Yokogawa Meters & Instruments Corporation announces that it has developed the AQ7280 series of optical time domain reflectometers (OTDRs) for the installation and maintenance of fiber-optic cables, and will release a total of nine models for this product series on September 29.

The AQ7280 is a high-performance instrument that is used to measure fiber-optic cable distances and losses and to identify failure locations. The AQ7280 succeeds the high-end AQ7275 OTDR, which has been used for the installation and maintenance of a wide range of network systems, including core, metro, and access networks. For improved efficiency and measurement quality, the AQ7280 has a capacitive touchscreen with the same easy-to-use multi-touch functionality that can be found in smartphones and other handheld devices.

Development Background

Driven by factors such as the widespread use of smartphones and the increase in video-related Internet traffic, there is a rising need around the world for the installation of fiber-optic cable that is capable of the high-speed transmission of large volumes of data. An ever increasing amount of fiber-optic cable is being installed for core network systems between cities, metro network systems within cities, and access network systems that connect central offices to subscribers. As OTDRs are used to evaluate installation and maintenance work, it is important to make these devices easy and intuitive to operate so that even operators who are less familiar with fiber optic cable measurement techniques can produce high quality measurements in less time. In addition, there is an increasing need particularly in emerging countries for the ability to measure the very long cable lengths that are typical with core network systems. Also, due to the variety of fiber-optic cables that are in use and the existence of multiple network communications standards, there is a need for OTDR units that are capable of measuring different wavelengths. To meet such needs, Yokogawa has developed the AQ7280.

Product Features

1. Easy, intuitive operation

The AQ7280 has a best-in-class 8.4-inch capacitive touchscreen that supports the same intuitive multi-touch functionality found in smartphones and other handheld devices, allowing users to reposition and resize objects on the screen. The AQ7280 also has the same operation hard keys found on the preceding model. Users can opt to use either the touchscreen or the hard keys.

2. Nine models suitable for a variety of measurement needs

There are nine models in the AQ7280 series. These include the AQ7285A, which has an industry leading 50 dB dynamic range suitable for long-distance measurements, and the AQ7283K, which can measure up to four different wavelengths. The AQ7280 series offers remarkable flexibility and convenience with modular measuring units that can be replaced in the field. As new measuring units are developed to keep up with advances in optical technology, the AQ7280 can be modified simply by replacing the measuring unit.

The AQ7280 OTDR series is planned to meet the CE marking requirements by the end of September.

Major Target Markets

Communications carriers, cable installation companies, etc.

Main Applications

To evaluate the quality of fiber-optic cable installation and maintenance work

To characterize losses and identify failure locations in fiber-optic cables

About Yokogawa

Yokogawa's global network of 86 companies spans 56 countries. Founded in 1915, the US$4 billion company conducts cutting-edge research and innovation. Yokogawa is engaged in the industrial automation and control (IA), test and measurement, and other businesses segments. The IA segment plays a vital role in a wide range of industries including oil, chemicals, natural gas, power, iron and steel, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, and food. For more information about Yokogawa, please visit the company’s website www.yokogawa.com.