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S122A/S122M4 Hand-Held Fusion Splicer

1.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Furukawa Electric introduced the S122, next generation ofultra-compact fusion splicers in March, 2006. The S122
inherits the compact size, light weight and convenience ofits predecessor the S121, the industry leader in compact
fusion splicers since its introduction in January 2003.
Integrating the functions of multi-fiber ribbon splicers
used in splicing trunk lines, the S122 offers two-direction
optical fiber observation and is applicable to SMF, MMF,NZDSF, and DSF fibers. The S122 Series includes theS122A for single fiber splicing and the S122M4 for singleto-four fiber ribbon splicing.

2.

FEATURES

2.1 Compact, Slim Body
The dimensions of the S122, shown in Photo 1, are 140W
x 189D x 73H mm excluding projections. The main unit
weighs 850 g, a 75% reduction in volume and 70% reduction in weight compared to Furukawa's S199M multi-fiber
ribbon splicer. Encased in an extremely slim body, 47 mm
at the operation switch portion, the S122 splicer has
adopted two-direction fiber observation and high-precision image processing to enable precise fiber splicing.
The number of parts has been reduced through simplification of the driving mechanism, and the area of the controlling circuit board has been decreased through theadoption of highly-integrated parts and small package
parts, thereby realizing significant reduction in the equipment profile. Since the head portion of the body has been
reduced in thickness, the equipment can be easily insert-

ed into an enclosure to carry out splicing with shortexcess fiber lengths. A light weight, high-strength magnesium alloy is used for the top surface, and corner pads
are provided at the bottom portions, making the bodystructure rugged enough to assure easy use in any workenvironment. In addition, the display panel is a high-resolution, 3.5-in translucent LCD monitor capable of displaying operation conditions and clear fiber images even outdoors.
2.2 Portability and Ease of Operation
Compact and light weight, the S122M4 has detachable
batteries making it easy for the splicer to be brought intoa variety of splicing environments. The S122M4 is slim
and low, ensuring excellent mechanical stability, both inhand and on the working table. A soft carrying caseaccommodates work tools such as a cleaver and stripper.
The dual-purpose carrying case can be used as a work
table for operating the splicer when worn around thewaist. See Photo 2. The available carrying belt with ahinged working table offers an innovative style of hands
free splicing and ease of use in tight spots or on an electric pole. See Photo 3.

Photo 2

Photo 1

Appearance of S122M4.

Photo 3High portability with a soft carrying case.

High portability with a foldable hinged working table.

Furukawa Review, No. 30

200621

S122A/S122M4 Hand-Held Fusion Splicer

2.3 Operation and Useful Functions
Available for the first time in fusion splicing the S122M4
has a GUI providing an operational feel much like that ofa cellular phone. See Photo 4. A number of useful functions have been installed including; fiber image display
with a maximum magnification ratio of 120 by means ofzooming; memory function for fiber image storage; ahelpful counter for maintenance of accessory tools (cleaver and stripper); alarm function which warns when it istime to replace the cleaver blade; and photo illustrationsof the maintenance guide.

Table 1 Specifications of S122A and S122M4.
Item

Specification

Applicable fiber type

SM, MM, DS, NZDS

Applicable fiber count

S122A : Single
S122M4 : Single to four
SM: 0.05 dB or less avg. (Figure 1)
MM : 0.03 dB or less avg.
DS: 0.08 dB or less avg.
NZDS : 0.08 dB or less avg.

Splicing loss

Screening force

1.96 N

Fusion splicing time

S122A : 13 sec for SM fiber
S122M4 : 15 sec for SM fiber

Heat-reinforcing time

45 sec for S924 sleeveSplicing loss data
Number of programs
Outer dimensions

Capacity of standard battery

2.4 High Speed and Enhanced Functions
High-speed operation of splicing and testing takes 13 sec
for the S122A and 15 sec for the S122M4, the quickest of
two-direction observation type splicers. Heat-shrinking ofa reinforcing sleeve after splicing takes 45 sec (40-mmsingle fiber sleeve). The installation of a self-diagnosis
function permits automatic diagnosis of the equipment.
Moreover, like high-quality conventional splicers, highprecision splicing has been realized by simultaneouslydisplaying optical fiber images taken from two directions.
See Photo 5. Use of a heavy-duty external battery delivers
180 splicing and reinforcing operations.

Applicable sleeve

Fusion splicing: 90 times
Fusion splicing plus heat-reinforcing : 50 times
40 mm and 60 mm in length

1009080
7060
50
40
30
20
10
00.00 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.10 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18 0.20

Frequency（count）

Main menu of GUI.

140W x 189D x 73H mm excluding projections
Main unit : 850 g
Battery : 170 g

WeightPhoto 41,500 items
Splicing: 150
Heat-reinforcing : 12Splicing loss（dB）

Figure 1

3.

Histogram of splicing loss of single-mode fibers.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

The main specifications are shown in Table 1.
The S122 is applicable to splicing not only SM, MM andDS fibers but also NZDS fibers. The S122 can store dataof splicing loss estimation up to 6,000 fibers, i.e. 1,500
times x 4 fibers, at maximum. Also, the splicer can codeand memorize as many as 150 programs of fusion splicing.
Photo 5Fiber image display.

For more information, please contact:
Interconnectivity Equipment Dept.,
Telecommunications Co.
TEL: +81-3-3286-3455
FAX: +81-3-3286-3708

Furukawa Review, No. 30

200622