Connectors & Splicing

The market of fiber optic splicers has changed significantly over the last few years. Japanese splicers of renown brands (Fujikura, Sumitomo, Fitel) and Korean equipment (e.g. Inno), keeping pace in many aspects, have been joined by cheap Chinese ones.

The article contains general information on performing measurements in fiber optic installations. The transmission method and reflectometric measurements are described.

Signal Fire is a dynamically developing company specializing in the manufacture of fiber optic splicers. Headquartered in Chengdu, it employs nearly 200 professionals. The devices are built with top-of-the-line components from renown manufacturers (including European ones), and based on technological solutions protected by numerous patents. The characteristic feature of splicing machines from Signal Fire is the use of smartphones for their configuration, archiving of operation data and for diagnostics. Products of this company have gained recognition in the markets of the whole world. The high quality of the offered devices is confirmed by the warranty policy providing a replacement after 50,000 splices.

Proper preparation of the ends of optical fibers is the basis for successful fiber splicing. Even the best and most expensive splicing machine will not be able to properly connect dirty or improperly cleft fibers. For this reason, care for the cleanliness of fiber optic tools is extremely important.

Implementations of FTTH installations based on fiber optic subscriber lines arranged in a star topology are currently the most popular way of deploying fiber optics in multi-family buildings. The main advantages of the solution include a relatively low cost and a simple installation.

ULTIMODE FAST quick assembly connectors allow fiber termination with SC connectors without time-consuming gluing and polishing. The procedure does no require "sterile" conditions, because the end face of the built-in fiber fragment has been glued and polished by the manufacturer. The low loss at the level of 0.25 dB is obtained thanks to advanced positioning of the inserted fiber end by V-shaped grooves. The optical gel that is also used in the connectors reduces the effects of an imprecise cut and a possible gap between the end faces of the fibers.

Mechanical splices ULTIMODE FAST-MS1 are used for permanent connections of optical fibers without the need of employing fusion splicers. Low loss at the level of 0.1 dB is obtained thanks to advanced positioning of the fiber end faces by V-shaped grooves.