GR-20 Ribbon Separation 5.2.2

PFOC Lab Meeting10/18/2005

Presentation Modified on Feb 14, 2006

Contributed by: Scott TorreyProduct Line Manager – Ribbon Cable

Corning Cable Systems

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Outline• FTTH and ribbon separation

• Current test procedure

• Suggested changes

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FTTH and ribbon separation• Verizon uses ribbon cables in both the feeder and

distribution segments of the network• Ribbons are now more frequently accessed to drop single

fibers at network access points (NAPs)

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Ribbon Separation Test (GR-20 5.2.2)• Section 5.2.2. contains 4 variations of the test

– Edge fiber pulled out of ribbon at end– 6-fiber ribbon pulled out of ribbon at end– Edge fiber pulled out of ribbon in mid-span– 6-fiber ribbon pulled out of ribbon at mid-span

• Pass/Fail– Force required to perform separation < 4.4 N (1 lbf)– Ribbon matrix easily removable to access individual fibers

without damaging coating– Fiber coloring retained on fiber so any 2.5 cm length (1 inch)

section identifiable– No coating damage (5x magnification)– Any fiber or sub-ribbon separable by tool or hand > 1 meter

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Ribbon Separation Test (GR-20 5.2.2)Edge fiber separation – end sample

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Ribbon Separation Test (GR-20 5.2.2)6-fiber ribbon separation – mid-span

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Differences exist between test method and field procedure

• More than one individual fiber often separated from ribbon

• Fibers typically pulled out of edge of ribbon vs. 90-degree angle to long-axis of ribbon

• Test requires sample size of two ribbons

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Changes and Additions:• 1. All fibers are to be separated from the ribbon, one at a

time, using current test set up and equipment. • 2. All fibers to be separated, one at a time, through the

edge of the ribbon to reflect typical field practices.• 3. If the cable under evaluation contains six ribbons or less

then perform items 1 & 2 on all ribbons. If more than six ribbons then perform items 1 & 2 on six ribbons.

• 4. Pull six ribbon samples (less if less than a six ribbon cable) from six different lots, i.e. each sample from a different machine line up, or a different shift, etc. Document pedigree and rationale of each sample. Perform section 5.2.2 with the changes identified in items 1-4.