Further studies on induced losses in a microduct cable with focus on micro- and macro-bend losses

摘要

In two separate papers last year [1, 2] studies were performed on micro- and macrobend properties related to applications in the access network. In the present paper we go one step further and have evaluated one commercially available microduct cable design for G.652.D fibres, but have also included different G.657. A2 and 200 μm fibres in the same cable. The cable design is loose tube and the tubes have a number of various fibres from different manufacturers. Details will be given in the paper. Research during 2010 and 2011 showed that microduct cables in general have limited or low protection for the fibres, in particular regarding crush. Experiments show that microbending is the main problem during crush tests and macrobending is a smaller problem. We will show a way to improve the crush properties in the microduct cable by using microbend- and macrobend tests for fibre selection and performing a set of cable tests. It is important besides crush tests to include temperature cycling and tensile tests, since we need to ascertain that standard tests are fulfilled as well. Using the techniques as outlined above we have been able to verify the robustness of the different fibres in the study. Finally we give evidence how to improve microduct cable performance and their crush properties. We also show more data how to differentiate between macro- and microbend sensitivities.