Real-time computer controlled backscatter measurement of optical fibres

The software implementation of a real-time computer-controlled backscatter measurement system for a high standard conformance testing procedure for optical fibres is discussed. Optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) techniques are employed to test fibre reels along or at the end of a production line. A high speed computer is integrated with such a device to automate a chain of practical test procedures. Significant enhancements have been achieved with the use of fast computer integration, notably up to an eight-fold reduction in test time with no loss of measurement accuracy, when compared to a current commercial system.