Determination of Pass/Fail Criteria in Fiber Optic Networks Using Built-in-Test Functionality

Abstract

Fiber optic built-in test (BIT) for avionics application has been postulated and researched for several decades [1–3]. Optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) was demonstrated as a method for a fiber optic transceiver to fault isolate fiber optic cable plant interconnects to ten centimeter resolution [4]. BIT-capable fiber optic transceiver transmitter and receiver signal strength indication was also demonstrated [5]. One centimeter fault isolation resolution was demonstrated by integrating a OTDR application specific integrated circuit within transceiver packages [6–7]. In this paper, we describe the development and demonstration of this technology to determine pass/fail criteria of a fiber optic link.