VIAVI MAP PCT mORL-A1 Insertion Loss (IL) and Return Loss (RL) Test Modules

The VIAVI mORL-A1 is an insertion loss (IL) and return loss (RL) test module family for the VIAVI MAP-Series platform. It is the core measurement module of the VIAVI Passive Component/Connector Test Solution (PCT), a set of modules, software and peripherals for testing insertion loss, return loss, physical length and polarity of optical connectivity products such as connectors, cable assemblies, structured cabling and splitters. The PCT can be set up for R&D, production or qualification test environments and covers fiber types from single-mode through OM1, OM4 and OM5.

Single-mode and multimode modules

The one-slot single-mode module holds up to four sources (1310, 1490, 1550, 1625 nm), an integrated power meter and an optional 2x2 optical switch for automated bidirectional testing. RL is measured with time-domain, mandrel-free technology, which also measures DUT length. IL is measured with the power meter method, using launch power monitoring and depolarization to reach 0.001 dB resolution. RL is measured in parallel using the same optical stimulus.

The multimode module uses the same architecture and comes as a dual-wavelength (850, 1300 nm) version. A dual-fiber option tests both 50 µm and 62.5 µm fiber from one module. Multimode IL meets IEC 61280-4-1 Encircled Flux requirements, and selectable low-power LED sources are included alongside the laser sources. The bidirectional (BID) option adds an internal 2x2 switch so RL is measured on both connectors with a single connection.

PCT software

The PCT application runs natively on the MAP chassis in two versions, PCT Max and PCT Lite. It offers instrument mode, script (DUT-aware) mode with a local results database, and port mapping, plus a full set of SCPI remote commands over LAN or GPIB. FastIL provides IL-only prescreening, and the PCT Control Center PC application manages DUT definitions, report templates and serial number batches.

System expansion

The mORL is often paired with the MAP optical switch (mOSW-C1), which expands a single fiber output up to 64 channels, and with mOPM remote power meter heads, including the mOPM-C1RHPM Remote Head Polarity Mapper for simultaneous IL, RL and polarity measurement. The PCT is compatible with all current MAP-300 and MAP-200 chassis except the MAP-220.