SEP/2000

NBR 13520
Optical fibers – Optical attenuation
variation – Method of test

ABNT – Brazilian
Technical Standards
Association

ABNT Source: Project NBR 13520:1999

th
Av. Treze de Maio, 13 – 28 floor
20031-901 - Rio de Janeiro - RJ
Tel.: +55 21 3974-2300
Fax: +55 21 3974-2346
abnt@abnt.org.br
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ABNT © 1997
All rights reserved
ABNT/CB-03 – Brazilian Electricity Committee
CE-03:086.02 – Test Method Study Committee for Cables and Optical Fibers
NBR 13520 – Fibras ópticas – Determinação da variação da atenuação óptica –
Método de ensaio
Palavra-chave: Fibra óptica
This Standard replaces NBR 13520:1995
In force as of 10.31.2000
Descriptor: Optical fiber 8 pages

Summary
Preface
1. Purpose
2. Standard references
3. Definitions
4. Tools
5. Test performance
6. Results
ATTACHMENTS
A Optical attenuation variation test flowchart – Right measurement method
B Optical attenuation variation test flowchart – Reference measurement method
C Optical attenuation variation test flowchart – Backscattering method

Preface

ABNT – The Brazilian National Standards Association – is the National Standardization Forum. The Brazilian
Standards, which content relates to the Brazilian Committees (ABNT/CB) and the Department
Standardization Organizations (ABNT/ONS), are prepared by Study Committees (SC), formed by
representatives of such departments, comprising: producers, consumers and neutrals (universities,
laboratories and others).

Brazilian Standard Projects, prepared within ABNT/CB and ABNT/ONS, are available for Public Access
among ABNT associated and other people interested.

This Standard comprises normative attachments A, B and C.

1 Purpose

This Standard describes the method to set the optical attenuation variation in optical fibers using the right
measurement, reference measurement and backscattering measurement methods.

2 Standard references

The following standards present provisions which, anytime mentioned, relate to this Standard. The
2 NBR 13520:2000

mentioned versions were in force at the time of publication. As every standard is subject to review, those
performing agreements based on this one are advised to check the convenience of using the latest editions
of the following standards. ABNT holds the information of the standards in force at a given time.

NBR 13486:1995 – Optical Fibers - Terminology

NBR 13491:2000 – Optical fibers - Optical attenuation - Method of test

3 Definitions

For the purposes of this Standard, the definitions in NBR 13486 shall apply.

4 Tools

Tools required to carry out the test is described in 4.1 to 4.3.

4.1 Right measurement method

4.1.1 The optical source must have the same intensity and length of the cable for enough time to finish the
test, and complying with the suggestions of NBR 13491.

NOTE – In the event the optical source does not have a stable intensity and wavelength, the reference
measurement method must be used.

4.1.2 Optical launching system according to the suggestions of NBR 13491.

4.1.3 Optical power meter linear and stable in the applied power range.

4.2 Reference measurement method

4.2.1 Optical source.

4.2.2 Optical launching system according to the suggestions of NBR 13491.

4.2.3 Optical power divider with constant ratio during the test, regardless of the input power or outer
influences.

4.2.4 Detecting system with linear response within the power range applied, stable enough not to cause
variations not arising from the test.

4.3 Backscattering method

4.3.1 Optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR)

5 Test performance

5.1 Specimen

The specimen must be the optical fiber itself, and its minimum length must comply with the sensibility of the
measurement equipment.

5.2 Environmental conditions

Anytime not mentioned in the optical fiber specification, temperature must be kept in 25°C ± 5°C.

5.3 Test

5.3.1 Right measurement method

5.3.1.1 This test sequence is indicated in Attachment A and described in 5.3.1.2 to 5.3.1.7.

5.3.1.2 Remove the covering and cleave the optical fiber ends, ensuring they are clean, plane and
perpendicular to its axis.
NBR 13520:2000 3

5.3.1.3 Duly place the optical fiber in the release and sign detection systems (see figure 1).

5.3.1.4 Ensure all connections did not affect the test, fixing all test optical fibers’ terminations.

5.3.1.5 Measure and record the initial power level (S1), in decibel-meter or milliwatts.

5.3.1.6 Submit the optical fiber to the test.

5.3.1.7 Measure and record the power level (S2), in decibel-meter or milliwatts.

5.3.2 Reference measurement method

5.3.2.1 Test sequence is presented in Attachment B and described in 5.3.2.2 to 5.3.2.9.

5.3.2.2 Remove the coating and cleave the ends of the optical fiber to be tested and the reference optical
fiber, ensuring they are clean, plane and perpendicular to its axis.

5.3.2.3 Place the optical fiber to be tested and the reference optical fiber in the optical divider and detectors
(see figure 2).

5.3.2.4 Ensure all connections did not affect the test, fixing all test and reference optical fibers’ terminations.

5.3.2.5 Measure and record the power level in detector 1 (SRo) connected to the reference optical fiber, in
decibel-meter or milliwatts.

5.3.2.6 Measure and record the power level in detector 2 (STo) connected to the test optical fiber, in decibel-
meter or milliwatts.

5.3.2.7 Submit the optical fiber to the test.

5.3.2.8 Measure and record the power level in detector 1 (SRo) connected to the reference optical fiber, in
decibel-meter or milliwatts.

5.3.2.9 Measure and record the power level in detector 2 (STo) connected to the test optical fiber, in decibel-
meter or milliwatts.

Optical fiber being tested

Optical launching Optical Power meter –

Optical source
system S1, S2

Figure 1 - Optical attenuation variation – Right measurement method

Reference optical fiber

Detector 1
SR0 , SRn

Optical source Optical divider

Detector 2
ST0 , STn
Optical fiber being tested

Figure 2 - Optical attenuation variation – Reference measurement method

4 NBR 13520:2000
5.3.3 Backscattering method

5.3.3.1 Test sequence is presented in Attachment B and described in 5.3.3.2 to 5.3.3.8.

5.3.3.2 Remove the coating and cleave the ends of the optical fiber to be tested and the launching optical
fiber, if used, ensuring they are clean, plane and perpendicular to its axis.

5.3.3.3 Couple the optical fiber to be tested to the equipment or launching optical fiber, if used (see figure 3).

5.3.3.4 Ensure all connections did not affect the test, fixing all test and launching optical fibers’ terminations,
if used.

5.3.3.5 Choose two points, A and B, in the OTDR’s backscattering curve, ensuring the part between such
points has the part of the optical fiber to be tested.

5.3.3.6 Measure and record the A0 and B0 initial attenuations, in decibels, in the A and B points, respectively,
according to NBR 13491. When using an equipment not enabling to set the punctual attenuation (A0 - B0),
measure and record the attenuation in such part (A0 - B0).

5.3.3.7 Submit the optical fiber to the test.

5.3.3.8 Measure and record the A0 and B0 attenuations, in decibels, in the A and B points, respectively,
according to NBR 13491.

Optical fiber being tested

OTDR
Optical launching fiber (if
used)

Figure 3 - Optical attenuation variation – Backscattering method

6 Results

Optical attenuation variation (A0) for each method, given in decibels, is presented in 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3:

6.1 Right measurement method

∆α = S2 – S1 For power levels in decibel-meter;

S2
∆α = 10log For power levels in milliwatts.
S1

where S1 and S2 are provided in 5.3.1.

6.2 Reference measurement method

∆α = STn - ST0 – (SRn – SR0) For power levels in decibel-meter;

STn . SR0
∆α = -10log For power levels in milliwatts.
ST0 . SRn

where ST, ST0, SR and SR0 are provided in 5.3.2;

6.3 Backscattering method

NBR 13520:2000 5

∆α = (A0-B0)-(An-Bn)

Where A0, B0, An and Bn are provided in 5.3.3.

6.4 Test data record

Test data recording must have at least the following information:

a) test title;

b) Standard/issue identification and the technique or measurement method;

c) conditions used for the test;

d) identification of the laboratory or test place and date;

e) identification and specific characteristics of the optical fiber and specimen length;

f) tools used for the test, including a serial number, type, model and gauging expiration date (include a
measurement uncertainty estimative);

g) measurement results, including measured and calculated values;

h) notes related to significant test events;

i) technical body identification and qualification.

6.5 Test report

The results achieved must be presented in a report with at least the following information:

a) test title and Standard/issue identification and the technique or measurement method;

b) identification of the laboratory or test place and date;

c) Identification of optical fiber;

d) tools used for the test;

e) measurement results, including measured and calculated values;

f) technician identification.

/ATTACHMENT A
6 NBR 13520:2000
Attachment A (standard)
Optical attenuation variation test flowchart – Right measurement method

Start

Cleave the optical fiber being
tested

Place the optical fiber in the
release and sign detection
systems

Ensure the connections do
not affect the test, fixing all
test optical fibers’
terminations

Measure and record the
initial power level (S1), in
decibel-meter or milliwatts

Submit the optical fiber to
the test

Measure and record the
power level (S2), in decibel-
meter or milliwatts

Set the optical attenuation
variation (∆α):

∆α = S2 – S1

(S in decibel-meter)
or

(S in milliwatts)


Record test data

End
NBR 13520:2000 7

Attachment B (standard)
Optical attenuation variation test flowchart – Reference measurement method

Start

Cleave the reference optical
fiber and that being tested

Place the test and reference
optical fibers in the optical
dividers and detectors

Ensure the connections do
not affect the test, fixing all
test and reference optical
fibers’ terminations

Measure and record the
initial power levels in
detectors 1 (SR0) connected
to the reference optical fiber,
and detector 2 (ST0)
connected to the test optical
fiber, in decibel-meter or
milliwatts

Submit the optical fiber to
the test

Measure and record the
power levels in detectors 1
(SR0) connected to the
reference optical fiber, and
detector 2 (ST0) connected
to the test optical fiber, in
decibel-meter or milliwatts

Set the optical attenuation
variation (∆α):

∆α = STn - ST0 – (SRn – SR0)

(S in decibel-meter) or

(S in milliwatts)


Record test data

End
8 NBR 13520:2000
Attachment C (standard)
Optical attenuation variation test flowchart – Backscattering method

Start

Cleave the test and
launching optical fiber (if
used)

Couple the optical fiber
being tested to the OTDR or
the launching optical fiber (if
used)

Ensure the connections do
not affect the test, fixing the
test and launching optical
fibers’ terminations (if used)

Choose two points, A and B,
in the OTDR’s
backscattering curve,
ensuring the part between
such points has the part of
the optical fiber to be tested

Measure and record the
initial attenuations in A (A0)
and B (B0) points, in decibels

Submit the optical fiber to
the test

Measure and record the
attenuations in A (A0) and B
(B0) points, in decibels

Set the optical attenuation
variation (∆α):

∆α = (A0-B0)-(An-Bn)


Record test data

End