What Does Optical Power Meter (OPM) Mean?
An optical power meter (OPM) is a testing instrument used to accurately measure the power of fiber optic equipment or the power of an optical signal passed through the fiber cable. It also helps determine the power loss caused by the optical signal while passing through the optical media. An optical power meter is made up of a calibrated sensor that measures the amplifier circuit and a display. The sensor normally consists of a silicon (Si), germanium (Ge) or indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) based semiconductor. The display unit shows the measured optical power and the corresponding wavelength of the optical signal.
What is an optical power meter used for?
An optical power meter (OPM) is a testing instrument used to accurately measure the power of fiber optic equipment or the power of an optical signal passed through the fiber cable. It also helps determine the power loss incurred by the optical signal while passing through the optical media.
How to use optical power meter?
When you measure fiber optic power with a power meter, you should attach the meter to the cable. Turn on the power source and view the meter's measurements. Compare the meter measurement with the specified correct power for that particular system to ensure that it has the correct power, not too much or too little. Correct power measurement is so important to fiber optic cables because the system works similar to electric circuit voltage, and the power must be just the right amount to work properly.
Type of optical power meter:
There are two types of optical power meters: ordinary optical power meters and PON optical power meters. An ordinary optical power meter measures the optical power in the fiber link, typically an absolute power value of 850/1300/1310/1490/1550/1625nm optical wavelength. While PON Optical Power Meter is more suitable for measuring the fiber to the home (FTTH) networks. Specific measurement: PON Optical Power Meter can send three wavelengths from a single laser output port (1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm), of which 1310nm can measure upstream transmission direction, 1490 nm and 1550 nm measure downstream direction. Upstream is associated with your upload data. Downward is your download data.
To help you find the optical power meter brand, we analyzed & researched all the features that are right for you and came up with a list of 3 different options to purchase. Check out the thorough reviews of the best optical power meter（opm） in 2022 below.
List of The Best optical power meter （opm）
Optical Power Meter EXFO EPM-50
The EXFO Fiberbasix EPM-50 Power Meter allows power measurements of up to 26 dBm with battery autonomy of over 300 hours..It comes with a specific high-power configuration for CATV and Telco markets.
EPM-50 Power Meter, which offers high accuracy and reference capabilities..EXFO's FiberBasix 50 series meets your basic daily test requirements, while helping you stay within your budget.
These worry-free, straightforward handheld testers enable accurate measurement of signal attenuation during fiber-optic cable installation.
The EPM-50 Power Meter offers highly accurate power measurements as well as reference value setting capabilities..It offers power autonomy of 300 hours for reliable, long-lasting performance in the field.
Key Features:
Easy-to-use interface for error-free testing
Interchangeable connectors for first-class flexibility
Cost-effective, rugged and highly reliable
Ideal for testing and troubleshooting optical premises networks
This HSV-300P optical power meter series is a compact and easy-to-use testing instrument for optical fiber networks, which can be used for absolute optical power measurements as well as for relative loss measurements in optical fibers. It has an ingenious appearance, a wide range of power measurements, high accuracy with a high performance-to-price ratio..
Key Features:
Comfortable LCD display and optional backlight LCD display supports
Night operation;
Power measurements in dBm or mw and insertion loss in dB;
reference power level storage (Ref Setting)
Low battery consumption, continuous operation time of more than 240 hours
with three alkaline 1.5V batteries;
The 10-minute Auto-Off function can be activated or deactivated.
The optical Power Meter TC-100 series is a compact and easy-to-use testing instrument for optical fiber networks, which can be used for absolute optical power measurements as well as for relative loss measurements in optical fibers. It has features of ingenious appearance, a wide range of power measurement, high accuracy with a high performance-to-price ratio.
Key Features:
Comfortable LCD display and optional backlight LCD display supports night operation;
power measurements in dBm or mw and insertion loss in dB;
reference power level storage (Ref Setting)
Low battery consumption, more than 240 hours of continuous operation time with three alkaline 1.5V batteries;
The 10-minute Auto-Off function can be activated or deactivated.
Tips for selection and operation:
- Choose the best probe type and interface type.
- Evaluation of calibration accuracy and manufacturing calibration procedures, and your fiber and connectors to match the required range.
- Make sure the type and the range of your measurement and display resolution is consistent.
- With immediate effect db insertion loss measurements.
- Wear eye protection when working with high-power cables. Even with low-power layouts, it is wise to check the connectors with your power meter before looking.