Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements
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11
Cleaning Connections for Accurate
Measurements
Today, advances in measurement capabilities make con-
nectors and connection techniques more important
than ever. Damage to the connectors on calibration and
verification devices, test ports, cables, and other
devices can degrade measurement accuracy and dam-
age instruments. Replacing a damaged connector can
cost thousands of dollars, not to mention lost time! This
expense can be avoided by observing the simple pre-
cautions presented in this book. This book also contains
a brief list of tips for caring for electrical connectors.
Choosing the Right Connector
A critical but often overlooked factor in making a good
lightwave measurement is the selection of the fiber-
optic connector. The differences in connector types are
mainly in the mechanical assembly that holds the fer-
rule in position against another identical ferrule. Con-
nectors also vary in the polish, curve, and concentricity
of the core within the cladding. Mating one style of
cable to another requires an adapter. Agilent Technolo-
gies offers adapters for most instruments to allow test-
ing with many different cables.
shows the basic components of a typical connectors.
The system tolerance for reflection and insertion loss
must be known when selecting a connector from the
wide variety of currently available connectors. Some
items to consider when selecting a connector are:
• How much insertion loss can be allowed?
• Will the connector need to make multiple connections?
Some connectors are better than others, and some are
very poor for making repeated connections.
• What is the reflection tolerance? Can the system take re-
flection degradation?
• Is an instrument-grade connector with a precision core
alignment required?
• Is repeatability tolerance for reflection and loss impor-
tant? Do your specifications take repeatability uncer-
Summary of Contents for 86121A
Page 2: ...User s Guide Agilent 86121A WDM Channel Analyzer ...
Page 7: ......
Page 10: ...Chapter 1 Getting Started ...
Page 21: ......
Page 24: ...Agilent 86121A Front and Rear Panels 2 3 Agilent 86121A Front and Rear Panels ...
Page 25: ...2 4 Agilent 86121A Front and Rear Panels ...
Page 27: ...2 6 WDM Channel Analyzer Display The S N with Averaging display ...
Page 32: ...The Softkeys 2 11 The Setup menu ...
Page 33: ...2 12 The Softkeys The Disk menu The Printer menu ...
Page 35: ...2 14 Changing the Printer Paper Changing the Printer Paper ...
Page 37: ......
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Page 205: ...7 14 Regulatory Information Declaration of Conformity ...
Page 239: ......