New technology: Handheld fiber cable distortion detection system
Jan. 3, 2013
New handheld fiber testing technology from Boeing could be applied in space-challenged structured cabling systems applications.
Boeing has been assigned a new U.S. Patent that specifies the development of "a fiber cable distortion detection system." Whilte the handheld fiber testing technology is aimed primarily at airplane cable plant installations, it may find application in other types of space-challenged structured cabling systems.
As specified in the patent, the fiber cable distortion detection system includes:
-- a broadband source;
-- an optical source fiber disposed in optical communication with the broadband source;
-- an optical fiber under test (FUT) disposed in optical communication with the optical source fiber;
According to the patent, "The system combines the refection of the distortion with the reflection from the source/FUT interface using a 1x2 fiber coupler. The location of the distortion is precisely determined with high resolution by the spectrum of the combined signal. The system is miniaturized to the size of a handheld device suitable for use in airplane cable plant installation or in an environment where space is limited."
Boeing Chicago was assigned the U.S. patent (8,339,590), which was developed by Eric Yuen-Jun Chan of Mercer Island, Washington and Dennis G. Koshinz of Bellevue, Washington.
