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Norland CentrocGP

Operating Manual Ver 5.61

Connector Eccentricity Measurement

Connector Concentricity Measurement Ferrule Cylindricity Measurement

PM Fiber Support Insertion Loss Estimation

Tuning of Connectors Visual Examination

Norland Products Incorporated www.NorlandProducts.com Phone: 609-395-1966 Fax: 609-395-9006

2540 Route 130 Building 100 Cranbury NJ USA –08512

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INDEX

Section No. Section Name Page 1. Introduction

4 2. General description 4 3. Equipment Setup 5 4. Software Setup 5 4.1 Euresys drivers for Picolo frame-grabber: 5 4.2 CentrocGP Software Installation: 9 5. CentrocGP Main Screen 12 6. CentrocGP Menus 13 6.1 File Menu: 13 6.2 Tools Menu: 13 6.3 Display Menu: 14 6.4 Options Menu: 18 6.5 About Menu: 21 7. Changing Mounting Fixtures 22 8. Measuring Eccentricity 23 9. Tuning of Connectors 25 10. Visual Examination 26 11. PM Fiber Support (Panda) 27 12. Service Information 29 13. Specifications 29 14. Appendix A – Theory 30 14.1 Tuning 30 14.2 Criteria for reference connectors 31

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1. Introduction The CentrocGP unit, for noncontact measuring of fiber endface geometry in optical fiber connectors, is part of Norland Product’s range of measuring equipment for Optical Cable Assembly shops. The unit complies with:

IEC 61300-2-41 ISO 2538

IEC 61300-3-18 IEC 61300-3-24 IEC 61300-3-26

2. General description The CentrocGP is an auto-focusing microscope with precision mounting fixtures available for all common fiber optic connectors. Fixtures can be made upon request to support connectors with non-standard-diameter ferrules as well. It is equipped with two types of LED light sources used during measurement. One type (with wavelength of 660 nm) is used for coaxial illumination of connectors having 1.25 or 2.5 mm diameter ferrules. The other (wavelength of 475 nm) is used for higher resolution front illumination of the connector endface. In order to achieve maximum accuracy, the magnification in model GP is 900X on a 17” monitor. The CentrocGP program collects near-field scans of the fully-illuminated fiber core. Between the scans the connector is manually turned over 360º in 4, 6 or 8 steps, depending on the user choice (more steps give higher accuracy but increases measurement time). To compensate for operator errors in setting the first position (the key reference location where key is in the up position), that position is measured again as a final step. These near-field scans are processed by machine vision software in order to calculate the screen coordinates of the center of the collected images. From these coordinates the Eccentricity and its Angle are calculated with respect to the key position at the connector (see IEC 61300-2-41). For connectors without keying, a fitted Eccentricity is indicated on the final screen and printout, and the Angle measurement will be with respect to the point on the connector that is at the top of the fixture at scan start and end. The center coordinates from one complete set of near-field scans will only describe a perfect circle when the tested connector has a ferrule with a perfectly round outer diameter (aka; “perfect cylindricity”). Normally, however, the actual eccentricity varies slightly while the connector is rotated in the V-groove fixture due to changing roundness. Thus, from all (4, 6 or 8) measurements a minimum and a maximum eccentricity can be calculated and the difference between these values gives the cylindricity of the Ferrule Outside Diameter. Note: (Eccentricity x 2) = Concentricity. See IEC 61300-03-26, Paragraph 2 or ISO 2538: 1974, Limits and fits.

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3. Equipment Setup • Connect the "CentrocGP" and the PC using the cable supplied (9-pin female to CentrocGP and

9-pin male to the frame grabber card interface at the PC). • Connect monitor, mouse, printer and keyboard to the PC. • Connect the Printer and the Personal Computer to AC- power mains. • Verify the computer monitor Screen Area is set to “1024x768” with Colors set to “True Color (24 bit)”

4. Software Setup • The CentrocGP system comes with any required software already installed onto its associated

computer. The CentrocGP application is designed to operate under Windows 2000 Pro or Windows XP Pro. The minimum requirement for PC: Intel P III 800 MHz.

In the event the CentrocGP software needs to be reinstalled, it must be installed in the following order: 4.1 Euresys drivers for the Picolo frame-grabber. 4.2 CentrocGP measurement application. If updating just the CentrocGP application, only step 2 need be performed. Check for any new versions on the Norland Products web-site http://www.norlandprod.com 4.1 Euresys drivers for Picolo frame-grabber:

Installation from the Euresys CD: a. Place the CD, and select INSTALL to install the software

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b. Select Run-time and select evision and Multicam for Picolo and Click Next

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c. Click NEXT on the following screen

d. Select Easy Grab, Drivers, ActiveX and Click NEXT on the following screen.

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e. Leave the default and click NEXT on the following screen

f. After successful installation the click ok on the following message and click Quit from the initial installation screen to close the screen.

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4.2 CentrocGP Software Installation:

Installation from the CentrocGP CD: a. Insert the CD to install the software. Click Next to the following display

b. Choose “I accept” and click Next

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c. Enter the customer Information (or accept the default) and click Next.

d. Click Next to start the installation

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e. Click Finish to end the installation.

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5. CentrocGP Main Screen

Image: Live image from the camera. Menu bar: Pull-down menu of program functions and options. Number The quantity of circles shown indicate one less than the Of number of measurements a user must take to complete the Measurements: eccentricity measurement. Focus: Click to activate autofocus. Start: Click to start the measurement.

Menu

Number of measurements per revolution

Image

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6. CentrocGP Menus 6.1. File Menu:

Exit: Close the application.

6.2. Tools Menu:

Change Mount On/Off: This option, when selected, will activate an Image circle template and on-screen instructions that assist the user in changing the mounting fixture. Click Close to resume with measurements.

Inspection Mode On/Off: Choose this option to increase illumination on the connector endface. When selected, an additional set of buttons (“+/-“) will appear below the Image. Use these buttons to make smaller increases or decreases to the illumination level as needed.

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6.3. Display Menu:

Statistics: When selected, a separate form with statistical report of the results history is displayed (see figure below).

At top left in the above figure, a table lists the results from all stored measurements. Statistical displays from a subset of those measurements are at top center as well as the two bottom displays. The amount of measurements used in the statistical displays can be selected by the operator (by entering how many of the last measurements into the top center box). From the graph at top right, an estimation of a particular connector’s insertion loss can be made using the eccentricity result. See the Theory Section in Appendix A for more information.

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File Menu: File menu from the Statistics display contains Data, Print, & Exit choices.

A. Data: On choosing data the following options are showed

1. Clear List: To clear results from the form. 2. Restore Last list: To restore last cleared results.

B. Print: On choosing Print the following options are shown to the user

1. Print Form : Print the current form.

2. Print all records: Print all the stored results from the database. 3.Print (sort): This will show Data Record Selection form to print only data from a particular date range or with a particular Product ID.

a Print: After choosing the dates or Product ID click print to print the data. b. Exit: Click to exit from this form.

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Last Results: This display shows a graphical representation of the eccentricity or concentricity measurements as well as the following measured or calculated quantities from the most recent scan.

1. Angle. This value represents the location of core center when the connector is oriented with its key at top of CentrocGP fixture. For connectors without a key, this value is the core center location when at its initial measurement orientation.

2. Eccentricity or Concentricity values: (location of fiber core versus ferrule center location) for the connector tested. This is expressed as an average value (via circle fit to the measurement samples shown on the concentric circle graph), value with respect to key, and also as minimum and maximum values. The results display depends on the Measurement Type (chosen in Options/Menu as Measurement Type before measurement).

3. Ferrule Cylindricity: Cylindricity on the ferrule outside diameter. A measure of the ferrule’s deviation from a perfect cylindrical shape.

4. Calculated Insertion Loss: A theoretical Insertion Loss that could be expected if the connector under test has a certain minimum return loss (35 dB for Single-mode, 26 dB for Muli-mode) and would be mated to an ideal reference connector. Note: Since determination of this value is dependent on the fiber type (MM vs. SM), the fiber type must be set correctly in the [Options] menu before measurement.

5. Fiber Type: Type of the fiber chosen in Options/Menu before measurement. 6. The purpose of the “Tuned within…” and “…Reference Use” parameters is

to assist the operator when evaluating the suitability of the measured sample to different uses. A Green at each indicates its suitability while a Red indicates it is not suitable for that use.

7. Product ID: ID entered before measurement. 8. Operator: Operator name entered in the Options/Menu. 9. CentroGP model sn: Serial number of the CentrocGP model.

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Press [Print] to print the current screen. Press [Next] to return to the start screen to measure the next product. Press [Stats] to see statistical presentation of results. Press [Excel Viewer] to view the saved scan results in Microsoft Excel.

The file name can be selected or changed in the Options/Menu under “Save Results to” section.

Excel Viewing the Text File:

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6.4. Options Menu: Adjust the different parameters as required per connector specification and as desired by the operator.

Explanation of the Options Menu fields:

SerialNumber Picolo: Serial number of a Picolo frame grabber board is automatically detected and displayed by the CentrocGP software, indicating the board is functioning properly. SerialNumber Centroc: CentrocGP serial number

Fiber Type: Choose the appropriate selection for the sample being tested.

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Number of Measurements: The number of individual measurements to take for a particular sample towards calculating its eccentricity. Note: more measurements give higher accuracy but increases measurement time.

Calibration factor: The magnification calibration factor entered at the factory for the unit. It should match the value marked on its rear panel. If there is any question about the correctness of this value or need to recalibrate, contact Norland Products Technical Support for assistance.

Pass/ Fail Criteria: Values entered into this section by the operator will determine the outcome for all Pass-Fail indicators on the Results display. Pass-Fail indicators exist for the Eccentricity/Fit parameter and also the “…Reference Use” and “Tuned Within…” informative parameters. Measurement Type: Choose an option for the type of measurement to be done on the sample being tested. Depending on the measurement type the scan results will be shown on Results screen and Statistics screen.

a. Eccentricity sample results screen:

b.Concentricity sample results screen:

Show Maximum/Minimum: Maximum and Minimum Eccentricity or Concentricity values will only be shown on the Results screen if this option is checked.

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Save Results To: Choose/enter the ASCII text filename and location where measurement data will be stored. This file can be later imported into other programs like “Microsoft Excel” for additional processing.

Product ID: Information for Product ID

• Prompt For Input: Select this option if it is desired to be prompted for a Product ID before each new measurement.

• Auto Increment: Check this option if the ID to be

incremented for next measurement.

Operator: Select this option if it is desired to include an Operator name among the displayed and stored results of a measurement. Show eccentricity location for key position only: Choosing this option will limit the eccentricity sample points marked on the Results Display graph to just the last sample. An operator may wish to use this option when sharing the Results display with others because it results in a clearer picture of the amount and angle of the Eccentricity with respect to the connector key.

Explanation of the Options Menu buttons: Defaults: Load the factory defined defaults.

Note: Different defaults will be loaded depending on choice for Fiber Type.

Cancel: Close the form without saving any changes. Apply: Save any changes and closes the form.

Note: It is possible to select and then save (using this Apply button) two completely different configurations of options; one for SM and another for all types of MM fiber type choices. Then it is easy to switch from one configuration to the other simply by changing Fiber Type selection.

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6.5. About Menu: Click Help/About to show the software product information.

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7. Changing Mounting Fixtures This procedure should be followed when the mounting fixture needs to be changed to a type for different diameter ferrule, for example from 1.25 to 2.50 mm diameter.

• Turn the focusing knob to the approximate center of stroke. • Remove the front panel. • Replace mounting fixture with a new one (via two hex screws that holds fixture in

place). • Insert one end of a patchcord into the fixture till it stops and connect its other end to the

front panel light source. • If needed, adjust the two micrometers attached to the fixture holder (behind the panel)

until the bright spot is in approximate center of the concentric circles on the live view. • Replace the front panel.

View of unit with front panel removed:

Focus Knob Micrometers

Light Source Mounting Fixture

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8. Measuring Eccentricity

• Go to the measurement screen (as pictured above). If the current display is the Statistics screen, click EXIT. If, instead, it is the Results screen, click NEXT.

• Set the required options in Options screen. • Insert one connector of a patch cord into a light source (located on left side of the unit’s

front) with diameter that matches the connector’s ferrule diameter. • Open the mounting fixture by setting the lever to the left of the fixture into the Up

position. • Insert the other connector of the patch cord into the fixture. Rotate the connector so that

its key is on the left side. Push the connector slightly into the fixture until it stops. • Lock the connector into the fixture by moving the lever down. • Rotate the connector clockwise until its key is on top (that should require only about 90

degrees of turn). NOTE: For results of the highest accuracy, position the connector key as close to the same position for the first and last measurements as possible.

• To begin the measurement sequence, click the [START] button (or press [ENTER] on the keyboard). A cross-hatched green dot indicates that the first measurement (out of the total) has been completed.

• Rotate the connector clockwise in preparation for the next measurement. The amount of the turn depends on the selection made by the user in the options menu for Number of Measurements, as follows:

Degrees of Turn = 360°/<Number of Measurements> Thus, if “4” is selected, turn the connector 90° between each measurement.

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Push the connector slightly into the mounting fixture while rotating in order to avoid defocusing. NOTE: The fixture should remain locked until all steps are completed.

• Initiate the next measurement by hitting the [ENTER] key or clicking the button below the circles (previously labeled START but now showing the next measurement count [→ 2]). When done, the next circle will be filled.

• Repeat the above 2 steps until the full sequence of 4, 6 or 8 steps (depending on the settings in the [Options][Menu] menu) has been completed.

• After the last step from the chosen sequence 4, 6 or 8 steps, the first step with the connector key on top is repeated, in order to minimize the measuring error on the angle. The screen below will be seen just prior to executing this last step.

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9. Tuning of Connectors

For tuning of 2.50 or 1.25 mm diameter connectors (such as the LC type), special mounting fixtures are required and available from Norland Products (See Section 10, Service Information, for part number).

Perform the Eccentricity measurement procedure as per Section 8. At the end of this procedure the connector key is at the top position. Push the connector housing forward to un-lock the housing from the ferrule and rotate the housing approximately 120 degrees in anti clock direction, then let it lock in the nearest slot available for locking. Now the maximum eccentricity and the connector key position are aligned. See section 13.1 for more information.

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10. Visual Examination

This feature can be used for visual examination of end-face quality and cleanliness at any time, for example before taking a measurement. Activating ‘Inspection Mode’ from the Tools menu may be required for best visualization. Manually adjusting the focus knob may also be needed, since fiber core and ferrule are not always in the same optical plane due to ferrule radius and undercut.

Examples of SM and MM images on a CentrocGP.

Length measurement Planar dimensions on the ferrule such as fiber diameter, adhesive ring thickness, and scratch width can be checked using the live Image and a mouse. By clicking the left mouse button at two points on the Image, the distance between those two points can be measured. Additional Tools A variety of additional tools can be found by clicking the right mouse button while the cursor is on the live Image. Features such as zooming, panning, and Image copying can be selected and used as part of the visual examination process.

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11. PM Fiber Support (Panda) CentrocGP software version 5.60 or later, supports measuring the alignment angle for Polarization Mode fibers. To enable the Panda function the customer has to purchase additional hardware. This function is available from the Tools/Panda menu choice.

To start the Panda measurement session, enter the target alignment angle in the following

dialog. Click ok to start measuring the angle. Enter Information about the PM fiber:

Connector ID: Enter the desired connector information Select alignment angle: Choose a target alignment angle between the stress members.

When this Panda function is run, the alignment will be monitored while the connector is rotated, and the user will be signalled when this chosen target angle is reached.

• Slow Axis: Choose this option if the stress members should be aligned at 12 o’clock position (i.e.; in line with the connector key).

• Fast Axis: Choose this option if the stress members should be aligned horizontally (i.e.; perpendicular to the connector key).

• Custom: Choose this option to enter any angle between 0 and 180 degrees for the alignment of the stress members.

OK: To start the Panda measurement session. Cancel: Close the Panda measurement session.

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Panda Measurement Session:

Status: Shows the actual angle between the stress factors. This also indicates the user if the

angle reaches the target angle. Save: Click to save the image information and close the Panda session. Selecting the Panda

option from the Tools menu (to uncheck it) can also do this.

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12. Service Information Item Description

Accessories Std Fixture for 1.25mm connectors (supports LC and MU type)

Tuning Fixture for 1.25mm connectors (supports LC and MU type) Std Fixture for 1.60mm termini (supports M29504/4 and M29504/5 type) Std Fixture for 2.00mm termini (supports M29504/14 and M29504/15 type) Std Fixture for 2.50mm connectors (supports SC and FC type) Tuning Fixture for 2.50mm connectors (supports SC and FC type)

854429200601052006010320060102

85442720060104

13. Specifications Power Requirements +12 V DC (supplied by the PC via the Frame Grabber connector) Supported Fiber types Suitable for most SM and MM fibers

(Maximum fiber diameter 140 µ) Temperature 10°-40° C Operating

5°-55° C Storage Humidity RH Maximum 90% no condensation Wavelength (LED) λ 660 nm (coaxial) and 475 nm (endface) Measurement uncertainty 0.1 µ Minimum PC requirement Operating system

Intel P4 or AMD Athlon Preferably +2 GHz . 1 free PCI slot for Picolo frame-grabber. Windows 2000 or XP Pro

Standards reference IEC 61300-2-41 IEC 61300-3-18 IEC 61300-3-24 IEC 61300-3-26 ISO 2538

We continuously upgrade software and documentation. Check on www.norlandproducts.com for the latest versions.

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14. Appendix A – Theory 14.1. Tuning The insertion loss resulting from core alignment mismatch can be reduced significantly for a random mated population through tuning of that population of connectors. To illustrate the worth in tuning, a comparison of estimated loss for a non-tuned vs. tuned connector is presented below. The insertion loss of a connector measured against a concentric reference connector (i.e.; with zero eccentricity) can be read from the following figure.

Ecc. (µm) Loss (dB)

0.00 0.00 0.10 0.00 0.20 0.01 0.30 0.02 0.40 0.03 0.50 0.05 0.60 0.08 0.70 0.11 0.80 0.14 0.90 0.17 1.00 0.21 1.10 0.26 1.20 0.31 1.30 0.36 1.40 0.42 1.50 0.48 1.60 0.55 1.70 0.62 1.80 0.69 1.90 0.77 2.00 0.86

For not-tuned connectors (with angle of eccentricity anywhere within 180°of its key), the worst case random loss for a population of product can be estimated by adding the two highest eccentricities in a population. For example:

Eccentricities: Connector_x = 0.8 µ Connector_y = 0.9 µm (ecc-x + ecc-y) = ecc-tot or (0.8 +0.9) = 1.7 µm

From the graph: 1.7 µm eccentricity results in 0.62 dB worst case loss.

For tuned connectors (which, through tuning, will have an angle of eccentricity within 45°of its key). The worst case random loss for a population of tuned product can be estimated by adding the two highest eccentricities in a population and dividing that sum by 1.414. For example: (ecc-x + ecc-y) /1.4 = ecc-tot or (0.8 +0.9)/1.414 = 1.2 µm. From the graph: 1.2 µm eentricity results in 0.31 dB worst case loss.

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14.2. Criteria for reference connectors

A connector is suitable for reference purposes if the requirements for reference products as presented in the relevant specification or related IEC documents are met. For the case of a user having their own purchasing specification, use the criteria for reference components from this document. If no specification for reference is given, a reference can be selected from the table below.

The maximum allowable eccentricity for a batch of connectors is dependent not only on the connector under test, but also on the reference connector used….

Example:

If the Loss Specification is 0.20 dB according to IEC method 7 (first column in table), then the maximum allowed (total) eccentricity as 0.95 µm. This is the sum of the maximum eccentricity of the connector under test and the maximum eccentricity of the reference connector (from the table).

This example shows that a reference connector should be selected with an eccentricity value as low as possible. Careful selection of a reference connector with the lowest possible value for eccentricity results in best yield (more connectors that will be considered to have acceptable eccentricity) in the final loss measurement.

Single Mode connectors.

Loss against concentric reference connector.

(IEC method 7)

Maximum loss in the field

2%

Maximum Eccentricity Reference connector

Maximum eccentricity of connector under test

0.10 dB 0.40 dB 0.10 µm 0.58 µm 0.20 dB 0.77 dB 0.20 µm 0.75 µm 0.30 dB 1.16 dB 0.20 µm 0.98 µm 0.40 dB 1.75 dB 0.25 µm 1.11 µm 0.50 dB 2.10 dB 0.30 µm 1.24 µm