Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Simulator
Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Simulator
Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Simulator
The OTDR Simulator is a aid to learning how OTDRs work without incurring the
expense of owning a real OTDR and tons of cable. The Simulator runs on a PC but
works just like a real OTDR. It is the actual operating software from a PC-based OTDR
that comes with numerous traces that illustrate how the OTDR works and traces of real
cable plants to analyze. The traces are raw data that is analyzed in the PC so the
simulator works just like a real OTDR.
OTDR manufacturers provide basic information on using their instruments, but rarely
provide an adequate variety of traces to learn from and often do not dwell on
measurement uncertainty or common problems like gainers and ghosts. This is where
you need the OTDR Simulator. It will help you learn how to set up the OTDR properly
and analyze traces correctly.
One of the biggest problems in learning about OTDRs is understanding all the options in
setting test parameters. Range, wavelength, pulse width, averages, etc. all need to be
understood so the operator knows what effect they have on the trace and how to
choose the proper setup for a given test situation. Learning how to interpret traces also
requires having access to large numbers of cables, including some very long ones.
That's not easy in a lab and impossible at home.
With the OTDR simulator, you can learn how to use an OTDR on a PC. The simulator
includes software that emulates an OTDR and two sets of traces to analyze.
Comparing Traces
Averaging
PC Requirements: