Tool detects faults in optical submarine cables

Anritsu has introduced the MW90010A Coherent OTDR (C-OTDR). The MW90010A uses coherent detection scheme to produce improved dynamic range and sensitivity over previous generation devices. The MW90010A can locate faults on optical submarine cables as long as 12,000km with 100x the accuracy of previous instruments, said Anritsu.

Utilizing the inherent advantages of the coherent detection scheme, the MW90010A detects faults with 10m resolution and can collect 1.2 million data points for accurate analysis on ultra-long optical submarine cables up to 12,000km in length. The C-OTDR detects faults and captures important waveform data, including cable loss, bending loss and fiber length that support detailed cable evaluation.

Due to its excellent overall performance—rapid measurement ability and a dynamic range of 17dB—the MW90010A can accurately measure optical submarine cables with optical repeaters spaced at intervals of 80km or more. The wavelength of the MW90010As built-in light source can be tuned with ±0.2nm accuracy in the range of 1,535.03nm-1,565.08nm to support DWDM submarine cable systems.

The MW90010A is one-third the size of previous OTDRs. Measuring 177mm x 451mm x 320mm and weighing under 17kg, the device supports easy onsite portability. A touch-panel makes operation simple, even for inexperienced users, and expedites performing a measurement.

According to Anritsu, the size, ease of use and high accuracy make this the tool of choice for transmission equipment manufacturers and service providers who must verify cable performance during commissioning or maintenance and repair.