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Course Overview
• The nature of light
• What are fiber optics
• How it works
• Signal loss
• Types of fiber
• Splicing fiber
• Fiber optic data link components
Course Overview
• Fiber optic routing and installation
• Fiber optic inspection
• Fiber optic cleaning
• Fiber optic testing
Course Activities
• Assemble D38999 • Fiber optic inspection
connector activity activity
• Bundle tying activity • Fiber testing activity
• Assemble ARINC connector • Remove cabling activity
activity • Disassemble D38999
• Cable routing activity connector activity
• Fiber cleaning activity • Disassemble ARINC
connector activity
The Nature of Light
• Light
• Electromagnetic spectrum
• Wavelength and color
• Reflection and refraction
• Specular reflection
• Lenses
• Focal point and focal length
• Dispersion
Light
• Light
• Electromagnetic radiation in the form of a wave
• Travels fastest in a vacuum
• Slows in transparent medium
• A type of wave
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Wavelength and Color
• Shorter than 4,000 Angstrom are not visible
(ultraviolet)
• Longer than 7,000 Angstrom are not visible (infrared)
• Colors change as the wavelength change

Violet Blue Green Yellow Orange Red

4,500 A 4,800 A 5,200 A 5,800 A 6,000 A 6,400 A

Wavelengths of light colors

Reflection and Refraction
• Reflection
– Change in direction of lightwave returned to origin
• Refraction
– Change in direction of lightwave passing through a
medium
Specular Reflection
• The normal
• Angle of incidence
Lenses
• Lenses
– Focus light for use
• Convex
– Bulges toward light source and de-magnifies
• Concave
– Bulges away from light source and magnifies
Focal Point and Focal Length
• Lens shape changes:
– Focal point
– Focal length
Dispersion
• Causes blurriness
• Red light focuses further away than blue light
What are Fiber Optics
• What are fiber optics
• Optical fiber construction
• History
• Uses in aviation
• Benefits of using fiber
• Disadvantages of using fiber
What are Fiber Optics
• Thin glass fibers used to send data
• Transmits data signal via beams of light
Optical Fiber Construction
• How It’s Made
• Discovery Channel video
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4nGPI6DTLw
History
• 18th century puddles used to direct candle and
sunlight for ambiance
• 19th century colored glass tubes filled with water
used on stage for effects
– Proved light could be bent using curved stream
• 20th century term “contained transmission of light”
first used
– First used to connect computers in the 70’s
Uses in Aviation
• In flight entertainment
• Communications systems
• Avionics systems
• Flight management systems
• Flight safety requires multiple redundancies
Benefits of Using Fiber
• Weight
– Carries equivalent data as 2 inch copper bundle
• Bandwidth and speed
• No electromagnetic interference
• No cross talk
• Uses less power
• Signal security
Disadvantages of Using Fiber
• New technology
• Components can be expensive
• Lack of standardization in the industry
• Fiber can be easily damaged if mishandled
How It Works
• How it works
• Modes
• Critical angle
• Incident rays
How It Works
• Electrical data converted to optical signals
• Signal travels down optical fiber
• Optical signal converted back into useable
electrical data
Modes
• Determined by the angle the wave front makes with
the axis of the fiber core
• Not entirely confined to the core
• Low order modes
– Penetrate the cladding slightly
• High order modes
– Penetrate further into the cladding
Critical Angle
• Maximum angle to axis that light is propagated
• Value of the angle depends on fiber properties
• Acceptance cone
Incident Rays
• Enter fiber outside acceptance cone
• Light refracted into the cladding and lost
Signal Loss
• Attenuation
• Discontinuity
• Discontinuity demonstration
Attenuation
• Reduction in intensity
• Absorption
– Imperfections
– Impurities
• Scattering
– Density fluctuations in the fiber
Attenuation
• Bending loss
• Micro bends (pinching)
– Caused during cabling
• Macro bends
– Bend radius of the cable
• Contamination
• Defects
Discontinuity
• Broken or cracked
optical fiber (bent
straw)
• Found using visual fault
locator
• Light escapes cable
jacket
Discontinuity Demonstration
• Cable with broken fiber
• Connect visual fault locator
• Red light escapes jacket
Types of Fiber
• Single Mode
• Multimode
• Identifying fiber optic cables
• Safety
Single Mode
• Small core typically 8 to 10 micrometers (um)
• Allows lowest order of modes
• Lower signal loss due to low dispersion
Multimode
• Larger core typically 50 to 100 micrometers (um)
• The larger the core the more modes it can
propagate
• Easier to launch light into fiber
• Easier to make connections (splices)
• Higher dispersion
Identifying Fiber Optic Cables
• Color coded cables
• Color coded flagging
Safety
• Damage to eyes
• Safety glasses
• Pistoning fiber
• Dust caps
• Lockout/Tagout
Splicing Fiber
• Mechanical splice
• Fusion splice
• Cleaving
• Problems with splices
Mechanical Splice
• Manual fiber alignment
and connection
• Permanent
Fusion Splice
• Uses localized heat
• Melts the two ends
together
Cleaving
• Used to cut optical fiber
• Creates perfectly flat
endface
• Critical for a successful
splice
Problems With Splices
• Fiber separation
• Lateral misalignment
• Angular misalignment
• Core and cladding diameter mismatch
• Poor fiber end preparation
– Not cut square
– Rough polish
Fiber Optic Data Link Components
• Transmitter
• Optical Cable
• Connectors
• Receiver
 Transmitter
• Converts electrical data to light signal
• Generally uses LED or lasers

Transmitter Receiver

Signal in Driver Source Connector Fiber

Optical Cable
• Core
– Made of glass
– Transmits the light
• Cladding
– Made of glass
– Reflects light into core
– Lower index of refraction
Optical Cable
• Buffer coating
– Helps trap light
• Strengthening fibers
– Provides axial strength
• Jacket
– Outer cover
– Purple for aviation
Optical Cable
• Terminus
– Holds fiber in connector
• Ferrule
– Holds stripped end of fiber
• End face
– Polished end of a fiber
• Polish
– Shape of end face
Connectors

ST

ARINC D38999 SC
Receiver
• Converts optical signal back into useable electrical
data

Transmitter Receiver
Output
Fiber Connector Detector Signal out
circuit
Assemble D38999 Connector Activity
• Verify proper cable placement
• Install terminus into connector inserts
• Install cable clamps
• Cable diagram
Step 1: Verify Proper Cable Placement
• Ensure cables installed in proper connector insert
• Refer to diagram
Step 2: Install Terminus Into Connector
Inserts
• Partially insert by hand
• Finish using insertion tool
Step 3: Install Cable Clamps (Backshells)

• Wrap cables for protection

Fiber Cable Diagram
1 A
2 B
3 C
4 D
5 E

8 A
9 B
10 C
11 D
12 E
Bundle Tying Activity
• Bundle tying
• Zip tie
• Adhesive tie
• String tie
Bundle Tying
• Wrap bundle with protective tape
• Use clove hitch knot
• Adhesive ties
• No crossed cables
Zip Tie
• Protect cables
• 4 wraps of protective tape
• Cut off excess tie flush
Adhesive Tie
• No protection tape needed
• Use Scotch Super 20
• 3 wraps
• Edges within .05 inches
String Tie
• Clove hitch knot
• 4 wraps of protective tape
• Wrap string around bundle
twice
• Cross tail over other end
• Stick loose end through
crossover
• Pull tight
• Tie square knot to secure
Assemble ARINC Connector Activity
• Install inserts
• Install terminus into connector inserts
• Assemble Connector
• Install cable clamp
• Fiber cable diagram
Step 1: Install the Inserts
• Use both an A and a B insert
• Align keyways
• Do not force into shell if obstructed
Step 2: Install Terminus Into Connector
Inserts
• Partially insert by hand
• Finish using insertion tool
Step 3: Assemble Connector

• Install shell polarization keys and keyways

• Use retention nut wrench to torque jackscrew
retention nut
– 7 +/- 1 inch pounds
Step 4: Install Cable Clamp
• Push cable clamp onto rear surface until touching
shell
• Install clamp retention nut over the end of the
jackscrew
• Tighten retention nut using retention nut wrench
– Torque to 7 +/- 1 inch pounds
Fiber Cable Diagram
1 A
2 B
3 C
4 D
5 E

8 A
9 B
10 C
11 D
12 E
Fiber Optic Routing and Installation
• Route for protection
• Precautions
• Bundle tying requirements
Route for Protection
• Ensure cables do not contact sharp surfaces
• Do not use protective wrap in lieu of proper routing
• Route cables away from contact with structures,
hardware and equipment
• May be routed with electrical wiring
• Minimum bend radius of 1.5 inches
Route for Protection
• Use approved attach/support points
• Rake cables

Clamp Ring post

Precautions
• Do not push or pull on cable
• Do not kink
• Maintain minimum 1.5 inch bend radius
• Do not stress area where cable attaches to
connector
Bundle Tying Requirements
• Use minimum number of
ties necessary
• Use protective wrap under
ties
• Space 8-12 inches apart
– String
– Zip tie
– Adhesive tie
Cable Routing Activity
• Route cable bundle on project board according to
diagram
• Attach bundle using clamps and/or ring posts
• Remember to protect the cable!
• Drip loops
• Attach connectors
Fiber Optic Inspection
• Inspection criteria
• Contamination
• CleanBlast
• Fiber scope
Inspection Criteria
• Cable for kinks and other damage
• Use 200X magnification
• No film in mating area
• No particles in mating area
• Few light scratches ok
• No cracks in core
• No pits in core
Contamination
CleanBlast
• Displays image on
video screen
• Use correct adapters
Fiber Scope
• 200-400 power magnification
• Use 200 power
Fiber Optic Inspection Activity
• Fiber scope
– Connect fiber to scope
– Identify types of contamination

• CleanBlast
– Power up machine
– Insert inspection probe
• Use adapter on ARINC connector
– Identify types of contamination
Fiber Optic Cleaning
• CleanBlast
• Lint Free Wipe
• Cleaning Swab
• Pen
CleanBlast
• Uses high pressure solvent and
vacuum to clean termini
• Requires adapter for connector
Lint Free Wipe
• Use clean wipe on uninstalled termini
• Lay wipe flat
• Isopropyl alcohol if required
• Keep termini perpendicular
• Wipe end face on clean area
• Install dust cap immediately
Cleaning Swab
• Use each swab only once
• Use light circular motion
• Too much pressure can
scratch
• Use isopropyl alcohol if
required
• Install connector/dust cap
immediately
Pen
• Use correct pen for ferrule size
• Push straight down until it clicks
• If crooked can break ferrule
Fiber Optic Cleaning Activity
• Wipes
• Swabs
• Pens
• CleanBlast
Lint Free Wipe
• Use clean wipe on uninstalled termini
• Lay wipe flat
• Isopropyl alcohol if required
• Keep termini perpendicular
• Wipe end face on clean area
• 3 or 4 passes usually enough
• Inspect
Cleaning Swab
• Use each swab only once
• Use light circular motion
• Use isopropyl alcohol if required
• Inspect
Pen
• Use correct pen for ferrule
size
• Push straight down until it
clicks
• If crooked can break
ferrule
• Inspect
CleanBlast
• Use correct attachment
• Requires adapter for ARINC
connector
• Purge before use
Fiber Optic Testing
• Light source
• Light meter
• Test Leads
• Safety reminder
Light Source
• Used to perform insertion
loss measurement
• Produces light
• Test cable
Light Meter
• Used with light source to
measure optical power
Test Leads
• Have a known level of attenuation
• Compare results with your cable
Safety Reminder
• Leave dust caps on until immediately prior to
mating connectors
• Do not look at end of cable when connected to light
source
Step 1: Fiber Optic Testing Activity

• Connect test lead to light source

• Connect test lead to light meter
• Turn on light source and light meter
• Zero light meter
Step 2: Fiber Optic Testing Activity

• Connect test lead to light source

• Connect test lead to light meter
• Connect test leads to cable to be tested
Remove Cabling Activity
• Remove connectors from board
• Remove cables from clamps and posts
• Remove all ties
Disassemble D38999 Connector
Activity
• Remove backshell
• Use removal tool carefully disengage termini
Disassemble ARINC Connector Activity
• Untie cables from connector
• Use removal tool carefully disengage termini
• Remove backshell
• Disassemble shell
FINAL EXAM