Report 311006

Edward Lavides October 2006

Topic: Minimum Bend Radius Requirements For SM Fibre Optic Cable

Minimum Bend Radius Requirements For SM fibre Optic Cable

Introduction Fibre optic waveguides yield normally very low losses in an inline installed position. Unfortunately this medium also has some limitations in the form of bending losses due to internal refraction. These losses can be substantial and are dependant on the bending radius and the wavelength. It is also well understood that the longer wavelength induces greater losses for a given bending radius. There has been much discussion recently on the bending capability of fibre due to the introduction of longer wavelength systems in DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) systems. The wavelength in use can be as high as 1615nm. This represents a substantial increase in wavelength and possibly an increase in loss beyond the normal capability of current fibre management systems. Scope The scope of this paper is limited to the MBR study on the following cable types which were indoor type: Cable types on the market - single mode. These include the 0.9mm, 2mm, 3mm diameter, 4 fibers and 12 fibers internal riser. The paper provides actual results of each type of Fiber Optic Cables under both 1270nm and 1650nm Wavelength and compares it to the industry standard in determining the bending radius of Fiber Optic Cable. Procedure or Materials and Methods The materials/equipment needed for the experiment included the following: Agilent Equipment (Model Number: 86140B) or any similar test equipment Length of FO Cable: 10 meters 0.9mm, 2mm and 3mm diameter of FO Cables 4 and 12 Fibers of Internal FO Cables Number of turns: 10 turns Cylindrical Object: From 100mm to 20mm in diameter (adjustable either by 10s or 5s depending on the test required)

The figure below showed what the test proper looks like.
Diameter of Cylindrical Object Agilent Equipment
D

Number of Turns

Fiber Optic Cable (Length)

The following were the steps for the testing of the Fiber Optic Cables: 1. The testing for the 0.9mm diameter of the FO Cable started from 50mm diameter of cylindrical object down to 20mm diameter with decrements of 5mm diameter for every test of each FO Cables. The test included the 1270nm and 1650nm wavelength and 10 turns on the cylindrical object. 2. For the 2mm and 3mm diameter of FO Cable, repeat step 1. 3. The testing for the 4 Fibers of FO Cables started from 80mm diameter of cylindrical object down to 20mm diameter with decrements of 5mm diameter for every test of each FO Cables. Each test included the 1270nm and 1650nm wavelength and 10 turns on the cylindrical object. 4. The testing for the 12 Fibers of FO Cables started from 100mm diameter of cylindrical object down to 50mm diameter with decrements of 10mm diameter for every test of each FO Cables. But from 50mm diameter down to 20mm diameter the decrements would be 5mm. Each test included the 1270nm and 1650nm wavelength and 10 turns on the cylindrical object.

Results Based on the experiment, the 1270nm wavelength bending radius loss was insignificant for the 2mm, 3mm diameter and 4 fibers for FO Cables until they get to a diameter of 40mm. They surpassed the 0.02 dB loss in the 40mm diameter (20.0mm radius) of the cylindrical object (see Figure 1). For the 1650nm wavelength bending radius, it showed a significant change in the 60mm diameter (30.0mm radius) of the cylindrical object (see Figure 2). All fiber cables displayed a common trend of an increase in loss and as expected the bending diameter at 1650 nm was larger for the same loss incurred. In fact the power loss of the fiber, at this wavelength, was actually higher. However the MBR that is imposed today on modern fiber optic raceway systems, which is 30mm, was still maintained and well within the limit. At the most sensitive wavelength the MBR that showed a trend upwards for all fibre cable types was approximately 30.0mm (note graph is in diameter units). Another very interesting observation was the fact that the multifibre cables which were expected to be of consistently more sensitive nature are actually more robust and can withstand much more bending before common losses are incurred. In addition these cables have a natural tendency to be more effective at constraining edge bend losses due to the various buffer layers within the construction of the cable. In fact they can be effectively cable tied to various structures without additional affects on system loss.

Figure 1.
Bending Radius for 1270nm Wavelength
25

20

Bending Loss

15

10

12 Fibers 4 Fibers 3mm Diameter 2mm Diameter 0.9mm Diameter

0 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 Diameter of Cylindrical Object

Note: 12 Fibers Could not entirely roll because the LSZH material is stiff.

Figure 2.
Bending Radius for the 1650nm Wavelength
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 Diameter of Cylindrical Object

12 Fibers 4 Fibers 3mm Diameter 2mm Diameter 0.9mm Diameter

Bending Loss

Discussion The study showed that the bending radius of each type of Fiber Optic Cables varies from one another for both 1270nm and 1650nm wavelength. The more sensitive region was definitely the longer wavelength 1650 nm. All cable types meet and surpassed current 30mm MBR requirements for ducting systems and splice trays. Comparing the result to the Fiber Optic Cable industry standard, we can see that the results were not consistent with the industry standard (see Table 1). As an example, if one were to design a ducting system on the basis of such data the rule of thumb imposed below 20 X MBD of the cable would yield a MBR of 80mm. These tests were performed in order to come to terms with the kind of minimum bending radius that would be proposed for a system that would effectively carry various kinds of SM and MM cables and cords. In addition to the bending requirements there were other issues which could not have been effectively measured in this paper. Some of these were: The loading effects of fibres in the tray The installation of various types of cables and their interaction with each other, eg 2mm cord and Multifibre cord together Ageing effects and the eventual relaxation of the buffer sheath Temperature variations PMD variations etc

In making a practical recommendation with the results of this paper and constraints above taken into account the MBR for a fibre management system was recommended as greater than 30mm. Where high bit rate systems were deployed and these are affected by PMD (Polarization Mode Dispersion) tests have not been performed to verify the limits and affects on transmission equipment. Based on these findings W&BT would recommend the use of the current fibre optic ducting system for cables up to 12 F indoor riser, as tested. Cable Type Fiber Optic Cable Minimum Bending Radius As a Multiple of Overall Cable Diameter 10 times overall diameter for multimode cables, 20 times overall diameter for singlemode cables

For future study, repeat the trials with MM cable and verify the limit of this medium. End of Paper