Most likely, your testing specifications present minimum requirements for a Low IL and High RL. If your production facility is challenged with meeting the desired IL/RL specs, there are common causes you can investigate and address.
However, before addressing common causes of poor IL/RL, let’s quickly explain the terms:
- Insertion Loss (IL) – The loss of signal power resulting from inserting a device in an optical fiber. This can be referred to as attenuation and is usually expressed as a ratio, in dB, relative to the input power.
- Return Loss (also called Back Reflection) – The reflection of signal power, usually resulting from inserting a device (such as a connector or other component) in an optical fiber path. Again, this is usually expressed as a ratio, in dB, relative to the input power.
Additional resources from the FOC team include:
- Category Resource:
- View the Glossary, Acronyms, Military Specifications for Connectors
- Q&A Resource: email technical questions to AskFOC@focenter.com
Have questions about this FOC Tip?
Contact FOC with questions at: (800) 473-4237 / 508-992-6464 or email: FiberOpticCenter@focenter.com and we will respond ASAP.
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