4: Modal Distribution & CPR

Written by Bruce Robertson & Brian Crook, 2003. © Kingfisher International

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The optical power distribution across a multimode fiber core causes optical attenuation to vary. It also affects the transmission bandwidth and noise of an operational system, although this is outside the scope of the following discussion. Recent interest in use of multimode fibers at data rates above 100 Mbaud has made this a major issue, and during 2003/4, a number of ideas have been embodied in standards updates which determine the way an optical LAN should be tested. This paper summaries the current situation for attenuation measurement applications.

Modal Distribution

Illustrative Modal Distribution in carious fiber types
Fig 4.2: Types of light propagation in optical fiber.
Plastic fibers are commonly multimode step index types,
and glass fibers are commonly multimode graded index types.

Multimode light transmission is by many different paths (see Fig 4.2).

The paths (or modes) nearest to the axis of the core are called low order modes, and the paths with the most deviation are called high order modes.

It is the high order modes that get attenuated (lost), and as they do so, light gradually transfers from the lower to the higher order modes. Interaction between light in the various modes causes some level of random signal noise, which is called “modal noise”.

When light is injected into a core, initially the relative proportion of light travelling in low or high order modes will depend on how the light was injected.

If attenuation tests are made without first establishing a known modal distribution condition, then the attenuation results obtained will be unrepeatable. It should be noted that performance specifications of multimode systems are only valid for a specific mode condition. In other circumstances, different characteristics will be measured.

So to perform meaningful multimode measurements, it is necessary to first define the modal distribution condition.

Recent standards change the emphasis in multimode plant verification. The traditional approach was to try and measure at an equilibrium modal distribution, eg an average result. The new approach is use an over-filled source, eg worst case result. The new approach also matches the conditions found in practice in today’s short distance applications using a LED transmitter.

Of the two types of multimode fiber in common use today, the new standards appear to concentrate on 50/125 OM3 fibers. In fact a source that is fully CPR compliant with this type, in our experience may not be CPR compliant with the older 62.5/125 types. Presumably the standards folk will resolve this issue in due course. This incidental anomaly is probably a by-product of the fact that CPR issues primarily focus on CPR and it’s effect on bandwidth, rather than the secondary issue of attenuation measurement.

Use of a mandrel wrap or mode stripper can not create something approximating to a modern overfilled launch condition (a common misconception). This has to be achieved with a suitable compliant source.

Coupled Power Ratio – CPR

CPR is the numerical ratio between the power in a multimode core, and the power coupled to a singlemode core when connected to this multimode core. It quantitatively defines a modal distribution condition. It may be expressed directly in dB or more typically as a numeric category between 1 (overfilled) to 5 (under filled). There is currently good agreement between standards bodies on CPR. The CPR concept is easy to implement. It is a relatively simplistic version of a near field measurement, or beam profile measurement, which are hard to test.

For example, if the power in a multimode core is -21 dBm, and the power coupled from that core into a singlemode core is -41 dBm, then the CPR is 20.

The new standards define that the default source for multimode plant should be (overfilled) Class 1 CPR, with a defined wavelength spectrum. So a properly characterised LED is the preferred source, and measured attenuation values will be worst case.

Whilst easy to comprehend and implement, it is understood that CPR does not adequately define the beam geometry in all cases, so further work is currently under way to devise another method. Modal Power Distribution (MPD) and Encircled Flux are two ideas currently being investigated for this purpose.

Mandrel Wrap

Use of madrel wrap for multimode testing
Fig 4.3: Use of a mandrel wrap in a Multimode systems.
This set up shows the ‘reference condition’ used during attenuation
measurements.

A mandrel wrap is typically five turns of multimode patch lead around a mandrel. It is used to strip off very high order “edge” modes, which are unstable and cause measurement instability. Use of both a defined CPR and a mandrel wrap achieves best repeatability. The fiber type should match the application.

Note that in this arrangement, a mandrel wrap does not significantly affect the CPR, it just strips off edge modes. Failure to use such a mandrel wrap affects measured results by making them a bit more variable.

Class 1 CPR and a mandrel wrap attempt to replicate, in the field, the launch condition used in the factory (defined by FOTP-50B) for qualifying attenuation and connector insertion losses, thereby providing field measurements that more directly relate to manufacturer’s specifications. This allows users to better assess the quality of their networks.

The standards define a mandrel wrap as being 5 non-overlapping turns of cladding mode stripping fiber. The diameter depends on the core diameter and standard being followed. For 62.5 u there is good agreement that the core should be on a 20 mm diameter (the mandrel may be a different diameter depending on the sheath thickness, up to 3.5 mm). For 50u cores there is currently total disagreement, the Europeans stating 15 mm, and the USA opting for 25 mm.

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