EXFO Releases the First Autofocus Fiber Inspection Probe Designed for Field Testing

By integrating automatic focus adjustment capabilities into its FIP-430B inspection solution, EXFO is making the test sequence 100% automated, turning fiber connector inspection into a quick and simple one-step process.

QUEBEC CITY, Jan. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO, TSX: EXF) today announced the addition of the FIP-430B Fully Automated Fiber Inspection Probe to its portfolio of portable fiber-optic test equipment.

One-step process - 100% automated

Built to simplify and speed up connector certification, the FIP-430B integrates advanced automated features, such as a high-performance, fiber image-centering system and onboard connector-endface pass/fail analysis based on IEC or custom standards to deliver accurate and consistent connector certification in seconds. The probe's image-centering function is capable of achieving time savings of up to 57%¹, and the unique, automatic focus adjustment feature provides the critical missing link enabling the process to be 100% automated. Not only is the image always captured with optimized quality, the focus protection feature prevents image capture in the event of improper focus adjustment, thus ensuring that no defects or residues affecting performance can be ignored by the analysis.

Users simply connect the FIP-430B to the connector port, following which the probe will automatically detect the connection, find and center the fiber image, adjust and optimize the focus and capture, run the pass/fail analysis, and even save and report the results. The whole process takes just slightly longer than cleaning a connector port, making it difficult to justify overlooking this critical step.

"EXFO is the first to introduce an autofocus feature of this kind in a field-inspection device. By automating the full test process, this innovation eliminates all complex and time-consuming operations, as well as the risk of human misinterpretation, making it easier for the end user to follow best practices," said Étienne Gagnon, Vice-President of EXFO's Physical-Layer and Wireless Division. "The autofocus facilitates identification of defects, and focus protection prevents reporting of false-positive results—all of which leads to more accurate and consistent test results for first-time-right network deployment."

This new FIP-430B USB inspection probe is compatible with any PC or laptop, the entire fleet of EXFO's FTB Ecosystem platforms, and the newly launched MaxTester 700B OTDR Series. For more information about the FIP-430B, please visit www.EXFO.com/FIP400B

About EXFO
Listed on the NASDAQ and TSX stock exchanges, EXFO is among the leading providers of next-generation test and service assurance solutions for wireline and wireless network operators and equipment manufacturers in the global telecommunications industry. The company offers innovative solutions for the development, installation, management and maintenance of converged, IP fixed and mobile networks—from the core to the edge. Key technologies supported include 3G, 4G/LTE, IMS, Ethernet, OTN, FTTx, VDSL2, ADSL2+ and various optical technologies accounting for more than 35% of the portable fiber-optic test market. EXFO has a staff of approximately 1600 people in 25 countries, supporting more than 2000 customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.EXFO.com and follow us on the EXFO Blog, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

¹ Data sourced from EXFO's case study, with calculation based on typical analysis time.

SOURCE EXFO inc.