BBN International Ltd has added the AI-20 Fully Integrated Cleaver and Splicer with Cleaver and Meters to its extensive range of fibre optic equipment.

Developed by Signal Fire, the AI-20 is a fourth-generation fibre fusion splicer designed to bring several essential fibre preparation, splicing and testing functions together within one compact system. Its integrated design can help technicians complete fibre installation and maintenance work more efficiently, while reducing the amount of separate equipment they need to carry.

A Fully Integrated Fibre Splicing Solution

The AI-20 has been developed for full link integration and combines Signal Fire’s latest fibre splicing technology with a delayed-return electric one-step cleaver.

Rather than relying on a separate cleaving device before beginning the fusion splicing process, users can prepare and splice fibres using the integrated equipment. This creates a more streamlined working process and can make the AI-20 particularly useful when carrying out work in locations where space is limited.

The unit also incorporates optical power meter and visual fault locator functions, commonly referred to as OPM and VFL. These integrated testing capabilities allow technicians to perform additional fibre checks without continually changing between separate instruments.

Fast and Accurate Fibre Splicing

The AI-20 supports both core and cladding alignment, helping users correctly position fibres before fusion splicing takes place.

With a stated splicing time of six seconds, the equipment is designed to support technicians working on fibre installations where speed and productivity are important. The machine can accommodate fibres with cladding diameters ranging from 80 to 150 micrometres.

By combining alignment, cleaving and fusion splicing functions, the AI-20 provides a practical solution for carrying out a complete fibre preparation and joining process from one compact workstation.

Integrated Testing Equipment

The built-in visual fault locator provides technicians with a convenient method of identifying faults, breaks and other potential problems within a fibre link.

Its integrated optical power meter can also be used when checking the strength of optical signals. Bringing these testing functions into the fusion splicer can reduce the need to transport and set up several individual instruments at a worksite.

This integrated approach can help improve efficiency while also keeping the technician’s working area more organised.

Compact and Easy to Operate

The AI-20 can be combined with Signal Fire’s nine-in-one fibre stripper, along with a combinable workbench and worktable. Together, these components create a portable fibre preparation and splicing station.

Its compact and lightweight design makes the equipment easier to transport between jobs. The straightforward operating system is also intended to make the fusion splicer accessible and convenient for technicians carrying out regular fibre installation and repair work.

Having fibre stripping, cleaving, splicing and testing equipment available within one organised system can help reduce setup times and improve overall productivity.

Suitable for Trunk Line Splicing

One of the principal applications for the AI-20 is trunk line splicing.

Trunk fibre lines form important connections within telecommunications and data networks, making reliable and accurate fibre splicing essential. The AI-20’s combination of fast splicing, alignment technology and integrated testing functions makes it well suited to this type of work.

For engineers and fibre technicians who require a portable and efficient system, the AI-20 provides the equipment needed to prepare, join and test optical fibres within one integrated solution.

Find Out More About the AI-20

BBN International supplies a wide selection of fibre optic equipment, components and testing products for telecommunications, industrial, scientific and specialist applications.

The new AI-20 Fully Integrated Cleaver and Splicer with Cleaver and Meters expands this range with a compact solution combining fibre cleaving, fusion splicing, optical power measurement and visual fault location.