This intelligent and automated test tool transforms fiber inspection into a faster and simplified one-step process providing accurate and consistent test results, and preventing the reporting of false-positive results.

APC Bulkhead Includes:

• FIPT-400-SC-APC: SC APC tip for bulkhead adapter
• FIPT-400-U25MA: Universal patchcord tip for 2.5 mm ferrules APC

Also Includes:

• Software (on CD)
• Instruction Manual (Soft Copy)
• Quick reference guide (Hard Copy)
• FIPT-BOX: Compartmented plastic case for tips
• GP-2175: Protective cap & cord assembly
• GP-10-094: Soft pouch

Analysis Digital Video Inspection Probe

• Automated PASS-FAIL analysis
• Triple Magnification
• Auto Center
• ConnectorMax2 Software
• Download Product Specification

KEY FEATURES
Fully automated, one-step process:
› Automatic fi ber-connection detection
› Automatic image centering
› Automatic focus adjustment and optimization
› Automatic capture
› Automatic pass/fail analysis
› Automatic reporting
On-board connector endface analysis (IEC, IPC or custom standards) including MPO/MTP analysis.
Pass/fail LED indicator for immediate diagnosis of connector health
Optimal digital image quality with three levels of magnification

COVER ALL FIBER APPLICATIONS

• More than 30 tip adaptors designed for:
  
• FTTx and hybrid networks
  
• Mobile fronthaul (FTTA) and backhaul
  
• DAS and fi ber-fed small cells
  
• Data centers
  
• Campus and private networks
  
• Lab, research and cable manufacturing

HOW CONFIDENT ARE YOU ABOUT YOUR CONNECTOR CLEANLINESS?

Connector inspection using automated analysis software to assess connector quality is an essential step during fiber commissioning and installation, and an integral part of best practices. Maintaining connector certification records is important for future reference. When combined with fiber certification, connector inspection provides end-to-end certification.

However, users may not be aware of the fact that standards do not specify the focus level needed to achieve proper connector assessment. A slightly out-of-focus image may hide defects and trigger a “pass” result when analyzed in accordance with specific
inspection standards. Unfortunately, if these hidden defects exceed acceptance criteria, the result will be a false positive. 

› Such false-positive results are likely to mislead users and lead to costly consequences. Future upgrades to higher data rates such as 40G/100G may fail, as tolerances for insertion loss (IL) and optical return loss (ORL) become much tighter with higher data rates.

For example, a connector hiding small defects in the core area may be able to handle 2.5G or 10G, but could fail at 100G. If a specific link is chosen for an upgrade to a higher data rate, and tied to a service-level agreement (SLA), there could be grave financial consequences.

› False positives may also become the root cause of long and tedious troubleshooting tasks, because engineers will seek out issues at the fiber level (transmission cards, splice points) before rechecking connectors that are displaying pass results.

› Bad connectors can also affect test results. A good example of this is higher ORL readings from the OTDR due to dirty connectors, which typically exhibit more reflection. Another commonly encountered example involves erratic readings during
40G or 100G OTN BERT testing.

Problems such as forward error correction (FEC) may also arise and lead to unnecessary troubleshooting of TX and RX equipment, when in actual fact the problem is at the connector level. When these issues surface, the only solution is to obtain reliable results by returning on-site and retesting the link.

AVOID FALSE POSITIVES

To avoid such issues, users are now requesting methods that optimize image quality to ensure the integrity of inspection results.
This is exactly where the new FIP-430B inspection probe comes into play. Thanks to it’s fully automated features, the FIP-430B ensures optimized image quality. This inspection probe automatically adjusts and optimizes focus and image centering, and then automatically captures and analyzes in accordance with preprogrammed IEC, IPC or custom standards delivering accurate results— and all in just ONE step.

GET ACCURATE INSPECTION RESULTS

The autofocus feature in the new FIP-430B not only greatly facilitates inspection, but also enables optimized focus adjustment to ensure detection of all defects capable of affecting connector performances. The system self-adjusts the image centering to ensure that all inspection zones are visible, and then automatically adjusts the focus to achieve the best optical resolution. Next, the IEC, IPC, or custom standard is applied to deliver accurate certification results in a snap. Fussing with image focusing, centering and inaccurate analysis results is now a thing from the past. Get the best. Get the FIP 430B.

RE-ENGINEERED DESIGN

The rubber casing and controls are designed for intense field operation. The controls are strategicially positioned to make the inspection process easier. Plus, the very bright LED status can be easily viewed from different angles. The FIP-400B is designed for seamless handling by both right- and left-handed users.

FAST-TRACKING CONNECTOR INSPECTION

When you outsource your fiber testing, you want to be certain that the technician will apply the best practices and properly certify every connector. Neglecting to do so, at this critical step, will lead to serious, time-consuming problems.

The new FIP-400B
Series is the result of years of fiber-inspection experience in the field. Its patent pending, re-engineered design was developed from actual, end-user feedback for the purpose of optimizing and speeding up the inspection process.

AUTOMATIC, FIBER IMAGE CENTERING
This function cuts inspection time in half, because it automatically detects the fiber
end face and instantly centers the image. The user simply has to focus and capture.
This is especially handy when inspecting patch panels and hard-to-reach connectors.
It also ensures that users will not miss defects in the critical zones of the connectors.

Hit the bull’s-eye, every time.

TRIPLE MAGNIFICATION MODE

By optimizing the image size, users get a detailed view of all defects. This series features the only probes in the industry offering three magnification levels.

SIMULTANEOUS MULTIFIBER VIEW WITH PICTURE-IN-PICTURE (PIP)

The FIP-430B’s unique 912 µm x 912 µm FOV greatly facilitates visual MPO connector. Plus, ConnectorMax2 includes a picture-in-picture, low-magnification window that displays multiple fibers (4 or 8 at a time), ensuring that you never miss a fiber while scanning.

AUTOMATIC PASS/FAIL CONNECTOR CERTIFICATION WITH CONNECTORMAX2 SOFTWARE

Powerful connector endface image viewing and analysis software

› Automatic pass/fail analysis of the connector endfaces
› Lightning-fast results in seconds with simple one-touch operation
› Complete test reports for future referencing
› Stores images and results for recordkeeping

Delivering fast pass/fail assessment of connector endfaces, EXFO’s ConnectorMax2 Software is designed to save both time and money in the field. The ConnectorMax2 automated inspection application eliminates guesswork by providing clear-cut connector endface analysis.

Using ConnectorMax2 in conjunction with FIP-400B series of fiber inspection probes (models with on-board analysis feature), field technicians are able to analyze defects and scratches, and measure their impact on connector performance. Results are then compared against preprogrammed IEC/IPC standards or user-defined criteria, leading to accurate pass/fail verdicts established right on-site.

Therefore, running a pass/fail analysis helps avoid two-time, money-draining situations (i.e., undetected connector defects requiring that technicians return to the site at a later date) and unnecessary replacement of connectors with slight defects too small to provide a “fail” verdict.

Thanks to the ConnectorMax2’s newly redesigned interface, the unit features a unique all-in-one integrated GUI, with a touchscreen providing quick access to all of the instrument’s main functionalities.

The ConnectorMax 2 Software is included with all FIP-400B Fiber inspection Probes Series as the default image viewer and results saving tool. Although, please note that the automated pass/fail analysis functionality is only enabled if used in conjunction with an FIP-420B or FIP-430B probe models, which offer on-board analysis feature.

ConnectorMax2 also offers the smoothest MPO/MTP connectors analysis process thanks to its unique PIP multifiber view paired with the automated centering and
focusing functions of the FIP-430B. Your hands are free to control the X and Y scanning tool so that you can sequentially run the Pass/Fail analysis on each fiber of the connector to get a global status as per the standards. Less manipulations, less time taken.

HIGH-VISIBILITY LED PASS/FAIL INDICATOR

Located directly on the probe, this LED indicates the status of the connector under test following analysis, providing immediate diagnosis of connector cleanliness. Because there is no need to consult the platform or display screen, users can simply focus on getting ready for their next inspection.

FIP-400B UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY

Thanks to its USB port, the FIP-400B Series is compatible with the entire FTB ecosystem, the MaxTester 700B OTDR Series, the MAX-FIP display, IQS benchtop platforms as well as PCs and laptops.

THREE MODELS

The FIP-430B offers all the benefits listed above. However, EXFO also has a budget-friendly model (the FIP-410B) for those who are interested in high optical performance without the automated connector certification. 

VERSATILE BENCHTOP SOLUTION FOR LABS AND CABLE MANUFACTURING

The FIP-400B can be quickly transformed into a benchtop inspection solution by mounting the probe on a desktop support stand (GP-2182, sold as accessory). This leaves your hands free for repetitive manipulations and inspection of fiber jumpers and
connectors.

This makes the FIP-400B probes quite a handy solution for the production floor having to inspect both patch chords and bulkheads.

› Stable hold and rugged design
› Adjustable angle up to 7 different positions
› Allows male and female connector inspection using the same tool
› Quick release handle

Inspecting and analyzing fiber connector end faces has never been easier with this digital fiber inspection probe. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Size (H x W x D): 47 mm x 42 mm x 162 mm (1 7/8 in x 1 5/8 in x 6 3/8 in)
Weight: 0.3 kg (0.66 lb)
Resolution: 0.55 µm
Camera sensor: Five-megapixel CMOS
Visual detection capability: <1 µm
Field of view:
304 µm x 304 µm (high magnification)
608 µm x 608 µm (mid magnification)
912 µm x 912 µm (low magnification)
Light source: Blue LED
Lighting technique: Coaxial
Capture button: Available on all models
Magnification button: Available on all models
Digital magnification: Three levels
Connector: USB2

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Temperature Operating:–10 to 50 

 Temperature Storage: –40 to 70

Relative humidity: 0 % to 95 % noncondensing

CONNECTOR MAX2 SOFTWARE: PC OPERATING SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS

The following minimum requirements must be met in order to install and run ConnectorMax2 on a computer:

ACCESSORIES

Includes:
Video inspection probe (FIP-410B/420B/430B)
Bulkhead and patch cord tips
ConnectorMax2 software
GP-2175: Protective cap and cord assembly
FIPT-BOX: Compartmentalized plastic case for tips
GP-10-094: Soft pouch for FIP-400 and FIP-400B