U.S. patent application number 16/417130 was filed with the patent office on 2020-11-26 for overheat testing apparatus for optical fiber.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kidde Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Darryl J. DeWitt, Lei Liu.
Application Number | 20200370968 16/417130 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005207298 |
Filed Date | 2020-11-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200370968 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeWitt; Darryl J. ; et
al. |
November 26, 2020 |
OVERHEAT TESTING APPARATUS FOR OPTICAL FIBER
Abstract
Disclosed is an optical fiber overheat detection testing
apparatus. The apparatus includes an optical fiber having a first
end and a second end, the optical fiber having a predetermined
length associated with a predetermined attenuation based on an
overheat detection instrument loop. The apparatus includes a first
fiber Bragg grating disposed on the optical fiber having a first
wavelength spectrum based on a first temperature detection
apparatus. The apparatus includes a second fiber Bragg grating
disposed on the optical fiber having a second wavelength spectrum
based on at least one of a plurality of overheat detection
apparatuses.
Inventors: |
DeWitt; Darryl J.; (Raleigh,
NC) ; Liu; Lei; (Wake Forest, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kidde Technologies, Inc. |
Wilson |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005207298 |
Appl. No.: |
16/417130 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 10/071 20130101;
B64D 2045/0085 20130101; B64D 2045/009 20130101; G08B 17/06
20130101; G01M 11/33 20130101; G01K 3/005 20130101; G02B 6/4266
20130101; B64D 45/00 20130101; G01K 11/3206 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01K 11/32 20060101
G01K011/32; G01M 11/00 20060101 G01M011/00; B64D 45/00 20060101
B64D045/00; G02B 6/42 20060101 G02B006/42; H04B 10/071 20060101
H04B010/071; G08B 17/06 20060101 G08B017/06; G01K 3/00 20060101
G01K003/00 |
Claims
1. An optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus
comprising: an optical fiber having a first end and a second end,
the optical fiber having a predetermined length associated with a
predetermined attenuation based on an overheat detection instrument
loop of a preexisting detection system; a first fiber Bragg grating
disposed on the optical fiber having a first wavelength spectrum
based on a first temperature detection apparatus of the preexisting
detection system; and a second fiber Bragg grating disposed on the
optical fiber having a second wavelength spectrum based on at least
one of a plurality of overheat detection apparatuses of the
preexisting detection system.
2. The optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus of claim
1 further comprising, a third fiber Bragg grating disposed on the
optical fiber having a third wavelength spectrum based on a third
temperature detection apparatus of the preexisting detection
system.
3. The optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus of claim
1, wherein the first wavelength spectrum is distinct from the
second wavelength spectrum such that wavelengths associated with
the first wavelength spectrum are not reflected by the second
wavelength spectrum.
4. The optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus of claim
3, wherein the first wavelength spectrum is defined by a first
refractive index associated with the first fiber Bragg grating and
is distinct from the second wavelength spectrum having a second
refractive index.
5. The optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus of claim
3, wherein the first wavelength spectrum is defined by a first
grating period associated with the first fiber Bragg grating that
is distinct from the second wavelength spectrum having a second
grating period.
6. The optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus of claim
1, wherein the first fiber Bragg grating is spaced from the first
end by one half meter.
7. The optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus of claim
4 further comprising, a third fiber Bragg grating disposed on the
optical fiber having a third wavelength spectrum based on a third
temperature detection apparatus spaced from the first end by one
meter and the second fiber Bragg grating is disposed between the
first fiber Bragg grating and the third fiber Bragg grating.
8. The optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus of claim
1 further comprising, a test controller having stored test
instructions operable upon execution to, responsive to a start
command, increase a first temperature associated with the first
fiber Bragg grating and receive a first temperature indication
based on the first temperature.
9. The optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus of claim
8, wherein the stored test instructions operable upon execution to
alter the second wavelength spectrum associated with the second
fiber Bragg grating according to a stress actuator based on a
second temperature associated with the second fiber Bragg grating
and receive a second temperature indication based on the second
temperature.
10. The optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus of claim
8 further comprising an operations controller having stored
operations instructions operable upon execution to send an output
signal through the optical fiber and, responsive to an input signal
having wavelengths within the first wavelength spectrum, send the
first temperature indication.
11. The optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus of claim
10 wherein the stored test instructions and the stored operations
instructions are operable upon execution by a processor.
12. The optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus of claim
1, wherein the second wavelength spectrum includes wavelengths
associated with each of the plurality of overheat detection
apparatuses.
13. A method comprising: increasing a first environmental
temperature associated with a first fiber Bragg grating and
receiving a first temperature indication based on the first
environmental temperature; responsive to receiving the first
temperature indication, increasing a second environmental
temperature associated with a second fiber Bragg grating and
receiving a second temperature indication based on the second
environmental temperature.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising, receiving a first
wavelength spectrum defined by the first fiber Bragg grating
according to the first environmental temperature.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising, receiving a second
wavelength spectrum defined by the second fiber Bragg grating
according to the second environmental temperature, the second
wavelength spectrum has a wider reflected bandwidth than the first
wavelength spectrum.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising, transmitting the
first temperature indication based on the first wavelength spectrum
and transmitting the second temperature indication based on the
second wavelength spectrum.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the second wavelength spectrum
corresponds to a plurality of overheat detection fiber Bragg
gratings and the first wavelength spectrum corresponds to a
temperature detection fiber Bragg grating.
18. An optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus
comprising: an optical fiber having a first end and a second end,
the optical fiber having a predetermined length associated with a
predetermined attenuation based on an overheat detection instrument
loop of a preexisting detection system; a first fiber Bragg grating
disposed on the optical fiber, spaced from the first end by one
half meter, and having a first wavelength spectrum based on a first
temperature detection apparatus of the preexisting detection
system; a third fiber Bragg grating disposed on the optical fiber,
spaced from the first end by one meter having a third wavelength
spectrum based on a third temperature detection apparatus of the
preexisting detection system; and a second fiber Bragg grating
disposed on the optical fiber and equidistant from the first fiber
Bragg grating and the third fiber Bragg grating having a second
wavelength spectrum based on at least one of a plurality of
overheat detection apparatuses of the preexisting detection
system.
19. The optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus of claim
18, wherein the first wavelength spectrum is distinct from the
second wavelength spectrum such that wavelengths associated with
the first wavelength spectrum are not reflected by the second
wavelength spectrum.
20. The optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus of claim
18 further comprising, a test controller having stored test
instructions operable upon execution to, responsive to a start
command, increase a first temperature associated with the first
fiber Bragg grating and receive a first temperature indication
based on the first temperature.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Exemplary embodiments pertain to the art of overheat testing
equipment for optical fiber aircraft temperature detection systems.
Temperature detection may be provided to aircraft operators and
controllers. Such systems may require testing and assessment to
determine proper operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0002] Disclosed is an optical fiber overheat detection testing
apparatus. The apparatus includes an optical fiber having a first
end and a second end, the optical fiber having a predetermined
length associated with a predetermined attenuation based on an
overheat detection instrument loop. The apparatus includes a first
fiber Bragg grating disposed on the optical fiber having a first
wavelength spectrum based on a first temperature detection
apparatus. The apparatus includes a second fiber Bragg grating
disposed on the optical fiber having a second wavelength spectrum
based on at least one of a plurality of overheat detection
apparatuses.
[0003] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include a third fiber
Bragg grating disposed on the optical fiber having a third
wavelength spectrum based on a third temperature detection
apparatus.
[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the
first wavelength spectrum is distinct from the second wavelength
spectrum such that wavelengths associated with the first wavelength
spectrum are not reflected by the second wavelength spectrum.
[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the
first wavelength spectrum is defined by a first refractive index
associated with the first fiber Bragg grating is distinct from the
second wavelength spectrum having a second refractive index.
[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the
first wavelength spectrum is defined by a first grating period
associated with the first fiber Bragg grating that is distinct from
the second wavelength spectrum having a second grating period.
[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the
first fiber Bragg grating is spaced from the first end by one half
meter.
[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include a third fiber
Bragg grating disposed on the optical fiber having a third
wavelength spectrum based on a third temperature detection
apparatus spaced from the first end by one meter and the second
fiber Bragg grating is disposed between the first fiber Bragg
grating and the third fiber Bragg grating.
[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include a test
controller having stored test instructions operable upon execution
to, responsive to a start command, increase a first temperature
associated with the first fiber Bragg grating and receive a first
temperature indication based on the first temperature.
[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the
stored test instructions operable upon execution to alter the
second wavelength spectrum associated with the second fiber Bragg
grating according to a stress actuator based on a second
temperature associated with the second fiber Bragg grating and
receive a second temperature indication based on the second
temperature.
[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include further
comprising an operations controller having stored operations
instructions operable upon execution to send an output signal
through the optical fiber and, responsive to an input signal having
wavelength within the first wavelength spectrum, send the first
temperature indication.
[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the
stored test instructions and the stored operations instructions are
operable upon execution by a processor.
[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the
second wavelength spectrum includes wavelengths associated with
each of the plurality of overheat detection apparatuses.
[0014] A method includes increasing a first environmental
temperature associated with a first fiber Bragg grating and
receiving a first temperature indication based on the first
environmental temperature. The method includes increasing a second
environmental temperature associated with a second fiber Bragg
grating and receiving a second temperature indication based on the
second environmental temperature. The increase is responsive to
receiving the first temperature indication.
[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include receiving a
first wavelength spectrum defined by the first fiber Bragg grating
according to the first environmental temperature.
[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include receiving a
second wavelength spectrum defined by the second fiber Bragg
grating according to the second environmental temperature, the
second wavelength spectrum has a wider reflected bandwidth than the
first wavelength spectrum.
[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include transmitting
the first temperature indication based on the first wavelength
spectrum and transmitting the second temperature indication based
on the second wavelength spectrum.
[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the
second wavelength spectrum corresponds to a plurality of overheat
detection fiber Bragg gratings and the first wavelength spectrum
corresponds to a temperature detection fiber Bragg grating.
[0019] Also disclosed is an optical fiber overheat detection
testing apparatus. The apparatus includes an optical fiber having a
first end and a second end, the optical fiber having a
predetermined length associated with a predetermined attenuation
based on an overheat detection instrument loop. The apparatus
includes a first fiber Bragg grating disposed on the optical fiber,
spaced from the first end by one half meter, and having a first
wavelength spectrum based on a first temperature detection
apparatus. The apparatus includes a third fiber Bragg grating
disposed on the optical fiber, spaced from the first end by one
meter having a third wavelength spectrum based on a third
temperature detection apparatus. The apparatus includes a second
fiber Bragg grating disposed on the optical fiber and equidistant
from the first fiber Bragg grating and the third fiber Bragg
grating having a second wavelength spectrum based on at least one
of a plurality of overheat detection apparatuses.
[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the
first wavelength spectrum is distinct from the second wavelength
spectrum such that wavelengths associated with the first wavelength
spectrum are not reflected by the second wavelength spectrum.
[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include a test
controller having stored test instructions operable upon execution
to, responsive to a start command, increase a first temperature
associated with the first fiber Bragg grating and receive a first
temperature indication based on the first temperature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting
in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like
elements are numbered alike:
[0023] FIG. 1 includes an optical fiber overheat detection testing
apparatus having fiber Bragg gratings;
[0024] FIG. 2A includes a fiber Bragg gratings associated with
temperature detection testing of an environment of the optical
fiber;
[0025] FIG. 2B includes a fiber Bragg gratings associated overheat
detection testing of an environment of the optical fiber;
[0026] FIG. 3A is a schematic of a test controller and an
operations controller associated with the optical fiber overheat
detection testing apparatus;
[0027] FIG. 3B is a schematic of a fiber optic switch;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a method associated with testing an optical fiber
overheat detection apparatus;
[0029] FIG. 5A is a light spectrum associated with a temperature
detection fiber Bragg grating; and
[0030] FIG. 5B is a light spectrum associated with an overheat
detection fiber Bragg grating.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the
disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of
exemplification and not limitation with reference to the
Figures.
[0032] Optical fibers may be distributed throughout aircraft for
temperature detection. For example, aircraft wings and sections
associated with bleed air may be configured with optical fibers to
detect overheat and provide temperature indications. Control
signals may be sent from controllers through sensing instruments to
detect temperature deviations. For example, fiber Bragg gratings
may be disposed along an optical fiber instrument loop. The optical
fiber instrument loop may terminate at a controller. The controller
may have transmit and receive ports for sending and receiving a
light spectrum.
[0033] The controller may be operable to detect a change in
temperature through changes in received light spectrum after
traversing the optical fiber. For the example, the changes may
include attenuation of particular wavelengths or frequencies of the
light spectrum. Further, a predetermined shift of the particular
permitted wavelengths may occur proportionate or otherwise
associated with the change in temperature. As such, the change in
temperature associated with particular portions of the optical
fiber may be detected.
[0034] Optical fiber may experience operational transients. For
example, the optical fiber may include application of heat from
heat guns or other apparatuses to alter the temperature of
individual fiber Bragg gratings. Validation of performance may be
detected by a controller conducting the test. Testing may occur
offline or during operation.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, portions 100 of an optical fiber
overheat detection testing apparatus is shown. The optical fiber
overheat detection testing apparatus includes an optical fiber 101.
The optical fiber 101 has a first end 102 and a second end 104. The
optical fiber 101 may have a predetermined length 103. The
predetermined length may be associated with a predetermined
attenuation. The predetermined attenuation may be based on an
overheat detection instrument loop that the optical fiber overheat
detection testing apparatus is intended to mimic. For example, the
optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus may be required
to test a controller associated with an optical fiber overheat
detection instrument loop on a wing of an aircraft. The optical
fiber 101 includes a first fiber Bragg grating 106. The first fiber
Bragg grating 106 may be formed by any means, including laser
etching or chemical doping. The first fiber Bragg grating 106 may
have a wavelength spectrum that is based on a first temperature
detection apparatus. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, a wavelength spectrum
defines the reflective and transmissive properties of the fiber
Bragg grating. The first fiber Bragg grating 106 may be based on a
corresponding fiber Bragg grating of the instrument loop being
tested. That is, a wavelength spectrum of the first fiber Bragg
grating 106 may mimic the wavelength spectrum of the fiber Bragg
instrument of the instrument loop within the aircraft.
[0036] The first fiber Bragg grating 106 may be spaced from the
first end by a predetermined distance 124. The predetermined
distance 124 may be one half meter. A second fiber Bragg grating
108 may be disposed on the optical fiber 101. The second fiber
Bragg grating 108 may be spaced from the first fiber Bragg grating
106 by a predetermined distance. The second fiber Bragg grating 108
may be formed by any means, including laser etching or chemical
doping. The second fiber Bragg grating 108 may have a wavelength
spectrum that is based on at least one of a plurality of overheat
detection apparatuses. For example, an instrument loop in an
aircraft may have overheat detection apparatuses or fiber Bragg
gratings lined between respected temperature fiber Bragg gratings.
The second fiber Bragg grating 108 may be disposed to mimic those
over heat detection fiber Bragg gratings as one component--instead
of a combination of multiple components. Such a reduction in the
form factor of the testing optical fiber 101, as compared with the
optical fiber install in an aircraft, is that the form factor
reduction allows for insertion of bypass switches 120, which allow
testing of individual fiber Bragg gratings on the optical fiber
101. That is, although the overall length 103 may be similar to
that of an installed instrument loop on an aircraft, the second
fiber Bragg grating 108 occupies a substantially smaller linear
distance than fiber Bragg gratings of the instrument loop on the
aircraft. The switches allow testing of controller responses
associated with the instrument loop without deconstruction of the
aircraft.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, a wavelength spectrum defines the
reflective and transmissive properties of the second fiber Bragg
grating 108. The second fiber Bragg grating 108 may be based on a
corresponding overheat fiber Bragg grating of the instrument loop
being tested. That is, a wavelength spectrum of the second fiber
Bragg grating 108 may mimic the wavelength spectrum of the overheat
fiber Bragg instruments of the instrument loop within the aircraft
or a portion thereof.
[0038] A third fiber Bragg grating 110 may be disposed on optical
fiber 101. The third fiber Bragg grating 110 may be spaced from the
first fiber Bragg grating 106 by a predetermined length 122. The
predetermined length 122 may be one half meter. The second fiber
Bragg grating 108 may be disposed equidistant between the first
fiber Bragg grating 106 and the third fiber Bragg grating 110.
Bypass switches 120 may be interspersed to allow bypassing of
individual fiber Bragg gratings 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118.
The third fiber Bragg grating 110 may have a wavelength spectrum
based on a third temperature sensor of an instrument loop installed
in an aircraft. That is, the wavelength spectrum of reflected and
transmitted light through the third fiber Bragg grating may be
substantially similar to a fiber Bragg grating disposed on an
optical fiber in an aircraft. The fiber Bragg gratings 106, 108,
110, 112, 114, 116, 118 may be distinct from one another in that
the reflected and transmitted wavelengths of each of the gratings
do not overlap. That is, the reflected wavelengths of the first
fiber Bragg grating 106 does not overlap the reflected wavelengths
of the second fiber Bragg grating 108, and the reflected
wavelengths of the first fiber Bragg grating 106 do not overlap the
reflected wavelengths of the third fiber Bragg grating 110.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, examples of the first fiber Bragg
grating 106 geometry on optical fiber 101 is shown in FIG. 2A. The
first fiber Bragg grating 106 has individual refractive portions
128. The refractive portions 128 are spaced by first grating period
130. The grating period 130 may define a first refractive index of
the fiber Bragg grating such that the reflected wavelengths are
based on equation (1).
.lamda..sub.B=2n.sub.e.LAMBDA. (1)
, where .lamda..sub.B is the wavelengths reflected by the first
refractive or modal index n.sub.e and the first grating period
.LAMBDA., 130. The refractive portions 128 may be spaced according
to the grating period 130 to mimic a temperature instrument on
aircraft instrument loop. FIG. 2B shows a second fiber Bragg
grating 108 geometry on optical fiber 101. The second fiber Bragg
gratin 108 has individual refractive portions 132, 134, 136. The
refractive portions 132, 134, 136 may be spaced according to second
grating periods 138, 140, 142 and have second refractive indices
such that wavelengths reflected by the second fiber Bragg grating
108 mimic a plurality of overheat detection fiber Bragg gratings on
an aircraft instrument loop. It should be appreciated that any
combination of first refractive indices, second refractive indices,
first grating periods, second grating periods or combinations
thereof may be used to generate the wavelength spectrums of FIGS.
5A-5B.
[0040] The second fiber Bragg grating 108 is disposed to mimic the
overheat instruments but may have a different structure than the
dispersed instruments on an aircraft. As such, the form factor of
the second fiber Bragg grating 108 is reduced, allowing for other
components to be placed within the first fiber Bragg grating 106
and the third fiber Bragg grating 110 without adjusting length
122.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, the optical fiber overheat detection
testing apparatus is coupled with or includes controller 200. The
controller 200 may include any combination of processors, field
programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or application specific integrated
circuits (ASIC). The controller may include memory, volatile and
non-volatile, operable to store machine instructions from the
processors and other processing mechanisms to receive, calculate,
and control devices, as necessary. The stored instructions may be
operable upon execution to perform the required function by the
processor and associated processors. The Machine instructions may
be stored in any language or representation, including but not
limited to machine code, assembly instructions, C, C++, C #,
PASCAL, COBAL, PYTHON, JAVA, and RUBY. It should be appreciated
that any type of wired or wireless configuration is appreciated for
any of the communications from the controller. Wireless protocols
such as ZIGBEE, WI-FI, BLUETOOTH, or any other implement may be
used. Communications may be realized through any protocol or medium
known or unknown.
[0042] The controller 200 may include the test controller 202 and
the operations controller 204. The controller test controller 202
may be disposed on or with the same hardware as the operations
controller 204. The test controller 202 may be disposed independent
of the operations controller 204. The test controller 202 may share
a processor 214 and memory 212 with the operations controller 204.
The test controller 202 may have an independent processor and
associated memory. As one example, the operations controller 204
and the test controller 216 may include data channels 216 disposed
to facilitate information exchange among the two and other controls
apparatuses.
[0043] Operations controller 204 may include an interface to send
light or output signal from the first end 102 through the optical
fiber 101 for reception as an input signal at the second end 104.
The test controller 202 may include interfaces associated with each
one of the heating elements 226, 228, 230. Current 216, 218, 220
through heating elements 226, 226, 230 heats fiber Bragg gratings
106, 108, 110. The fiber Bragg gratings 106, 108, 110 may be
thermally connected to the heating element 226, 228, 240 through
containers 236, 238, 240. The containers 236, 238, 240 may be
adhesive or binding to thermally connect the heating element 226
and the first fiber Bragg grating 106. The heating elements 226,
228, 230 may also or additionally include strain actuators to
mechanically deform the respective Bragg gratings 106, 108, 110 to
similarly or additionally alter the spectrum. Further, the strain
actuators may replace the heating elements 226, 228, 230 and apply
strain to the fiber Bragg gratings 106, 108, 110 that mimic heat
from heating elements 226, 228, 230. As an example, the strain
actuators may stretch the fiber Bragg gratings 106, 108, 110 a
predetermined threshold corresponding to a temperature response of
the fiber Bragg gratings 106, 108, 110.
[0044] As an example, FIG. 3B includes an interrupt 320. The bypass
switches 120 may include similar components or configurations. As
shown, the interrupt 320 includes opposing poles 326, 327 in a quad
throw configuration. The first position of includes both of the
opposing poles 326, 327 of the interrupt 320 terminating in
respective reflectors 350, 352. The respective reflectors 350, 352
may reflect light received from optical fiber 101 back to
respective ends 102, 104. Further, the opposing poles 326, 327 may
be oriented in a second position to direct light of the optical
fiber 101 through a first attenuator 354 having a first
predetermined attenuation value. The opposing poles 326, 327 may be
oriented in a third position to direct light of the optical fiber
101 through a second attenuator 356 having a second predetermined
attenuation value. It should be a appreciated that the interrupt
320 may include any number of attenuators. The opposing poles 326,
327 may be oriented in a fourth position to remove attenuation or
reflection of light traveling on the optical fiber 101. The
opposing poles 326, 327 may be oriented as disclosed with regard to
other poles in this disclosure.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 4 a method 400 is shown. Method 400 begins
in block 402. The method 400 may begin based on a start command
from the test controller 202. In block 404 the test controller 202
increases a first environmental temperature associated with the
first fiber Bragg grating 106 by increasing the current 216 flowing
through heating element 226. In block 406, the controller 204 has
memory instructions to determine whether the first wavelength
spectrum is received as anticipated from the first fiber Bragg
grating 106. In block 408 the controller 204 sends indication to
the test controller 202 that the first wavelength spectrum was
received. In block 410, the test controller 202 reports that the
indication was received. The indication may be displayed or
annunciated.
[0046] In block 412 the test controller 202 increases a second
environmental temperature associated with the second fiber Bragg
grating 108 by increasing the current 218 flowing through heating
element 228. In block 414, the controller 204 has memory
instructions to determine whether the first wavelength spectrum is
received as anticipated from the first fiber Bragg grating 108. In
block 416, the controller 204 sends indication to the test
controller 202 that the first wavelength spectrum was received. In
block 418, the test controller 202 reports that the indication was
received. In block 420, the method ends. It should be appreciated
that any of the steps or blocks may be repeated, omitted,
rearranged, or performed in parallel. The temperature associated
with the first Bragg grating 106 may be based on a temperature
indication requirement associated with a span of the environmental
temperature sensed. Further, the temperature associated with the
second Bragg grating 108 may be based on an overheat indication
having a baseline threshold for indicating overheat.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B graphs 500, 550 of incident wave
spectrums is shown. The wavelength, .lamda., is shown along the
horizontal axis, with received and transmitted power from
controller 204 through ends 102, 104 is shown. FIG. 5A depicts a
first wavelength spectrum 502 after traversing the first fiber
Bragg grating 106 without reflected wavelengths 504. As the test
controller 202 increased the temperature of the environment
surrounding the first fiber Bragg grating 106, the first wavelength
spectrum 502 shifted to temperature adjusted wavelength spectrum
508. As such, controller 204 is capable of detecting such shift 506
and outputting a first temperature indication corresponding to the
first temperature driven by first heating element 226. FIG. 5B
depicts a second wavelength spectrum 552 after traversing the
second fiber Bragg grating 108 without reflected wavelengths 554.
As the test controller 202 increased the temperature of the
environment surrounding the second fiber Bragg grating 108, the
second wavelength spectrum 552 shifted to temperature adjusted
wavelength spectrum 558. As such, controller 200 has stored memory
instructions operable to detect such a shift and output an
indication. It should be appreciated that the reflected wavelengths
554 of the second wavelength spectrum 552 may have a wider
reflected bandwidth 554 than the reflected wavelengths 504 of the
first wavelength spectrum 502 as defined by the refractive index
n.sub.e and the grating period, .LAMBDA.. It should be appreciated
that any of the fiber Bragg gratings 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116,
118 may generate respective waveform spectrums 504, 554 and
respective offsets 506, 556. As such, the controller 200 may have
stored memory instructions to detect the received wavelength
spectrums 502, 552.
[0048] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error
associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon
the equipment available at the time of filing the application.
[0049] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a",
"an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well,
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further
understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when
used in this specification, specify the presence of stated
features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components,
but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or
groups thereof.
[0050] While the present disclosure has been described with
reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be
made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure
without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it
is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present
disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of
the claims.
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