Optical Return Loss Formula

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Optical Return Loss (ORL) is a measure of the amount of light reflected back toward the source in an optical communication system, such as in optical fibers or other optical components. Check FAQs
ORL=10log10(PoutPrefPin(Pr-Pc))
ORL - Optical Return Loss?Pout - Output Power?Pref - Reflected Power?Pin - Source Power?Pr - Power at Port 2?Pc - Power at Port 4?

Optical Return Loss Example

With values
With units
Only example

Here is how the Optical Return Loss equation looks like with Values.

Here is how the Optical Return Loss equation looks like with Units.

Here is how the Optical Return Loss equation looks like.

12.2134Edit=10log10(13.011Edit13.3Edit13.01Edit(6.3Edit-5.501Edit))
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Optical Return Loss Solution

Follow our step by step solution on how to calculate Optical Return Loss?

FIRST Step Consider the formula
ORL=10log10(PoutPrefPin(Pr-Pc))
Next Step Substitute values of Variables
ORL=10log10(13.011W13.3W13.01W(6.3W-5.501W))
Next Step Prepare to Evaluate
ORL=10log10(13.01113.313.01(6.3-5.501))
Next Step Evaluate
ORL=12.2133824195993dB/m
LAST Step Rounding Answer
ORL=12.2134dB/m

Optical Return Loss Formula Elements

Variables
Functions
Optical Return Loss
Optical Return Loss (ORL) is a measure of the amount of light reflected back toward the source in an optical communication system, such as in optical fibers or other optical components.
Symbol: ORL
Measurement: AttenuationUnit: dB/m
Note: Value should be greater than 0.
Output Power
Output Power is the measurement of power at output side in a four-port coupler.
Symbol: Pout
Measurement: PowerUnit: W
Note: Value should be greater than 0.
Reflected Power
Reflected Power is the power incident on the reflector in a four port coupler.
Symbol: Pref
Measurement: PowerUnit: W
Note: Value should be greater than 0.
Source Power
Source Power is the measurement of the power at the input side.
Symbol: Pin
Measurement: PowerUnit: W
Note: Value should be greater than 0.
Power at Port 2
Power at Port 2 is the measurement of power at port 2.
Symbol: Pr
Measurement: PowerUnit: W
Note: Value should be greater than 0.
Power at Port 4
Power at Port 4 is the power measured at the port 4 of the 4 port coupler.
Symbol: Pc
Measurement: PowerUnit: W
Note: Value should be greater than 0.
log10
The common logarithm, also known as the base-10 logarithm or the decimal logarithm, is a mathematical function that is the inverse of the exponential function.
Syntax: log10(Number)

Other formulas in Transmission Measurements category

​Go Optical Attenuation
αdB=10L1-L2log10(V2V1)
​Go Absorption Loss
αabs=CTPopttc
​Go Time Constant of Calorimeter
tc=t2-t1ln(T-Tt1)-ln(T-Tt2)
​Go Scattering Loss
αsc=(4.343105l)(VscVopt)

How to Evaluate Optical Return Loss?

Optical Return Loss evaluator uses Optical Return Loss = 10*log10((Output Power*Reflected Power)/(Source Power*(Power at Port 2-Power at Port 4))) to evaluate the Optical Return Loss, Optical Return Loss (ORL) is a measure of the amount of optical power that is reflected back toward the source in an optical system, typically expressed in decibels (dB). In the context of a four-port optical coupler, such as a fiber optic coupler or splitter, ORL refers to the amount of optical power that is reflected back into one or more of the input ports when light is coupled into the device. Optical Return Loss is denoted by ORL symbol.

How to evaluate Optical Return Loss using this online evaluator? To use this online evaluator for Optical Return Loss, enter Output Power (Pout), Reflected Power (Pref), Source Power (Pin), Power at Port 2 (Pr) & Power at Port 4 (Pc) and hit the calculate button.

FAQs on Optical Return Loss

What is the formula to find Optical Return Loss?
The formula of Optical Return Loss is expressed as Optical Return Loss = 10*log10((Output Power*Reflected Power)/(Source Power*(Power at Port 2-Power at Port 4))). Here is an example- 12.21338 = 10*log10((13.011*13.3)/(13.01*(6.3-5.501))).
How to calculate Optical Return Loss?
With Output Power (Pout), Reflected Power (Pref), Source Power (Pin), Power at Port 2 (Pr) & Power at Port 4 (Pc) we can find Optical Return Loss using the formula - Optical Return Loss = 10*log10((Output Power*Reflected Power)/(Source Power*(Power at Port 2-Power at Port 4))). This formula also uses Common Logarithm (log10) function(s).
Can the Optical Return Loss be negative?
No, the Optical Return Loss, measured in Attenuation cannot be negative.
Which unit is used to measure Optical Return Loss?
Optical Return Loss is usually measured using the Decibel per Meter[dB/m] for Attenuation. Neper per Meter[dB/m], Decibel per Kilometer[dB/m] are the few other units in which Optical Return Loss can be measured.
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