Abstract: A method for examining a propagative medium, such as a signal transmission cable, that requires the acquisition and examination of a minimum number of data points to determine the presence of an anomaly in the medium. When an anomaly is detected, its characteristics, such as loation, type and amount of loss are determined. The characteristics are then displayed. If the anomaly is a reflectionless loss, the region containing the anomaly is examined repetitively to determine its location and to improve the accuracy of its location measurement. With each successive level of examination, additional samples are collected within the region. The new samples are combined with the existing samples to reduce random noise in the data. Through this method the location of the anomaly is re-determined with greater accuracy.

Abstract: A high resolution optical fault locator for single mode applications uses a high power, short wavelength laser for generating narrow optical pulses that are launched into a single mode fiber under test. The laser output is coupled to a multimode coupler whose output is coupled to a multimode output fiber. The multimode output fiber is fusion spliced with a single mode fiber, which is coupled to a front panel connector for connecting the fiber under test to the fault locator. An optical detector that is compatible with the output laser is coupled to the multimode coupler to receive the reflected light from the fiber under test. The high resolution fault locator is useful in examining single mode local area networks where many closely spaced fiber connections exist.

Abstract: A method of displaying acquired data where a full screen base line display is scaled to represent the total duration of a device under test. Acquired data points are positioned on the base line display at locations proportional to their time of occurrence in the test. Icons, symbolic of the type of event associated with the acquired data points, are shown on the base line display. A movable bifurcating cursor points to the events and associated alphanumeric displays give distance and type of event information.