AFL has introduced the FOCIS Lightning2 Multi-Fiber Optic Connector Inspection System, a larger, more fully featured version of the original FOCIS Lightning. The inspection instrument provides one-button inspection of a variety of fiber-optic connector types, including both single-fiber and multifiber connectors.
The FOCIS Lightning2 offers a 50% larger display than its predecessor that is designed for touchscreen operation. It supports four magnification levels (1X, 2X, 4X, and 8X) and a larger field of view that conforms to the pending IEC 61300-3-35 standard. The 0.6-lb. instrument is designed to offer fast and accurate measurements via a single 10-megapixel camera that can be stored and shared in a variety of ways, including via the company’s Flex Reporter system.
Sources at AFL say that the trend toward the use of pre-terminated cables in data center, 5G, and FTTx applications should increase demand for the FOCSIS Lightning2. While such cabling is designed for plug-and-play operation, the AFL representatives assert that connectors may still feature dirty connectors – perhaps because of events in transit from the factory. The instrument comes with a variety of tips to ensure compatibility with a range of FTTx terminals.
“Fiber technicians are often tasked with multiple jobs when installing fiber – from cable placement and splicing to test and inspection,” said David Tanis, senior product manager for AFL’s Test and Inspection group, via a press statement. “The tools they use must be intuitive as they don’t have the time to re-learn how to use them every time they pick them up. FOCIS Lightning2 addresses this challenge by providing a very simple-to-operate fiber probe that can be used right out of the box.”
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