JDSU reportedly has released its HD3-P optical fiber inspection tool to prevent contaminated or “dirty” fiber, which can cause network downtime.

 

The new HD3-P is a handheld display with a probe that acts as a microscope for technicians during patch cord inspections. It also provides a probe microscope for inspecting the bulkhead connector port during FTTx installations.

 

FTTx applications bring fiber and greater bandwidth closer to the user. FTTx includes Passive Optical Network architectures like BPON, EPON and GPON. JDSU (News - Alert) is striving to expand its portfolio in this market which includes products like central office transmission modules and amplifiers.

 

The HD3-P is designed to reduce inspection time and labor costs in the field. It combines the power of two microscopes in one system and it is not necessary to change the inspection tips on the probe. This prevents misplacing and mishandling of inspection tips which may lead to cross-contamination of fiber.

 

“Our studies have demonstrated that the JDSU HD3-P cuts time-to-inspect in half, making it even easier to apply Inspect Before You Connect best practices when handling optical connectors,” said Matt Brown, director of product management for the JDSU Communications Test and Measurement business segment.

 

Brown added that this reduction in cycle time allows technicians to increase productivity so that customers can benefit from labor cost savings.

 

The HD3-P includes a 1.8 inches TFT LCD screen which can provide crisp, detailed images of fiber-end faces with very high resolution. It is standardized with the GripSwitch power saver mode for saving on battery power. The HD3-P also has contamination protection provided for the male patch cord end which allows it to be “parked” in the patch cord module.

 

The HD3-P display enhances the performance of the HD3 series with the integration of the patch cord viewing microscope. The HD3 display series for fiber end face inspection provides optimum image resolution besides being compact and portable. It is available as a stand-alone device, kitted with a probe microscope or kitted with a probe and cleaning materials.