppy
disk (see Deleting Trace Files on
page 152 and Moving Trace Files on
page 150.)
The application displays The fiber under test is Ensure that the fiber under test is
too long.
shorter than the maximum length the
a message indicating
OTDR can measure.
that a Non-resolved
fiber end event has
been found.
a.
b.
The screen is only completely dark on color LCDs. On monochrome LCDs, you can always distinguish the
screen, even when the backlight is completely off.
A complete battery discharge/recharge cycle consists of a full discharge, immediately followed by a full
charge, then followed by a full discharge. It may be necessary to repeat this procedure more than once
(up to three times).
Note: If none of the solutions mentioned above work, make sure the FTB-100B is
turned off and cut all power sources (unplug the power supply and remove
the 9 V and main batteries) for 10 seconds. Then, reinsert the batteries and
power up the unit. If the problem persists, call EXFO.
Mini-OTDR
225
Troubleshooting
Finding Information on the EXFO Web Site
Finding Information on the EXFO Web Site

The EXFO Web site provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs)
regarding the use of your FTB-100B Mini-OTDR.
To access FAQs:
1. Type http://www.exfo.com in your Internet browser.
2. Click on the Support tab.
3. Click on FAQs and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be given
a list of questions pertaining to your subject.
The EXFO Web site also provides the products most recent technical
specifications.
226
FTB-100B
Troubleshooting
Contacting the Technical Support Group
Contacting the Technical Support Group

To obtain after-sales service or technical support for this product, contact
EXFO at one of the following numbers. The Technical Support Group is
available to take your calls from Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
(Eastern Time in North America).
Technical Support Group
400 Godin Avenue
Vanier (Quebec) G1M 2K2
CANADA
1 866 683-0155 (USA and Canada)

Tel.: 1 418 683-5498
Fax: 1 418 683-9224
support@exfo.com
To accelerate the process, please have information such as the name and
the serial number (see the product identification labelan example is
shown below), as well as a description of your problem, close at hand.
P/N
****************
S/N
542392-3D
Made in Canada
Ver.
January 2003
Mfg.
date
QST442B
465 Godin Avenue

Vanier (Quebec) G1M 3G7 CANADA
FTB-100B-N4-ZZ-Options
Available language
Available options
Mini-OTDR
227
Troubleshooting
Viewing the FTB-100B System Information
Viewing the FTB-100B System Information

You can view general information about your FTB-100B (serial number,
available memory, etc.) from the Info tab of the System Setup window.
To view the FTB-100B system information:
1. From the main window, press System Setup. The System Setup
window appears.
2. Select the Info tab. All the information about your FTB-100B is
displayed.
3. Once you have the information you were looking for, press Exit System
Setup to return to the main window.
228
FTB-100B
Troubleshooting
Transportation
Transportation
Maintain a temperature range within specifications when transporting the
unit. Transportation damage can occur from improper handling. The
following steps are recommended to minimize the possibility of damage:
Mini-OTDR
Pack the unit in its original packing material when shipping.
Avoid high humidity or large temperature fluctuations.
Keep the unit out of direct sunlight.
Avoid unnecessary shock and vibration.
229
18 Warranty
General Information
EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. (EXFO) warrants this equipment
against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from
the date of original shipment. EXFO also warrants that this equipment will
meet applicable specifications under normal use.
During the warranty period, EXFO will, at its discretion, repair, replace,
or issue credit for any defective product, as well as recalibrate the product
free of charge should the equipment need to be repaired or if the original
calibration is erroneous.
IMPORTANT
The warranty can become null and void if:
unit has been tampered with, repaired, or worked upon by

unauthorized individuals or non-EXFO personnel.
warranty sticker has been removed.
case screws, other than those specified in this guide, have been
removed.
case has been opened, other than as explained in this guide.
unit serial number has been altered, erased, or removed.
unit has been misused, neglected, or damaged by accident.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED,

IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL EXFO BE LIABLE FOR
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Mini-OTDR
231
Warranty
Liability
Liability
EXFO shall not be liable for damages resulting from the use of the product,
nor shall be responsible for any failure in the performance of other items to
which the product is connected or the operation of any system of which
the product may be a part.
EXFO shall not be liable for damages resulting from improper usage or
unauthorized modification of the product, its accompanying accessories
and software.
Exclusions
EXFO reserves the right to make changes in the design or construction of
any of its products at any time without incurring obligation to make any
changes whatsoever on units purchased. Accessories, including but not
limited to fuses, pilot lamps, batteries, optical connectors and universal
interfaces (EUI) used with EXFO products are not covered by this warranty.
This warranty excludes failure resulting from: improper use or installation,
normal wear and tear, accident, abuse, neglect, fire, water, lightning or
other acts of nature, causes external to the product or other factors beyond
EXFOs control.
IMPORTANT
EXFO will charge a fee for replacing optical connectors that were
damaged due to misuse or bad cleaning.
Certification
EXFO certifies that this equipment met its published specifications at the
time of shipment from the factory.
232
FTB-100B
Warranty
Service and Repairs
Service and Repairs

EXFO commits to providing product service and repair for five years
following the date of purchase.
To send any equipment for service or repair:
1. Call one of EXFOs authorized service centers (see EXFO Service
Centers Worldwide on page 234). Support personnel will determine if
the equipment requires service, repair, or calibration.
2. If equipment must be returned to EXFO or an authorized service
center, support personnel will issue a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) number and provide an address for return.
3. If possible, back up your data before sending the unit for repair.
4. Pack the equipment in its original shipping material. Be sure to include
a statement or report fully detailing the defect and the conditions under
which it was observed.
5. Return the equipment, prepaid, to the address given to you by support
personnel. Be sure to write the RMA number on the shipping slip. EXFO
will refuse and return any package that does not bear an RMA number.
Note: A test setup fee will apply to any returned unit that, after test, is found to
meet the applicable specifications.
After repair, the equipment will be returned with a repair report. If the
equipment is not under warranty, you will be invoiced for the cost
appearing on this report. EXFO will pay return-to-customer shipping costs
for equipment under warranty. Shipping insurance is at your expense.
Routine recalibration is not included in any of the warranty plans. Since
calibrations/verifications are not covered by the basic or extended
warranties, you may elect to purchase FlexCare Calibration/Verification
Packages for a definite period of time. Contact an authorized service center
(see EXFO Service Centers Worldwide on page 234).
Mini-OTDR
233
Warranty
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide

If your product requires servicing, contact your nearest authorized service
center.
EXFO Headquarters Service Center
400 Godin Avenue
Vanier (Quebec) G1M 2K2
CANADA
234
1 866 683-0155 (USA and Canada)

Tel.: 1 418 683-5498
Fax: 1 418 683-9224
quebec.service@exfo.com
EXFO Europe Service Center

Le Dynasteur
10/12, rue Andras Beck
92366 Meudon la Fort Cedex
FRANCE
Tel.: +33.1.40.83.85.85
Fax: +33.1.40.83.04.42
europe.service@exfo.com
EXFO China Service Center/

Beijing OSIC
Beijing New Century Hotel
Office Tower, Room 1754-1755
No. 6 Southern Capital Gym Road
Beijing 100044
P. R. CHINA
Tel.: +86 (10) 6849 2738

Fax: +86 (10) 6849 2662
beijing.service@exfo.com
FTB-100B
Description of Event Types

This section describes all types of events that may appear in the Event table
generated by ToolBox. Here is a guide to the descriptions:
Each type of event has its own symbol.
Each type of event is represented by a graph of a fiber trace, which

illustrates the power reflected back towards the source as a function of
distance.
An arrow points to the location of the event type in the trace.
Most graphs show one complete trace, that is, an entire acquisition
range.
Some graphs show only a portion of the entire range to view events of
interest more closely.
Span Start
The Span Start of a trace is the event that marks the beginning of the fiber
span. By default, the Span Start is placed on the first event of a tested fiber
(typically the first connector of the OTDR itself).
You can make another event the start of the span you want to focus your
analysis on. This will set the beginning of the Event table at a specific event
along the trace.
Span End
The Span End of a trace is the event that marks the end of the fiber span. By
default, the Span End is placed on the last event of a tested fiber, and is
called the end-of-fiber event.
You can also make another event the end of the span you want to focus
your analysis on. This will set the end of the Event table at a specific event
along the trace.
Mini-OTDR
235

Continuous Fiber
Continuous Fiber
This event indicates that the selected acquisition range was shorter than
the fiber length.
236
The fiber end was not detected because the analysis process ended
before reaching the end of the fiber.
The acquisition distance range should therefore be increased to a

value greater than the fiber length.
There is no loss or reflectance specified for continuous fiber events.
FTB-100B

End of Analysis
End of Analysis
This event indicates that the pulse width used did not provide enough
dynamic range to get to the end of the fiber.
Mini-OTDR
The analysis ended before reaching the end of the fiber because the
signal-to-noise ratio was too low.
The pulse width should therefore be increased so the signal reaches

the end of the fiber with a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio.
There is no loss or reflectance specified for end-of-analysis events.
237

Non-Reflective Event
Non-Reflective Event
This event is characterized by a sudden decrease in the Rayleigh

backscatter signal level. It appears as a discontinuity in the downward
slope of the trace signal.
238
This event is often caused by splices, macrobends, or microbends in

the fiber.
A loss value is specified for non-reflective events. There is no

reflectance specified for this type of event.
If you set thresholds, the application indicates a non-reflective fault in

the Event table, whenever a value exceeds the loss threshold (see
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds on page 71).
FTB-100B

Reflective Event
Reflective Event
Reflective faults appear as spikes in the fiber trace. They are caused by an
abrupt discontinuity in the index of refraction.
Mini-OTDR
Reflective events cause a significant portion of the energy initially

launched into the fiber to be reflected back toward the source.
Reflective events may indicate the presence of connectors,

mechanical splices, or even poor-quality fusion splices or cracks.
A loss and a reflectance value are normally specified for reflective

events.
When the reflective spike reaches the maximum level, its top may be
clipped due to the saturation of the detector. As a result, the dead
zoneor minimum distance for making a detection or attenuation
measurement between this event and a second close bymay be
increased.
If you set thresholds, the application indicates a reflective fault in the

Event table, whenever a value exceeds reflectance and/or connector
loss threshold(s)(see Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds on page 71).
239

Positive Event
Positive Event
This event indicates a splice with an apparent gain, due to the junction of
two fiber sections having different fiber backscatter characteristics
(backscatter and backscatter capture coefficients).
240
A loss value is specified for positive events. The loss specified does not
indicate the true loss of the event.
The true loss has to be measured by performing bidirectional fiber

measurements and bidirectional analysis.
FTB-100B

Launch Level
Launch Level
This event indicates the level of the signal launched into the fiber.
The figure above shows how the launch level is measured.

A straight line is plotted using least-square approximation to fit all trace
points in the linear area between the first and second detected events.
The straight line is projected towards the Y (dB) axis until it crosses the
axis.
The crossing point indicates the launch level.
Mini-OTDR
<<<< in the Event table indicates that the launch level is too low.
241

Fiber Section
Fiber Section
This symbol denotes a fiber section with no event.
242
The sum of all fiber sections contained in an entire fiber trace equals
the total fiber length. Detected events are distincteven if they cover
more than one point on the trace.
A loss value is specified for fiber section events. No reflectance is

specified for this type of event.
The attenuation (dB/distance) is obtained by dividing the loss by the

fiber section length.
FTB-100B

Merged Reflective Event
Reflective Faults
Point A
Total loss
( dB)
Point B
Merged Reflective Event position
This symbol denotes a reflective event combined with one or more other
reflective events. It also indicates the total loss produced by the merged
reflective events following it in the Event table.
Mini-OTDR
A Merged Reflective Event is composed of reflective events. Only the

Merged Reflective Event is displayed in the Event table, not the
reflective subevents composing it.
Reflective events may indicate the presence of connectors,

mechanical splices, or poor-quality fusion splices or cracks.
A reflectance value is specified for all merged reflective events and

indicates the maximum reflectance for the merged event.
A reflectance value is also displayed for each subevent composing the
Merged Reflective Event.
243

244
The total loss ( dB) produced by the events is measured by plotting

two straight lines.
The first line is plotted by fitting, through least-square

approximation, trace points in the linear area preceding the first
event.
The second line is plotted by fitting, through least-square

approximation, trace points in the linear area following the second
event. If there were more than two merged events, this line would
be plotted in the linear area following the last merged event. This
line is then projected towards the first merged event.
The total loss ( dB) equals the power difference between the
point where the first event begins (point A) and the point on the
projected straight line located just below the first event (point B).
No loss value can be specified for the subevents.
FTB-100B

Echo
Echo
This symbol indicates that a reflective event has been detected after the
end of the fiber.
Mini-OTDR
In the example above, the launched pulse travels up to the end

connector and is reflected back towards the OTDR. Then, it reaches
the second connector and is reflected again towards the end
connector. It is then reflected back to the OTDR.
ToolBox interprets this new reflection as an echo because of its

characteristics (reflectance and particular position with respect to
other reflections).
The distance between the second connector reflection and the end
connector reflection is equal to the distance between the end
connector reflection and the echo.
There is no loss specified for echo events.
245

Reflective Event (Possible Echo)
Reflective Event (Possible Echo)
This symbol indicates a reflective event that can be a real reflection or an

echo produced by another stronger reflection located closer to the source.
In the example above, the launched pulse hits the third connector, is
reflected back to the OTDR and reflected again into the fiber. It then
reaches the third connector a second time and is reflected once more
to the OTDR.
ToolBox would therefore detect a reflective event located at twice the
distance of the third connector. Since this event is almost null (no loss),
and since its distance is a multiple of the third connector distance,
ToolBox would interpret it as a possible echo.
246
A reflectance value is specified for reflective events (possible echo).
FTB-100B
Technical Specifications
AC Adapter Specifications
Max. AC input
100240 VAC, 0.7 A, 5060 Hz
Output current
18 VDC, 1.66 A
Overvoltage category
II
Maximum operation altitude
up to 2000 m/6150 ft
Operating temperature
5 C to 40 C (41 F to 104 F)
Relative humidity
80 % up to 31 C (87.8 F) decreasing
linearly to 50 % at 40 C (104 F)
Main supply fluctuations
<10 %
Pollution degree
IMPORTANT
The following technical specifications can change without notice.
The information presented in this section is provided as a reference
only. To obtain this products most recent technical specifications,
visit the EXFO Web site at www.exfo.com.
Mini-OTDR
247
FTB-100B Mini-OTDR Specifications

Processor
Interfaces
External
Internal memory1
Additional storage (optional)
Floppy drive
Display
Touchscreen
External power supply
Battery
Battery operating time3
Recharge time
Size (H x W x D)
Weight4
Operating temperature5
Storage temperature6
Relative humidity
Intel StrongArm, 206 MHz

Serial RS-232C
Parallel printer
Keyboard PS/2
PCMCIA Type II
32 MB total (700 traces typ. ), standard
PCMCIA flash cards, up to 6000 traces
3.5 inch floppy drive, 1.44 MB
Monochrome LCD touchscreen, 18.8 cm (7.4 in), 640 x 480, transflective
Color LCD touchscreen, 19.6 cm (7.7 in), 640 x 480, 256 colors (optional)
Resistive, 8 wires
Positional accuracy better than 2 %, full scale, worst-case error < 0.5 cm (0.18 in)
Resistant to most common chemicals2
AC input: 100 to 240 V, 50 Hz to 60 Hz
Nickel metal-hydride (NiMH), rechargeable, smart (standard)
8 h NiMH battery
2.5 h (off), 8 h (on)
21.6 cm x 33.6 cm x 8.9 cm
(8 1/2 x 13 1/4 x 3 1/2 in)
3.7 kg
(8.1 lb)
5 C to 50 C
(23 F to 122 F)
40 C to 60 C (40 F to 140 F) (shipping)
20 C to 50 C (4 F to 122 F) (long term)
0 to 95 % max. non-condensing
Power Meter Specifications (InGaAs detector)

Calibrated wavelengths (nm)
Power range (dBm)
Uncertainty (%)
Linearity (dB)
Display resolution (dB)
Tone detection (Hz)
850, 1300, 1310, 1550, 1625

4 to -70
5 (0 dBm to 46 dBm)
0.05 (0 dBm to 46 dBm)
0.1 (46 dBm to 57 dBm)
0.01 (4 dBm to 63 dBm)
0.1 (63 dBm to 70 dBm)
270/1000/2000
FTB-100B Product Information
toluene, carbitol acetate, hydrochloric acid, turpentine, Vm and naptha, unleaded

gasoline, motor oil, diesel fuel, transmission fluid, antifreeze.
3. According to Telcordia TR-NWT-001138, with monochrome display.
4. FTB-100B with OTDR module and battery.
5. Excluding floppy drive (use is not recommended below 0 C). OTDR module
performance can be affected at sub-zero temperatures.
6. Excluding the battery.
FOA-22 FC: FC, FC(/PC/SPC/UPC/APC), NEC-D3

FOA-32 ST: ST, ST(/PC/SPC/UPC)
FOA-34 Mini-BNC
FOA-40 Diamond HMS-0, HFS-3 (3.5 mm)
FOA-54 SC: SC(/PC/SPC/UPC/APC)
FOA-84 Diamond HMS-10, HFS-13
For other FOA types please contact EXFO
Technical Specifications
Specifications (preliminary)
OTDR Multimode Product Specifications1

Family/Model
Wavelength
FTB-72XXB-C or D7
850 20/1300 20
Dynamic
range2
at 100ns/1s
23/27 (C), 25/29 (D)
Event
dead zone3
Attenuation
dead zone3
1.5/1.5
5/5
Event
dead zone5
1/1
1/1/1/1
3/3/3/3
3/3/3
3/3/3
3
Attenuation
dead zone5
5/6, 4/46
5/6/6/6, 4/4/4/56
10/10/15/16
8/10/10
10/15/16
15
OTDR Singlemode Product Specifications1

Model
Wavelength
FTB-7200D-XXX
FTB-7300D-XXX
FTB-74XXB-B
FTB-74234C
FTB-75XXB-B
FTB-7503B-B-ER
1310 20/1550 20
1310 20/1490 10/1550 20/1625 10
1310 20/1410 10/1550 20/1625 10
1310 20/1550 20/1625 10
1310 20/1550 20/1625 10
1550 20
Dynamic
range 10s2
34/33
37/34/35.5/34
40/37/38/38
41/39/38
43.5/41.5/40
427
Dynamic
range 20s2
35/34
38/35/36.5/35
41.5/38.5/39.5/39
42.5/40.5/39.5
45/43/41.5
457
For complete details on all available configurations, refer to the Ordering Information section.
General Specifications
Models
Distance range (km)
Pulse width (ns)
Linearity8 (dB/dB)
Loss threshold (dB)
Loss resolution (dB)
Sampling resolution (m)
Sampling points
Distance uncertainty9
Measurement time
Real-time refresh
Stable source output power10 (dBm)
Visual fault locator (optional)
7200B-C/D series
0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40
10, 30, 100 (850 nm)
10, 30, 100, 275, 1000 (1300 nm)
0.05
0.01
0.001
0.08 to 5
Up to 16 000
(1 m + 0.0025 % x distance)
User-defined (60 min maximum)
<1s
-7
Laser, 650 10 nm
CW, Pout maximum: 800 W
7200D/7300D series
1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 260
5, 10, 30, 100, 275, 1000,
10 000 (7300D includes 2500 and 20 000)
0.03
0.01
0.001
0.04 to 5
Up to 128 000
(0.75 m + 0.0025 % x distance)
< .33 s
-10 (7200D) -8 (7300D)
Laser, 650 10 nm
7400B-B/ 7500B-B/74234C-B series

1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 260
10, 30, 100, 275, 1000, 2500,
10 000, 20 000
0.05
0.01
0.001
0.08 to 5
Up to 52 000
(1 m + 0.0025 % x distance)
<1s
-5
Laser, 650 10 nm
Notes
1. All specifications valid at 23 C (73 F) with an FC/PC connector,
unless otherwise specified.
2. Typical dynamic range with a three-minute average at SNR = 1
(45 seconds average for 7200D and 7300D).
3. Typical dead zone of multimode modules for reflectance below -35 dB,
using a 10 ns pulse.
4. ORL measurement not available for this module.
Mini-OTDR
5. Typical dead zone of singlemode modules for reflectance below -45 dB, using a 10 ns pulse
(5 ns pulse for 7200D and 7300D).
6. Typical dead zone of singlemode modules for reflectance below -55 dB, using a 5 sn pulse.
7. Typical dynamic range on NZDSF with a three-minute average at SNR = 1.
8. Does not include uncertainty due to sampling resolution.
9. Does not include uncertainty due to fiber index and sampling resolution.
10. Typical output power value.
249
Installing ToolBox on a
Computer
You can install ToolBox on a computer for data post-processing. Use the
CD-ROM that came with your FTB-100B Mini-OTDR or upgrade kit and
follow the instructions below.
Note: When installing ToolBox on a computer, some features will not be
available.
Minimum
Requirements
Windows 98 (SE)
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Operating System
version
Windows 98 SE
(version 4.10.2222)
Windows 2000
(version 5.00.2195)
Windows XP
Processor
Pentium PC
(120 MHz or higher
recommended)
Pentium PC
(133 MHz or higher
recommended)
Pentium PC
(500 MHz or higher
recommended)
RAM
64 MB
(124 MB recommended)
Disk space
Monitor
115 MB required on C hard disk

Super VGA monitor with the following settings for optimized use:
Screen resolution set to 800 x 600 only
16 million colors or more
Small fonts selected only
Other
requirements
Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.5 or later

Administrator rights on the system
Note: Only administrator-level users can install software under Windows 2000.
Mini-OTDR
251
Installing ToolBox on a Computer
To install or upgrade ToolBox on a computer:

1. Insert the installation CD in the CD-ROM drive.
2. Launch the installation process as follows:
2a. On the Windows taskbar, click on Start and select Run.
2b. Click on the browse button. On the CD, go to the ToolBox 6 folder,
then to the TBox w.x.y.z folder (where w.x.y.z corresponds to the
ToolBox version number). Double-click on Setup.exe.
2c. Click on OK to start the InstallShield Wizard and follow the
on-screen instructions.
Note: If a version of ToolBox earlier to 6.15 is found on your computer, you will be
requested to uninstall it (manually) before proceeding.
252
FTB-100B
Installing ToolBox on a Computer
3. In the Select Features step, select the component(s) you want to

install and click on Next to start the installation.
List of modules
may differ
from illustration
4. Once the installation is complete, click on OK to reboot your computer.
Mini-OTDR
253
Adding a Logo to the

Mini-OTDR Start-up Screen
Note: You need to connect a keyboard to your FTB-100B to be able to add a
customized logo. For more information, see Installing an External Keyboard
on page 32.
To add your own customized logo to the FTB-100B start-up
screen:
1. Use your preferred image editor to draw or copy and paste your logo.
You can use the Microsoft Paint editor for this task.
You will obtain better results if you use an image size of about 150 x
75 pixels.
To obtain a transparent color, define a custom color with red,

green, blue (RGB) parameters of 32 x 32 x 32.
For a preview of the transparent color effect on the FTB-100B, see

the logo.bmp sample.
2. Save your logo in a file named logo.bmp. Make sure your file is in a
Windows or OS/2 bitmap format and is saved in 256 colors.
3. Copy your logo.bmp file to a floppy disk and then insert the floppy disk
into your FTB-100B.
4. On the FTB-100B, go to the Utilities tab and launch the File Manager
application.
5. From the File Manager window, press the Ctrl, Shift and S keys
simultaneously.
Note: This special command enables the User Files\Services folder, which is
usually hidden.
6. Copy the logo.bmp file from the floppy disk to the User Files\Services
folder by using the file manager's copy function. The next time you turn
on your FTB-100B, the logo will appear in the bottom right corner of the
start-up screen.
Mini-OTDR
255
Index
Index
***** indication ........................................ 141
A
AC adapter/charger ....................................... 8
AC/DC adapter/charger socket location ......... 4
accessing
power meter........................................ 165
accuracy, of trace ........................................ 60
acquiring traces
Advanced mode..................................... 83
Advanced mode, custom time ............... 64
Auto mode ............................................ 78
Template mode...................................... 96
acquisition
automatic, in Advanced mode............... 83
Advanced mode..................................... 83
changing resolution............................... 56
date ..................................... 125, 156, 191
duration....................................... 125, 191
filename .............................................. 125
interrupting ..................................... 76, 84
pulse width used ................................. 125
setting analysis detection thresholds ..... 68
Template mode................................ 89, 96
time, autorange..................................... 52
wavelength used ......................... 125, 191
acquisition time
custom-time mode ................................ 64
activating backlight..................................... 42
active trace selection ................................. 118
adjusting
regional settings .................................... 35
adjusting brightness.................................... 42
Advanced mode .......................................... 47
acquiring traces ..................................... 83
acquiring traces automatically ............... 83
acquisition-specific fiber parameters ... 124
Mini-OTDR
setting the autorange acquisition time .. 52

testing ................................................... 83
after-sales service ...................................... 227
analysis
after acquisition ............................. 66, 129
fiber span............................................. 131
performing offline ................................. 93
performing online .................................. 93
thresholds, detection ..................... 68, 190
thresholds, end-of-fiber detection 68, 125,
190, 192
thresholds, pass/fail ............................... 71
thresholds, reflectance detection .. 68, 125,
190, 192
thresholds, splice loss detection.... 68, 125,
190, 192
analyzing a trace. see analysis, after acquisition
application
exiting.................................................... 32
launching, single-module....................... 31
main window (first time used) ............. 179
Att. column in Event table ......................... 109
attenuation
fiber section ........................................... 71
LSA measurement method................... 139
measurement....................................... 139
reflectance ........................................... 141
two-point measurement method ......... 139
audible touchscreen feedback ..................... 44
Auto mode
selecting test wavelength ................ 75, 83
setting fiber parameters......................... 80
testing ................................................... 75
automatic acquisition time. see autorange acquisition time
automatic zoom reset........................ 120, 121
autonaming function................................... 47
autorange acquisition time.......................... 52
257
Index
average loss in Trace Info. tab................... 125

Average Splice Loss in Trace Info. tab........ 125
Avg. Splice Loss in Trace Info. tab ............. 191
buttons
scroll, in the Event table....................... 106
zoom. see controls, zoom
back panel description .................................. 3

backlight
activating/deactivating .......................... 42
location of button ................................... 1
basic OTDR theory ....................................... 11
battery
accepted in FTB-100B .......................... 206
description............................................... 9
indicator ............................................ 9, 31
location ................................................... 3
replacing clock..................................... 209
replacing main..................................... 208
safety..................................................... 19
type allowed.......................................... 19
bidirectional analysis
acquisition-specific fiber parameters ... 190
automatic event insertion.................... 189
Event table, effect of event change ..... 189
general description .............................. 178
installation........................................... 177
of fiber span ........................................ 186
percentage of events aligned............... 187
printing traces ..................................... 201
purpose ............................................... 178
reloading multiwavelength trace file ... 181
reloadng single-wavelength trace file .. 181
restrictions................................... 178, 181
starting ................................................ 179
bidirectional trace
discarding the original files.................. 195
file content .......................................... 195
saving .................................................. 195
brightness setting ....................................... 42
brightness, adjusting................................... 42
button bar................................................... 31
calibrating the touchscreen ......................... 44

calibration
certificate............................................. 222
interval................................................. 222
cancelling dark current effects................... 166
capacitors .................................................... 18
caution
of personal hazard ................................. 14
of product hazard .................................. 14
certification information..............................viii
changing
acquisition resolution............................. 56
initial settings ........................................ 29
circuit performance ................................... 166
cleaning
EUI connectors..................................... 204
EUI/EUA adapters ................................. 204
fiber ends............................................... 46
front panel........................................... 203
clearing
power meter display ............................ 174
traces from the display (OTDR) ............ 119
clock battery, replacing ............................. 209
cold start ..................................................... 29
color of traces in display............................ 107
connector, threshold loss ............................ 71
connectors, cleaning ................................. 204
contrast setting ........................................... 42
contrast, adjusting ...................................... 42
controls, zoom .......................................... 122
conventions, safety...................................... 14
copying trace............................................. 148
Create Ref./Template OTDR. see Create
Ref./Template mode
creating storage folder ................................ 51
Cumul. column in Event table.................... 109
258
FTB-100B
Index
cumulative loss.......................................... 109

customer service........................................ 233
dual-wavelength trace color in display ...... 107

dynamic range........................................... 218
dark current effects, eliminating ............... 166

data points.................................................. 60
date
in Trace Info. tab ......................... 125, 191
of trace acquisition .............................. 156
date and time.............................................. 35
deactivating backligth ................................. 42
dead zones................................................ 216
decrementation, filename ........................... 47
Default Tolerance in Bidir. Info. tab........... 191
default trace name ...................................... 47
definition of the OTDR .................................. 1
deleting
trace .................................................... 152
deleting events.......................................... 127
delimiting fiber span ................................. 111
description of event types ......................... 235
detailed report .......................................... 157
detecting module ........................................ 26
deviation, OTDR software.......................... 211
dial
Distance................................................. 56
moving .................................................. 59
Pulse ...................................................... 56
Time....................................................... 56
disappearing marker ................................. 134
disconnecting unit....................................... 17
displaying
fiber sections ....................................... 111
fiber span ............................................ 121
injection level in Event table ................ 111
pass/fail messages ................................. 72
traces................................................... 117
distance
between events ................................... 135
equation ................................................ 11
range ..................................................... 56
electrical
specifications ....................................... 247
electronic offsets, eliminating.................... 166
eliminating offsets/dark current................. 166
end-of-fiber
detection threshold........ 68, 125, 190, 192
event.................................................... 235
equation of distance.................................... 11
equipment returns..................................... 233
error messages .......................................... 225
EUI
baseplate ............................................... 45
connector adapter ................................. 45
dust cap ................................................. 45
EUI/EUA adapters, cleaning ....................... 204
event
automatic insertion.............................. 189
deleting ............................................... 127
description of types ............................. 235
difference with fault .............................. 11
distance measurement ......................... 135
effect of setting as span start/end.. 73, 131
effect of setting, as span start or end .. 186
fault notification .................................... 71
locating................................................ 110
location................................................ 109
loss. see event loss
marking fault in Event table................... 71
name, displaying.................................. 108
non-reflective, averaged loss........ 125, 191
number ................................................ 109
reflectance ........................................... 109
threshold, pass/fail................................. 71
thresholds, pass/fail message................. 71
tolerance interval ................................. 194
tolerance interval (bidir. analysis)......... 194
undeletable.......................................... 127
Mini-OTDR
259
Index
event loss
average in Trace Info. tab ............ 125, 191
average, in Trace Info. tab ................... 125
in Event table....................................... 109
in Trace Info. tab ................................. 191
measurement....................................... 136
total, in Trace Info. tab ........................ 125
Event table
changing ............................................. 189
description........................................... 106
effect of changes on the Bidir. table.... 189
locating event...................................... 110
regenerating ........................................ 129
scroll buttons....................................... 106
event types
description........................................... 235
continuous fiber .................................. 236
echo .................................................... 245
end of analysis..................................... 237
end-of-fiber ......................................... 235
fiber section......................................... 242
launch level.......................................... 241
merged reflective fault ........................ 243
non-reflective fault .............................. 238
positive fault........................................ 240
reflective fault...................................... 239
reflective fault (possible echo) ............. 246
span end.............................................. 235
span start ............................................ 235
EXFO service centers.................................. 234
EXFO trace format..................................... 143
EXFO universal interface. see EUI
EXFO Web site........................................... 226
exiting application....................................... 32
external
keyboard installation ............................. 32
printer installation ................................. 33
F
failed events, flagging................................. 71
FAQs.......................................................... 226
260
fault
difference with event ............................. 11
marking in Event table ........................... 71
notification, for events........................... 71
fiber
attenuation .......................................... 109
identifying by name ....................... 47, 155
identifying visually ............................... 159
measuring optical power ..................... 169
section attenuation................................ 71
sections display.................................... 111
span length.......................................... 125
type in Trace Info. tab.................. 125, 191
see also fiber span ................................. 73
fiber ends, cleaning ..................................... 46
fiber parameters, setting
acquisition-specific (Advanced mode) .. 124
acquisition-specific (Bidirectional)........ 190
default ................................................... 54
fiber span
analysis ................................................ 131
average loss in Trace Info tab............... 125
average splice loss in Trace Info. tab... 125,
191
bidirectional analysis............................ 186
delimitation ......................................... 111
end location on bidir. trace.................. 186
length in Trace Info. tab......... 73, 125, 191
setting ................................................... 73
start location on bidir. trace ................ 186
total loss in Trace Info. tab .......... 125, 191
zooming (automatic) ........................... 121
File Manager
accessing ............................................. 146
copying trace ....................................... 148
deleting trace....................................... 152
introduction......................................... 146
moving trace........................................ 150
renaming trace .................................... 146
see also managing traces
file. see trace
FTB-100B
Index
filename
in trace display .................................... 113
trace acquisition .................................. 125
flagging failed events.................................. 71
flash memory, compatible........................... 33
floppy disk, renaming file on..................... 147
floppy drive, location .................................... 4
floppy drive, location of ................................ 4
forced selection of test wavelength....... 79, 86
four-point measurement method vs. LSA .. 136
Fresnel reflection ......................................... 12
front panel description.................................. 1
front panel, cleaning ................................. 203
FTB-100 trace format ................................ 144
FTB-100B Mini-OTDR
accepted batteries ............................... 206
back panel ............................................... 3
front panel description ............................ 1
left panel ................................................. 3
main window ........................................ 35
system information.............................. 228
top panel ................................................. 4
turning off ............................................. 30
turning on ............................................. 29
G
General tab ............................................... 113
grid display ............................................... 113
H
Helix factor
admissible values ................................... 54
in Trace Info. tab ......................... 125, 192
modification ................................ 124, 190
setting ................................................... 54
hiding traces ............................................. 117
high-resolution feature ............................... 60
Mini-OTDR
I
identification label..................................... 227
identifying fiber under test........................ 159
incrementation, filename ............................ 47
indoor use ................................................... 18
initial settings, changing ............................. 29
initialization error messages ...................... 225
injection level
display in Event table ........................... 111
inlets............................................................ 17
inserting a module ...................................... 24
installing
software on a computer ...................... 251
ToolBox ................................................ 251
interface language................................. 35, 37
internal software. see software upgrade
IOR
in Trace Info. tab.................................. 125
modification ................................ 124, 190
obtaining ............................................... 54
setting ................................................... 54
text field in Trace Info. tab ................... 192
K
keyboard
external.................................................. 32
port (male DB-9), location........................ 4
L
label, identification.................................... 227
language of interface .................................. 37
laser
safety information ................................. 15
using OTDR as source........................... 159
launch level ............................................... 212
least-square approximation. see LSA
LED
location of ............................................... 1
status description..................................... 5
left panel description..................................... 3
261
Index
light source
accessing ............................................. 159
function overview ................................ 159
operating............................................. 159
Li-Ion battery. see battery
Loc. in Event table..................................... 109
locating events .......................................... 110
Location window updating ......................... 33
logo, start-up screen ................................. 255
loss
average for fiber span.......................... 125
average splice .............................. 125, 191
connector .............................................. 71
cumulative for fiber span............. 125, 191
in Event table....................................... 109
measurement....................................... 136
measurement, positioning markers ..... 138
non-reflective events average ...... 125, 191
splice ..................................................... 71
LSA measurement method
definition............................................. 139
vs. four-point....................................... 136
vs. two-point ....................................... 139
M
main battery, replacing ............................. 208
main window, purpose ............................... 35
maintenance
EUI connectors..................................... 204
EUI/EUA adapters................................. 204
front panel .......................................... 203
general information............................. 203
power information .............................. 206
upgrading software ............................... 21
marker
disappearing on zoom......................... 134
too close to one another ..................... 134
measurement
attenuation (two-point and LSA) ......... 139
event distance ..................................... 135
event loss............................................. 136
262
event RBS level ..................................... 135

ORL ...................................................... 142
range ................................................... 220
units..................................................... 115
with power meter ................................ 169
memory flash compatible ............................ 33
mode
of analysis, offline.................................. 93
of analysis, online .................................. 93
test ........................................................ 47
modifying initial settings ............................. 29
module
detection ............................................... 26
insertion................................................. 24
location.................................................... 1
removal.................................................. 24
mounting EUI connector adapter ................ 45
moving trace ............................................. 150
multiwavelength trace file
bidirectional analysis............................ 181
displaying ............................................ 117
N
naming
reference trace ....................................... 95
trace automatically ................................ 47
new storage folder ...................................... 51
nickel metal hydride battery. see battery
NiMH battery. see battery
non-reflective event, averaged loss.... 125, 191
null measurement, performing.................. 166
nulling offsets............................................ 166
number
in Event table....................................... 109
of the event ......................................... 109
O
offline mode................................................ 47
offline, working with OTDR traces ............... 93
On/Off button, location of............................. 1
online, working with OTDR traces ............... 93
FTB-100B
Index
operating light source ............................... 159

optical detector performance.................... 166
optical return loss. see ORL
option used at start-up ............................... 39
ORL
measurement....................................... 142
module required for calculations ......... 142
OTDR
basic theory ........................................... 11
definition ................................................. 1
internal components.............................. 12
using as laser source............................ 159
working offline ...................................... 93
working online ...................................... 93
OTDR software
dead zones .......................................... 216
deviation.............................................. 211
dynamic range..................................... 218
error messages .................................... 225
file compatibility between versions...... 144
launch level.......................................... 212
measurement range............................. 220
setting zero ......................................... 214
P
parallel port, location .................................... 4
parameters
Auto mode ............................................ 75
Helix factor ............................................ 54
IOR......................................................... 54
Rayleigh backscatter coefficient............. 54
Template mode...................................... 91
trace display ........................................ 113
pass/fail
message display..................................... 72
pass/fail test
disabling................................................ 71
enabling ................................................ 71
when to perform ................................... 71
Mini-OTDR
PC Card
installation ............................................. 33
updating Location window .................... 33
PC Card reader
accepted card ........................................ 33
location.................................................... 4
PC, installing software on .......................... 251
performing null measurement ................... 166
performing optical power measurement ... 169
peripheral
external keyboard .................................. 32
external printer ...................................... 33
photodetector ............................................. 11
ports
keyboard, location ................................... 4
location.................................................... 4
parallel, location ...................................... 4
power meter, location ............................. 4
serial, location.......................................... 4
power
cable ...................................................... 17
detection ............................................... 34
measurement....................................... 169
plug ....................................................... 17
setting thresholds ................................ 167
power meter
accessing.............................................. 165
buttons description.............................. 166
clearing the display .............................. 174
creating a report .................................. 175
default storage path ............................ 171
detailed report ..................................... 176
location of port........................................ 4
measurement....................................... 169
printing a report .................................. 176
recalling results .................................... 173
reference values ................................... 168
results .................................................. 170
storing results ...................................... 171
thresholds ............................................ 167
263
Index
power sources
description............................................... 8
see also AC adapter/charger
see also battery
power supply general information ............ 206
precision, trace............................................ 60
printer installation....................................... 33
printing traces........................................... 201
product
identification label............................... 227
specifications ............................... 226, 247
product specifications ............................... 247
pulse
dial ........................................................ 56
in Trace Info. tab ................................. 125
setting width ......................................... 56
Pulse dial setting ......................................... 56
Pulse/Time in Trace Info. tab ..................... 191
R
RBS (Rayleigh backscatter)
description............................................. 12
in Trace Info. tab ......................... 125, 192
modification ................................ 124, 190
obtaining............................................... 54
setting ................................................... 54
RBS level measurement event.................... 135
reanalyzing a trace .................................... 129
recalibration .............................................. 222
recalling
results, power meter............................ 173
recalling files or traces. see reloading
rechargeable battery. see battery
reference
mode ................................................... 168
values, setting...................................... 168
reference trace
naming .................................................. 95
parameters ............................................ 91
selection .............................................. 101
reference, zero power ............................... 166
264
Refl. column in Event table........................ 109

reflectance
attenuation .......................................... 141
of event ............................................... 109
of non-reflective events ....................... 141
source of inaccurate measurements....... 55
regional settings.......................................... 35
reinstalling software. see software upgrade
reloading
a single-wavelength trace file .............. 181
multiwavelength trace file ................... 181
trace .................................................... 103
removing a module ..................................... 24
renaming file on floppy disk ...................... 147
renaming trace .......................................... 146
repairing unit............................................... 18
replacing
clock battery ........................................ 209
main battery ........................................ 208
report
content, summarized ........................... 157
contents, detailed ................................ 157
creating for power meter results.......... 175
creation ............................................... 197
detailed, power meter results .............. 176
layout................................................... 198
of trace ................................................ 155
printing................................................ 157
printing, power meter results .............. 176
summarized, power meter results........ 176
resetting fiber parameters, Auto mode ....... 80
restrictions
to Reference Creation/Template mode ... 91
to the bidirectional analysis utility 178, 181
return merchandise authorization (RMA) .. 233
S
safety
battery ................................................... 19
caution .................................................. 14
FTB-100B
Index
conventions ........................................... 14
power cable........................................... 17
warning ................................................. 14
same
pulse for all wavelengths ................. 53, 58
time for all wavelengths .................. 53, 58
saving
bidirectional traces .............................. 195
format, EXFO ....................................... 143
format, FTB-100................................... 144
trace in different formats..................... 144
traces................................................... 189
screen, see touchscreen
selecting
active trace .......................................... 118
Automatic OTDR test wavelength .... 75, 83
reference trace..................................... 101
storage location, for trace file................ 50
storage medium, for trace file ............... 50
test wavelength, automatically ........ 79, 86
wavelength in Auto mode ............... 75, 83
serial port, location ....................................... 4
service and repairs..................................... 233
service centers ........................................... 234
setting
event tolerance interval ....................... 194
event tolerance interval (bidir. analysis)194
fiber span ...................................... 73, 186
parameters ............................................ 47
pass/fail thresholds ................................ 71
power thresholds (power meter) ......... 167
reference values................................... 168
report layout........................................ 198
zero ..................................................... 214
shipping to EXFO ...................................... 233
shutting down the FTB-100B....................... 30
signal-to-noise ratio .................................... 57
single-wavelength trace file, bidir. analysis 181
software
upgrading............................................ 251
software upgrade........................................ 21
software. see application
Mini-OTDR
source. see laser

span end
changing, bidirectional analysis ........... 186
description ........................................... 235
effect of setting on Event table73, 131, 186
span position, updating ............................ 131
span start
changing, bidirectional analysis ........... 186
description ........................................... 235
effect of setting on Event table73, 131, 186
specifications, electrical ............................. 247
specifications, product ...................... 226, 247
splice loss
average, in Trace Info. tab ........... 125, 191
threshold ............................................... 71
starting FTB-100B ........................................ 29
start-up
option .................................................... 39
screen logo .......................................... 255
stopping trace acquisition ..................... 76, 84
storage card. see PC Card
storage requirements ................................ 203
storing
changing default trace name ................. 47
creating folder ....................................... 51
default path ........................................... 50
default path (power meter) ................. 171
path selection ........................................ 50
power meter results ............................. 171
selecting a, medium............................... 50
trace autonaming .................................. 47
storing files or traces.see saving
strap buckles ................................................. 1
summarized report .................................... 157
supplying power to FTB-100B.................... 206
support stand ................................................ 3
swapping traces ........................................ 132
symbols, safety ............................................ 14
system information.................................... 228
265
Index
T
technical specifications ..................... 226, 247
technical support ...................................... 227
temperature for storage............................ 203
Template mode
acquiring the reference trace................. 94
applying parameters to other traces...... 91
description............................................. 89
naming the reference trace.................... 95
reference trace naming.......................... 95
restrictions............................................. 91
selecting reference trace...................... 101
setting parameters................................. 91
test settings used................................... 91
testing ................................................... 89
working online vs. offline ...................... 93
Template OTDR. see Create Ref./Template mode
test
module, location ..................................... 1
settings used in Template mode ............ 91
test modes .................................................. 47
test module
insertion ................................................ 17
removal ................................................. 17
test wavelength, forced selection.......... 79, 86
testing
Advanced mode..................................... 83
Auto mode ............................................ 75
Template mode ..................................... 89
theory, OTDR............................................... 11
thresholds
analysis detection .......................... 68, 190
connector loss ....................................... 71
end-of-fiber detection ... 68, 125, 190, 192
fault notification.................................... 71
fiber section attenuation ....................... 71
pass, fail, warning ................................. 72
pass/fail message................................... 71
power .................................................. 167
reflectance detection ..... 68, 125, 190, 192
266
setting pass/fail...................................... 71
setting, power meter ........................... 167
splice loss............................................... 71
splice loss detection ....... 68, 125, 190, 192
trace analysis ......................................... 71
Time dial
custom-time mode................................. 64
setting ................................................... 56
Time in Trace Info. tab............................... 191
time in Trace Information tab.................... 125
time mode
custom................................................... 64
timer............................................................ 61
tolerance
in Bidir. Info. tab.................................. 191
setting interval for events .................... 194
tool indicator............................................... 31
ToolBox
installing or upgrading ........................ 251
ToolBox. see OTDR software
top panel description .................................... 4
total loss in Trace Info. tab ........................ 125
Total/Avg. Loss in Trace Info. tab............... 191
touchscreen
audible feedback ................................... 44
brightness .............................................. 42
calibration.............................................. 44
contrast ................................................. 42
illustration of ........................................... 1
inconsistent calibration.......................... 44
touchscreen keyboard
activating ............................................... 40
keypad use............................................. 40
trace
accuracy................................................. 60
acquisition in Advanced mode ............... 83
acquisition in Auto mode....................... 78
acquisition in Template mode................ 96
analysis ................................................ 129
analysis detection thresholds ......... 68, 190
autonaming ........................................... 47
changing default name.......................... 47
FTB-100B
Index
color in trace display............................ 107

compatibility between ToolBox versions144
export formats..................................... 144
pass/fail analysis threshold .................... 71
purpose of swapping........................... 132
reanalyzing .......................................... 129
reloading ............................................. 103
stopping the acquisition .................. 76, 84
storage, in different formats................ 144
swapping............................................. 132
trace display
behavior on zoom................................ 122
clearing traces ..................................... 119
description........................................... 106
displaying filename.............................. 113
parameters .......................................... 113
trace formats
FTB-100 ............................................... 144
Trace Info. tab
average loss ......................................... 125
Average Splice Loss.............................. 125
average splice loss ............................... 191
Avg. Splice Loss ................................... 191
Backscatter .................................. 125, 192
date ............................................. 125, 191
Default Tolerance (Bidir. Info.) ............. 191
displaying traces .................................. 117
End-of-Fiber Threshold ................ 125, 192
fiber type used............................. 125, 191
filename .............................................. 125
Helix Factor.................................. 125, 192
hiding traces........................................ 117
IOR....................................................... 125
IOR text field........................................ 192
Length ................................................. 191
pulse.................................................... 125
Reflectance Threshold.................. 125, 192
span length ......................................... 125
Splice Loss Threshold ................... 125, 192
time ............................................. 125, 191
Tolerance (Bidir. Info.) ......................... 191
total loss .............................................. 125
Mini-OTDR
Total/Avg. Loss ..................................... 191

wavelength .................................. 125, 191
trace report
creating................................................ 155
printing................................................ 157
transportation requirements.............. 203, 229
turning on the FTB-100B ............................. 29
two-point
attenuation .......................................... 139
measurement method vs. LSA.............. 139
measurement method, definition ........ 139
type
in Event table ....................................... 109
of event ............................................... 109
U
undeletable events .................................... 127
unit
disconnecting ........................................ 17
repairing ................................................ 18
unit recalibration ....................................... 222
updating span position ............................. 131
upgrading software..................................... 21
upgrading ToolBox .................................... 251
using light source ...................................... 159
V
VFL
using.................................................... 159
VFL (visual fault locator)
1 Hz pulsed output .............................. 164
continuous wave output ...................... 164
visual fault locator. see VFL
267
Index
W
warning thresholds ..................................... 72
warranty
certification ......................................... 232
exclusions ............................................ 232
general ................................................ 231
liability................................................. 232
null and void........................................ 231
wavelength
indication in Trace Info. tab......... 125, 191
selecting, in Auto mode................... 75, 83
Z
zero-power reference ................................ 166
zoom
controls ............................................... 122
resetting automatically ................ 120, 121
window display ................................... 113
268
FTB-100B

User Guide FTB-100B

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PR

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in

The information contained in this publication is subject to change without

1 Introducing the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR .......................................................... 1

2 Safety Information ..................................................................................... 15

3 Getting Started with Your OTDR ............................................................... 21

4 Customizing Your FTB-100B ....................................................................... 35

5 Setting Up Your OTDR .................................................................................45

6 Testing Fibers in Auto Mode ......................................................................75

7 Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode ..............................................................83

9 Analyzing Traces and Events ................................................................... 103

10 Analyzing the Results Manually .............................................................. 133

12 Creating and Printing Trace Reports ....................................................... 155

13 Using the OTDR as a Light Source or VFL ................................................ 159

14 Using the Power Meter .............................................................................165

15 Analyzing Bidirectional Traces .................................................................177

18 Warranty ................................................................................................... 231

A Description of Event Types ...................................................................... 235

B Technical Specifications ........................................................................... 247

73/23/EEC - The Low Voltage Directive

Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:

Safety of laser products Part 1: Equipment classifications, requirements, and

Limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of

Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use EMC

Stephen Bull, E. Eng

Vice-President Research and

400 Godin Avenue Vanier (Quebec),

73/23/EEC - The Low Voltage Directive

Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:

Safety of laser products Part 1: Equipment classifications, requirements, and

Limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of

Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use EMC

Stephen Bull, E. Eng

Vice-President Research and

400 Godin Avenue Vanier, Quebec,

Introducing the FTB-100B

(see Understanding the

The FTB-100B Mini-OTDR is a dedicated mini optical time domain

Introducing the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR

Introducing the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR

Test module retaining screw

Left side of the unit

Main battery compartment

9 V battery compartment Fold-up stand

Main battery compartment

Introducing the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR

Unit with Power Meter Option

Unit without Power Meter Option

Introducing the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR

Understanding the Mini-OTDR LEDs

Introducing the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR

Auto mode: Automatically evaluates fiber length, sets acquisition

Create Ref./Template mode: Tests fibers and compares the results to a

Introducing the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR

Data Post-Processing with ToolBox

Bidirectional trace analysis

Offline Template Trace mode

Conversion of traces to many formats such as Telcordia or ASCII

For more information on ToolBox installation, see Installing ToolBox on a

Bidirectional Averaging Feature

Introducing the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR

rechargeable NiMH battery

Introducing the FTB-100B Mini-OTDR

Rechargeable NiMH Battery