Accurate and Efficient: Application of Thermal Cameras in Optical Fiber Tests

In the national standard GB 50312-2007 Code for engineering acceptance of generic cabling system (including descriptions of provisions), there are clear acceptance requirements for generic cabling engineering: "the electrical tests of generic cabling engineering include the electrical performance tests of the cable system and the performance tests of optical fiber systems." Methods in traditional tests are of low efficiency and accuracy, and thermal cameras are important tools for accurate and efficient optical fiber tests.

Application Background:

The current test method for optical fibers in factories is the connectivity test. A laser pen beams laser to one end of the optical fiber, and technicians observe whether the laser light comes out from the other end. If there is light, the connectivity test is passed. Otherwise, it can be concluded that the optical fiber is broken. This method is of low efficiency and accuracy.


Accurate And Efficient Application Of Thermal Cameras In Optical Fiber Tests


Application Example:

A company in Suzhou city wants to integrate thermal cameras into the test devices (optical fiber tester) for unified and quick testing and expects an easier method of generating optical testing data and a reduced cost. The following are the specific requirements:

①Connect thermal cameras into the optical fiber tester, and use the temperature values to indicate the optical fiber status; 

②Implement integration and automation for multiple testing metrics of optical fibers, avoiding additional single item tests for samples;

③Read measured temperature data in real-time to monitor the testing process directly, without stopping devices and taking out samples for temperature data collection;

④Save the test data and conduct analysis through the saved image, helping spot heated points and defects of optical fibers;

⑤Trigger alarms when the temperature exceeds the threshold to prevent equipment from being damaged. 

IRay fully studies the customer's use scenarios and testing requirements and uses the AT61F thermal camera supporting online temperature measurement to customize an installation and testing solution, which satisfies each requirement.

The AT61F thermal camera has a 640×512 resolution and can provide high-quality infrared images. It is small in size and can be installed with an electric rail to move in a certain space and follow the path of the optical fiber tray. Multiple lenses of different focuses are optional, and the distance to the optical fiber tray can be adjusted according to the infrared FOV, to provide clear imaging.


And Efficient Application Of Thermal Cameras In Optical Fiber Tests


Working principle: Technicians put the optical fiber sample into the testing tray, and a black box emits red laser beams. The laser beam goes into the optical fiber samples. The AT61F thermal cameras collect the temperature data in the optical fiber samples and locate the exceptional temperature points in the optical fiber so that whether the optical fiber sample is broken or whether the materials are unevenly distributed can be spotted.


Efficient Application Of Thermal Cameras In Optical Fiber Tests


Solution Strengths:

①The AT61F thermal camera is small in size and easy to install and use. It is suitable for multiple use scenarios and can be integrated into the optical fiber testing devices of the customer; 

②Thermal cameras can implement automatic testing of optical fiber samples with high efficiency and good quality;

③It can automatically measure, identify, save, and collect problems such as uneven heating, product defects, broken fiber, and high-temperature points; 

④The AT61F thermal camera has a wide temperature measurement range from -20°C to +550°C;

⑤The background saves temperature data in images for subsequent secondary analysis. 

Be better and stronger in the infrared field, to empower various industries. Relying on the leading technology and R&D strength, iRay actively promotes the wide application of infrared in various fields and extends to the smart life with new infrared vision.