Characterization and Calibration of an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Calibrator

Published

August 23, 2006

Author(s)

Donald R. Larson, Nicholas Paulter, Kenneth C. Blaney

Abstract

We report the results of an investigation into the signal characteristics and behavior of an instrument used to calibrate Optical Time Domain Reflectometers. This instrument implements the Telecommunications Industry Association standard TIA/EIA-455-226 External Source Method. Results of calibrations performed at various US Air Force Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratories have included some anomalous pulse delays and our efforts were focused on identifying the cause and developing corrective procedures for this anomalous behavior. We also describe the measurement method and associated uncertainty analysis used to calibrate optical fiber delay lines employed in the calibration of the OTDR calibrator.

Proceedings Title

2006 NCSLI Workshop & Symposium

Conference Dates

August 6-10, 2006

Conference Location

Nashville, TN, USA

Pub Type

Conferences

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Local Download

Keywords

optical fiber, time domain reflectometer, OTDR, propagation delay, calibration

Citation

Larson, D. , Paulter, N. and Blaney, K. (2006), Characterization and Calibration of an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Calibrator, 2006 NCSLI Workshop & Symposium, Nashville, TN, USA, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=32309 (Accessed October 15, 2025)