EXFO FTB-5230S User Manual
FTB-5230S/-OCA
Optical Spectrum and Channel Analyzers
for FTB-200 v2
User Guide
Copyright © 2013 EXFO Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form,
be it electronically, mechanically, or by any other means such as
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission
of EXFO Inc. (EXFO).
Information provided by EXFO is believed to be accurate and reliable.
However, no responsibility is assumed by EXFO for its use nor for any
infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from
its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent
rights of EXFO.
EXFO’s Commerce And Government Entities (CAGE) code under the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is 0L8C3.
The information contained in this publication is subject to change without
notice.
Trademarks
EXFO’s trademarks have been identified as such. However, the presence
or absence of such identification does not affect the legal status of any
trademark.
Units of Measurement
Units of measurement in this publication conform to SI standards and
practices.
Patents
Feature(s) of this product is/are protected by one or more of US patents
6,636,306; 8,358,930; 8,364,034 and equivalent patents pending and granted
in other countries; patent appl. US 2013/0163987 A1; and US patents
6,612,750 and 8,373,852.
Version number: 10.0.9
ii FTB-5230S/-OCA
Contents
Certification Information ........................................................................................................v
1 Introducing the FTB-5230S/-OCA Optical Spectrum
and Channel Analyzers ................................................................................. 1
Models ....................................................................................................................................2
Typical Applications ................................................................................................................2
Optional Software Packages ...................................................................................................3
Post-Processing Application ....................................................................................................3
Conventions ............................................................................................................................4
2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 5
3 Getting Started with Your OSA/OCA ............................................................ 7
Inserting and Removing Test Modules ....................................................................................7
Starting Module Applications ...............................................................................................13
4 Preparing Your OSA/OCA for a Test ........................................................... 17
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers ...............................................................................17
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI) .........................................................................19
Selecting a Test Mode ...........................................................................................................20
Nulling Electrical Offsets .......................................................................................................22
Performing User Calibration ..................................................................................................24
Using the Autonaming Feature .............................................................................................36
5 Setting Up the Instrument in WDM Mode ................................................ 43
Defining Preferences .............................................................................................................45
Setting Up WDM Analysis Parameters ...................................................................................61
Setting Up Acquisition Parameters ........................................................................................88
6 Setting Up the Instrument in Drift Mode ................................................. 91
Defining Preferences .............................................................................................................93
Setting Up Drift Analysis Parameters ..................................................................................107
Setting Up Acquisition Parameters ......................................................................................132
Building a Custom Drift Measurement ................................................................................139
7 Setting Up Your OCA ................................................................................ 149
8 Starting a Measurement .......................................................................... 153
OSA/OCA iii
9 Managing Files and Test Configurations .................................................155
Using the Discover Feature .................................................................................................155
Managing Measurement Files .............................................................................................158
Opening Other Test Mode Files in WDM Mode ...................................................................162
Managing Favorites ............................................................................................................163
Importing a Configuration from the Current Trace .............................................................173
Using a Restore Point ..........................................................................................................173
10 Managing Results .....................................................................................175
Managing WDM Test Results ..............................................................................................176
Managing Drift Test Results ................................................................................................185
Managing OCA Test Results ................................................................................................196
Adjusting the Display Size ...................................................................................................201
Viewing WDM Graph in Full-Screen Mode ..........................................................................203
Using Zoom Controls ..........................................................................................................204
Managing Markers .............................................................................................................206
Managing Trace Information ..............................................................................................210
Generating Reports .............................................................................................................214
11 Maintenance ..............................................................................................217
Cleaning EUI Connectors ....................................................................................................217
Recalibrating the Unit .........................................................................................................220
Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) ..................................................221
12 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................223
Viewing Online Documentation ..........................................................................................223
Contacting the Technical Support Group ............................................................................224
Transportation ....................................................................................................................226
13 Warranty ....................................................................................................229
General Information ...........................................................................................................229
Liability ...............................................................................................................................230
Exclusions ...........................................................................................................................231
Certification ........................................................................................................................231
Service and Repairs .............................................................................................................232
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ........................................................................................233
A Technical Specifications ............................................................................235
Index ...............................................................................................................237
iv FTB-5230S/-OCA
Certification Information
Certification Information
North America Regulatory Statement
This unit was certified by an agency approved in both Canada and the
United States of America. It has been evaluated according to applicable
North American approved standards for product safety for use in Canada
and the United States.
Electronic test and measurement equipment is exempt from FCC part 15,
subpart B compliance in the United States of America and from ICES-003
compliance in Canada. However, EXFO Inc. makes reasonable efforts to
ensure compliance to the applicable standards.
The limits set by these standards are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in
a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the user guide, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.
European Community Declaration of Conformity
An electronic version of the declaration of conformity for your product is
available on our website at www.exfo.com. Refer to the product’s page on
the Web site for details.
OSA/OCA v
1 Introducing the
Input port
Handle
FTB-5230S/-OCA Optical
Spectrum and Channel
Analyzers
The FTB-5230S Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA) is designed to measure
optical power as a function of wavelength or frequency and Optical Signal
to Noise Ratio (OSNR) based on the IEC method (interpolation method).
It offers truly portable spectral characterization for DWDM network
commissioning.
The FTB-5230S-OCA Optical Channel Analyzer (OCA) is designed to
measure optical power as a function of wavelength or frequency.
OSA/OCA 1
Introducing the FTB-5230S/-OCA Optical Spectrum and Channel Analyzers
Models
Models
The OSA/OCA comes in different models:
The FTB-5230S is an entry-level optical spectrum analyzer that is ideal
for a variety of field applications, including DWDM and CWDM network
commissioning and troubleshooting. The test modes available for your
module are WDM and Drift.
The FTB-5230S-OCA (Optical Channel Analyzer): This model is
designed to measure optical power as a function of wavelength or
frequency. It offers truly portable spectral characterization for CWDM
and DWDM network commissioning.
Typical Applications
You can use your OSA/OCA for the following tasks:
Characterizing channels in the O- to U-band spectra (OSA only)
Troubleshooting and monitoring key parameters on CWDM or DWDM
signals to check system stability
Characterizing all channel spacings, from 50 GHz DWDM to CWDM
Testing high-speed networks (beyond 40 Gbit/s)
2 FTB-5230S/-OCA
Introducing the FTB-5230S/-OCA Optical Spectrum and Channel Analyzers
Optional Software Packages
Optional Software Packages
Optional software options are available for your OCA application.
Note: Software options are not available on the OSA.
Option Name Description
WDM This option enables you to perform full WDM analyses as
well as WDM drift measurements, just as you would with
an FTB-5230S OSA.
Post-Processing Application
A post-processing, or offline version of the application is available for you to
use on a conventional computer. This offline version has most of the
module application, but does not allow you to perform acquisitions.
Note: The post-processing application is not available for the OCA.
OSA/OCA 3
Introducing the FTB-5230S/-OCA Optical Spectrum and Channel Analyzers
Conventions
Conventions
Before using the product described in this guide, you should understand
the following conventions:
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in component damage. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
IMPORTANT
Refers to information about this product you should not overlook.
4 FTB-5230S/-OCA
2 Safety Information
WARNING
Do not install or terminate fibers while a light source is active.
Never look directly into a live fiber and ensure that your eyes are
protected at all times.
WARNING
The use of controls, adjustments and procedures other than those
specified herein may result in exposure to hazardous situations or
impair the protection provided by this unit.
IMPORTANT
When you see the following symbol on your unit , make sure
that you refer to the instructions provided in your user
documentation. Ensure that you understand and meet the required
conditions before using your product.
IMPORTANT
Other safety instructions relevant for your product are located
throughout this documentation, depending on the action to
perform. Make sure to read them carefully when they apply to your
situation.
CAUTION
The following symbol indicates that your unit is equipped with a
laser source: .
OSA/OCA 5
Safety Information
Your instrument is a Class 1 laser product in compliance with standards
IEC 60825-1: 2007 and 21 CFR 1040.10, except for deviations pursuant to
Laser Notice No. 50, dated June 24, 2007. Invisible laser radiation may be
encountered at the output port.
The following label indicates that a product contains a Class 1 source:
The maximum input power for the FTB-5230S/-OCA Optical Spectrum and
Channel Analyzers is 4 W. For more information on equipment
ratings, refer to the user documentation for your platform.
6 FTB-5230S/-OCA
3 Getting Started with Your
OSA/OCA
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
CAUTION
Never insert or remove a module while the FTB-200 v2 is turned on.
This will result in immediate and irreparable damage to both the
module and unit.
CAUTION
To avoid damaging your unit, use it only with modules approved by
EXFO.
WARNING
When the laser safety LED is flashing, at least one of your modules
is emitting an optical signal. Please check all modules, as it might
not be the one you are currently using.
OSA/OCA 7
Getting Started with Your OSA/OCA
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
To insert a module into the FTB-200 v2:
1. Turn off your unit.
2. Position the unit so that its front panel is facing you.
8 FTB-5230S/-OCA
Getting Started with Your OSA/OCA
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
3. Take the module and place it vertically so that the retaining screw hole
is at the left of the connector pins.
CAUTION
Inserting a module upside down could result in permanent damage
to the module, as the connector pins might be bent.
4. Insert the protruding edges of the module into the grooves of the unit’s
module slot.
5. Push the module all the way to the bottom of the slot, until the
retaining screw makes contact with the unit casing.
6. Place the unit so that its bottom panel is facing you.
OSA/OCA 9
Getting Started with Your OSA/OCA
Turn retaining screws
clockwise
Bottom panel
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
7. While applying slight pressure to the module, lift the mobile part of the
retaining screw and use it to turn the retaining screw clockwise until it
is tightened.
This will secure the module into its “seated” position.
When you turn on the unit, the startup sequence will automatically detect
the module.
10 FTB-5230S/-OCA
Getting Started with Your OSA/OCA
Turn retaining screws
counterclockwise
Bottom panel
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
To remove a module from the FTB-200 v2:
1. Turn off your unit.
2. Position the unit so that the bottom panel is facing you.
3. Lift the mobile part of the retaining screw and use it to turn the
retaining screw counterclockwise until it stops.
The module will be slowly released from the slot.
4. Place the unit so that the top panel is facing you.
OSA/OCA 11
Getting Started with Your OSA/OCA
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
5. Hold the module by its sides or by the handle (NOT by the connector)
and pull it out.
CAUTION
Pulling out a module by a connector could seriously damage both
the module and connector. Always pull out a module by its casing.
6. Cover empty slots with the supplied protective covers.
12 FTB-5230S/-OCA
Getting Started with Your OSA/OCA
Starting Module Applications
Starting Module Applications
Your modules can be configured and controlled from their dedicated
applications in Compact ToolBox.
To start a module application:
1. From Compact ToolBox, select the module to use.
It will turn blue to indicate that it is highlighted.
OSA/OCA 13
Getting Started with Your OSA/OCA
Display
panes
Result
panes
Function
buttons
FTB-5230S
Starting Module Applications
2. Under Applications, select an application, then press Start.
To start the Power Meter or Probe application:
From Main Menu, press Power Meter or Probe.
The main window (shown below) contains all the commands required to
control the OSA/OCA:
14 FTB-5230S/-OCA
Getting Started with Your OSA/OCA
Graph
Result
panes
Function
buttons
FTB-5230S-OCA
Starting Module Applications
Note: The illustrations in this user guide may differ slightly from those on your unit
depending on the resolution, application and platform type.
OSA/OCA 15
4 Preparing Your OSA/OCA for a
Test
IMPORTANT
For optimal test results, you should allow a minimum warm up
period of two hours for your OSA/OCA before starting your tests.
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers
IMPORTANT
To ensure maximum power and to avoid erroneous readings:
Always inspect fiber ends and make sure that they are clean as
explained below before inserting them into the port. EXFO is
not responsible for damage or errors caused by bad fiber
cleaning or handling.
Ensure that your patchcord has appropriate connectors. Joining
mismatched connectors will damage the ferrules.
To connect the fiber-optic cable to the port:
1. Inspect the fiber using a fiber inspection microscope. If the fiber is
clean, proceed to connecting it to the port. If the fiber is dirty, clean it as
explained below.
2. Clean the fiber ends as follows:
2a. Gently wipe the fiber end with a lint-free swab dipped in isopropyl
alcohol.
2b. Use compressed air to dry completely.
2c. Visually inspect the fiber end to ensure its cleanliness.
OSA/OCA 17
Preparing Your OSA/OCA for a Test
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers
3. Carefully align the connector and port to prevent the fiber end from
touching the outside of the port or rubbing against other surfaces.
If your connector features a key, ensure that it is fully fitted into the
port’s corresponding notch.
4. Push the connector in so that the fiber-optic cable is firmly in place,
thus ensuring adequate contact.
If your connector features a screwsleeve, tighten the connector
enough to firmly maintain the fiber in place. Do not overtighten, as this
will damage the fiber and the port.
Note: If your fiber-optic cable is not properly aligned and/or connected, you will
notice heavy loss and reflection.
EXFO uses good quality connectors in compliance with EIA-455-21A
standards.
To keep connectors clean and in good condition, EXFO strongly
recommends inspecting them with a fiber inspection probe before
connecting them. Failure to do so will result in permanent damage to the
connectors and degradation in measurements.
18 FTB-5230S/-OCA
Preparing Your OSA/OCA for a Test
Bare metal
(or blue border)
indicates UPC
option
Green border
indicates APC
option
2 3 4
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI)
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI)
The EUI fixed baseplate is available for connectors with angled (APC) or
non-angled (UPC) polishing. A green border around the baseplate
indicates that it is for APC-type connectors.
To install an EUI connector adapter onto the EUI baseplate:
1. Hold the EUI connector adapter so the dust cap opens downwards.
2. Close the dust cap in order to hold the connector adapter more firmly.
3. Insert the connector adapter into the baseplate.
4. While pushing firmly, turn the connector adapter clockwise on the
baseplate to lock it in place.
OSA/OCA 19
Preparing Your OSA/OCA for a Test
Selecting a Test Mode
Selecting a Test Mode
Your module gives you different ways to test all your DWDM systems:
WDM: Allows you to analyze an optical link. By default, the WDM test
mode is selected.
Drift: Allows you to monitor an optical link for a fixed duration.
Note: You cannot select a test mode in the OCA application.
To select a test mode:
1. From the Main Menu, press Mode.
20 FTB-5230S/-OCA
Preparing Your OSA/OCA for a Test
Selecting a Test Mode
2. Select the desired test mode.
Once you select the mode, you will notice a against the selected
mode and all the tabs on the main window and the main menu will
change accordingly.
After selecting the test mode, you must configure it. You will find
specific instructions for your test mode in the corresponding related
chapters.
OSA/OCA 21
Preparing Your OSA/OCA for a Test
Nulling Electrical Offsets
Nulling Electrical Offsets
The offset nulling process provides a zero-power reference measurement,
thus eliminating the effects of electronic offsets and dark current due to
detectors.
Temperature and humidity variations affect the performance of electronic
circuits and optical detectors. For this reason, EXFO recommends
performing a nulling of the electrical offsets whenever environmental
conditions change.
Nulling can be performed for all tests modes. In addition, a nulling is
performed automatically each time you start the OSA/OCA application, and
at regular intervals afterwards.
Note: You cannot perform an offset nulling in the offline version of the
application.
To perform an offset nulling:
1. From the main window, select the Acquisition tab.
22 FTB-5230S/-OCA
Preparing Your OSA/OCA for a Test
Nulling Electrical Offsets
2. Disconnect any incoming signal to obtain an optimal accuracy.
3. Press Nulling.
You are notified that the nulling is in progress in the status bar. Nulling
should be completed in a few seconds.
Note: Several features, such as the Start button and Discover, are not available
during the nulling process.
OSA/OCA 23
Preparing Your OSA/OCA for a Test
Performing User Calibration
Performing User Calibration
Calibrating your module can help you achieve better results. It is
particularly important when the measurement accuracy is critical or when
your OSA/OCA has experienced unusual shock or vibrations. To reach the
highest possible accuracy, you can perform a wavelength or power
calibration. Your OSA/OCA allows you to modify and read the user
calibration values, revert to the factory calibration, load and save the
modified user calibration file. The user configuration file (*.txt) contains
the reference and modified wavelength and power values.
You can perform user calibration in any test mode. Select a test mode as
explained in Selecting a Test Mode on page 20, and follow the procedures
mentioned below for performing user calibration.
Note: The procedure is not available for the OCA application.
Note: The procedure for performing user calibration is the same for all test
modes. The procedure is explained with WDM mode only in this document.
IMPORTANT
For optimal results, you should allow a minimum warm up period
of two hours for your OSA/OCA before performing user calibration.
IMPORTANT
You must clear the correction factor list before making new
calibration measurements. If calibration measurements are made
when user correction factors are inside the module, the latter will
affect the measurements and the calibration results become
inapplicable.
Note: If you want to keep the correction factor list for a later use, save it under a
different name in the folder.
24 FTB-5230S/-OCA
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