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Santec SPA-100 Operation Manual

Optical backreflection meter
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Optical Backreflection Meter
SPA-100
Operation Manual

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Summary of Contents for Santec SPA-100

  • Page 1 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 Operation Manual...
  • Page 2 SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL Notes to Users The copyright of this manual belongs to SANTEC Corporation. It is prohibited to copy part or all of this manual without the prior written consent of SANTEC Corporation. The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
  • Page 3 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 Introduction Thank you for purchasing our SPA-100. This manual describes the operation and precautions when using this product for those who have sufficient knowledge to evaluate the danger of lasers and carry out safety management. To use this product correctly, please read and understand this manual carefully before use.
  • Page 4 SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL How to Read the Manual This manual is intended to be read when using this product. This instruction manual consists of three main parts, from chapters 1 to 11. Chapters 1~4 explain the product overview, safety matters, and installation.
  • Page 5 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 Explanation of terms In this document, the following items are defined as meaning and importance. (1) Meaning An imminent danger exists. DANGER Special information that should be most emphasized in hazard advisories in case of failure to avoid danger, death or serious injury.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL Contents Safety Notes ..........8 Intended use ..............8 Safety Markings .............. 8 Product Composition ........9 Product outline and part names ......10 Product Details .............. 10 Front Panel ..............11 Rear panel ..............11 bottom ................. 12 Installation ..........
  • Page 7 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 6.7. Chromatic dispersion correction ........32 6.8. Calculation of return loss and insertion loss (using manual settings) ..............35 6.9. Setting the refractive index ..........37 6.10. Calculating propagation losses ......... 41 6.11. Display of wavelength-dependent characteristics of return loss ..................

  • Page 8: Safety Notes

    SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL 1. Safety Notes Intended use This product is a device for use in optical characteristic evaluation. Do not use for any purpose other than the above. Using the product in a manner not described in this operating manual may impair the protection provided by the device.

  • Page 9: Product Composition

    Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 2. Product Composition This product consists of the SPA-100 body and accessories. Make sure the following items are included. SPA-100 x1 USB cable x1 1 power cord BNC cable x1 Operating Instructions & Software x1 Certificate of Inspection x1 Make sure that there are no scratches or dirt on the product body and accessories.

  • Page 10: Product Outline And Part Names

    3. Product outline and part names 3.1 Product Details The SPA-100 is combined with a tunable light source (TSL-570, 770, 550 or 710) manufactured by santec to create an OFDR (Optical Frequency Domain Reflectmetry) This product measures the reflection characteristics and transmission characteristics in optical fiber components and optical fiber system paths.

  • Page 11: Front Panel

    Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 Front Panel Optical input port Measurement port1 Measurement port 2 Power key& Display Figure 3-1 Front View Rear panel Power Power sockets and Fuse Box Trigger Exhaust fan Nameplate Figure 3-2 Rear View 11 / 67...

  • Page 12: Bottom

    SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL bottom Exhaust port Figure 3-3 Bottom view 12 / 67...

  • Page 13: Installation

    Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 4. Installation Operating Environment This product is a precision instrument and is used indoors. (Pollution degree 2) Do not install in the locations listed below. 1. Altitude 2000m or more 2. Places exposed to direct sunlight 3.

  • Page 14: Equipment Setup

    1. Connect the trigger out pin of the TSL (TSL-570 in the figure) to the trigger in terminal of the spa-100 with the attached BNC cable. 2. Connect the control computer to the SPA-100 using the supplied USB cable. 3. Connect the control computer and TSL with a GPIB cable (sold separately).

  • Page 15: Front Cabling

    Figure 5-2 Front cable connection diagram Power-on, laser input Press the power switch on the lower left side of the front panel of the SPA-100. Lights amber when idle and green when energized. Refer to the instruction manual of the TSL to be used, turn on the power, and operate the laser output.
  • Page 16 SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL The "PORT1" and "PORT2" optical connectors on the front panel and the "POWER MONITOR" optical connectors on the rear panel output laser light of intensity and wavelength according to the laser source used. Take the same safety measures as the laser source used.

  • Page 17: Measurement Operation

    For information on installing the operating software, refer to Chapter 7. 6.1. Launching the Software Click on the file "santec SPA" on your desktop to run it. Figure 6-1 Software Icons On the displayed panel (Figure 6-2), select the model name of the tunable light source to be used, and set the communication method and communication settings.

  • Page 18: Measurement Of Reflection Properties (Overview)

    SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL If you wish to analyze the saved data without SPA-100 or TSL connected, click the Analysis Mode button. It will start up in a mode where only the analysis function can be used. 6.2. Measurement of Reflection Properties (Overview) This section describes the high-level steps required to measure reflection characteristics.
  • Page 19 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 measurement center wavelength in “Center WL[um]”. The sweep start wavelength “Start WL[um]” and end wavelength “Stop WL[um]” are automatically set. Depending on the wavelength specifications of your TSL, you may not be able to set the minimum resolution. When setting from the sweep wavelength range, select "Wavelength Range Mode"...
  • Page 20 SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL Figure 6-6 Click the "Reference" button to display a confirmation panel, click "Yes". Start measuring. Figure 6-7 After the measurement is completed, the reference power acquisition is complete when the message shown in the figure is displayed.
  • Page 21 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 Figure 6-8 Next, connect the object to port 1 or 2. DUT 2 DUT 1 Figure 6-9 21 / 67...
  • Page 22 SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL Click the "Measure" button to start the measurement. Figure 6-10 After the measurement Figure 6-11 displayed. The upper graph shows the reflection intensity relative to the distance from the end face of the measurement port. The distance of the abscissa axis is expressed in optical distances.

  • Page 23: How To Operate The Graph View

    Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 6.3. How to operate the graph view By operating the mouse, you can move and enlarge the display range of the graph. Move the mouse pointer over the graph you want to operate and perform the following operations.
  • Page 24 SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL Sets the minimum display range of the X-axis. Move the mouse pointer to the position you want to set, right-click, and set from the menu. Set X-Max: Sets the minimum display range of the X-axis. Move the mouse pointer to the position you want to set, right-click, and set from the menu.
  • Page 25 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 Reset Scale: Cancels moving or zooming the graph display and returns it to the initial display settings. 25 / 67...

  • Page 26: Peak Detection

    SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL 6.4. Peak Detection This section describes the reflection point peak detection procedure. Right-click the mouse on the upper graph and select "Set Peak Threshold" from the menu that appears (Figure 6-14). A horizontal line will appear on the graph, so drag it with the mouse to set the threshold level.
  • Page 27 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 Alternatively, from "OFDR Settings", display the "Analysis Settings" tab, check "Peak Detection", and enter "Peak Threshold (dB)" and "Peak Width (mm)". Click the “Save” button to save the settings. (Figure 6-16) Figure 6-16 If unnecessary peaks are detected, this may be improved by increasing the detected peak width.

  • Page 28: Return Loss And Insertion Loss Of Peaks, Distance Between Peaks

    SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL 6.5. Return loss and Insertion loss of peaks, Distance between peaks 6.5.1. Condition settings for return loss (RL) and insertion loss (IL) The calculation conditions for RL and IL displayed in the peak list can be changed using "RL range (mm)"...
  • Page 29 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 Figure 6-18 29 / 67...

  • Page 30: Noise Reduction

    SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL 6.6. Noise reduction To reduce random noise caused by interference between scattered lights, there is an averaging function for multiple measurement data and a smoothing filter (Gaussian filter) function. To add and average multiple measurements, select the "Continuous Averaging"...
  • Page 31 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 To smooth the reflection characteristics graph, select the "Gaussian Filter" check box, enter a numerical value in "Radius", and click the "Save" button to set it. The higher the radius number, the greater the smoothing strength. (Figure 6-21)

  • Page 32: Chromatic Dispersion Correction

    SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL 6.7. Chromatic dispersion correction By turning on the chromatic dispersion correction function, the peak will be sharpened by performing calculations to reduce the influence of dispersion. This function makes it possible to separate peaks at closer distances. However, since the amount of chromatic...
  • Page 33 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 the range you want to specify the dispersion compensation. Right-click on the graph and select " Set Dispersion Compensation Region". Figure 6-24 Click the “Update Graph” button to apply the dispersion compensation to the specified range and update the graph.
  • Page 34 SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL uncheck “Dispersion Compensation”. Figure 6-26 To remove a dispersion compensation region, right-click and select “Remove Dispersion Compensation Region”. Figure 6-27 34 / 67...

  • Page 35: Calculation Of Return Loss And Insertion Loss (Using Manual Settings)

    Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 6.8. Calculation of return loss and insertion loss (using manual settings) 6.8.1. Set the range from the graph. This section explains the calculation of return loss (RL) and insertion loss (IL) in any region. This function sets the calculation area individually for any reflection point and calculates RL and IL.
  • Page 36 SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL Figure 6-29 3. Drag the dashed line to adjust its position and width so that the peak of the reflection point falls within the yellow area displayed on the graph. If the distance between the peaks is far apart, stable measurement can be achieved by setting the region width to about 5 mm.

  • Page 37: Setting The Refractive Index

    Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 6.9. Setting the refractive index This section describes the initial refractive index settings and the ability to set the refractive index to any reflectance measurement range. Set using the upper graph. The default refractive index setting is the refractive index that applies to the entire measurement range.
  • Page 38 SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL Figure 6-33 Drag the left and right dashed lines to adjust the gray area so that it corresponds to the range you want to specify the refractive index. Figure 6-34 38 / 67...
  • Page 39 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 Right-click on the graph and select “Add Refractive Index Region”. In the window that appears, enter the refractive index to be set in "Index" and click the "Save" button. Figure 6-35 Figure 6-34 Click the “Update Graph” button to apply the refractive index to the specified range and update the graph.
  • Page 40 SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL To delete a region with a specified refractive index, place the cursor over the region, right-click, and select "Remove Refractive Index region." If you want to delete all, select “Clear All Refractive Index Regions”. Figure 6-36 40 / 67...

  • Page 41: Calculating Propagation Losses

    Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 6.10. Calculating propagation losses Calculates and displays the propagation loss for a specified range. The units can be dB/mm or dB/cm. Select the unit of propagation loss. Figure 6-37 Right-click on the graph and select "Select Attenuation Region" from the menu that appears.
  • Page 42 SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL Drag the dotted lines to the left and right to adjust the dim blue area to the area where you want to calculate attenuation. Right-click on the graph and select "Set Attenuation Region". Figure 6-39 The attenuation is displayed in the specified units near the lower left of the graph.

  • Page 43: Display Of Wavelength-Dependent Characteristics Of Return Loss

    Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 6.11. Display of wavelength-dependent characteristics of return loss Displays the wavelength-dependent characteristics of the return loss. A more accurate wavelength dependence is calculated by using only the data near the return loss point to be displayed.
  • Page 44 SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL Another way to specify the WDL region is using the peak list on the right side of the software screen. From the peak list, place the mouse pointer on the peak data that will be the basis for distance measurement, and select "Set WDL Position"...

  • Page 45: Measurement Of Transmission Characteristics

    This section describes the wavelength-dependent measurement of transmission insertion loss (IL). SPA-100 Measurement Ports 1 and 2 with fiber cable for reference measurements (It is recommended to connect one that is close to the fiber length of the device to be measured).
  • Page 46 SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL Figure 6-47 When the message shown in the figure is displayed, the measurement is complete. Figure 6-48 46 / 67...
  • Page 47 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 Next, connect the measurement device between ports 1 and 2. DUT 1 Figure 6-49 Click the Measure button to start measuring. When the message shown in the figure is displayed, the measurement is complete. Figure 6-50...
  • Page 48 SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL In order to reduce the noise of the measurement data, in the operation of the upper graph, enlarge the area ± 5 mm near the peak and click the "Update Graph" button. This completes the measurement of the wavelength dependence of IL.

  • Page 49: End Of Measurement

    Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 6.13. End of measurement Close the measurement software window. Press the power key on the device to turn off the power. The power indicator LED changes from green to amber. NOTE To completely shut off the power, unplug the power cord on the rear panel.

  • Page 50: Installing The Software

    SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL 7. Installing the software Operating conditions This software has been tested in the following environment. Operation in environments other than the following is not guaranteed. OS: Windows 10 64bit, Windows 11 Driver versions: NI-488.2 Version 17.6 to 2023 Q3 NI DAQmx Version 17.6 to 2023 Q3...
  • Page 51 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 Figure 7-1 Downloading the Driver Run the downloaded installer and install it. Please refer to the guide that came with the installer. Basically, you can proceed according to the instructions of the installer. In the feature to install. NET Framework 4.0 development support.
  • Page 52 SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL Figure 7-2 NI-488.2 Development Support After the installation is finished, the .NET Framework 4.0 development support, do the following: (Not required if set at the time of installation) Control Panel ⇒ "Uninstall a program" in "Programs" (Figure 7-3) If you right-click ⇒...
  • Page 53 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 Figure 7-4 Changing the Application Items to Install Follow the instructions of the installer, Figure 7-2 appears, configure the settings in 2. 53 / 67...

  • Page 54: Installing The Daqmx Driver

    SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL Installing the DAQmx Driver To communicate with the SPA-100, the NI-DAQmx driver must be installed. Download the driver installer from the National Instruments official website I can. Installation may require administrator privileges. Download the installer from the National Instruments official website.
  • Page 55 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 Run the downloaded installer and install it. Please refer to the guide that came with the installer. Basically, you can proceed according to the instructions of the installer. In the feature to install. NET Framework 4.0 development support.
  • Page 56 SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL Figure 7-7 NI-DAQmx .NET Framework 4.0 Development Support If you want to enable .NET Framework 4.0 development support after installation, do the following: (Not required if set at the time of installation) Control Panel When you click "Uninstall a program" in "Programs" ⇒, Figure 7-4 is displayed.
  • Page 57 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 Figure 7-8 Uninstalling and Changing Programs Figure 7-9 Changing the Application Items to Install Follow the instructions of the installer, Figure 7-7 appears, perform the contents of 2. 57 / 67...

  • Page 58: Installing The Measurement Software

    Installing the Measurement Software "D:\SPA-100\santec SPA Installer x64\setup.exe" in the included USB drive Launch the file and install the santec SPA software according to the following instructions (drive letter "D:" depends on your computer): Installation may require administrator privileges. Before installing this software, install the NationalInstruments drivers.
  • Page 59 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 When you press the "Next>" button, the directory screen is displayed (Figure 7-12) Check the installation location as shown. To change the installation location, press "Browse...", specify the installation location, and press "Next>". Figure 7-12 Specifying the installation location The Confirm Installation screen appears (Figure 7-13) Press the "Next"...
  • Page 60 SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL Figure 7-13 Confirmation Screen Figure 7-14 shows the screen during installation. Figure 7-14 Installation Screen The installation is complete. Press the "Close" button to exit the installation program (Figure 7-15) 60 / 67...
  • Page 61 Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 Figure 7-15 Installation Termination Screen 61 / 67...

  • Page 62: Specifications

    SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL 8. Specifications Specification 62 / 67...

  • Page 63: Maintenance & Storage

    Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 9. Maintenance & Storage Daily Maintenance To clean this product, turn off the power, unplug the power cord, and gently wipe it off with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use chemicals (acetone, alcohol, liquid cleaners) as they may damage the coating.

  • Page 64: Inspection

    SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL Inspection The warranty period of this product is one year. We recommend that you inspect it regularly (recommended 1 year). For inspection requests and consultations on this product, please contact the Sales Department. Long-term storage Follow "6.13" to turn off the power to the device.

  • Page 65: Re-Packing And Shipping

    Optical Backreflection Meter SPA-100 10. Re-packing and shipping When transporting this product to a remote location or for periodic calibration or repair, care must be taken when repackaging and transporting it. 10.1 Re-packing When transporting, be sure to use the cardboard box and packing materials delivered at the time of delivery as they are and pack according to the packing procedure below.

  • Page 66: Troubleshooting

    SPA-100 OPERATION MANUAL 11. Troubleshooting symptoms cause treatment The power does not turn The power cord is unplugged or Plug the power cord deep about to come out The fuse is blown or not engaged. Open the fuse box on the rear panel, Insert the appropriate fuse (see "9-3...
  • Page 67 The model name and serial number on the rear panel of the product. Please contact your dealer or SANTEC Corporation. The contact information for SANTEC Corporation can be found below. However, the product warranty does not cover failures caused by independent repairs or modifications.

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