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Description

The Electrically Controlled Variable Fiber Optic Attenuator is a precision-engineered solution designed for dynamic control of optical signal strength in fiber optic networks. Leveraging advanced stepper motor technology, this attenuator delivers rapid, accurate, and repeatable attenuation adjustments, making it ideal for demanding laboratory, production, and field applications. Its robust design ensures high power handling capabilities while maintaining low insertion loss and minimal backreflection, which are critical for maintaining signal integrity in high-performance optical systems.

This variable attenuator stands out for its exceptionally wide attenuation range, supporting wavelengths from 350 nm to 2050 nm. Such versatility enables its use across a broad spectrum of fiber optic applications, including singlemode, multimode, and polarization maintaining (PM) fiber systems. The device employs a blocking attenuation technique for singlemode and PM fibers, ensuring minimal polarization dependent loss (PDL) and wavelength dependency, while a neutral density filter is used for multimode applications to reduce mode-dependent losses. Its high resolution and flat wavelength response make it suitable for precise power control and simulation of long-distance fiber transmission.

Designed with user convenience in mind, the attenuator features a compact, rugged form factor suitable for PC board mounting, making it easy to integrate into existing setups. Calibration can be performed for up to five wavelengths, ensuring reliable performance across multiple operating conditions. The inclusion of a homing sensor allows for automatic calibration without the need for external taps, and the jam-proof tuning mechanism enhances operational reliability. For advanced control, models equipped with microcontroller interfaces support RS232, SPI, or I²C communication protocols, enabling seamless integration with automated test and measurement systems.

The Electrically Controlled Variable Fiber Optic Attenuator is an essential tool for applications such as active gain equalization in DWDM systems, local power monitoring, bit error testing, troubleshooting of receivers and active components, and power meter linearity checks. Its ability to simulate long-distance transmission and facilitate the design of transmitter/receiver circuitry makes it invaluable in research, development, and quality assurance environments. With options for custom designs and compatibility with various fiber types, this attenuator offers a flexible, cost-effective solution for precise optical power management.

Electrically Controlled Variable Fiber Optic Attenuator

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Specifications

Number Of Channels: Single Channel
Operating Wavelength Range: 350 – 2050 nm
Dynamic Attenuation Range (max): 60 dB
Insertion Loss (max): 1 dB
Return Loss (min): 40 dB
Attenuation Resolution: 0.01 dB
Polarization Dependent Loss: 0.05 dB
Polarization Mode Dispersion: < 0.01 ps
Speed: ≤ 100 ms
Maximum Optical Power: 2 W
Computer Interface (MC Version Only): RS232, I2 C or SPI
Polarization Extinction Ratio (for PM Fiber): 30 dB
Weight: 250 g
Power Supply Voltage: 12 V
Power Supply Current (Motor Running): 150 mA

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Features

  • Electrically Controlled Variable Attenuation: Precise attenuation control via stepper motor for high repeatability and accuracy.
  • Wide Wavelength Range: Operates efficiently from 350 nm to 2050 nm, suitable for a variety of fiber optic applications.
  • High Power Handling: Designed to manage high optical power levels without performance degradation.
  • Low Insertion Loss & Backreflection: Minimizes signal loss and unwanted reflections for optimal system performance.
  • Low Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL): Ensures consistent attenuation regardless of polarization state.
  • Flat Wavelength Response: Maintains stable attenuation across the entire operating wavelength range.
  • High Resolution & Speed: Offers fine attenuation steps and rapid response for dynamic applications.
  • Rugged & Compact Design: Durable, space-saving construction ideal for integration into various systems.
  • Multiple Calibration Options: Can be calibrated for up to five specific wavelengths for enhanced accuracy.
  • Versatile Attenuation Techniques: Blocking attenuation for singlemode and polarization maintaining fibers; neutral density filter for multimode fibers.
  • Computer Interface Available: -MC version supports RS232, SPI, or I²C protocols for remote control and automation.
  • Latching Operation: Maintains set attenuation level even after power loss.
  • Polarization Maintaining Fiber Versions: Available for applications requiring preservation of polarization state.
  • Custom Designs: Tailored solutions available to meet specific application requirements.
  • Low Cost: Economical solution without compromising on performance.
  • Jam-Proof Tuning Mechanism: Reliable operation with homing sensor for easy calibration and setup.

Applications

  • Active Gain Equalization in DWDM Systems: Precisely manage channel power levels in Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) networks to optimize signal quality and prevent channel crosstalk.
  • Local Power Monitoring and Feedback Attenuator Settings: Enable real-time power adjustment and feedback control in optical networks for stable and reliable system performance.
  • Bit Error Rate (BER) Testing: Simulate various signal attenuation levels to evaluate the error performance of fiber optic communication systems and components.
  • Troubleshooting Receivers and Active Fiber Optic Components: Diagnose and isolate faults in receivers, amplifiers, and other active optical devices by varying input power levels.
  • Simulating Long Distance Fiber Transmission: Emulate the signal loss experienced over extended fiber runs for system development and testing.
  • Design and Testing of Fiber Optic Transmitter/Receiver Circuits: Facilitate the development and validation of optical transceivers by providing controlled attenuation for performance analysis.
  • Power Meter Linearity Checks: Verify the linearity and accuracy of optical power meters by delivering known attenuation steps.
  • Power Setting and Power Control in Optical Systems: Precisely set and maintain desired optical power levels for system calibration and operation.
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Systems: Adjust signal intensity in OCT imaging setups for optimal image quality and system calibration.
  • Automated Test and Measurement Systems: Integrate into automated optical test benches for repeatable and programmable attenuation control.
  • Optical Network Equipment Manufacturing and QA: Use in production lines for quality assurance and performance testing of optical modules and subsystems.
  • Research and Development in Photonics: Support experimental setups in laboratories requiring precise and repeatable optical attenuation.
  • Calibration of Optical Instruments: Provide reference attenuation values for calibrating spectrometers, OTDRs, and other optical instruments.
  • Polarization Maintaining Applications: Maintain polarization integrity in sensitive systems such as quantum communication and interferometry by using PM fiber versions.
  • Educational and Training Laboratories: Demonstrate principles of optical attenuation and system response in academic settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an electrically controlled variable fiber optic attenuator?
An electrically controlled variable fiber optic attenuator is a device that allows precise adjustment of optical signal power in fiber optic systems using electronic control. It is commonly used for applications such as active gain equalization, power monitoring, and simulating long-distance transmission in fiber optic networks.
What are the key features of the OZ Optics motor driven variable fiber optic attenuator?
Key features include stepper motor drive for high speed and precision, high power handling, wide attenuation range (350-2050nm), low polarization dependent loss (PDL), low insertion loss and backreflection, high resolution, rugged and compact design, and computer interface options. It also supports both singlemode and polarization maintaining fibers, as well as multimode fibers using a neutral density filter.
How does the attenuation mechanism work in this variable fiber optic attenuator?
For singlemode and polarization maintaining fibers, the attenuator uses a blocking attenuation technique, while for multimode fibers, it utilizes a variable neutral density filter. The stepper motor precisely adjusts the attenuation level, and a homing sensor ensures accurate calibration without external taps.
What communication interfaces are supported by the -MC version of this attenuator?
The -MC version features an embedded microcontroller and supports RS232, SPI, and I²C communication protocols, allowing for easy integration with computer systems and remote control.
What applications are suitable for this variable fiber optic attenuator?
This attenuator is ideal for active gain equalization in DWDM systems, local power monitoring, bit error testing, troubleshooting receivers and other fiber optic components, simulating long distance fiber transmission, designing transmitter/receiver circuitry, power meter linearity checks, power setting and control, and OCT systems.
Can the attenuator be customized for specific wavelengths or fiber types?
Yes, the attenuator can be calibrated for up to five specific wavelengths and is available for singlemode, multimode, and polarization maintaining fibers. OZ Optics can also use alternative or customer-supplied fiber types upon request.
What makes this variable fiber optic attenuator different from similar products?
This attenuator stands out due to its compact, rugged design, high speed and resolution, low cost, and versatile control options. Its unique blocking attenuation technique for PM and singlemode fibers, jam-proof tuning mechanism, and ability to be calibrated for multiple wavelengths make it highly reliable and adaptable for various fiber optic applications.

Got more questions? Use the inquiry form to ask the supplier directly.

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