Scott Anstey

Unit 10 Measurement & Testing

Q1) Select test Equipment: Expo Fibre Optic FOT-10A test Equipment
Specify correct Equipment to measure signals: Using Optical
power source measure dB loss over 780, 850, 1300, and 1550 (nm), results
calculated and displayed on fibre optic tester (handheld device).
Ensure practical use of Equipment is documented and supported
by witness testimony: Recorded on 707B & Form 90b, Witness testimony
attached Annex C.

During the remake of cable assembly EWAD 312314 A2, (See Annex A&B)
Testing was required to prove serviceability of manufactured cable before it
could be fitted to the aircraft. Testing of the cable can be a lengthy process
starting with visual inspections of the ferules and terminations. Once this has
been completed fibre optics needs to be fully inspected with a microscope to
ensure the mating end is sufficiently clear to allow information to pass.

Large losses can be introduced if inspection wasn’t employed. I will

cover the inspection process further in Q2. Once the ends have been
inspected for defects such as pitting and cracks and have passed the
fiberchecker 2 pass criteria, the cables will need to undergo power loss
checks.

Power loss checks incorporate signals passed through the fibre optic cable
ensuring the losses are not substantial enough to prevent the system failing.
A document produced by an external agency defines the system footprint. It
details the operating temperature at high and low extremities, and the
associated losses measured in decibels.

The biggest loss introduced into the system is from the connectors,
cable losses are extremely low, a loss of 0.05 dB was measured in a 30mm
bend. The testing incorporates five wavelengths over the spectrum. This
ensures sufficient data handling capabilities and the losses that are produced.
The Test set incorporates EXFO Electro Optic Engineering power meter
source and receiver, the fibre optic test piece operates as a medium to
transfer the data. The range that is tested is 780, 850, 1300, 1310, and 1550
(nm) wave lengths.

Once the internal calibration has been automatically carried out, the
fibre can be attached for testing. The selected wavelengths are stepped
through and the losses are displayed on the fibre optic tester. All of the
individual cables in the loom are not released from the manufacturing area
unless they are below -0.7 dB.

All of the work is documented and compiled upon the 707 series of job
cards which can be found at Annex. B. Overleaf a Power meter.

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Q2. Identify the hardware and software required to capture data from
an item under test.

As part of the inspection process of checking fibre optics prior to testing for
decibel loss, the mating end of the cable is inspected for pitting, cracks and
dirt. Within INST. Flt. we use the Westover Scientific FiberChek2 end face
inspection and analysis setup. This enables an inspection microscope to

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connect to a PC via USB 2.0 and with the program running will test the fibre
for defects and will highlight problems resulting in the fibre passing or failing
the test.

The programme settings on the computer will enable a fully focused

high resolution image. Parameters are set by the operator as a rough guide
for the quality required for the cable. This will result in the pass or failure
awarded to the test piece.

System interfaces
A-A Analogue interface of USB cable connecting to USB input port.
A-D Analogue signal carrier wave populated with digital sampling rate
through USB conveying information.
D-D Optical Digital image captured by microscope displayed as digital
image on computer screen.

The system is extremely accurate and very quick in compiling data;

additionally it gives a benchmark to work too. Analysis reports are displayed
after the image has been archived. Visual inspection summary reports give
the information in an easy to view format table with the results highlighting
either pass/fail. Additionally both have a high and low magnification image.
The results can be quickly compiled into a Microsoft Excel worksheet for ease
of logging results. Overleaf is a screen shot of the visual inspection summary
report.

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To summarize Data Acquisition, Is introduced by inspecting fibre using the

probe, depending on the loom will result in how many fibres are checked for
this cable assembly.

Data Analysis Is provided by compiling the results to known parameters

giving a comprehensive breakdown of the results in an easy to use Excel
worksheet. The probe captures an image of the mating end and analyses it
against datum’s showing dirt, chips and further damage which could result in
the cable being scrapped.

Data Presentation Again this is down to the operators preferences, the

compiled results are given in a table format for use by Microsoft Excel.
Decided values and parameters are set up before testing and inspection,
Visual inspection summary reports appear two seconds after testing giving all
information of the latest test. Information is easy to view and is clear with the
two images of magnification.

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List of Annex’s

Annex A Cable Assembly EWAD 312314 A0 ISS B

Annex B 707B Series Job card and continuation sheet, Additional Weight
Form 90b
Annex C Witness Testimony