Patent Description:
According to a first aspect, there are provided fiber-optic testers for testing a multi-fiber cable as defined in independent claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

The communication channel may be implemented by the at least one laser source and the at least one photodiode may be to provide bi-directional transmission of data between the fiber-optic tester and a fiber-optic testing receiver.

The communication channel may be implemented by the at least one laser source and the at least one photodiode may be to provide transmission of commands between the fiber-optic tester and a fiber-optic testing receiver. A command of the commands may include instructions from the fiber-optic tester to control operations of the fiber-optic testing receiver.

The communication channel may be implemented by the at least one laser source and the at least one photodiode may be to provide bi-directional transmission of a confirmation of a connection of the fiber-optic tester and a fiber-optic testing receiver to the multi-fiber cable.

The plurality of optical fibers may include twelve optical fibers, and wherein the at least one laser source may further comprise three laser sources communicatively coupled to three of the plurality of optical fibers by three corresponding splitters to implement the communication channel between the fiber-optic tester that is a fiber-optic testing receiver and a fiber-optic testing source. The communication channel is operable independently from three polarities including the polarity associated with the multi-fiber cable, and wherein the polarities may include a polarity-A for which a first optical fiber of the twelve optical fibers associated with the connector is communicatively coupled to a first optical fiber associated with a connector of the fiber-optic testing source that includes twelve optical fibers, a polarity-B for which a twelfth optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic tester is communicatively coupled to the first optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing source, and a polarity-C for which a second optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic tester is communicatively coupled to the first optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing source.

The communication channel may be implemented by the at least one laser source and the at least one photodiode may be to provide bi-directional transmission of data between the fiber-optic tester and a fiber-optic testing source.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a method as defined in claim <NUM> using the devices according to either claim <NUM> or <NUM>.

According to a third aspect, as defined in claim <NUM>, there is provided a Multi-fiber Push On (MPO) testing device comprising a tester for testing a multi-fiber cable according to either claim <NUM> or <NUM>.

The plurality of optical fibers may include twelve optical fibers, and wherein the at least one photodiode may further comprise three photodiodes communicatively coupled to three of the plurality of optical fibers by three corresponding splitters to implement the specified communication channel between the MPO tester that is a fiber-optic testing source and a fiber-optic testing receiver.

The plurality of optical fibers may include twelve optical fibers, and wherein the at least one laser source may further comprise three laser sources communicatively coupled to three of the plurality of optical fibers by three corresponding splitters to implement the specified communication channel between the MPO tester that is a fiber-optic testing receiver and a fiber-optic testing source.

The plurality of optical fibers may include twelve optical fibers, and wherein the at least one photodiode may further comprise three photodiodes communicatively coupled to three of the plurality of optical fibers by three corresponding splitters to implement the communication channel between the fiber-optic testing source and the fiber-optic testing receiver.

The communication channel may be operable independently from three polarities including the polarity associated with the multi-fiber cable, and wherein the polarities may include a polarity-A for which a first optical fiber of the twelve optical fibers associated with the connector is communicatively coupled to a first optical fiber associated with a connector of the fiber-optic testing receiver that includes twelve optical fibers, a polarity-B for which a twelfth optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing source is communicatively coupled to the first optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing receiver, and a polarity-C for which a second optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing source is communicatively coupled to the first optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing receiver.

The communication channel implemented by the laser source and the at least one photodiode may be to provide bi-directional transmission of data between the fiber-optic testing source and the fiber-optic testing receiver.

The communication channel implemented by the laser source and the at least one photodiode may be to provide transmission of commands between the fiber-optic testing source and the fiber-optic testing receiver.

A command of the commands may include instructions from the fiber-optic testing source to control operations of the fiber-optic testing receiver.

The communication channel implemented by the laser source and the at least one photodiode may be to provide bi-directional transmission of a confirmation of a connection of the fiber-optic testing source and the fiber-optic testing receiver to the multi-fiber cable.

The connector may be a Multi-fiber Push On (MPO) connector.

The plurality of optical fibers may include twelve optical fibers, and wherein the at least one laser source may further comprise three laser sources communicatively coupled to three of the plurality of optical fibers by three corresponding splitters to implement the communication channel between the fiber-optic testing receiver and the fiber-optic testing source.

The communication channel may be operable independently from three polarities including the polarity associated with the multi-fiber cable, and wherein the polarities may include a polarity-A for which a first optical fiber of the twelve optical fibers associated with the connector is communicatively coupled to a first optical fiber associated with a connector of the fiber-optic testing source that includes twelve optical fibers, a polarity-B for which a twelfth optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing receiver is communicatively coupled to the first optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing source, and a polarity-C for which a second optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing receiver is communicatively coupled to the first optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing source.

The communication channel may be implemented by the at least one laser source and the plurality of photodiodes may be to provide bi-directional transmission of data between the fiber-optic testing receiver and the fiber-optic testing source.

According to an embodiment, the communication channel may provide for transmission of commands between the MPO power meter and the MPO source. According to an embodiment, a command of the commands may include instructions from the MPO power meter to control operations of the MPO source, and vise-versa. In this regard, a user of the MPO power meter and the MPO source may control operations of both devices from either one of the devices.

According to an embodiment, the communication channel may provide bi-directional transmission of a confirmation of a connection of the MPO power meter and/or the MPO source to the DUT. In this regard, a user of the MPO power meter and the MPO source may ascertain when the MPO power meter and/or the MPO source is connected to the DUT, without the need to physically confirm whether the MPO power meter and/or the MPO source is connected to the DUT.

According to an embodiment, for the fiber-optic testing source, the plurality of optical fibers may include twelve optical fibers, and the at least one photodiode may further include three photodiodes communicatively coupled to three of the plurality of optical fibers by three corresponding splitters to implement the communication channel between the fiber-optic testing source and the fiber-optic testing receiver.

According to an embodiment, for the fiber-optic testing source, the communication channel may be operable independently from three polarities including the polarity associated with the multi-fiber cable. For example, the polarities may include a polarity-A for which a first optical fiber of the twelve optical fibers associated with the connector is communicatively coupled to a first optical fiber associated with a connector of the fiber-optic testing receiver that includes twelve optical fibers, a polarity-B for which a twelfth optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing source is communicatively coupled to the first optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing receiver, and a polarity-C for which a second optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing source is communicatively coupled to the first optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing receiver.

According to an embodiment, for the fiber-optic testing source, the communication channel implemented by the laser source and the at least one photodiode may provide bi-directional transmission of data between the fiber-optic testing source and the fiber-optic testing receiver.

According to an embodiment, for the fiber-optic testing source, the communication channel implemented by the laser source and the at least one photodiode may provide transmission of commands between the fiber-optic testing source and the fiber-optic testing receiver. For example, a command of the commands may include instructions from the fiber-optic testing source to control operations of the fiber-optic testing receiver.

According to an embodiment, for the fiber-optic testing source, the communication channel implemented by the laser source and the at least one photodiode may provide bi-directional transmission of a confirmation of a connection of the fiber-optic testing source and the fiber-optic testing receiver to the multi-fiber cable.

According to an embodiment, for the fiber-optic testing source, the connector may include an MPO connector.

According to an embodiment, for the fiber-optic testing receiver, the plurality of optical fibers may include twelve optical fibers, and the at least one laser source may further include three laser sources communicatively coupled to three of the plurality of optical fibers by three corresponding splitters to implement the communication channel between the fiber-optic testing receiver and the fiber-optic testing source.

According to an embodiment, for the fiber-optic testing receiver, the communication channel may be operable independently from three polarities including the polarity associated with the multi-fiber cable, and the polarities may include a polarity-A for which a first optical fiber of the twelve optical fibers associated with the connector is communicatively coupled to a first optical fiber associated with a connector of the fiber-optic testing source that includes twelve optical fibers, a polarity-B for which a twelfth optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing receiver is communicatively coupled to the first optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing source, and a polarity-C for which a second optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing receiver is communicatively coupled to the first optical fiber associated with the connector of the fiber-optic testing source.

According to an embodiment, for the fiber-optic testing receiver, the communication channel implemented by the at least one laser source and the plurality of photodiodes may provide bi-directional transmission of data between the fiber-optic testing receiver and the fiber-optic testing source.

<FIG> illustrates an architecture of a fiber-optic testing source and a fiber-optic testing receiver connected to a DUT, according to an embodiment of the claimed invention.

Referring to <FIG>, with respect to fiber-optic network analysis as disclosed herein, the fiber-optic testing receiver and the fiber-optic testing source includes an MPO power meter <NUM> and an MPO source <NUM> operatively connectable to a DUT <NUM>. The DUT <NUM> may include a plurality of DUT optical fibers. For example, the DUT <NUM> may include <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or any number of optical fibers.

The MPO power meter <NUM> may provide for pass/fail fiber inspection of the DUT optical fibers, and optical power measurement (OPM) with respect to the DUT optical fibers. The MPO power meter <NUM> may provide for implementation of fiber-optic network power and/or loss test applications. Further, the MPO power meter <NUM> may provide for measurement of polarity associated with the DUT <NUM>.

The MPO source <NUM> may provide for fiber-optic network qualification and certification. The MPO source <NUM> may provide for link loss testing and long-haul, and access telecommunication network characterization, as well as data center and local area network testing. The link loss may be measured, for example, by comparing a reference value associated with the optical fibers of the DUT <NUM>, with a value measured by the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM>.

The MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> may provide for the exchange of information, via the DUT <NUM>, with respect to any type of testing, based on the implementation of a communication channel <NUM> as disclosed herein. For example, with respect to DUT wavelength measurement, the MPO source <NUM> may forward, to the MPO power meter <NUM>, information with respect to emitted wavelengths to set corresponding wavelengths on the MPO power meter <NUM>. Thus, the communication channel <NUM> may provide for the exchange of measurement results with respect to the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM>. As disclosed herein, the communication channel <NUM> may be part of the DUT <NUM>.

With respect to the communication channel <NUM>, the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> may also provide for the display of identical information on both the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM>. In this regard, the communication channel <NUM> may provide for the simultaneous display of measurement results with respect to the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM>. For example, any values associated with loss, length, polarity, etc., measured by the MPO source <NUM> may be displayed on the MPO power meter <NUM>, and vise-versa.

With respect to the communication channel <NUM>, the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> may display (or otherwise generate) an indication of connection of the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> to the DUT <NUM>. In this regard, the communication channel <NUM> may provide an indication on the MPO source <NUM> as to whether the MPO power meter <NUM> is connected to the DUT <NUM>, and vise-versa. For example, a user of the MPO source <NUM> may verify, based on a display on the MPO source <NUM>, whether the MPO power meter <NUM> is connected to the DUT <NUM>, and vise-versa.

With respect to the communication channel <NUM>, the MPO power meter <NUM> may be controllable by the MPO source <NUM>, and vise-versa. In this regard, the communication channel <NUM> may be used to initiate a measurement (e.g., with respect to loss, length, polarity, etc.) from the MPO source <NUM> or the MPO power meter <NUM>. For example, the MPO power meter <NUM> may be designated as a master sensor that forwards commands via the communication channel <NUM> to the MPO source <NUM> to perform various actions, such as initiating loss measurement, etc. Other types of commands that may be sent via the communication channel <NUM> may include switching the MPO source <NUM> to a different channel, turning the laser module of the MPO source <NUM> on/off, etc..

<FIG> illustrates an architecture of the MPO power meter <NUM> usable as the fiber-optic testing receiver of <FIG>, according to an embodiment of the claimed invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the MPO power meter <NUM> includes an MPO power meter connector <NUM> that includes, for example, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or any number of optical fibers combined in one connector. For the embodiment of <FIG>, the MPO power meter <NUM> may include twelve optical fibers (denoted optical fiber-<NUM> to optical fiber-<NUM>). Further, the MPO power meter <NUM> may include twelve photodiodes <NUM>. Each photodiode is connected to an associated optical fiber of the MPO power meter connector <NUM> that is located at a front end (e.g., the right side of <FIG>) of the MPO power meter <NUM>. A laser source <NUM> is communicatively coupled to an optical fiber by a corresponding splitter <NUM>. For the embodiment of <FIG>, the laser source <NUM> is communicatively coupled to optical fiber-<NUM> by the corresponding splitter <NUM>. However, the laser source <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to other optical fibers by corresponding splitters as disclosed herein. With respect to the MPO power meter <NUM>, the photodiodes <NUM> (i.e., the photodiode connected to the optical fiber that includes the splitter <NUM>), the laser source <NUM>, and the splitter <NUM> implement the communication channel <NUM> between the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM>. Further, the communication channel <NUM> is operable independently from a polarity associated with the DUT <NUM> as disclosed herein.

<FIG> illustrates an architecture of the MPO source <NUM> usable as the fiber-optic testing source of <FIG>, according to an embodiment of the claimed invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the MPO source <NUM> includes a dual laser module <NUM> that includes a laser (or LED) source. The laser source may include a single laser or twelve lasers. Compared to the MPO power meter <NUM>, the MPO source <NUM> also includes an MPO source connector <NUM> that is located at a front end (e.g., the right side of <FIG>) thereof. The MPO source <NUM> may include the dual laser module <NUM> connected to a 1x12 optical switch that is to apply a laser signal to one of the twelve optical fibers. Alternatively, the MPO source <NUM> may include twelve individual lasers applied to twelve optical fibers. Photodiodes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are communicatively coupled to optical fibers by corresponding splitters <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. For the embodiment of <FIG>, the photodiodes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to optical fiber-<NUM>, optical fiber-<NUM>, and optical fiber-<NUM> by the corresponding splitters <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. However, the photodiodes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to other optical fibers by corresponding splitters as disclosed herein. With respect to the MPO source <NUM>, the dual laser module <NUM>, the photodiodes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the corresponding splitters <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> implement the communication channel <NUM> between the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the DUT <NUM> may include DUT connectors <NUM> and <NUM> that are respectively connectable to the MPO power meter connector <NUM> and the MPO source connector <NUM>. Thus, according to an example, operation of the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> may include connecting the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> to the DUT <NUM> via the corresponding connectors.

<FIG> illustrates examples of polarity-A, polarity-B, and polarity-C associated with the DUT <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the claimed invention.

Referring to <FIG>, and particularly <FIG>, with respect to polarity, the connection between opposing ends of the DUT <NUM> may include different polarities. For example, the connection between opposing ends of the DUT <NUM> may include polarities A, B, and C. Alternatively, the connection between opposing ends of the DUT <NUM> may include fewer or additional polarities compared to the polarities A, B, and C. The polarity-A may represent a connection of pin <NUM> of the MPO source <NUM> to pin <NUM> of the MPO power meter <NUM>, pin <NUM> of the MPO source <NUM> to pin <NUM> of the MPO power meter <NUM>, etc., as shown in <FIG>. A pin may represent a connection at the MPO power meter connector <NUM> (or the MPO source connector <NUM>) into which an optical fiber is inserted or otherwise connected. The polarity-B may represent a connection of pin <NUM> of the MPO source <NUM> to pin <NUM> of the MPO power meter <NUM>, pin <NUM> of the MPO source <NUM> to pin <NUM> of the MPO power meter <NUM>, etc., as shown in <FIG>. The polarity-C may represent a connection of pin <NUM> of the MPO source <NUM> to pin <NUM> of the MPO power meter <NUM>, pin <NUM> of the MPO source <NUM> to pin <NUM> of the MPO power meter <NUM>, etc., as shown in <FIG>.

As disclosed herein, the MPO power meter <NUM> may provide for measurement of polarity associated with the DUT <NUM>. The polarity may be measured, for example, by determining a channel associated with a source signal at the MPO source <NUM> and a corresponding channel associated with a received signal at the MPO power meter <NUM>. For example, if the source signal originates at pin <NUM> (corresponding to channel <NUM>) of the MPO source <NUM> and the received signal is received at pin <NUM> (corresponding to channel <NUM>) of the MPO power meter <NUM>, based on the polarity chart of <FIG>, the polarity may be determined as polarity-A. Similarly, if the source signal originates at pin <NUM> of the MPO source <NUM> and the received signal is received at pin <NUM> of the MPO power meter <NUM>, based on the polarity chart of <FIG>, the polarity may be determined as polarity-B, and so forth with respect to polarity-C, and any other polarities.

<FIG> illustrates examples of connections for the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively, to implement the communication channel <NUM> that is independent of the polarity-A, the polarity-B, and the polarity-C associated with the DUT, according to an embodiment of the claimed invention.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, for the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, in order to implement the communication channel <NUM>, for the MPO power meter <NUM>, the photodiodes <NUM> (i.e., the photodiode connected to the optical fiber that includes the splitter <NUM>), the laser source <NUM>, and the splitter <NUM> may be connected to pin <NUM> associated with optical fiber-<NUM>, and for the MPO source <NUM>, the dual laser module <NUM>, the photodiodes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the corresponding splitters <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be connected to pins <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In this manner, the laser source <NUM> and the corresponding splitter <NUM> of the MPO power meter <NUM>, and the photodiodes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the corresponding splitters <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the MPO source <NUM> may be connected in accordance with the connection options illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, instead of the connection example of <FIG> and <FIG>, the laser source <NUM> and the corresponding splitter <NUM> of the MPO power meter <NUM> may be connected to pin <NUM>, and the photodiodes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the corresponding splitters <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the MPO source <NUM> may be connected to pins <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, etc. In this manner, the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> is configured to implement the communication channel <NUM> that provides for communication independently of the polarity associated with the DUT <NUM>. Further, the number of photodiodes and corresponding splitters of the MPO source <NUM> corresponds to the number of polarities associated with the DUT <NUM>, and may accordingly be increased or decreased based on the number of polarities associated with the DUT <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, as disclosed herein, in order to implement the communication channel <NUM>, the photodiodes <NUM> (i.e., the photodiode connected to the optical fiber that includes the splitter <NUM>), the laser source <NUM>, and the splitter <NUM> are included in the MPO power meter <NUM>. Further, referring to <FIG>, with respect to the communication channel <NUM>, the dual laser module <NUM>, the photodiodes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the corresponding splitters <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are included in the MPO source <NUM>.

Alternatively, referring to <FIG> that illustrates another architecture of the MPO power meter <NUM> usable as the fiber-optic testing receiver of <FIG>, in order to implement the communication channel <NUM>, laser sources <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and corresponding splitters <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are included in the MPO power meter <NUM>. Further, referring to <FIG> that illustrates another architecture of the MPO source <NUM> usable as the fiber-optic testing source of <FIG>, with respect to the communication channel <NUM>, a photodiode <NUM> and a corresponding splitter <NUM> are included in the MPO source <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates examples of connections for the MPO power meter and the MPO source of <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively, to implement the communication channel <NUM> that is independent of the polarity-A, the polarity-B, and the polarity-C associated with the DUT, according to an embodiment of the claimed invention.

For the alternative embodiment of the claimed invention of <FIG>, in order to implement the communication channel <NUM>, the laser sources <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the corresponding splitters <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the MPO power meter <NUM> may be connected to pins <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the photodiode <NUM> and the corresponding splitter <NUM> of the MPO source <NUM> may be connected to pin <NUM>. In this manner, the laser sources <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the corresponding splitters <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the MPO power meter <NUM>, and the photodiode <NUM> and the corresponding splitter <NUM> of the MPO source <NUM> may be connected in accordance with the connection options illustrated in <FIG>. According to another embodiment, instead of the connection example of <FIG> and <FIG>, the laser sources <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the corresponding splitters <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the MPO power meter <NUM> may be connected to pins <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the photodiode <NUM> and the corresponding splitter <NUM> of the MPO source <NUM> may be connected to pin <NUM>, etc..

Referring to <FIG> (and similarly for <FIG>), the correspondence between the laser source <NUM> and the splitter <NUM> of the MPO power meter <NUM>, and the photodiodes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and splitters <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the MPO source <NUM> may be determined based on an analysis of the correspondence between the different channels and the associated polarity. For example, referring to <FIG>, for the laser source <NUM> and the splitter <NUM> of the MPO power meter <NUM> connected to pin <NUM>, for polarity-A, polarity-B, and polarity-C, the photodiodes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and splitters <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the MPO source <NUM> may be respectively connected to pins <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG> (and similarly for <FIG>), the inclusion of the laser source <NUM> and the corresponding splitter <NUM> in the MPO power meter <NUM>, and the photodiodes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and corresponding splitters <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in the MPO source <NUM> provide for implementation of the communication channel <NUM>, determination of whether the MPO source <NUM> and MPO power meter <NUM> are connected to the DUT <NUM>, loss and length measurement capabilities with respect to the DUT <NUM>, and/or detection of the polarity associated with the DUT <NUM>. In this regard, for the embodiment of <FIG>, the addition of the laser source <NUM> for the MPO power meter <NUM> provides a source for transmitting signals to the MPO source <NUM>. Further, for the embodiment of <FIG>, the addition of the photodiodes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> for the MPO source <NUM> provides receivers of transmitted signals from the MPO power meter <NUM>.

As disclosed herein, the communication channel <NUM> may be provided for the exchange of various types of data, commands, etc., between the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM>. In this regard, the communication channel <NUM> may be provided for the exchange, for example, of RS-<NUM> protocol based communication between the MPO source <NUM> and the MPO power meter <NUM>. The RS-<NUM> protocol based communication may represent a standard for serial communication transmission of data. The MPO power meter <NUM> may send, for example, via the laser source <NUM>, RS-<NUM> protocol based communication that includes commands to the MPO source <NUM>. Depending on the polarity associated with the DUT <NUM>, the RS-<NUM> protocol based communication may be received by the MPO source <NUM> via a specified photodiode based on a particular polarity (e.g., polarity-A, polarity-B, or polarity-C). Examples of commands may include Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) commands. The SCPI commands may be described as commands based on a standard for syntax and commands that are used for controlling programmable test and measurement devices. Thus, the SCPI commands may be used by the MPO power meter <NUM> to control operations of the MPO source <NUM>.

According to an example, with respect to the commands exchanged between the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> as disclosed herein, the laser source <NUM> of the MPO power meter <NUM> may forward a command to the MPO source <NUM> to return an identification (ID) of the MPO source <NUM>. Once the MPO source <NUM> ID is received by a specified photodiode of the MPO power meter <NUM>, a connection may be established between the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> so that the MPO power meter <NUM> may control operations of the MPO source <NUM> (and vise-versa). A confirmation of the connection between the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> may be displayed on the display screens (e.g., see <FIG>) of the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM>, and/or indicated as an audible signal. When the MPO power meter <NUM> performs analyses of DUT attributes such as loss measurement, polarity determination, etc., with respect to the DUT <NUM>, the values of the DUT attributes measured by the MPO power meter <NUM> may be transmitted back to the MPO source <NUM>. Once the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> are connected to the DUT <NUM>, displays and/or commands may be shared between the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate tRef and t<NUM> determination for DUT length measurement for the MPO power meter and the MPO source of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, respectively, according to an embodiment of the claimed invention.

Referring to <FIG>, with respect to DUT length measurement, a modulated signal at <NUM> may be sent from a near end device (e.g., the MPO power meter <NUM> or the MPO source <NUM>), for example, through optical fiber-<NUM> for the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, to the optical receiver of a far end device (e.g., the other one of the MPO power meter <NUM> or the MPO source <NUM>). The electrical output signal of the receiver of the far end device may control its source, and may mirror the modulated signal (i.e., to generate a mirrored signal <NUM>) back to the near end device, for example, through optical fiber-<NUM>. The mirrored signal <NUM> may be generated by the far end device based on an analysis of the modulated signal at <NUM>. For example, the mirrored signal <NUM> may represent a signal that is generated (i.e., not reflected) by the far end device. The near end device may measure the phase between the outgoing and incoming signals, which corresponds to the length of optical fiber-<NUM> and optical fiber-<NUM>. In this regard, referring to <FIG>, the near end device may measure the phase between the outgoing and incoming signals to determine a reference delay time (tRef) associated with a specified length optical fiber (e.g., a <NUM> length optical fiber). Referring to <FIG>, the near end device may measure the phase between the outgoing and incoming signals (i.e., the signals <NUM> and <NUM>) to determine a delay time (t<NUM>) associated with the DUT <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> length DUT). The length of the optical fibers associated with the outgoing and incoming signals may be determined as follows: <MAT> For the length of the optical fibers associated with the outgoing and incoming signals, c may represent the speed of light, and n may represent a refractive index of the optical fibers associated with the outgoing and incoming signals. Assuming that optical fiber-<NUM> and optical fiber-<NUM> associated with the outgoing and incoming signals include an identical length, the length of the DUT <NUM> may be determined by dividing the length of optical fiber-<NUM> and optical fiber-<NUM> associated with the outgoing and incoming signals in one-half.

<FIG> illustrate various graphical user interface (GUI) displays for the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, respectively, according to embodiment of the claimed invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a GUI display for the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> may include options to power on/off the MPO power meter <NUM>. Further options may include icons to initiate DUT loss and/or length measurement, and options to modify MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> settings.

Referring to <FIG>, a GUI display for the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> may include a display of a connection status of the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> to the DUT <NUM>. If the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> are not connected to the DUT <NUM>, a display may be generated to request connection of the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a GUI display for the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> may include information such as DUT length measurement, DUT polarity, and worst margins referred to dedicated test limits for each particular measured wavelength (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.). Further displays may also include a connection indication of the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> to the DUT <NUM>, and a polarity type of the DUT <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a GUI display for the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> may include a polarity display associated with the DUT <NUM>. For example, the polarity display (e.g., polarity-B) may include a connection of optical fiber-<NUM> of the connector at the MPO source <NUM> to optical fiber-<NUM> of the connector at the MPO power meter <NUM>, connection of optical fiber-<NUM> of the connector at the MPO source <NUM> to optical fiber-<NUM> of the connector at the MPO power meter <NUM>, etc. (and vise-versa).

Referring to <FIG>, a GUI display for the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> may include loss readings for a particular measured wavelength (e.g., <NUM> or <NUM>) associated with different optical fibers of the DUT <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a GUI display for the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> may include a polarity display associated with the DUT <NUM>, based on re-testing of the polarity. For example, the polarity display (e.g., polarity-B) may include a connection of optical fiber-<NUM> of the connector at the MPO source <NUM> to optical fiber-<NUM> of the connector at the MPO power meter <NUM>, connection of optical fiber-<NUM> of the connector at the MPO source <NUM> to optical fiber-<NUM> of the connector at the MPO power meter <NUM>, etc. (and vise-versa).

Referring to <FIG>, a GUI display for the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> may include testing options to select different optical fibers for testing, test type, type of cables, and test limits.

Referring to <FIG>, a GUI display for the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> may include icons which may be highlighted (or otherwise selected) to select different optical fibers for pass/fail testing. For example, the selection of optical fibers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> has been highlighted.

Referring to Figure <NUM>, a GUI display for the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> may include options to display polarity, loss at a specified wavelength (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.). In the example of <FIG>, the loss may be displayed in a bar graph format.

Referring to <FIG>, a GUI display for the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> may include options to enter DUT (i.e., cable) information and connector settings. For example, the options may include cable manufacturer, cable name, connector type, etc., for different types of testing.

Referring to <FIG>, a GUI display for the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> may include options to specify test limits for different tests. The options may include, for example, length, polarity, loss, etc., associated with the DUT <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a GUI display for the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> may include options for DTU (i.e., cable) loss test limits referring to standards or individual loss test limits.

<FIG> illustrate a flowchart of a method <NUM> for fiber-optic network analysis, according to an embodiment of the claimed Invention. The method <NUM> is implemented on the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG> by way of example and not limitation.

Referring to <FIG>, and particularly <FIG>, at block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes implementing, via at least one optical fiber of a plurality of optical fibers of a multi-fiber cable (e.g., the DUT <NUM>) that is to be analyzed by at least one of the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM>, the communication channel <NUM> by the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> to transmit data from the MPO power meter <NUM> to the MPO source <NUM> or from the MPO source <NUM> to the MPO power meter <NUM>. The communication channel <NUM> is operable independently from a polarity associated with the multi-fiber cable.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> may include causing the data to be transmitted based on actuation of the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the claimed invention, the method <NUM> includes transmitting, from the MPO power meter <NUM> to the MPO source <NUM> or from the MPO source <NUM> to the MPO power meter <NUM>, an initial signal. The MPO power meter <NUM> or the MPO source <NUM> that transmits the initial signal may be designated as a transmitting sensor, and the MPO power meter <NUM> or the MPO source <NUM> that receives the initial signal may be designated as a receiving sensor. The method <NUM> may further include transmitting, from the receiving sensor to the transmitting sensor, a mirrored signal that is generated based on an analysis of the initial signal. Further, the method <NUM> may include determining, based on a comparison of a time delay between the initial signal and the mirrored signal to a reference time delay, a length of the multi-fiber cable (e.g., see discussion with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of the claimed invention, the method <NUM> includes communicatively coupling, for the MPO power meter <NUM>, a plurality of photodiodes to a plurality of optical fibers of the MPO power meter <NUM> (e.g., see <FIG> and <FIG>). Further, the method <NUM> includes communicatively coupling, for the MPO power meter <NUM>, at least one laser source to at least one of the plurality of optical fibers of the MPO power meter <NUM> by at least one corresponding splitter to implement the communication channel <NUM> between the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> (e.g., see <FIG> and <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of the claimed invention, for the method <NUM>, the plurality of optical fibers of the MPO power meter <NUM> may include twelve optical fibers, and the at least one laser source may further include three laser sources communicatively coupled to three of the plurality of optical fibers of the MPO power meter <NUM> by three corresponding splitters to implement the communication channel <NUM> between the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> (e.g., see <FIG> and <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of the claimed invention, the method <NUM> includes communicatively coupling, for the MPO source <NUM>, a laser source to a plurality of optical fibers of the MPO source <NUM> (e.g., see <FIG> and <FIG>). Further, the method <NUM> includes communicatively coupling, for the MPO source <NUM>, at least one photodiode to at least one of the plurality of optical fibers of the MPO source <NUM> by at least one corresponding splitter to implement the communication channel <NUM> between the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> (e.g., see <FIG> and <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of the claimed invention, for the method <NUM>, the plurality of optical fibers of the MPO source <NUM> may include twelve optical fibers, and the at least one photodiode further may include three photodiodes communicatively coupled to three of the plurality of optical fibers of the MPO source <NUM> by three corresponding splitters to implement the communication channel <NUM> between the MPO power meter <NUM> and the MPO source <NUM> (e.g., see <FIG> and <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of the claimed invention, the method <NUM> may include causing transmission of commands via the communication channel <NUM> from the MPO power meter <NUM> to the MPO source <NUM> or from the MPO source <NUM> to the MPO power meter <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the claimed invention. the method <NUM> may include causing transmission of instructions via the communication channel <NUM> from the MPO power meter <NUM> to the MPO source <NUM>, and causing, based on the instructions, the MPO source <NUM> to be controlled by the MPO power meter <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the claimed invention, the method <NUM> may include causing bi-directional transmission, via the communication channel <NUM>, of a confirmation of a connection of the MPO source <NUM> and the MPO power meter <NUM> to the multi-fiber cable.

<FIG> shows a computer system <NUM> that may be used with the examples described herein. The computer system may represent a generic platform that includes components that may be in a server or another computer system. The computer system <NUM> may be used as part of a platform for controllers of the MPO power meter <NUM> and/or the MPO source <NUM> (generally designated MPO controller). The computer system <NUM> may execute, by a processor (e.g., a single or multiple processors) or other hardware processing circuit, the methods, functions and other processes described herein. These methods, functions and other processes may be embodied as machine readable instructions stored on a computer readable medium, which may be non-transitory, such as hardware storage devices (e.g., RAM (random access memory), ROM (read only memory), EPROM (erasable, programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable, programmable ROM), hard drives, and flash memory).

The computer system <NUM> may include a processor <NUM> that may implement or execute machine readable instructions performing some or all of the methods, functions and other processes described herein. Commands and data from the processor <NUM> may be communicated over a communication bus <NUM>. The computer system may also include a main memory <NUM>, such as a random access memory (RAM), where the machine readable instructions and data for the processor <NUM> may reside during runtime, and a secondary data storage <NUM>, which may be non-volatile and stores machine readable instructions and data. The memory and data storage are examples of computer readable mediums. The main memory <NUM> may include the MPO controller including machine readable instructions residing in the main memory <NUM> during runtime and executed by the processor <NUM>.

The computer system <NUM> may include an input/output (I/O) device <NUM>, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, etc. The computer system may include a network interface <NUM> for connecting to a network. Other known electronic components may be added or substituted in the computer system.

Claim 1:
A fiber-optic tester for testing a multi-fiber cable, the fiber-optic tester comprising:
a fiber-optic testing receiver (<NUM>), wherein the fiber-optic testing receiver (<NUM>) comprises:
a plurality of photodiodes, wherein each photodiode of the plurality of photodiodes is communicatively coupled to a respective optical fiber of a plurality of optical fibers connected to a connector (<NUM>);
a single laser source (<NUM>) communicatively coupled to a single optical fiber of a plurality of optical fibers connected to the connector (<NUM>) by a corresponding splitter (<NUM>) to implement a communication channel (<NUM>) that is operable independently from a polarity associated with the multi-fiber cable;
a fiber-optic testing source (<NUM>), wherein the fiber-optic testing source (<NUM>) comprises:
at least one other laser source (<NUM>) communicatively coupled to all of another plurality of optical fibers connected to another connector (<NUM>), or each of a plurality of laser sources respectively communicatively coupled to a corresponding one of the other plurality of optical fibers connected to the another connector (<NUM>), wherein the number of the another plurality of optical fibers corresponds to the number of the plurality of optical fibers; and
a plurality of other photodiodes (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein each photodiode of the plurality of other photodiodes (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is communicatively coupled to a respective other optical fiber of the another plurality of optical fibers by a respective corresponding splitter (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to implement the communication channel (<NUM>) that is operable independently from the polarity associated with the multi-fiber cable, wherein the number of the plurality of photodiodes (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) corresponds to the number of polarities associated with the multi-fiber cable.