The Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) is a vital tool for fiber optic testing. However, there is an unwanted phenomenon known as ‘dead zone’ that occurs when using an OTDR. This dead zone limitation can be avoided through the use of an OTDR Launch Box. OTDR Launch Cables are designed to be used in conjunction with an OTDR to measure complete link loss of a fiber.

The Launch Box Basics
The launch box, which is also known in the industry as a launch fiber, pulse suppressor, dead zone box or fiber ring, is a device that helps to eliminate the dead zone issue during fiber optic testing significantly. The dead zone is something that occurs when the pulse width changes and causes a high degree of reflection that can cover an area several hundred meters from where the OTDR is located. This results in the OTDR device not being able to detect events or issues in that area. Launch cables are offered in a variety of connector styles including SC, ST, LC, FC.

Using Launch Box
Launch boxes come in various shapes and sizes. However, all tend to have a robust outer casing to make them more durable. Each end of the fiber is terminated, with one to be attached to the OTDR and the other to the fiber being tested. Once connected to the relevant ports, the test can be run accordingly.
Use the fiber ring as a launch cable. Connect the fiber ring between an OTDR and the fiber link under test. In this configuration, the loss of the near-end connection can be measured.
Use the fiber ring as a receive cable. Connect the fiber ring to the far-end connector of your fiber link under test. In this configuration, the loss of the far-end connection can be measured. By using fiber rings as both launch and receive cables, total insertion loss of the fiber link under test can be measured.
While using an OTDR box is a relatively simple process, you must be sure that it contains a sufficient length of fiber to take account of the entire dead zone or you still won’t achieve a proper reading on your trace and could miss events. Choosing the right OTDR launch box is important, as they can be customized to the specific application or device.

OrienTek New OTDR Launch Cable
OrienTek newly developed product OTDR extension cord TFLC-2 has finally met with you through multiple tests in the laboratory. The TFLC-2 extension cable is primarily used for optical time domain reflectometry OTDR to measure the insertion loss and reflectivity of the near-end and far-end connections of the fiber link. This product greatly reduces the data error in the OTDR test, making the detection more accurate.