The selection of fiber optic cable assemblies and their reliability is the most important consideration of the system design and subsequent requirements [2]. Fiber optic cable reliability is directly related to the frequency of cable failures. Quantitative data should be collected and evaluated to determine why and when failures occurred and to identify design options which can be made to avoid these failure conditions. An understanding of fiber-optic device failure modes and mechanisms is critical to insuring unit reliability, improving the manufacturing process, and allowing design flexibility of the overall fiber-optic system.
Some common fiber optic cable assembly failure attributes, as shown in Figure 2, include contaminated termini, poorly polished fiber connectors, excessive fiber apex offset, broken fibers, broken connector alignment sleeves, improper choice of the fiber optic cable cladding and outer jacket and inadequate termini cleaning after connector disconnect.