How does pulse width affect the resolution and dynamic range of an OTDR trace?

Pulse width, in the context of OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) measurements, refers to the duration of the light pulse that the OTDR sends into the fiber optic cable. Pulse width significantly impacts both the resolution and the dynamic range of the resulting OTDR trace, but in opposite ways. Resolution is the ability of the OTDR to distinguish between two closely spaced events. A shorter pulse width improves resolution. This is because a shorter pulse allows the OTDR to differentiate between reflections from closely spaced features, such as two connectors that are very near each other. If the pulse is too long, the reflections from the two connectors will overlap, and the OTDR will only register a single event. Dynamic range is the maximum optical loss that the OTDR can tolerate and still provide a usable measurement. A longer pulse width increases dynamic range. This is because a longer pulse injects more optical power into the fiber, allowing the OTDR to detect weaker backscattered signals from farther down the cable. However, increasing the pulse width reduces resolution, as explained earlier. The optimal pulse width setting depends on the specific application and the characteristics of the fiber optic cable being tested. For short cables with closely spaced events, a short pulse width is preferred to maximize resolution. For long cables with high attenuation, a long pulse width is preferred to maximize dynamic range. For example, when troubleshooting a short patch panel, a narrow pulse is used to see each connector. For a long-distance run, a wider pulse is needed to reach the far end. Choosing the right pulse width is always a compromise between resolution and dynamic range.