Anritsu Company introduces the MW90010A coherent optical time domain reflectometer (C-OTDR) which utilizes the innovative coherent detection scheme to produce significantly improved dynamic range and sensitivity. MW90010A Coherent OTDR (C-OTDR) is a measuring instrument for detecting faults in ultra-long optical submarine cables of up to 12,000km including multiple repeaters (EDFA). It is the ideal solution for evaluating new cables at service deployment as well as for troubleshooting in-service faults. Due to the superior performance, the MW90010A can measure optical submarine cables as long as 12,000 km with 100 times the accuracy of previous instruments.

Utilizing the inherent advantages of the coherent detection scheme, the MW90010A detects faults with 10-meter resolution and can collect 1.2 million data points for accurate analysis on ultra-long optical submarine cables up to 12,000 km in length. The MW90010A can capture data from up to 1.2 million points on the horizontal axis at a fixed resolution of 10 m with no dependency on measured distance. As a result, faults can be located with very high resolution even in fibers longer than 10,000 km. Typical optical submarine cables are designed with repeaters every 50 to 60 km but the high resolution of the MW90010A easily supports fiber loss measurement of these systems as well as fault location of cables with repeaters spaced at more than 80 km. The C-OTDR detects faults and captures important waveform data, including cable loss, bending loss, and fiber length, that support detailed cable evaluation.

The unsurpassed, compact, lightweight (17 kg max.), all-in-one design supports every stage of optical submarine cable management from cable installation to fault detection or past data analysis. The all-in-one design incorporates a tunable light source for easy on-site portability and troubleshooting. Due to its excellent overall performance, which also includes measurement time of 15 minutes and dynamic range of >17 dB, the MW90010A can accurately measure optical submarine cables with optical repeaters spaced at intervals of 80 km or more. The wavelength of the MW90010As built-in light source can be tuned with ±0.2 nm accuracy in the range of 1535.03 nm ~ 1565.08 nm to support DWDM submarine cable systems.

Every stage from setting parameters to starting measurement is made easy using the touch-screen. The rotary knob and keypad can be used for operation too. The easy-to-use design coupled with standard interfaces for USB memory, USB mouse and keyboard, and VGA OUT, makes measurement simple even for novice OTDR operators. The MW90010A is as much as 2/3 smaller than comparable OTDRs. Its measurement size of 320 w x 177 h x 451 d (mm) and weight of <17 kg supports easy onsite portability. A touch-panel makes operation simple, even for inexperienced users, and expedites performing a measurement. The size, ease of use, and high accuracy make the MW90010A the tool of choice for transmission equipment manufacturers and service providers who must verify cable performance during installation and maintenance.

Ultra-long optical submarine cables use optical amplifiers to boost signals. Successful OTDR measurement through the repeaters requires configuring a backscatter detection system using up and down links. The C-OTDR can measure the backscatter light through all repeaters by using coherent detection. As a result, it can display every fault condition, such as optical loss between repeaters, bending loss, distances, breaks, etc., on-screen for waveform data analysis.

Product features

• Ultra-long distance reach up to 12,000 km
• Compact and lightweight all-in-one design for on-site / on-ship portability
• Fault detection with 10-m distance resolution
• Wide dynamic range supporting fault detection and troubleshooting of submarine cables with repeaters at 80km or wider intervals
• Integrated tunable light source with high wavelength accuracy of +0.2nm for wavelength setting range of 1535.03 to 1565.08 nm
• Adjustable output power from 0 to +13 dBm
• Simple and easy touch-panel operation for easy first-time use

Related products

• High stability fiber optic temperature sensor
• Bending insensitive fiber cable