EXFO FTB-300 Universal Test System with FTB-7223B-EI 1310/1550 nm Single-Mode OTDR Module

EXFO FTB-300 Universal Test System with FTB-7223B-EI Single-Mode OTDR Module

The EXFO FTB-300 with FTB-7223B-EI combines a rugged Universal Test System platform with a dual-wavelength single-mode optical time domain reflectometer module. This configuration provides OTDR measurements at 1310 nm and 1550 nm for fiber installation, commissioning, acceptance testing, maintenance, restoration, and troubleshooting.

The FTB-7223B-EI helps technicians detect, locate, and evaluate splices, connectors, breaks, reflective events, bends, and other sources of loss along a single-mode fiber link. Measuring at both 1310 nm and 1550 nm provides a more complete view of link performance and helps identify wavelength-dependent attenuation that may not be apparent from a single-wavelength measurement.

The FTB-300 platform provides the touchscreen display, processing, software, data storage, battery operation, external interfaces, and report-generation functions required for field testing. Its modular architecture accommodates up to three field-interchangeable test modules, allowing the system to support additional optical applications when compatible modules are installed.

Features and Benefits of the EXFO FTB-300 with FTB-7223B-EI

• Dual-wavelength single-mode OTDR: Performs fiber measurements at 1310 nm and 1550 nm.
• Fiber event location: Helps locate fusion splices, mechanical splices, connectors, breaks, reflective faults, and other events.
• Loss analysis: Supports measurement of event loss, section attenuation, fiber length, and overall link loss.
• Dual-wavelength troubleshooting: Allows comparison of 1310 nm and 1550 nm traces to help identify wavelength-sensitive bends and stressed fiber.
• FTB-7223B performance: Provides typical dynamic range of 28 dB at 1310 nm and 26 dB at 1550 nm under the documented conditions.
• Short event dead zones: Provides a typical event dead zone of 3 m at both wavelengths.
• Automatic analysis support: Works with compatible EXFO software for automatic setup, trace acquisition, event detection, and result review.
• Field-interchangeable module: Allows the OTDR module to be installed, removed, or replaced as test requirements change.
• Integrated data storage: Uses the platform’s internal hard drive for storing large numbers of traces and test reports.
• Touchscreen operation: Provides direct access to module functions and measurement settings through the FTB-300 interface.
• Battery-powered portability: Supports professional field testing away from an AC power source.
• Reporting capabilities: Supports generation of fiber and cable reports containing traces, event tables, test settings, and project information.

1310 nm Single-Mode OTDR Testing

The 1310 nm channel supports installation and maintenance testing of compatible single-mode fiber links. It can be used to measure fiber length, locate events, evaluate splice and connector loss, and document the condition of access, metropolitan, outside-plant, and telecommunications networks.

A 1310 nm trace provides information about the fiber’s backscatter level and reflective events as a function of distance. The trace can help technicians identify localized losses, unexpected reflections, open fiber ends, damaged connections, and other conditions affecting link performance.

A suitable single-mode launch cable can help move the first link connector beyond the OTDR dead zone. A receive cable can be used when the far-end connector and complete end-to-end link loss must also be evaluated.

1550 nm Single-Mode OTDR Testing

The 1550 nm channel provides a second wavelength for characterizing single-mode fiber. Standard single-mode fiber generally has lower attenuation near 1550 nm, making this wavelength useful for testing longer links and systems with greater cumulative loss.

Testing at 1550 nm can also reveal wavelength-sensitive attenuation caused by bends, compression, or mechanical stress. A bend may produce a substantially larger loss at 1550 nm than at 1310 nm.

Comparing traces from both wavelengths can help distinguish ordinary splice or connector loss from bend-related events. Consistent launch cables, receive cables, index-of-refraction settings, acquisition conditions, and analysis methods should be used when comparing results whenever practical.

OTDR Event Detection and Analysis

The FTB-7223B-EI measures returned backscatter and reflected optical energy along the fiber. The resulting OTDR trace displays the optical characteristics of the link as a function of distance.

Reflective events may include connectors, mechanical splices, open fiber ends, damaged interfaces, and other discontinuities that produce a significant reflection. Non-reflective events may include fusion splices, bends, stressed fiber, and localized attenuation.

Compatible EXFO software can automatically analyze the trace and organize detected events into an event table. Manual marker functions can be used to examine specific events, measure distances, calculate section attenuation, and investigate results that require additional interpretation.

Dynamic Range and Dead Zones

The FTB-7223B provides a typical dynamic range of 28 dB at 1310 nm and 26 dB at 1550 nm using a 10 µs pulse and a three-minute averaging period at a signal-to-noise ratio of one.

The typical event dead zone is 3 m at both wavelengths under the documented single-mode test conditions. The typical attenuation dead zone is 10 m at 1310 nm and 15 m at 1550 nm.

Dynamic range affects the distance and cumulative loss that can be measured, while dead-zone performance affects the ability to distinguish and characterize events located near a strong reflection. Actual results depend on fiber attenuation, connector condition, pulse width, averaging, event loss, reflectance, noise, and the selected measurement settings.

Automatic and Manual Measurement Workflows

The EXFO FTB platform supports automated measurement workflows that simplify OTDR setup and event analysis. Depending on the installed ToolBox application version, the system can assist with measurement-range selection, pulse-width selection, acquisition, trace analysis, and event-table generation.

Manual measurement functions allow experienced users to position markers and evaluate selected sections of the trace. These functions are useful for verifying automatic results, studying closely spaced events, and examining low-loss or unusual events.

Automatic event analysis is a supporting tool. Technicians should review the actual waveform before accepting results, particularly when evaluating complex links, closely spaced reflections, low-loss splices, or noisy fiber ends.

FTB-300 Universal Test System

The EXFO FTB-300 is a portable modular platform developed for advanced fiber optic testing. It can accommodate up to three compatible field-interchangeable modules, allowing the system to be configured for OTDR testing, optical power measurement, optical spectrum analysis, polarization mode dispersion analysis, optical switching, and other supported applications.

The platform uses a PC-based architecture with the Windows 95 operating system. EXFO ToolBox 5 provides a common interface for accessing compatible modules and managing test applications.

The integrated touchscreen gives technicians direct access to acquisition controls, trace analysis, marker functions, file management, and reporting. This common operating environment reduces the need to learn separate interfaces for each supported test module.

Trace Storage and Data Management

The FTB-300 includes an internal hard drive for storing test results and application data. Its documented standard configuration includes a 2.1 GB hard drive with capacity for more than 100,000 OTDR files, depending on file size and platform configuration.

Optional storage interfaces can include a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive and a PCMCIA card interface. These removable-media options can be used for transferring files, backing up results, or supporting compatible communications accessories.

ToolBox functions include quick save, quick print, stored-file preview, batch processing, and test-result management. These tools support organized documentation of individual fibers and larger multi-fiber cable projects.

Fiber and Cable Reporting

Compatible FTB-300 reporting tools can generate professional reports containing OTDR traces, event tables, test parameters, cable information, operator comments, and project details.

Batch-processing functions help automate repetitive operations across multiple trace files. Compatible workflows may include OTDR analysis, bidirectional processing, template application, and report printing.

Report availability, file compatibility, and post-processing functions depend on the installed ToolBox software version and included software options.

Remote Operation and External Interfaces

The FTB-300 supports remote access from another compatible FTB-300 platform or a desktop computer. Remote operation can allow users to adjust test settings, perform measurements, and transfer results when the required communication hardware and software are available.

Standard platform interfaces include RS-232 serial communication, a parallel printer connection, an external VGA monitor interface, and a PS/2 keyboard connection. Optional PCMCIA configurations can support compatible memory and modem cards.

The platform may also be installed in a compatible rack-mount configuration for central-office or fixed laboratory applications while retaining the ability to be removed for field work.

Portable Field Operation

The FTB-300 is designed for outside-plant and field-service environments. Its enclosure includes shock-absorbing protection, sealed joints, a rugged touchscreen, and protective panels for connectors and communication ports.

The platform uses two rechargeable NiMH battery packs and provides more than four hours of continuous operation under the documented conditions. A compatible AC adapter and charger supports benchtop use and battery recharging.

The combination of modular testing, battery operation, internal storage, touchscreen control, and report generation makes the FTB-300 suitable for installation crews, maintenance technicians, network operators, and service organizations.

Typical Applications

• 1310 nm and 1550 nm single-mode OTDR testing
• Telecommunications fiber installation
• Outside-plant network acceptance testing
• Fiber length and attenuation measurements
• Splice-loss and connector-loss analysis
• Fiber break and fault location
• Macrobend and stressed-fiber identification
• Access and metropolitan network testing
• Preventive maintenance and troubleshooting
• Fiber baseline documentation
• Network restoration and repair verification
• Laboratory and production fiber analysis

Product Overview

Brand	EXFO
Platform Model	FTB-300
Installed Module	FTB-7223B-EI
Product Category	Portable Single-Mode OTDR Test System
OTDR Wavelengths	1310 nm and 1550 nm
Fiber Type	Single-mode fiber
Module Format	Field-interchangeable FTB test module
Test Software	EXFO ToolBox
Primary Application	Single-mode fiber installation, characterization, maintenance, and fault location

 

FTB-7223B-EI OTDR Specifications

Specification	1310 nm Channel	1550 nm Channel
Nominal Wavelength	1310 nm	1550 nm
Wavelength Tolerance	±20 nm	±30 nm
Typical Dynamic Range at 10 µs	28 dB	26 dB
Typical Event Dead Zone	3 m	3 m
Typical Attenuation Dead Zone	10 m	15 m
Dynamic-Range Test Condition	10 µs pulse width, three-minute averaging, and SNR of 1
Dead-Zone Test Condition	Typical single-mode performance with reflectance below -45 dB using a 10 ns pulse

 

FTB-300 Platform Specifications

Specification	Details
Module Capacity	Up to three field-interchangeable test modules
Operating System	Windows 95
Test Application Software	EXFO ToolBox 5 in the documented standard configuration
Standard Display	9.4-inch monochrome touchscreen, 640 x 480 pixels
Optional Display	8.4-inch active-matrix color touchscreen, 640 x 480 pixels
Processor	486 DX4
Standard Memory	16 MB RAM
Internal Storage	2.1 GB hard disk drive
Optional Storage	3.5-inch floppy disk drive and PCMCIA interface, depending on configuration

 

FTB-300 Power and Interface Specifications

Specification	Details
AC Input	90 V to 250 V AC
Line Frequency	50 Hz or 60 Hz
Battery Type	Two rechargeable NiMH battery packs
Continuous Battery Operation	More than four hours under the documented conditions
Serial Interface	RS-232
Printer Interface	Parallel printer connection
External Monitor	VGA interface
External Keyboard	PS/2 interface

 

FTB-300 Physical and Environmental Specifications

Specification	Details
Operating Temperature	-5 °C to 50 °C
Storage Temperature	-20 °C to 60 °C
Relative Humidity	0% to 95%, non-condensing
Platform Dimensions	22.9 cm high x 30.5 cm wide x 10.1 cm deep
Platform Weight	Approximately 6.52 kg with batteries and without test modules

 

EI Optical Interface Considerations

The EI designation identifies an EXFO optical interface configuration. The exact removable connector adapter installed on the FTB-7223B-EI should be confirmed from the module, product photographs, and included-accessory information.

The installed interface determines which connector format can be attached directly. Suitable launch fibers, receive fibers, and patch cords should be selected according to the connector type and polish.

All optical connectors should be inspected and cleaned before use. Contamination can reduce launch power, increase reflections, create misleading events, and affect dynamic range and measurement repeatability.

Connection and Measurement Considerations

The OTDR module should only be connected to compatible single-mode fiber. The correct index of refraction should be entered before relying on absolute distance results.

Pulse width, distance range, acquisition time, and event thresholds should be selected according to fiber length, cumulative link loss, event spacing, reflectance, and required resolution.

Launch and receive cables can improve measurement of the near-end and far-end connections. These fibers should use compatible single-mode construction, connectors, and polish types.

Before testing any fiber that may be connected to active equipment, technicians should follow appropriate network procedures and verify that the OTDR test signal will not interfere with live services or connected receivers.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The EXFO FTB-300 with FTB-7223B-EI receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Platform testing may include power-up, touchscreen operation, display condition, hard-drive access, battery operation, module recognition, external interfaces, storage functions, and installed ToolBox software.

OTDR testing may include optical output at 1310 nm and 1550 nm, trace acquisition, event detection, distance response, relative-loss measurement, marker functions, wavelength switching, automatic analysis, and trace storage.

The module’s optical interface may be inspected for contamination, damaged threads, worn alignment components, loose adapters, or other conditions that could affect optical launch power and trace quality.

The exact testing scope depends on the connector configuration, available single-mode reference fibers, launch cables, receive cables, optical reflectors, attenuators, calibrated power meters, platform software, and battery condition.

Calibration Before Shipment

When technically applicable and selected, the EXFO FTB-300 with FTB-7223B-EI can be calibrated or performance-verified before shipment. Calibration may include OTDR wavelength, distance accuracy, loss accuracy, event dead zone, attenuation dead zone, dynamic range, and optical output performance at 1310 nm and 1550 nm.

Calibration should use suitable single-mode reference fibers, traceable length standards, calibrated optical attenuation, reference reflectors, and compatible measurement equipment.

Buyers requiring formal calibration should confirm the desired wavelengths, test parameters, connector configuration, certificate type, recorded results, and measurement uncertainty before purchase.

Buyer Considerations

Buyers should confirm that the installed module is the EXFO FTB-7223B-EI and identify the optical connector adapter. The system photographs should also be reviewed to determine the display type, installed storage options, battery configuration, and other modules present in the FTB-300.

The exact ToolBox software version and available module application should be verified. Software compatibility can affect module recognition, trace analysis, file handling, and reporting functions.

The condition of the touchscreen, hard drive, batteries, AC adapter, module slots, optical connector, controls, storage interfaces, and enclosure should be reviewed before purchase.

Only the FTB-300 platform, FTB-7223B-EI module, batteries, AC adapter, connector adapters, launch fibers, receive fibers, carrying case, software, manuals, calibration records, and accessories specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included.

Why Buy from AssetRelay?

AssetRelay supplies professional equipment and product solutions for fiber optic, telecom, laboratory, production, optical test, inspection, cleaning, electronic test, RF/microwave, and photonics applications. The EXFO FTB-300 with FTB-7223B-EI provides portable dual-wavelength OTDR testing for installers, field technicians, network operators, laboratories, service organizations, and technical procurement teams.

Buyers should review the product photographs, physical condition, installed OTDR module, connector configuration, wavelength operation, platform software, battery condition, calibration status, functional test results, and included accessories before purchase.