How to use an optical attenuator to test the sensitivity of a fiber optic transceiver?

Do you know how to use an optical attenuator to test the sensitivity of a fiber optic transceiver?In order to maximize the performance of our fiber optic transceivers, welcome to join our Fiber-Mart editors to see how to learn this skill. When the optical input power is within a certain range, the optical fiber receiver has the best performance. But how can we determine if the fiber optic transceiver will provide the best performance at the lowest optical input power?  One commonly used method is to use an optical attenuator such as a diaphragm attenuator. Usually only two values are needed to complete the test. The process includes the following three steps.

1. Use a power meter to measure the optical output power of the fiber optic transmitter. Remember that industry standards define the optical input power of transmitters and receivers for specific network standards. If you are testing a 100BASE-FX transceiver, use a 100BASE-FX transmitter and the transmitter's optical output power should be within the manufacturer's data sheet.
 
2. Connect the transmitter to the receiver and verify it is operating at the maximum optical output power available from the transmitter. You need to test the receiver with the minimum optical input power that the receiver can accept, while the receiver still provides the best performance. To do this, you need to obtain the lowest light input power value from the manufacturer's data sheet.

3. Calculate the level of attenuation required for the test. For example, the transmitter's optical output power is -17 dBm, and the receiver's minimum optical power level is -33 dBm. The difference between them is 16 dB. You can use a 16 dB bulkhead attenuator at the input of the receiver and retest the receiver. If the receiver still works, it is within specification.
 
Note: Light loss is not considered in the above example. Assuming the transmitter is located 10 kilometers from the receiver and the loss of the entire fiber link (including the interconnect) is 6 dB, then a 10 dB bulkhead attenuator should be used instead of 16 dB for your test.

The optical attenuator is a very important passive optical fiber device. It can attenuate the optical signal energy according to the user's requirements. It can also be used to test the sensitivity of optical fiber transceivers. Fiber-Mart offers a full range of optical attenuators that bring convenience to users of optical communications.Any questions welcome to communicate with us: [email protected].