Compact modular measurement platform (1, 2 slots) EXFO FTB-1v2 Pro

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Compact modular measurement platform EXFO FTB-1v2 Pro designed for detailed analysis of fiber optic lines (including reflectometry, optical spectrum, insertion and return loss), as well as all data transfer protocols up to 111.81 Gb / s. Depending on the platform modification (SC, DC or HPDC), one or two single thickness FTBx measurement modules or one double thickness FTBx module can be installed in it. Module types determine the measurement capabilities of the platform.

Compatible with the EXFO FTB-1v2 Pro measuring platform, five optical reflectometer modules (series FTBx-700C), including a unique variable wavelength reflectometer module FTBx-740C, several modules for optical loss measurement and fiber certification (series FTBx-940 and FTBx-945), one optical spectrum analysis module FTBx-5235, two modules for protocol analysis with data rates up to 11.318 Gbps (FTBx-8880 and FTBx-8870) and two protocol analysis modules with data rates up to 111.81 Gbps (FTBx-88200NGE and FTBx-88260). In addition, a video microscope can be connected to the platform to check the quality of optical connectors (series FIP-400B).

The EXFO FTB-1v2 Pro platform itself is a powerful computer with a quad-core processor and Windows 10 operating system. The platform is ergonomically designed and equipped with a large, high-quality touch screen with a diagonal of 20.3 cm and a resolution of 1280 x 800. The large screen of the device greatly simplifies configuration tests and viewing measurement results, and the powerful processor quickly performs all processing. The presence of the Windows 10 operating system allows you to install any programs on the platform without restrictions. You can download a full description of all the characteristics of the EXFO FTB-1v2 Pro measuring platform below on this page in the section Documentation.

Main characteristics:
Measurement of parameters of fiber optic lines (trunk, urban, access networks, SCS, etc.), as well as testing protocols (Ethernet, OTN, SDH/PDH, CPRI, etc.).
Operating system: Windows 10. 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).
Internal flash memory: 128 GB. Battery: Li-ion. Working temperature: from 0°С to +50°С.
Weight with battery: 2 kg (single-slot SC), 2.4 kg (dual-slot DC),
3.2 kg (double-slot with HPDC power supply).
Dimensions: 210 (H) x 254 (W). Depth: 66mm (SC version), 96mm (DC) or 122mm (HPDC).
Installation of one or two modules (platform capabilities depend on the type of modules):
- reflectometer (46 dB, single mode) for trunks (module FTBx-750C)
- reflectometer (40 dB, single mode)variable wavelength (module FTBx-740C)
- reflectometer (42 dB, single mode) for urban networks (module FTBx-735C)
- reflectometer (39 dB, single mode) for PON, FTTx / MDU (module FTBx-730C)
- reflectometer (36 dB, single-mode + multi-mode) for access networks and SCS (module FTBx-720C)
- optical loss, reflection and fiber certification meter (modules FTBx-940 and FTBx-945)
- optical spectrum analyzer (modules FTBx-5235)
- Ethernet, OTN, SDH/PDH, FC and CPRI analyzers up to 11.318 Gbps (modules FTBx-8880 and FTBx-8870)
- Ethernet, OTN, SDH/PDH, FC and CPRI analyzers up to 111.81 Gbps (modules FTBx-88200NGE and FTBx-88260)
- video microscope for optical connectors (series FIP-400B)
Powerful and compact protocol and fiber analyzer

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.
Necessary inexpensive solution for testing networks up to 10.7 Gbps? Watch the series EXFO MAX-800.
Want to see the full list? Go to the main page by modular platforms for FOCL.

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 EXFO FTB-1v2 Pro compact 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 (64 kbps) to the highest (111.81 Gbps). The exact set of measurement capabilities of a platform is determined by the type of modules that are installed in it.

There are three modifications of the EXFO FTB-1v2 Pro platform, which differ only in the compartment for installing modules. All three modifications are presented in this photo. On the left is the most compact version of the SC (Single carrier), which can accommodate any single-slot measurement module of the FTBx series. In the center is a two-slot modification DC (Dual carrier), in which you can install two single-slot modules of the FTBx series or one two-slot one (for example, FTBx-5235). On the right is a two-slot modification HPDC (High-power dual carrier), equipped with a high-power power supply, which is necessary for the simultaneous operation of two 100G protocol analysis modules.

Compatible with the EXFO FTB-1v2 Pro measuring platform, five optical reflectometer modules (series FTBx-700C), including a unique variable wavelength reflectometer module FTBx-740C, several modules for optical loss measurement, reflection and fiber certification (series FTBx-940 and FTBx-945), one optical spectrum analysis module FTBx-5235, two modules for protocol analysis with data rates up to 11.318 Gbps (FTBx-8880 and FTBx-8870) and two protocol analysis modules with data rates up to 111.81 Gbps (FTBx-88200NGE and FTBx-88260). In addition, a video microscope can be connected to the platform to check the quality of optical connectors (series FIP-400B).

In addition to the three modifications of the FTB-1v2 Pro platform (SC, DC and HPDC), which can be installed with replaceable modules of the FTBx series and which are shown in the photo above, there is also a fourth, non-modular version of this platform (modification 00). Its functionality is similar to modular modifications, but the modules themselves are non-removable and are called differently. For detailed information about non-removable modules, see the description of the measuring platform EXFO FTB-1 Pro. A simplified version of the platform called EXFO FTB-1v2 (without the Pro prefix) is also being released, which is equipped with a weaker processor and less memory. This platform only supports OTDR and loss meter (OLTS) modules.

EXFO FTBx-700C Series Optical Reflectometer Modules

For EXFO FTB-1v2 Pro measurement platforms, EXFO FTB-2 Pro and EXFO FTB-4 Pro a series of high-quality optical reflectometers EXFO FTBx-700C is produced in a modular design. The series consists of four models: FTBx-750C module (46 dB, single mode) for long lines, FTBx-735C module (42 dB, single mode) for urban networks, FTBx-730C module (39 dB, single mode) optimized for PON, FTTx/MDU and FTBx-720C module (36 dB single mode + 29 dB multimode) for access networks and SCS. Full functionality of the FTBx-730C and FTBx-720C modules is also implemented in portable devices EXFO MaxTester 730C and 720C.

In addition to the listed classic reflectometers, the FTBx-700C series contains a unique module: FTBx-740C-DWC. This is a reflectometer with a dynamic range of 40 dB and a wavelength variable from 1528 to 1568 nm, which allows you to receive reflectograms of channels with numbers from 12 to 62 in the C band of working DWDM systems (including filters and Add/Drop multiplexers). There is also a variation of the FTBx-740C-CW module with a dynamic range of 37 dB, which provides measurements at 10 or 18 CWDM wavelengths.

The photo below shows the EXFO FTBx-730C module in the SM8 configuration, which, in addition to the reflectometer with standard wavelengths of 1310 nm and 1550 nm (top connector with green rim), also contains a reflectometer for testing active fibers, with an operating wavelength of 1650 nm and a built-in filter (bottom connector with green rim). This photo shows the module separately from the measurement platform. All FTBx-700C Series OTDR modules are single thickness.

To control any of the modules of optical reflectometers FTBx-700C series uses a single program that is installed on the EXFO FTB-1v2 Pro measurement platforms, FTB-2 Pro and FTB-4 Pro. The user interface of the program 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 FTBx-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 FTBx-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 FTBx-700C series, see below on this page in the section Documentation.

EXFO FTBx-940 and FTBx-945 Series Optical Loss (IL) and Reflectance (ORL) Modules

The EXFO FTBx-940 and FTBx-945 series of modules are designed for fast and accurate loss and reflection measurements in optical fibers at standard wavelengths: 850 nm, 1300 nm, 1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm and 1625 nm. If a compatible module is installed at the other end of the fiber, then in just a few seconds for each supported wavelength, you can get: fiber length, loss in dB in the forward direction, loss in dB in the return direction, average loss, return (ORL) in the forward direction and reflection (ORL) in the reverse direction, as well as certification of the fiber to various standards. Full functionality of the FTBx-940 and FTBx-945 modules is also implemented in portable devices EXFO MaxTester MAX-940 and MAX-945.

Within the FTBx-940 and FTBx-945 series, 8 module models are available, which differ in combinations of supported wavelengths and measurement capabilities. The FTBx-940 modules are the simplest, measure loss but do not support reflection measurement (ORL). The FTBx-945 modules can measure both loss and reflection. If the module is equipped with the iCERT option, it can also certify fibers for compliance with various cable standards (TIA-568, ISO/IEC 14763, ISO/IEC 11801, etc.), as well as compliance with the requirements of data transfer protocols (Ethernet, Fiber Channel and etc.). For a full description of all the characteristics of the optical loss measurement and fiber certification modules, see below on this page in the section Documentation.

The photo below shows the appearance of the EXFO FTBx-945 series module in full configuration. The topmost square connector is the main single-mode port of the automatic loss and reflection meter with the FasTesT function. A green bezel around the port means it has an angle-polished APC connector, which has low reflection. Just below the singlemode connector is a second port. This is a multi-mode automatic loss meter with FasTesT function. At the very bottom of the module, under a protective cover, there is a connector for a classic optical power meter with twenty-three calibrated wavelengths in the range from 850 to 1650 nm.

As an example, this figure shows a screenshot of the control program for the FTBx-940 and FTBx-945 modules, which shows the results of the FasTesT function: in a few seconds, for wavelengths of 1310 and 1550 nm, the total fiber loss and reflection loss in two directions were measured. In addition, the length of the fiber was measured, which in this case is 4 kilometers and 463 meters.

EXFO FTBx-5235 Optical Spectrum Analyzer Module

Optical spectrum analysis is widely used in the start-up and maintenance of DWDM and CWDM systems, when checking EDFA trunk amplifiers, trunk transmitter lasers, multiplexers, filters and other components of optical networks. And at transmission speeds of 40G, 100G and higher, the measurement of spectral characteristics is a mandatory element of ensuring network performance.

For the EXFO FTB-1v2 Pro measurement platform, the EXFO FTBx-5235 optical spectrum analyzer module is available, which allows you to quickly and accurately measure the power and center frequency of CWDM or DWDM channels, as well as mixed CWDM / DWDM networks. For each channel, the IEC 61280-2-9 interpolation method measures the signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR), which is an important quality characteristic of any WDM system.

This screenshot shows the appearance of the spectrum of four channels of a network using CWDM. Below the spectrum graph is a table with detailed data for each channel: channel number, its center wavelength, channel power in dBm, signal to noise ratio (OSNR), noise level in each channel and channel width by level -3 dB. For a specialist, this information makes it possible to quickly assess the state of the network and detect problematic elements in advance.

This screenshot shows the appearance of the spectrum of fifteen active channels of a transmission system using DWDM WDM. Below the spectrum graph is a table with detailed data for each channel: channel number, its power in dBm, channel center wavelength, signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) and channel width by level -3 dB.

The EXFO FTBx-5235 optical spectrum analyzer module occupies two slots, so it can only be installed in two-slot versions of the EXFO FTB-1v2 Pro platform (DC and HPDC). A description of all its characteristics, see below on this page in the section Documentation. The full functionality of the FTBx-5235 module is also implemented in a non-modular handheld instrument EXFO FTB-5235.

For optical networks that use ROADM, or if the transmission rate is 40G, 100G or more, it is necessary to use more expensive and functional optical spectrum analyzers of the series FTBx-5245 and FTBx-5255, which are installed in platforms FTB-2 Pro and FTB-4 Pro.

EXFO PowerBlazer Series Protocol Analyzer Modules

Series of modules EXFO PowerBlazer for EXFO FTB-1v2 Pro platforms, EXFO FTB-2 Pro and EXFO FTB-4 Pro allows for exhaustive testing of Ethernet, OTN, SDH/PDH, Fiber Channel, CPRI/OBSAI, etc. protocols. Depending on the module, the maximum speed of tested networks can reach up to 111.81 Gbps. There are six models of PowerBlazer series modules: FTBx-8870 module, FTBx-8880 module, FTB-88100G module, FTB-88100NGE module, FTBx-88200NGE module, and FTBx-88260 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 PowerBlazer series, see below on this page in the section Documentation.

The most functional module PowerBlazer series is the EXFO FTBx-88200NGE module. It has the ability to test protocols at speeds up to 111.81 Gbps, including 100G Ethernet, 111.81 Gbps OTN (OTU4) and 10G SDH (STM-64), as well as CPRI/OBSAI, Fiber Channel, and more. The photo below shows the appearance of this module. As you can see, it contains only optical interfaces and is designed for modern networks with speeds from 10 Mbps to 111.81 Gbps. The thickness of this module is one slot.

The EXFO FTBx-88260 module shown in the photo below also has the ability to test protocols at speeds up to 111.81 Gbps, but it equipped with two removable adapters, with the help of which various types of optical signal converters can be installed in the module. This design feature of the module makes it easily adaptable to interfaces that will appear in the future. Removable adapters are currently available for SFP, SFP+, SFP28, QSFP+, QSFP28, and CFP4.

It can be seen from the PowerBlazer Series Measurement Capabilities Comparison Table that the primary purpose of the FTBx-88260 module is Ethernet testing. The thickness of this module is one slot.

The two modules that support all protocols and interfaces with speeds up to 11.318 Gbps are the FTBx-8880 and FTBx-8870 modules. 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 FTBx-8880 and the FTBx-8870 is that the FTBx-8870 model lacks several obsolete electrical interfaces (for example, the Bantam connector is missing), due to which the FTBx-8870 module is slightly cheaper. But the difference in price is not very significant, so we recommend that you first of all consider the FTBx-8880 model.

This photo shows the appearance of the FTBx-8880 and FTBx-8870 modules. Their thickness is one slot.

PowerBlazer Series Module Manager, installed on the EXFO FTB-1v2 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, Multi-Channel OTN, SDH BERT, etc.), as well as for Ethernet (EtherSAM (Y.1564), 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.

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 both to a computer and directly to EXFO instruments (including the EXFO FTB-1v2 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-1v2 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. Here provides detailed specifications of this EXFO FIP-400B series with many photos and application examples.