Automated LAN Cable Test System
Brochures
Automated LAN Cable Testing
Keysight Technologies and Beta LaserMike
Achieve fast, reliable and repeatable testing of Cat 5e, Cat 6/6A and Cat 7 LAN cables
The integrity of LAN cables is critical to the overall performance and reli- ability of advanced data networks. The ability to test multi-twisted pair cables efficiently and repeatably is essential to ensure rapid deployment and turn-on of high-performance data networks.
The DCM 3S-XLD automatic LAN cable test system from Beta LaserMike provides fast, reliable and repeatable testing of 4-pair to 28-pair LAN cables up to 1 GHz. The system can test up to seven 4-pair unshielded (UTP) or shielded (STP) cables connected at one time, as well as a one-step, 6 around 1, 28-pair alien crosstalk testing capability. The alien crosstalk test is fully compliant with the TIA568-C.2 requirement for Cat 6A cables. The 4-pair ISTP fixture enables the testing of individually shielded twisted pairs, ISTP and S/STP (screened shielded twisted pair), at up to 1 GHz.
The Beta LaserMike DCM 3S-XLD uses a Keysight 4263B LCR meter to measure all of the low-frequency parameters and a Keysight E5061B ENA Series network analyzer for all of the high-frequency measurements. S-parameter calibration reference standards are fully integrated into the measurement system and checked automatically in seconds. The DCM 3S-XLD utilizes RF de-embedding to ensure that measurement accuracies are provided at the point of connection to the test fixtures.
- LAN cable testing for Cat 5e, Cat 6/6A, and Cat 7 cables
- Test 4-pair to 28-pair LAN cables up to 1 GHz
- 28-pair platform tests alien crosstalk in minutes
- Test seven 4-pair cables in one operation
- Uses Keysight LCR meter for LF and Keysight network analyzer for HF measurements
- Solid-state switching for timesaving, single-connection for HF and LF testing
- Simple, easy-to-use software for automated testing
- Achieve reliable, repeatable and fast LAN cable testing
Automated LAN Cable Testing
The measurement software includes a variety of easily selected test report options including simple pass/fail summaries, extensive graphical analysis, and detailed discrete value reports.
The system allows rapid testing of LAN cables. A proprietary solid-state switching system is used to connect the measurement instruments to the cables-under-test giving increased speed and greater reliability. The use of balanced switching with only two baluns allows very fast, automatic, full two-port S-parameter calibration. In addition, each UTP test fixture includes insulation displacement clips that save time by automatically stripping the conductor insulation.
With just one cable connection to test all the low-and high-frequency measurement parameters, eliminating the need for multiple cable hookups, typical test time for a 4-pair cable is only 90 seconds.
The Beta LaserMike DCM 3S-XLD can measure or calculate all of the critical parameters required to characterize a LAN cable including: return loss, insertion loss, near and far end crosstalk, propagation delay, Alien Crosstalk, input impedance, attenuation to crosstalk, power sum, propagation delay skew, characteristic impedance and others. All parameters are measured or calculated in accordance with ASTM D4566 and IEC 61150. An option to measure transverse conversion loss/transverse conversion transfer loss (TCL/TCTL) is available either as a standalone or system solution.
With the Beta LaserMike DCM 3S-XLD equipped with Keysight’s instruments you can achieve fast, reliable and repeatable testing of multi-pair Cat 5e, Cat 6/6A and Cat 7 LAN cables.