Ongoing Research And Development Of Precision Cleaning And Inspection Of Fiber Optic Connections
CurrentIn March-2020 a USA Patent was issued on the RMS_1 and RMS-2 digital photographic microscopes for fiber optic and category cable connections. These devices easily 'see' the entire surface of the connection as outlined in IEC 61300-3-35 and significantly exceed that standard by adding the total horizontal surface, establishing a "Zone-4". In additional the characterization of the three-dimensional (3D) horizontal ferrule surfaces as well as heretofore unseen views of alignment sleeves and adapters. There are more than thirty (30) 3D printed rotating adapters (tm) to view direct contact and expanded beam connections. Why Go to the Trouble? The newly invented instrument proves the reality that debris can be present in all sectors of the connector. While cleaning all surfaces may not be necessary, the awareness of 'contamination points' directs the technician to clean other than the "end face" rather than exchange the jumper or return the circuit card or SFP for warranty. The "weakest link" is the condition of the end face not only at the time of test, but also in 'post-test' when debris may migrate from one connector sector to the other.Not cleaned, or improperly cleaned surfaces mean that 'heritage installations' to 'hyper-scale' transmissions will not maximize. Not all cleaning products or processes work all the time: it's all common sense but somehow in the blur of gigabits the basics were left behind. There are text books and animated training sessions. Custom-training is available at reasonable rates, www.fiberopticprecisioncleaning.comAll the best, ed
