There are many kinds of optical power meters, which one is suitable for us? in choosing optical power timing, we should also consider the following factors:

(1) Application.
Ordinary optical power meters can generally measure the absolute optical power of ordinary optical fiber links, but in some special applications, such as passive optical network (PON), coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) system, it is necessary to use PON optical power meter and CWDM optical power meter, so as to quickly and accurately measure the optical power of the corresponding lines.

(2) wavelength range.
Different optical power meters have a certain range of working wavelengths, usually between 800nm and 1700nm.

If we want to measure the optical power of the line more accurately, we need to calibrate the wavelength of the optical power meter to make it consistent with the working wavelength of the optical fiber equipment.

Nowadays, the working wavelengths of most optical fiber devices are 850nm, 1310nm or 1550nm, so it is best to ensure that the wavelength range can cover these three wavelengths when purchasing optical power.

(3) Power measurement range.
The power range measured by the optical power meter has a great influence on the accuracy of the measurement results.

Generally speaking, the power measurement range of optical power for common applications should be between-70dBm and + 30dBm.

(4) Interface type.
When measuring the optical power, it is usually necessary to use the patch cord to connect the optical power meter and the tested link. The interface type of the time power meter must be the same as the connector interface of the patch cord.

In the past, the interface of optical power meter was fixed, for example, many optical power meters have only one FC interface, which is very inconvenient to use; now, some optical power meters adopt the design of general interface, and some are equipped with MPO/MTP multi-core interface, so the measurement is much more flexible.

If the interface type of the optical power meter is not consistent with the connector interface of the optical fiber jumper, you can also purchase different optical fiber jumpers at both ends, for example: the optical power meter interface is SC, network optical device is LC, then it can be equipped with a patch cord from SC to LC.