Characterisation of Skew in Optical Fibre Ribbons from a Process Point of View

Optical parallel data links offer the possibility of transferring large amounts of data at higher speed. When using parallel transmission the difference in time delay, the skew, between the channels must be small. In order to minimise the skew in optical interconnects it is vital to have control over the fibre ribbon in the link. In this paper different fibre, ribbon and process parameters affecting the skew are discussed with focus on the encapsulated 4-fibre ribbon. Also 8- and 12-fibre ribbons are considered. Typical skew values in each case are presented. As a conclusion design rules for minimising the skew are given.