What is the assembly of fiber optic cable?

Assembly of Fiber Optic Cable

The assembly of fiber optic cables is a meticulous process that involves several critical steps to ensure the integrity and performance of the cable. Below is a detailed explanation of the assembly process:

1. Preparing the Fiber

Stripping: The process begins with stripping the outer jackets and protective layers of the fiber optic cable to expose the bare fiber. This is done using precision tools to avoid damaging the delicate fiber.

Cleaning: After stripping, the bare fiber is cleaned with alcohol and a lint-free wipe to remove any contaminants that could affect the light transmission.

Cleaving: The fiber is then cleaved using a high-precision cleaving tool to create a perfectly flat end face that is perpendicular to the fiber axis. This is crucial for efficient light transmission.

2. Splicing

Fiber optic cables can be joined using either mechanical splicing, which aligns the fibers and holds them together using a mechanical splice, or fusion splicing, which uses an electric arc to fuse the fibers together at their end faces, creating a continuous strand with minimal loss.

3. Connectorization

Connectors are attached to the fiber ends to facilitate easy connection to other optical fibers or devices. This involves inserting the prepared fiber into the connector, securing it in place, and then polishing the end face of the connector to ensure a smooth surface that minimizes light loss.

4. Testing

Once assembled, the fiber optic cable is tested for light transmission efficiency, continuity, and strength. Common tests include the Optical Loss Test, which measures the amount of light lost through the cable and connections, and the OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) test, which identifies the exact location of faults or breaks in the cable.

5. Protective Assembly

The assembled and tested fiber optic cables are then encased in protective jackets and strength members. These protective layers safeguard the cable from physical damage and environmental factors, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the cable.

The assembly of fiber optic cables is a complex process that requires precision and care at every step. The quality of the assembly directly impacts the performance and reliability of the fiber optic communication system.