OTDR Calibration Fibres
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NPL can supply a range of traceable reference artefacts which can be used to calibrate commercial Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDR) used to estimate the fibre’s length and overall attenuation, including splice and mated-connector losses. Importantly, a calibrated OTDR is used to locate faults, such as breaks, and to measure optical return loss providing an accurate assessment of repair locations along the fibre network.
The artefacts consist of a pair of fibres which can be used to calibrate an OTDR. A 2.2 km lead-in fibre, calibrated for optical length and a 13 km fibre calibrated for attenuation coefficient uniformity and optical length, are usually supplied. Both fibres are fitted FC/PC connectors.
Also available is the NPL Fibre Attenuation Standard, which has proven attenuation stability better than ± 0.03 dB, and is also recommended for calibrating OTDR's.
More information about calibration of OTDR's is available from the NPL Good Practice Guide "Calibration and use of Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDR)".
A copy of typical calibration certificates for length and attenuation uniformity are available to download.
Specification
| Measurement Range | Typical Uncertainties | |
| 2.2 km fibre | Optical length @ 1310 and 1550 nm | ± 0.1 m |
| 13 km fibre | Optical length @ 1310 and 1550 nm Attenuation coefficient uniformity @ 1310 and 1550 nm |
± 0.3 m ± 0.009 dB/km (each end) ± 0.006 dB/km (average of both ends) |