AFL debuts FOCIS Lightning2 multifiber connection inspection system
AFL has introduced the FOCIS Lightning2 Multi-Fiber Optic Connector Inspection System, a larger, more fully featured version of the original FOCIS Lightning. The inspection instrument provides one-button inspection of a variety of fiber-optic connector types, including both single-fiber and multifiber connectors.
The FOCIS Lightning2 offers a 50% larger display than its predecessor that is designed for touchscreen operation. It supports four magnification levels (1X, 2X, 4X, and 8X) and a larger field of view that conforms to the pending IEC 61300-3-35 standard. The 0.6-lb. instrument is designed to offer fast and accurate measurements via a single 10-megapixel camera that can be stored and shared in a variety of ways, including via the company’s Flex Reporter system.
Sources at AFL say that the trend toward the use of pre-terminated cables in data center, 5G, and FTTx applications should increase demand for the FOCSIS Lightning2. While such cabling is designed for plug-and-play operation, the AFL representatives assert that connectors may still feature dirty connectors – perhaps because of events in transit from the factory. The instrument comes with a variety of tips to ensure compatibility with a range of FTTx terminals.
“Fiber technicians are often tasked with multiple jobs when installing fiber – from cable placement and splicing to test and inspection,” said David Tanis, senior product manager for AFL’s Test and Inspection group, via a press statement. “The tools they use must be intuitive as they don’t have the time to re-learn how to use them every time they pick them up. FOCIS Lightning2 addresses this challenge by providing a very simple-to-operate fiber probe that can be used right out of the box.”
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.