EXFO FTB-5240S, FTB-5240BP User Manual
FTB-5240S/S-P/BP
Optical Spectrum Analyzer
User Guide
Copyright © 2009–2014 EXFO Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted
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However, no responsibility is assumed by EXFO for its use nor for any
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rights of EXFO.
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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: 11.0.1
ii FTB-5240S/S-P/BP
Contents
Certification Information ....................................................................................................... vi
1 Introducing the FTB-5240S/S-P/BP Optical Spectrum Analyzer .................. 1
Models ....................................................................................................................................2
Typical Applications ................................................................................................................3
Optional Software Packages ...................................................................................................4
Post-Processing Application ....................................................................................................5
Conventions ............................................................................................................................6
2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 7
3 Preparing Your OSA for a Test ..................................................................... 9
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers .................................................................................9
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI) .........................................................................11
Selecting a Test Mode ...........................................................................................................12
Switching Modes While a Trace is Open ...............................................................................14
Nulling Electrical Offsets .......................................................................................................15
Performing User Calibration ..................................................................................................17
Using the Autonaming Feature .............................................................................................29
4 Setting Up the Instrument in WDM Mode ................................................ 33
Defining Preferences .............................................................................................................35
Setting Up WDM Analysis Parameters ...................................................................................51
Setting Up Acquisition Parameters ........................................................................................78
Using the Commissioning Assistant ......................................................................................82
5 Setting Up the Instrument in Drift Mode ................................................. 91
Defining Preferences .............................................................................................................93
Setting Up Drift Analysis Parameters ..................................................................................107
Setting Up Acquisition Parameters ......................................................................................131
Building a Custom Drift Measurement ................................................................................138
6 Setting Up the Instrument in DFB Mode ................................................ 149
Defining Preferences ...........................................................................................................150
Setting Up Acquisition Parameters ......................................................................................160
7 Setting Up the Instrument in FP Mode ................................................... 163
Defining Preferences ...........................................................................................................164
Setting Up Acquisition Parameters ......................................................................................173
OSA iii
8 Setting Up the Instrument in Spectral Transmittance Mode .................177
Defining Preferences ...........................................................................................................178
Setting Up Spectral Transmittance Analysis Parameters ......................................................187
Setting Up Acquisition Parameters .....................................................................................195
9 Setting Up the Instrument in EDFA Mode ...............................................199
Defining Preferences ...........................................................................................................201
Setting Up EDFA Analysis Parameters .................................................................................215
Setting Up Acquisition Parameters .....................................................................................232
10 Starting a Measurement ...........................................................................237
11 Managing Files and Test Configurations .................................................239
Using the Discover Feature .................................................................................................239
Managing Measurement Files .............................................................................................242
Opening Files in Other Test Modes ......................................................................................246
Managing Favorites ............................................................................................................250
Importing a Configuration from the Current Trace .............................................................260
Using a Restore Point ..........................................................................................................260
12 Managing Results .....................................................................................261
Managing WDM Test Results ..............................................................................................262
Managing Drift Test Results ................................................................................................276
Managing DFB Test Results .................................................................................................287
Managing FP Test Results ....................................................................................................291
Managing Spectral Transmittance Test Results ....................................................................295
Managing EDFA Test Results ...............................................................................................300
Adjusting the Display Size ...................................................................................................306
Viewing WDM Graph in Full-Screen Mode ..........................................................................308
Using Zoom Controls ..........................................................................................................309
Managing Markers .............................................................................................................311
Managing Trace Information ..............................................................................................315
Generating Reports .............................................................................................................319
13 Maintenance ..............................................................................................321
Cleaning EUI Connectors ....................................................................................................321
Recalibrating the Unit .........................................................................................................324
Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) ..................................................325
14 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................327
Viewing Online Documentation ..........................................................................................327
Contacting the Technical Support Group ............................................................................328
Transportation ....................................................................................................................330
iv FTB-5240S/S-P/BP
15 Warranty ................................................................................................... 333
General Information ...........................................................................................................333
Liability ...............................................................................................................................334
Exclusions ...........................................................................................................................335
Certification ........................................................................................................................335
Service and Repairs .............................................................................................................336
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ........................................................................................337
A Technical Specifications ........................................................................... 339
B SCPI Command Reference ....................................................................... 341
Quick Reference Command Tree .........................................................................................341
Product-Specific Commands—Description ..........................................................................349
Examples on Using the SCPI Commands .............................................................................598
C Formulas Used with Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer ............................ 619
EDFA Noise Figure Calculation ............................................................................................619
Central Wavelength Calculation (Spectral Transmittance) ...................................................620
Bandwidth Calculation (Spectral Transmittance) .................................................................621
Index .............................................................................................................. 623
OSA v
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.
vi FTB-5240S/S-P/BP
1 Introducing the
Input port
Handle
FTB-5240S/S-P/BP Optical
Spectrum Analyzer
The FTB-5240S/S-P/BP Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA) is designed to
measure optical power as a function of wavelength or frequency and
Optical Signal to Noise Ratio (OSNR).
Your OSA offers spectral characterization for CWDM/DWDM network
component testing and manufacturing, network validation as well as
commissioning, offering in addition InBand Optical Signal to Noise Ratio
(OSNR) measurement for ROADM and 40 Gbit/s signals and networks, and
Pol Mux OSNR for coherent 40 G/100 G networks.
OSA 1
Introducing the FTB-5240S/S-P/BP Optical Spectrum Analyzer
Models
Models
The OSA comes in different models:
5240S: The 5240S is a small form factor expert DWDM OSA designed for
efficient commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting of DWDM
components and links in the field, from 25 GHz to CWDM. It can
measure power as a function of wavelength for new modulation
schemes, such as non-return-to-zero (NRZ), duo binary, which present
large line widths and often display multiple peaks. In-depth analysis
ensures the correct identification and signal measurement of each
carrier. It also measures OSNR based on the IEC 61280-2-9 method.
5240S-P: It is the 5240S model with a polarization controller. It is a
hardware-ready version of an expert OSA, without the software to
compute the InBand/i-InBand OSNR. You can upgrade this model using
the software key, and it will become fully capable of
InBand/i-InBand/Pol Mux OSNR measurement.
5240S-P-InB: It is the 5240 S-P model with the software to compute the
InBand/i-InBand OSNR. This software allows you to make either
IEC-Based OSNR measurements, or In-Band OSNR measurements,
required when the inter-channel noise is not representative of the
noise under the signal peaks or when crosstalk is dominant.
5240BP: It is a three-slot high-resolution model with a polarization
controller for InBand and Pol Mux testing, and better optical
performance. It is designed for accurate and precise spectral
measurements, even for channels with 12.5 GHz spacing.
High Power Model (HPW): This model allows you to connect the
FTB-5240S or FTB-5240S-P OSA to a network that carries very high
optical power. This situation becomes more common with the
deployment of latest CATV networks. The sensitivity of this OSA model
is shifted accordingly and the module is protected to work under these
extended power levels.
2 FTB-5240S/S-P/BP
Introducing the FTB-5240S/S-P/BP Optical Spectrum Analyzer
Typical Applications
Typical Applications
You can use your OSA for the following tasks:
Characterizing channels in the O- to U-band spectra
Testing laser sources for spectral purity and power distribution
Testing the transmission characteristics of optical devices
Troubleshooting and monitoring key parameters on CWDM or DWDM
signals to check system stability
Characterizing all channel spacings, from 25 GHz DWDM to CWDM
(from 12.5 GHz for 5240BP)
Testing high-speed networks (beyond 40 Gbit/s)
Measuring OSNR, but specifically within the channel (InBand or Pol
Mux OSNR) for 5240S-P-InB and 5240BP models
OSA 3
Introducing the FTB-5240S/S-P/BP Optical Spectrum Analyzer
Optional Software Packages
Optional Software Packages
Optional software options are available for your application.
Option Name Description
Advanced (Adv) The Advanced option gives you access to the following test
modes:
Drift: time-based WDM analysis for signal monitoring.
ST: characterization of the spectral transmittance of
optical components such as filters.
EDFA: characterization of the performance of an
Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier.
DFB: characterization of a DFB laser source.
FP: characterization of a Fabry-Perot laser source.
In-Band (InB) The In-Band option enables you to perform In-Band noise
analysis for WDM and WDM drift measurements.
When this option is activated, it is possible to have access
to user-defined acquisition and analysis parameters for
custom In-Band noise measurement (WDM and WDM drift
modes)
Note: Not supported by the 5240S module but
supported by the 5240S-P module.
Note: This feature is automatically available for the
5240BP module (no need to purchase the
option).
4 FTB-5240S/S-P/BP
Introducing the FTB-5240S/S-P/BP Optical Spectrum Analyzer
Post-Processing Application
Option Name Description
WDM
Investigator
(Inv)
Commissioning
(Com)
This option activates the WDM Investigator mode
measurement diagnostics.
When this option is activated, it is possible to have access
to qualitative analysis of the noise source in measurement
results for each channel through the WDM Investigator
dashboard.
Qualitative analysis of the noise source in
measurement results for each channel through the
WDM Investigator dashboard
Qualitative analysis of the PMD pulse spreading on live
noncoherent signals
Note: Not supported by the 5240S module but
supported by the 5240S-P module.
Note: The WDM Investigator (Inv) software option
is dependent on the InBand (InB) option. The
InBand (InB) option must be enabled for the
WDM Investigator (Inv) software option to
work.
The commissioning option can be used to test channels
individually by comparing one channel at a time with a
trace where all channels are enabled (or on).
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.
OSA 5
Introducing the FTB-5240S/S-P/BP Optical Spectrum Analyzer
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.
6 FTB-5240S/S-P/BP
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, namely for
operation and maintenance, other than those specified herein may
result in hazardous radiation exposure 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 7
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-5240S/S-P/BP Optical Spectrum
Analyzer is 4 W for S and S-P modules, and 6 W for BP modules. For
more information on equipment ratings, refer to the user documentation
for your platform.
8 FTB-5240S/S-P/BP
3 Preparing Your OSA for a Test
IMPORTANT
For optimal test results, you should allow a minimum warm up
period of two hours for your OSA 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 9
Preparing Your OSA 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.
10 FTB-5240S/S-P/BP
Preparing Your OSA 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 11
Preparing Your OSA 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.
DFB: Allows you to characterize a DFB laser source.
Fabry-Perot (FP): Allows you to characterize a Fabry-Perot laser source.
Spectral Transmittance: Allows you to characterize the spectral
transmittance of optical components such as filters.
EDFA: Allows you to characterize the performance of an Erbium Doped
Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) using the OSA module in field deployed systems
(NB measurement assumes transmission conditions).
To select a test mode:
1. From the Main Menu, press Mode.
12 FTB-5240S/S-P/BP
Preparing Your OSA for a Test
Selecting a Test Mode
2. Select the desired test mode. The DFB and FP sources are under the
Sources item.
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 13
Preparing Your OSA for a Test
Switching Modes While a Trace is Open
Switching Modes While a Trace is Open
If you switch test modes while a trace is already on-screen, the trace will
be loaded in the new selected mode and analyzed using the current
analysis setup, if the test modes are compatible.
WDM, Spectral Transmittance and EDFA test modes are made to ease the
switch between the modes. The table below indicates the equivalencies
between the trace types. For example, an active trace in WDM mode
becomes an output trace in EDFA mode, and vice-versa.
WDM ST EDFA
Active Output Output
Reference Input Input
14 FTB-5240S/S-P/BP
Preparing Your OSA 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 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.
OSA 15
Preparing Your OSA 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.
16 FTB-5240S/S-P/BP
Preparing Your OSA 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 has experienced unusual shock or vibrations. To reach the
highest possible accuracy, you can perform a wavelength or power
calibration. Your OSA 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 12, and follow the procedures
mentioned below for performing user calibration.
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 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.
Note: The user calibration feature is not available in the offline version of the
application.
OSA 17
Preparing Your OSA for a Test
Performing User Calibration
To perform a user calibration:
1. Allow your unit to warm up.
2. From the Main Menu, press Analysis Setup.
18 FTB-5240S/S-P/BP
Preparing Your OSA for a Test
Performing User Calibration
3. Select the Calibration tab.
Note: You cannot edit the power or wavelength values directly from the
application. The modifications in the user calibration have to be made in a
text file, and then it can be loaded in the application.
OSA 19
Preparing Your OSA for a Test
Performing User Calibration
4. If user correction factors are in the system, press Clear User
Correction Factors from Module, then confirm your choice.
5. Take measurements for your test mode.
20 FTB-5240S/S-P/BP
Preparing Your OSA for a Test
Performing User Calibration
6. Note the measurements to a .txt file using the following format:
The first column is the reference wavelengths, in nm.
The second column is the wavelength read by your module, in nm.
The third column is the reference power, in dBm.
The fourth column is the power read by your module, in dBm.
Note: The columns are separated by a semi-colon (;). You can have up to 100
calibration points.
Here is an example of a measurement file:
1310.154; 1310.167; -1.34; -1.55
1490.000; 1490.000; 1.09; 1.15
1551.334; 1551.298; -5.20; -5.45
1625.401; 1625.448; 0.00; 0.00
Note: The decimal separator is a point ( . ). This format is independent of the
regional settings.
7. Save your .txt file in a location of your choice.
OSA 21
Preparing Your OSA for a Test
Performing User Calibration
8. Back in the Calibration tab on your unit, load the file using Load
Factors.
9. Select the modified user calibration file and press Open.
22 FTB-5240S/S-P/BP
Preparing Your OSA for a Test
Performing User Calibration
The calibration values will replace the Correction factors list in the
Analysis setup - Calibration window.
OSA 23
Preparing Your OSA for a Test
Performing User Calibration
10. Press Write to Module to apply the modified calibration values to the
module.
24 FTB-5240S/S-P/BP
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