Fiber Tagging

When servicing data transmission cables, one is often required to be able to distinguish data conduits from each other. For electrical data transmission lines, it is known to utilize unique resistors attached along such conduits to serve as identification markers or labels.

When servicing data transmission cables, one is often required to be able to distinguish data conduits from each other. For electrical data transmission lines, it is known to utilize unique resistors attached along such conduits to serve as identification markers or labels. This allows service personnel to identify a particular conduit from other adjacent conduits by simply passing an electrical current along the conduit.

However, optical data transmission lines are amenable to such use of electrical resistors as markers. Thus, distinguishing optical conduits from each other remains a difficult task. It is known that an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) can be used to identify the time domain reflection signature of light pulses transmitted along an optical data transmission line. Because each optical coupling and other imperfections along an optical line create a reflection, each optical line generally has a unique reflection signature. However, without prior knowledge of the reflection signature of a particular optical conduit, the optical line can not be identified simply by measuring its reflection signature. Moreover, as an optical line is repaired or otherwise altered, its reflection signature changes.

Fiber Bragg Gratings give however a unique possibility to label optical communication lines in a permanent unambiguous way. This can be achieved using Time Domain Encoded labeling: Optical fibers can become labeled by inserting an array of reflective FBG elements with a unique spatial distribution. These labels can become read out using an OTDR equipment. Each label contains a unique set of FBG positions which represent a binary number. Due to the automated Draw Tower Grating process, these type of labels can be produced in a very cost effective way.

For more information about tagging possibilities using DTGs, please contact us.

 

Sign up for newsletter

Contact us
CAPTCHA image

* These fields are required.

How we use your information

We are committed to respecting your privacy and protecting your personal information and will always treat it with the upmost care. You can find out how we handle your data and all the ways we use it to provide you with a better service in our Privacy Statement.

By submitting this form, you consent to the use of your data in accordance with our Privacy Statement.

Germany

FBGS Technologies GmbH
Franz Loewen Straße 3
D-07745 Jena

Belgium

FBGS International NV
Bell Telephonelaan 2H
B-2440 Geel

China

Suzhou X2 Electronic Technology Co Ltd
Room No. 2003, Building 38, No. 60 Weixin Road, Suzhou Industrial Park
215122 Suzhou, Jiangsu China

Canada

Montreal