DTS Configuration
SensorTran’s DTS 5100 range is the result of extensive research, development, field experience and proprietary know-how and provide a variety of products to meet varying customer’s requirements.
SensorTran takes extreme care and attention to ensure that the right products are always offered to meet customer’s specifications and requirements. There are a number of important specification aspects which require determination for every inquiry.
SensorTran’s DTS products are identified by the following product code make-up:
DTS XXXX - M YY R – ZZ E
Where:
| XXXX |
= |
Main product range
for example, 5100
|
| M |
= |
Fiber type
M = multimode; S = singlemode
|
| YY |
= |
Maximum range (km)
for example, 10 refers to 10km
|
| R |
= |
Hardware variant
rackmount; P = portable
|
| ZZ |
= |
Channel count
for example, 06 refers to 6 channels
|
| E |
= |
Denotes an external channel module
|
Key considerations are given below.
Fiber Type – Essentially the choice is between multimode and singlemode. Multimode DTS products generally provide the highest performance.
Measurement Range (distance) – This maximum length of fiber to be monitored, together with system optical loss (see below), are key to the selection of the best-suited DTS product.
Optical Loss – The maximum length of fiber to be monitored is not the only parameter which determines the required range. Our numerous DTS products have various optical budgets and the length of fiber is only one aspect to consider. It is important to establish the overall loss of the optical fiber probes which is a summation of losses due to splices, connectors, and switches, as well as the fiber itself which varies significantly dependent upon fiber type and its coatings.
Hardware Implementation – SensorTran provides both rackmount and portable variants.
Channel Count – This is the total number of optical fiber channels required and is determined by considering the number of fibers to be monitored and how many fibers are to be connected in double-ended configuration (see later).
Fiber Configuration – SensorTran’s range of DTS units can measure in both single-ended and double-ended configuration. Double-ended configuration is where both ends of the fiber are connected to the DTS unit (requires two channels for each optical fiber probe). Double-ended configuration can provide for increased accuracy and allows the DTS unit to completely monitor the fiber in the event of a single fiber break.
Spatial and Sampling Resolution – These are fundamental parameters which define overall system performance.
Temperature Resolution and Measurement Time – The required temperature resolution is a key specification parameter which has the most significant impact on measurement time.
Fiber Operating Environment – The maximum and minimum temperature in which the optical fiber probes will operate are not only important to ensure the correct construction of the fiber probes but also affect system performance.
