EXFO debuts FTTx-optimized Cable Assembly and Component Test System

SEPTEMBER 20, 2006 -- EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. (search EXFO) announced today the release of the next-generation IQS-12001B Cable Assembly and Component Test System for production testing of short fiber assemblies and fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) components.

The original IQS-12001B test system had been designed to perform insertion loss and mandrel-free reflection measurements on single or multi-fiber patchcords and other interconnect assemblies. The new-and-improved version delivers three additional functionalities, including FTTx component testing capabilities, improved reflectance measurement range, and a new test wavelength for FTTx applications.

This automated test system, built on the IQS-500 intelligent test platform, characterizes singlemode FTTx components like PLC splitters and fiber arrays. Using mandrel-free measurements, the new IQS-12001B is ideally suited to test high-volume manufactured components, providing critical data such as insertion loss, internal component reflectance, optical return loss, and device length, say EXFO representatives.

EXFO's Cable Assembly and Component Test System also comes equipped with the new IQS-3250B Loss Test Module, enabling the system to carry out mandrel-free measurements of ultra-low reflectance -- down to -75 dB. In addition, claims the company, the reflectance measurement is highly accurate with uncertainty of ± 1.1 dB (reflectance -30 dB to -70 dB) and of ± 2 dB (-70 dB to -75 dB).

Finally, the IQS-12001B offers a new test wavelength at 1490 nm for FTTx applications. As a result, it supports singlemode testing at 1310-, 1490-, 1550-, and 1625-nm, as well as multimode testing at 850- and 1300-nm.

"Our automated test system increases manufacturing throughput for insertion loss and mandrel-free testing with the highest degree of accuracy and repeatability for short fiber assemblies and FTTx components," reports Etienne Gagnon, EXFO's vice president of Optical and Protocol Product Management. "As the world leader in cable assembly testing, it was important for EXFO to bring new benefits to our customers, since many of them are now characterizing FTTx components in high volumes to meet the growing demand for high-speed broadband access networks."

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