Design considerations for fiber storage cassettes for fiber-in-the-loop applications

摘要

When cassettes for optical couplers and fiber slack are designed for the local loop, goals of minimizing scrap, maximizing productivity both in the factory and in the field, and ensuring long-term reliability should be set, and then reviewed during the development process. Control of fiber bend radius should be achieved without exposing fibers to excessive tension. When designing for fusion splicing, adjustment of fiber lengths and alternative fiber routing paths must be incorporated. Strain relief of fibers entering and exiting should be accomplished without forfeiting the ability to re-position and replace them. Buffer tube design criteria include attachment to the cassette, isolation of stress from the fiber, resistance to kinking, and ability to be removed in the field in incremental lengths.