EXFO FTB-5240S, FTB-5240BP User Manual

FTB-5240S/5240BP

Optical Spectrum Analyzer for FTB-500

User Guide

Copyright © 2009–2010 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

The Optical Spectrum Analyzer, including its proprietary measurement software, is protected by US patent 6,636,306 (and equivalents in several other countries), and pending PCT international application PCT/CA2008/000647; EXFO’s Universal Interface is protected by US patent 6,612,750.

Version number 5.0.0

ii FTB-5240S/5240BP

Contents

Certification Information ....................................................................................................... vi

1 Introducing the FTB-5240S/5240BP Optical Spectrum Analyzer ................ 1

Models ....................................................................................................................................2

Typical Applications ................................................................................................................3

Conventions ............................................................................................................................4

2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 5

3 Getting Started with Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer .............................. 7

Inserting and Removing Test Modules ....................................................................................7

Starting the Optical Spectrum Analyzer Application .............................................................12

Exiting the Application .........................................................................................................14

4 Preparing Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer for a Test .............................. 15

Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers ...............................................................................15

Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI) .........................................................................17

Selecting a Test Mode ...........................................................................................................18

Nulling Electrical Offsets .......................................................................................................21

Performing User Calibration ..................................................................................................23

5 Setting Up the Instrument in WDM Mode ................................................ 37

Defining Preferences .............................................................................................................39

Setting Up WDM Analysis Parameters ...................................................................................58

Setting Up Acquisition Parameters ........................................................................................99

6 Setting Up the Instrument in Drift Mode ............................................... 103

Defining Preferences ...........................................................................................................105

Setting Up Drift Analysis Parameters ..................................................................................123

Setting Up Acquisition Parameters ......................................................................................159

7 Setting Up the Instrument in DFB Mode ................................................ 165

Defining Preferences ...........................................................................................................166

Setting Up Acquisition Parameters ......................................................................................179

8 Setting Up the Instrument in Spectral Transmittance Mode ................ 183

Defining Preferences ...........................................................................................................184

Setting Up Spectral Transmittance Analysis Parameters ......................................................198

Setting Up Acquisition Parameters ......................................................................................205

Optical Spectrum Analyzer iii

Contents

9 Setting Up the Instrument in EDFA Mode ...............................................209

Defining Preferences ...........................................................................................................210

Setting Up EDFA Analysis Parameters .................................................................................230

Setting Up Acquisition Parameters .....................................................................................265

10 Testing DWDM Systems ............................................................................269

Using the Discover Feature .................................................................................................269

Starting a Measurement .....................................................................................................273

11 Managing Results .....................................................................................277

Managing WDM Test Results ..............................................................................................278

Managing Drift Test Results ................................................................................................320

Managing DFB Test Results .................................................................................................340

Managing Spectral Transmittance Test Results ....................................................................350

Managing EDFA Test Results ...............................................................................................368

Using Zoom Controls ..........................................................................................................396

Managing Trace Files ..........................................................................................................398

Generating Reports .............................................................................................................410

12 Maintenance ..............................................................................................421

Cleaning EUI Connectors ....................................................................................................422

Recalibrating the Unit .........................................................................................................424

Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) ..................................................425

13 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................427

Viewing Online Documentation ..........................................................................................427

Contacting the Technical Support Group ............................................................................427

About .................................................................................................................................428

Transportation ....................................................................................................................430

14 Warranty ....................................................................................................431

General Information ...........................................................................................................431

Liability ...............................................................................................................................432

Exclusions ...........................................................................................................................433

Certification ........................................................................................................................433

Service and Repairs .............................................................................................................434

EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ........................................................................................435

iv FTB-5240S/5240BP

Contents

A Technical Specifications ........................................................................... 437

B SCPI Command Reference ....................................................................... 439

Quick Reference Command Tree .........................................................................................440

Product-Specific Commands—Description ..........................................................................443

C Formulas Used with Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer ............................ 519

EDFA Noise Figure Calculation ............................................................................................519

Central Wavelength Calculation (Spectral Transmittance) ...................................................520

Bandwidth Calculation (Spectral Transmittance) .................................................................521

Index .............................................................................................................. 523

Optical Spectrum Analyzer v

Certification Information

F.C.C. Information

Electronic test equipment is exempt from Part 15 compliance (FCC) in the United States. However, compliance verification tests are systematically performed on most EXFO equipment.

 Information

Electronic test equipment is subject to the EMC Directive in the European Union. The EN61326 standard prescribes both emission and immunity requirements for laboratory, measurement, and control equipment. This unit has undergone extensive testing according to the European Union Directive and Standards.

vi FTB-5240S/5240BP

Certification Information

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Application of Council Directive(s): 2006/95/EC - The Low Voltage Directive

Manufacturer’s Name: EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. Manufacturer’s Address: 400 Godin Avenue Quebec, Quebec

(418) 683-0211 Equipment Type/Environment: Test & Measurement / Industrial Trade Name/Model No.: FTB-5230/5240/5240B/5240BP/5240S

Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:

EN 61010-1:2001 Edition 2.0 Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,

EN 61326-1:2006 Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory

EN 60825-1:2007 Edition 2.0 Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification and

EN 55022: 2006 + A1: 2007 Information technology equipment — Radio disturbance

I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above Directive and Standards.

Manufacturer

Signature:

Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 1: General Requirements.

Use - EMC Requirements

requirements

characteristics — Limits and methods of measurement

2004/108/EC - The EMC Directive 93/68/EEC - CE Marking And their amendments

Canada, G1M 2K2

Optical Spectrum Analyzer

Full Name: Stephen Bull, E. Eng

Position: Vice-President Research and

Address: 400 Godin Avenue, Quebec (Quebec), Date: January 09, 2009

Development

Canada, G1M 2K2

Optical Spectrum Analyzer vii

1 Introducing the

FTB-5240S/5240BP Optical Spectrum Analyzer

The FTB-5240S/5240BP 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 Optical Spectrum Analyzer offers truly portable spectral characterization for DWDM network commissioning as well as In-Band Optical Signal to Noise Ratio (OSNR) measurement for ROADM and 40 Gbit/s signals and networks.

The FTB-5240S is an expert DWDM OSA that is designed for efficient commissioning, maintenance and trouble-shooting of DWDM components and links in the field, from 50 GHz to CWDM network.

Handle

Input port

The FTB-5240BP is a high-resolution OSA designed for accurate and precise spectral measurements, even for channels with 12.5 GHz spacing.

Optical Spectrum Analyzer 1

Introducing the FTB-5240S/5240BP Optical Spectrum Analyzer

Models

The Optical Spectrum Analyzer comes in different models:

³ FTB-5240S: The FTB-5240S is a small form factor expert OSA (two-slot

unit). It offers new modulation schemes, such as non-return-to-zero (NRZ), duo binary, differential phase-shift keying (DPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), which present large line widths and often display multiple peaks. In-depth analysis ensures the correct identification and signal measurement of each carrier.

³ FTB-5240S-P: It is the FTB-5240S model with a polarization controller. It

is a hardware-ready version of an expert OSA (two-slot unit), without the software to compute the In-Band OSNR. You can upgrade this model on field using the software key, and it will become fully capable of In-Band OSNR measurement.

³ FTB-5240S-P-InB: It is the FTB-5240 S-P model (two-slot unit) with the

addition of an automated and integrated polarization controller. It is possible to change the state of polarization (SOP) at the input of the OSA and take advantage of a polarization diverse design to determine the OSNR in the band of a DWDM channel. This is required when noise is not flat under adjacent peaks or when crosstalk is dominant.

³ FTB-5240BP: It is a three-slot model with a polarization controller for

automated In-band testing and better optical performance.

³ 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/5240BP

Introducing the FTB-5240S/5240BP Optical Spectrum Analyzer

Typical Applications

You can use your Optical Spectrum Analyzer for the following tasks:

³ Characterizing channels in the O- to U-band spectra

³ Testing laser sources for spectral purity and power distribution

³ Testing the transmission characteristics of optical devices

³ Troubleshooting and monitoring key parameters on CWDM or DWDM

signals to check system stability

³ Characterizing all channel spacings, from 50 GHz DWDM to CWDM

(from 12.5 GHz for FTB-5240BP)

³ Testing high-speed networks (40 Gbit/s and higher)

³ Measuring OSNR, but specifically within the channel (In-Band OSNR)

for FTB-5240S-P-InB and FTB-5240BP models

Optical Spectrum Analyzer 3

Introducing the FTB-5240S/5240BP Optical Spectrum Analyzer

Conventions

Before using the product described in this manual, 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-5240S/5240BP

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

Use of controls, adjustments and procedures for operation and maintenance other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure or impair the protection provided by this unit.

Your instrument is a Class 1 laser product in compliance with standards IEC 60825-1:2007 and 21 CFR 1040.10. Laser radiation may be encountered at the output port.

The following label indicates that a product contains a Class 1 source:

CLASS 1

LASER PRODUCT

Note: Label shown for information purposes only. It is not affixed to your product.

Optical Spectrum Analyzer 5

3 Getting Started with Your

Optical Spectrum Analyzer

Inserting and Removing Test Modules

CAUTION

Never insert or remove a module while the FTB-500 is turned on. This will result in immediate and irreparable damage to both the module and unit.

WARNING

When the laser safety LED ( ) is flashing on the FTB-500, 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.

To insert a module into the FTB-500:

1. Exit ToolBox and turn off your unit.

2. Position the FTB-500 so that its right panel is facing you.

Optical Spectrum Analyzer 7

Getting Started with Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer

Inserting and Removing Test Modules

3. Take the module and place it so that the connector pins are at the back, as explained and shown below.

Identification sticker must be facing up and connector pins at the right of the retaining screw hole.

FTB-500 right panel

4. Insert the protruding edges of the module into the grooves of the

5. Push the module all the way to the back of the slot, until the retaining

6. Place the FTB-500 so that its left panel is facing you.

Retaining screw

hole at the

back

Identification sticker

facing up

receptacle’s module slot.

screw makes contact with the receptacle casing.

Connector pins at the back

Protruding edges

at bottom

8 FTB-5240S/5240BP

Getting Started with Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer

Inserting and Removing Test Modules

7. While applying slight pressure to the module, turn the retaining screw clockwise until it is tightened.

This will secure the module into its “seated” position.

Turn retaining screw knob

clockwise

FTB-500 left panel

When you turn on the unit, the startup sequence will automatically detect the module.

Optical Spectrum Analyzer 9

Getting Started with Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer

Inserting and Removing Test Modules

To remove a module from the FTB-500:

1. Exit ToolBox and turn off your unit.

2. Position the FTB-500 so that the left panel is facing you.

3. Turn the retaining screw counterclockwise until it stops.

The module will be slowly released from the slot.

Turn retaining screw knob(s)

counterclockwise

FTB-500 left panel

4. Place the FTB-500 so that the right panel is facing you.

10 FTB-5240S/5240BP

Getting Started with Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer

Inserting and Removing Test Modules

5. Hold the module by its sides or by the handle (NOT by the connector) and pull it out.

Optical Spectrum Analyzer 11

Getting Started with Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer

Starting the Optical Spectrum Analyzer Application

Your FTB-5240S/5240BP Optical Spectrum Analyzer module can be configured and controlled from its dedicated ToolBox application.

Note: For details about ToolBox, refer to the FTB-500 user guide.

To start the application:

1. From the main window, select the module to use.

It will turn blue to indicate that it is highlighted.

2. Click the corresponding button in the Module Applications box.

12 FTB-5240S/5240BP

Display

panes

Result panes

Getting Started with Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer

Starting the Optical Spectrum Analyzer Application

The main window (shown below) contains all the commands required to control the Optical Spectrum Analyzer:

Function buttons

IMPORTANT

For optimal test results, you must allow a minimum warm up period of two hours for your Optical Spectrum Analyzer before starting your tests.

Optical Spectrum Analyzer 13

Getting Started with Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer

Exiting the Application

Status Bar

The status bar, located at the bottom of the main window, identifies the current operational status of the FTB-5240S/5240BP Optical Spectrum Analyzer.

Current date and time

Module status

For more information about automating or remotely controlling the FTB-5240S/5240BP Optical Spectrum Analyzer, refer to the FTB-500 user guide.

Battery indicator

Exiting the Application

Closing any application that is not currently being used helps freeing system memory.

To close the application from the main window:

Click in the top right corner of the main window.

Click the Exit button located at the bottom of the function bar.

14 FTB-5240S/5240BP

4 Preparing Your Optical

Spectrum Analyzer for a Test

IMPORTANT

For optimal test results, you must allow a minimum warm up period of two hours for your Optical Spectrum Analyzer before starting your tests.

Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers

IMPORTANT

To ensure maximum power and to avoid erroneous readings:

³ 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.

³ 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.

Optical Spectrum Analyzer 15

Preparing Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer 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.

16 FTB-5240S/5240BP

Preparing Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer for a Test

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.

Green border indicates APC

option

Bare metal

(or blue border)

indicates UPC

option

To install an EUI connector adapter onto the EUI baseplate:

1. Hold the EUI connector adapter so the dust cap opens downwards.

2 3 4

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.

Optical Spectrum Analyzer 17

Preparing Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer for a Test

Selecting a Test Mode

Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer gives you different ways to test all your DWDM systems. Your OSA provides the following test modes:

³ WDM: Allows you to analyze an optical link using an OSA module. By

default, WDM test mode is selected.

³ Drift: Allows you to monitor an optical link for a fixed duration using an

OSA module.

³ DFB: Allows you to characterize a DFB laser source using the OSA

module.

³ Spectral Transmittance: Allows you to characterize the spectral

transmittance of optical components such as filters.

³ 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).

18 FTB-5240S/5240BP

Preparing Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer for a Test

To select a test mode:

1. From the main menu, press Mode.

Selecting a Test Mode

Optical Spectrum Analyzer 19

Preparing Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer 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 the instructions in Setting Up the Instrument in WDM Mode on page 37, Setting Up the Instrument in Drift Mode on page 103, Setting Up the Instrument in DFB Mode on page 165, Setting Up the Instrument in Spectral Transmittance Mode on page 183 and Setting Up the Instrument in EDFA Mode on page 209.

20 FTB-5240S/5240BP

Preparing Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer for a Test

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 for WDM test mode.

To perform offset nulling:

1. From the main window, select the Acquisition tab.

2. Disconnect any incoming signal to obtain an optimal accuracy.

Optical Spectrum Analyzer 21

Preparing Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer for a Test

Nulling Electrical Offsets

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: The Start and Discover options are not available during the nulling

process.

22 FTB-5240S/5240BP

+ 507 hidden pages

EXFO FTB-5240S, FTB-5240BP User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Certification Information

Models

Typical Applications

Conventions

2 Safety Information

Inserting and Removing Test Modules

Starting the Optical Spectrum Analyzer Application

Exiting the Application

Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers

Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI)

Selecting a Test Mode

Nulling Electrical Offsets