EXFO releases fully automated fiber inspection probe

EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO, TSX: EXF) has added the FIP-430B fully automated fiber inspection probe to its portfolio of portable fiber-optic test and measurement equipment.

Built to simplify and speed up connector certification, the FIP-430B integrates automatic focus adjustment capabilities to make the test sequence 100% automated. This turns fiber-optic connector inspection into a quick and simple one-step process, says EXFO.

The advanced automated features also include a high-performance fiber image-centering system and onboard connector end-face pass/fail analysis based on IEC or custom standards to deliver accurate and consistent connector certification in seconds. The probe's image centering function is capable of achieving time savings of up to 57%, according to the company.

Users connect the FIP-430B to the connector port, and the probe will automatically detect the connection, find and center the fiber image, adjust and optimize the focus and capture, run the pass/fail analysis, and even save and report the results. The whole process takes just slightly longer than cleaning a connector port, according to EXFO.

"EXFO is the first to introduce an autofocus feature of this kind in a field-inspection device," said Étienne Gagnon, vice-president of EXFO's physical layer and wireless division. "By automating the full test process, this innovation eliminates all complex and time-consuming operations, as well as the risk of human misinterpretation, making it easier for the end user to follow best practices."

The autofocus feature makes it easier to identify defects, and focus protection prevents reporting of false-positive results – all of which leads to more accurate and consistent test results for "first-time-right" network deployment, he adds.

The new FIP-430B USB inspection probe is compatible with any PC or laptop, the entire range of EXFO's FTB Ecosystem platforms, and the newly launched MaxTester 700B OTDR Series.

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