Compact modular measurement platform (1, 2 slots) EXFO FTB-1 Pro

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Compact modular measurement platform EXFO FTB-1 Pro is an all-in-one solution for exhaustive testing of all types of data networks with speeds up to 111.81 Gbps. One measuring module (single or double thickness) can be mounted on the platform. The module type determines the measurement capabilities of the platform. There are six protocol analysis modules (series Net Blazer V2), four optical reflectometer modules (series FTB-700C) and two modules that combine protocol analyzer and optical reflectometer (series FTB-700G-V2). In addition, a video microscope can be connected to the platform to check optical connectors (series FIP-400B).

The EXFO FTB-1 Pro platform itself is a compact yet powerful quad-core computer running Windows 8.1 Professional. The platform is made in an ergonomic case and is equipped with a large, high-quality touch screen with a diagonal of 20.3 cm, a resolution of 1280 x 800 and support for multi-touch technology. The instrument's large screen makes it much easier to configure tests and view results, while the powerful processor performs all processing quickly. The presence of the Windows 8.1 Professional operating system allows you to install any programs on the platform without restrictions.

The EXFO FTB-1 Pro measurement platform is equipped with the latest interfaces for connecting to a computer and peripheral devices: Gigabit Ethernet, one USB 3.0, two USB 2.0 and a Micro SD flash card slot, and built-in Wi-Fi and bluetooth. You can also connect an external wireless 3G/4G modem and a GPS receiver to the platform. To ensure long battery life, the platform uses a high-quality Li-ion battery. You can download a full description of all the characteristics of EXFO FTB-1 Pro below on this page in the section Documentation.

Main characteristics:
Testing protocols (Ethernet, OTN, SDH/PDH, CPRI, etc.), as well as measuring the parameters of fiber optic lines (backbone, urban, access networks, SCS, etc.).
Operating system: Windows 8.1 Professional. Processor: 4 cores.
20.3 cm touchscreen (1280 x 800 resolution) with multi-touch support.
Built-in optical power meter and VFL illumination (option VPM2X).
Interfaces: USB 3.0 and 1G Ethernet (standard), Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (RF option), 3G/4G modem.
Internal memory: 128 GB (flash). Battery type: Li-ion.
Weight: 1.5 kg. Dimensions: 210 x 254 x 66 (96) mm. Working temperature: from 0°С to +50°С.
Installing one plug-in module (platform capabilities depend on module type):
- Ethernet, OTN, SDH/PDH, FC and CPRI analyzer up to 111.81 Gbps (FTB-890NGE module)
- Ethernet, OTN, SDH, FC and CPRI analyzer up to 111.81 Gbps (FTB-890 module)
- Ethernet, OTN, SDH/PDH, FC and CPRI analyzer up to 11.318 Gbps (module FTB-880Q)
- Ethernet, OTN, SDH/PDH, FC and CPRI analyzer up to 11.318 Gbps (FTB-880v2 module)
- Ethernet, OTN, SDH/PDH, FC and CPRI analyzer up to 11.318 Gbps (FTB-880v2 module) 870Q)
- Ethernet, OTN, SDH/PDH, FC and CPRI analyzer up to 11.318 Gbps (FTB-870v2 module)
- Protocol analyzer up to 11.318 Gbps + OTDR (39 dB) (FTB-730Gv2 module)
- Protocol analyzer up to 11.318 Gbps + OTDR (36 dB) (FTB-720Gv2 module)
- OTDR (46 dB, single mode) for trunks (FTB-750C module)
- OTDR (42 dB, single mode) for metro networks (FTB-735C module)
- OTDR (39 dB, single mode) for PON, FTTx / MDU (FTB-730C module)
- OTDR (36 dB, single mode + multimode) for access networks and SCS (module FTB-720C)
- video microscope for optical connectors (FIP-400B series)
Powerful and compact protocol and fiber analyzer

Necessary inexpensive solution for testing networks up to 10.7 Gbps? Watch the series EXFO MAX-800.
Need a compact modular platform for one or two slots? see model EXFO FTB-1v2 Pro.
Need modular platform with two slots? see model EXFO FTB-2 Pro.
Need a powerful modular four-slot platform? see model EXFO FTB-4 Pro.
Want to see the full list? Go to the main page for telecom test equipment.

EXFO FTB-1 Pro Compact Measurement Platform Video Review

In this video, an EXFO engineer explains the features and benefits of the EXFO FTB-1 Pro compact measurement platform. The video shows several platforms with different modules, which allows you to better get acquainted with their functional and design features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Real telecommunications systems are a complex mixture of legacy standards and equipment such as SDH/PDH and modern technologies such as OTN, ROADM, LTE, etc. Any functioning network is in a continuous process of updating and technical staff need to keep it in working condition, carry out routine maintenance, fix breakdowns, upgrade equipment, and sometimes carry out large-scale work to transfer the network to a new standard.

The compact EXFO FTB-1 Pro measurement platform allows you to effectively solve all these problems. Test both optical channels and copper channels. Analyze the latest standards and long outdated ones. It provides the ability to measure at all speeds, from the lowest (less than 1 Mbps) to the highest (111.81 Gbps). The exact set of capabilities is determined by the model of the measurement module that is installed on the platform.

Currently in production: six modules for protocol analysis (NetBlazer V2 series), four modules optical reflectometer (FTB-700C series) and two modules that combine protocol analyzer and optical reflectometer (FTB-700G-V2 series). Further on this page, the capabilities of each measurement module are described in detail. Also in development are additional modules that will further expand the capabilities of the FTB-1 Pro platform in the near future.

EXFO NetBlazer V2 Series Protocol Analyzer Modules for FTB-1 Pro Platform

Series of modules EXFO NetBlazer V2 for the EXFO FTB-1 Pro platform allows for exhaustive testing of Ethernet, OTN, SDH/PDH, Fiber Channel, CPRI/OBSAI, etc. protocols. Depending on the module model, the maximum speed of tested networks can reach up to 111.81 Gbps. There are six models of NetBlazer V2 series modules: FTB-890NGE module, FTB-890 module, FTB-880Q module, FTB-880v2 module, FTB-870Q module, and FTB-870v2 module. The figure below shows their main features and differences. For a complete description of all the characteristics of the protocol analyzer modules of the EXFO NetBlazer V2 series, see below on this page in the section Documentation.

The two most functional modules NetBlazer V2 series are FTB-890NGE module and FTB-890 module. Both modules are capable of testing protocols up to 111.81Gbps, including 100G Ethernet, 111.81Gbps OTN (OTU4), and 10G SDH (STM-64), as well as CPRI/OBSAI, Fiber Channel, and more. These two modules differ in that the FTB-890 model contains only optical interfaces and is designed for modern networks with speeds from 10 Mbps to 111.81 Gbps. And the FTB-890NGE also includes electrical interfaces to connect to any type of equipment at speeds from 64Kbps to 111.81Gbps.

This photo shows both modules installed on the EXFO FTB-1 Pro platform. As you can see, the FTB-890NGE module contains optical and electrical interfaces, while the FTB-890 module contains only optical ones. All other characteristics of these two modules are the same. Both modules are double thickness. The depth of the platform together with such a module is 96 mm.

The two modules that support all protocols and interfaces with speeds up to 11.318 Gbps are the FTB-880Q module and the FTB-880v2 module. Both modules provide a one-stop solution for testing Ethernet, OTN, SONET/SDH, DSn/PDH, ISDN PRI, Fiber Channel, FTTA, and more.

The difference between the modules is that the FTB-880Q model doubles all the capabilities of the FTB-880v2 model. For example, the EXFO FTB-880v2 module can run two-port 1G or 10G Ethernet tests, while the FTB-880Q can simultaneously run two two-port 1G or 10G Ethernet tests, or four single-port tests. In this case, any combination of tests is possible and there are no restrictions on their configuration.

This photo shows both modules installed on the EXFO FTB-1 Pro platform. As you can see, the FTB-880Q module is double thickness (96mm with platform) and the FTB-880v2 module is single thickness (66mm with platform).

In the EXFO NetBlazer V2 protocol analyzer series there are two more modules - FTB-870Q and FTB-870v2. Their characteristics are identical to those of the FTB-880Q and FTB-880v2 modules, except that the FTB-870Q and FTB-870v2 models lack several obsolete electrical interfaces (for example, the Bantam connector is missing), due to this, the FTB-870Q and FTB-870v2 modules a little cheaper. But the difference in price is not very significant, so we recommend that you first of all consider the FTB-880Q and FTB-880v2.

NetBlazer V2 Series Module Manager, installed on the EXFO FTB-1 Pro platform, has powerful functionality and is simple and clear at the same time. The figure below shows the main menu of this program. As you can see, all tests for transport networks (OTN BERT, SDH BERT, PDH BERT, etc.), as well as for Ethernet (Y.1564/EtherSAM, RFC 6349, RFC 2544, EtherBERT, traffic generation and monitoring, etc.). A separate tab contains tests for Fiber Channel and CPRI/OBSAI. In addition, this program has additional intelligent modes (iOptics and iSAM), which greatly simplify and speed up complex tests.

After selecting any of these tests, the corresponding window will open on the device screen, in which all the main parameters of the test will already be configured and you can immediately start it. Of course, if necessary, you can change any of the standard test parameters or create your own configuration.

EXFO FTB-700G-V2 Series Protocol Analyzer Modules with Built-in Reflectometer

If the results of testing the protocol level showed the presence of errors, then it becomes necessary to find and eliminate the cause of these errors. In reality, these errors often occur due to damage to the physical medium of information transmission or due to non-compliance of the parameters of this medium with the specified standards.

Since optical fiber is the main transmission medium in modern and future networks, EXFO has released a series of combined modules that combine all the capabilities of the protocol analyzer module FTB-880v2 (see above on this page) and optical reflectometer module FTB-700C (see below on this page). This series is called EXFO FTB-700G-V2 and allows you to test all levels: from the physical integrity of the fiber to the level of services that run on top of Ethernet.

The EXFO FTB-700G-V2 combo module series consists of two models: FTB-730Gv2, which contains a single-mode OTDR with a dynamic range of 39 dB, and the FTB-720Gv2 model, which contains a single-mode OTDR with a dynamic range of 36 dB and a multi-mode OTDR with a dynamic range of 29 dB . All FTB-700G-V2 series modules are double thickness. The depth of the FTB-1 Pro platform with this module is 96 mm.

The photo below shows the EXFO FTB-730Gv2-SM8 module attached to the EXFO FTB-1 Pro platform. There is also a brief description of all the connectors of this module and the main elements of the platform. Pay attention to the designation 12 (VFL illumination) and to the designation 14 (optical power meter). Both of these items are installed in the FTB-1 Pro platform if the VPM2X option is ordered. For a full description of all the characteristics of the combined modules of the EXFO FTB-700G-V2 series, see below on this page in the section Documentation.

EXFO FTB-700C Series Optical Reflectometer Modules for EXFO FTB-1 Pro Platform

For the EXFO FTB-1 Pro measuring platform, a series of high-quality optical reflectometers EXFO FTB-700C is being produced. The series consists of four models: FTB-750C module (46 dB, single mode) for long lines, FTB-735C module (42 dB, single mode) for urban networks, FTB-730C module (39 dB, single mode) optimized for PON, FTTx/MDU and FTB-720C module (36 dB single mode + 29 dB multimode) for access networks and SCS. The full functionality of the FTB-730C and FTB-720C modules is also implemented as separate handheld units EXFO MaxTester 730C and 720C.

The photo below shows the EXFO FTB-730C module in the SM8 configuration, which, in addition to the reflectometer with standard wavelengths of 1310 nm and 1550 nm (left connector with green rim), also contains a reflectometer for testing active fibers, with an operating wavelength of 1650 nm and a built-in filter (right connector with green rim). This photo shows the module separately from the EXFO FTB-1 Pro platform. All FTB-700C Series OTDR modules are single thickness. The total depth of the platform together with such a module is 66 mm.

To control all modules of optical reflectometers The FTB-700C series uses a single program that is installed on the EXFO FTB-1 Pro platform. The user interface is completely Russified. All settings are simple and clear, and the measurement results are displayed in graphical and tabular form. The OTDR program combines EXFO's twenty years of experience in this field and contains all the necessary functions that may be needed in practice. Its detailed user manual in Russian is located below on this page in the section Documentation (OTDR mode).

This figure shows a screenshot of this program as an example. The upper part displays the trace at two wavelengths: 1310 nm (current, black graph) and 1550 nm (light gray graph). Below the trace there is a table of events, which contains automatically calculated results of losses, reflections, etc. for each event detected in the optical fiber under study at a wavelength of 1310 nm. To view the results at 1550 nm, just press one button. On the right are the main control buttons, including a quick save button with automatic file naming.

In addition to classic reflectograms, modules of the EXFO FTB-700C series can perform measurements in iOLM mode. In this mode, the scatterometer module at each wavelength takes a series of measurements with different pulse lengths and combines them into a simple and intuitive graphical block diagram showing the position, loss, reflection and type of each element. At the same time, the testing parameters for each individual measurement are determined by intelligent algorithms right in the process. Because all optical fibers are different, each iOLM measurement will have a different set of test parameters depending on fiber length, loss, and reflectance. A detailed user guide for iOLM mode is located below on this page in the section Documentation.

Since multiple measurements are taken at each wavelength in iOLM mode, the result is an accurate and visual picture of the condition of each fiber, understandable even for beginners. As an example, this figure shows a screenshot of the program with the results of measurements in the iOLM mode. In the upper part there is a graphical representation of all events found in the fiber with the exact distances to and between them. The middle section shows the insertion and return loss of the entire channel at three wavelengths (1310 nm, 1490 nm and 1550 nm). At the bottom there is an event table where you can view extended information on each event.

In addition to these two modes (OTDR and iOLM), the EXFO FTB-700C series modules can contain various additional options that further expand the functionality and provide a solution for any task of testing optical fibers (single-mode and multimode) in any type of networks (trunks, urban, PON, SCS, etc.). For a full description of all the characteristics of reflectometric modules of the EXFO FTB-700C series, see below on this page in the section Documentation.

Video microscopes of the EXFO FIP-400B series for checking the quality of optical connectors

Checking the purity and quality of optical connectors - it is a mandatory requirement in the operation of modern networks. There are several international standards (IEC, IPC) that define the method for calculating the degree of purity of a connector, taking into account the amount, size and location of micro-contaminants detected. And the higher the transmission speed over the optical fiber, the more stringent the requirements for the quality of the connectors. This figure shows an example of an optical connector that was found to be non-compliant (unsuitable) by the automatic analysis program due to contamination. The program marked micro-pollutions with red dots, which in this case served as the reason for such a decision.

Realizing the importance of checking the quality of optical connectors and maximizing the automation of this process, EXFO has developed innovative series of video microscopes FIP-400B. There are five models in the series. Three with USB interface (models: FIP-410B, FIP-420B and FIP-430B) that can be connected either to a computer or directly to EXFO instruments (including the EXFO FTB-1 Pro platform). Plus two wireless models (FIP-425B and FIP-435B) that can connect to smartphones, tablets and EXFO devices that have built-in Wi-Fi support (for example, the EXFO FTB-1 Pro platform with RF option).

This table lists the capabilities of five video microscope models. EXFO FIP-400B. The simplest model FIP-410B has three levels of magnification, shows a video image of the end of the connector in real time and can save photos to the device's memory. The more functional FIP-420B model can additionally perform image auto-centering, assess the quality of the connector for compliance with standards, and has a "pass / fail" color indicator on the body. The most functional model FIP-430B can additionally perform image focusing, eliminating the need for manual manipulations. With the FIP-430B, all work is done fully automatically.

The two wireless models FIP-425B and FIP-435B further increase the possibilities and convenience of operation, as they eliminate the physical connection between the video microscope and the display device. In practice, it is much more convenient to connect to optical equipment, holding a light and compact microscope without any wires. Further on this page in the section Documentation detailed characteristics of this series are given with a large number of photographs and application examples.

Design features of the modular measuring platform EXFO FTB-1 Pro

The body of the EXFO FTB-1 Pro platform is made in accordance with the best traditions in ergonomics. The platform is equipped with a large, high-quality screen with support for multi-touch technology. The mass of the platform with the battery, but without the module is 1.5 kg. The dimensions depend on the type of module installed. If a single thickness module is installed, then the dimensions are: 210 x 254 x 66 mm. If a double thickness module is installed, then the dimensions are: 210 x 254 x 96 mm. The operating temperature range is from 0°С to +50°С. For example, this photo shows the rear side of the platform with the optical reflectometer module installed, which has a single thickness.

Specifications of the EXFO FTB-1 Pro measuring platform

This figure shows only the most important features of the EXFO FTB-1 Pro compact modular measurement platform. You can download a complete list of technical specifications below on this page in the section Documentation in PDF format.

Delivery set of EXFO FTB-1 Pro measuring platform

The EXFO FTB-1 Pro platform is always used in conjunction with the appropriate measurement module. The delivery set of the module depends on its model.

Main options for the EXFO FTB-1 Pro measurement platform

The figure above shows the main options for the EXFO FTB-1 Pro platform. Since the platform is always used in conjunction with the measurement module, and any of the compatible modules also contains a significant number of options, to select the correct configuration, we recommend that you read the detailed PDF documentation, which is located below on this page in the section Documentation.