LC to ST fiber testing with the SimpliFiber Pro

 

 

The following article describes how to test an LC to ST fiber link using TIA/EIA Method B for Multimode and TIA/EIA Method A.1 for Singlemode. 
You may hear people referring to this as the "1 jumper method". To confuse matters, the IEC Standards call it Method 2 for Multimode and Method A1 for Singlemode, as shown in the table below:

 

 

Fiber Methods Reference Table

 

 

You will need:

 

 

SimpliFiber Pro Required Test Tools 
 

  • Power on the SimpliFiber Pro Source.
  • Press the AUTO key on the SimpliFiber Pro Source .
  • In AUTO mode, the SimpliFiber Pro Source will tell the SimpliFiber Pro Meter which wavelength it is transmitting at. This allows both wavelengths to be measured at the same time.

    Highlighted Lambda Key on SimpliFiber Pro Meter
     
  • Leave the SimpliFiber Pro Source to stabilize for at least 5 minutes.
  • While the SimpliFiber Pro Source is stabilizing, clean and inspect your test reference cords.
  • Replace the SC Interchangeable Adapter with the ST Interchangeable Adapter.
     
    SimpliFiber Correct Adapters 
      
     SimpliFiber Adapter Caution Warning

      
       
  • Connect your test reference cord as shown below, making sure the fiber size is the same as the link you are about to test.

    Removed Reference Patch Cord from Adapter
     
     
  • Press the Mode key until you see LOSS in the upper right hand screen (shown below).

    Highlighted LOSS in SimpliFiber Screen
      
  • Press the F3 key once to set the reference. When you see OK appear, the reference has been set for both wavelengths.
  • If the SimpliFiber Pro Source has been allowed to stabilize fully, you should see 0.00 dB as shown below:

    Highlighted Reference Value
     
  • If you start to see it change from 0.00 dB, it means the SimpliFiber Pro Source has not been allowed to stabilize. Wait until the reading stabilizes, then press the F3 key again to reset the reference.
  • Remove the reference patch cord from the INPUT PORT ONLY on the SimpliFiber Pro Meter.
    Removed Reference Patch Cord from Input Port
          
          
           
         
         
  • Put a known good ST to LC test reference cord into the INPUT port on the SimpliFiber Pro Meter.
    Added Short Test Reference Cord
       
      
     
      
      
  • Connect to the fiber link to be tested.
     SimpliFiber Pro LC to ST Fiber Testing
      
       
       
  • The SimpliFiber Pro Meter will then automatically measure the loss at both wavelengths.
  • Press the F1 key to save the test result. It will save both wavelengths automatically as one record. For more information on calculating loss budgets - click here. If you are testing against for a specific application - click here.