EXFO FVA-3150 User Manual
FVA-3150
Variable Attenuator
User Guide
Copyright © 2010–2011 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.
Version number: 1.0.0
ii FVA-3150
Contents
Contents
Certification Information ........................................................................................................v
1 Introducing the FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator .......................................... 1
Main Features .........................................................................................................................1
Front Panel .............................................................................................................................2
Back Panel ..............................................................................................................................3
Available Models ....................................................................................................................4
Typical Applications ................................................................................................................4
Main Concept .........................................................................................................................5
Conventions ............................................................................................................................6
2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 7
Laser Safety Information .........................................................................................................7
Electrical Safety Information ...................................................................................................8
3 Getting Started With Your Variable Attenuator ....................................... 11
Installing your FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator in a Rackmount .............................................11
Turning the Variable Attenuator On and Off .........................................................................13
Accessing Menus ..................................................................................................................14
4 Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator ........................................................ 15
Selecting the Display Intensity ..............................................................................................15
Locking Control Key Access ...................................................................................................16
Managing the Wavelength Shortlist .....................................................................................17
Selecting the Attenuation .....................................................................................................20
Selecting and Using an Attenuation Display Mode ...............................................................24
Saving and Recalling a Configuration ...................................................................................31
5 Operating Your Variable Attenuator ......................................................... 35
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers ...............................................................................35
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI) .........................................................................37
Performing an Attenuation Routine ......................................................................................38
Operating the Shutter ...........................................................................................................44
Variable Attenuator iii
Contents
6 Controlling Your Variable Attenuator Remotely .......................................45
Setting Up the Variable Attenuator for Remote Control .......................................................45
Communication Parameters ..................................................................................................48
Standard Status Data Structure ............................................................................................49
Command Structure .............................................................................................................51
Error Messages .....................................................................................................................52
SCPI Management Errors (System Errors) ..............................................................................53
RS-232 Connector Pinout ......................................................................................................54
7 Maintenance ................................................................................................55
Cleaning EUI Connectors ......................................................................................................56
Cleaning Detector Ports ........................................................................................................58
Recalibrating the Unit ...........................................................................................................59
Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) ....................................................60
8 Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................61
Contacting the Technical Support Group ..............................................................................61
Transportation ......................................................................................................................62
9 Warranty ......................................................................................................63
General Information .............................................................................................................63
Liability .................................................................................................................................64
Exclusions .............................................................................................................................65
Certification ..........................................................................................................................65
Service and Repairs ...............................................................................................................66
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ..........................................................................................67
A Technical Specifications ..............................................................................69
B Remote Control Commands .......................................................................71
IEEE 488.2 Required Commands ...........................................................................................71
Specific commands-Quick Reference Command Tree ............................................................79
Index ...............................................................................................................103
iv FVA-3150
Certification Information
Certification Information
FCC 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.
CSA Information
This unit is certified by the CSA (certificate number 162451) and was
evaluated according to applicable CSA and UL standards (as confirmed by
“C-US” mark) as well as applicable IEC standards for use in Canada, the
United States, and other countries.
Variable Attenuator v
Certification Information
Application of Council Directives: 2006/95/EC - The Low Voltage Directive
2004/108/EC - The EMC Directive
2006/66/EC - The Battery Directive
93/68/EEC - CE Marking
And their amendments
Manufacturer’s Name: EXFO Inc.
Manufacturer’s Address: 400 Godin Avenue
Quebec, Quebec
Canada, G1M 2K2
Equipment Type/Environment: Test & Measurement / Industrial
Trade Name/Model No.: Variable Attenuator / FVA-3150
Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:
EN 61010-1:2001 Edition 2.0 Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,
Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 1: General Requirements.
EN 61326-1:2006 Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory
Use - EMC Requirements
EN 55022: 2006 + A1: 2007 Information technology equipment — Radio disturbance
characteristics — Limits and methods of measurement
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above Directives and Standards.
Manufacturer
Signature:
Full Name: Stephen Bull, E. Eng
Position: Vice-President Research and
Development
Address: 400 Godin Avenue, Quebec (Quebec),
Canada, G1M 2K2
Date: June 2, 2010
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
vi FVA-3150
1 Introducing the FVA-3150
Variable Attenuator
Main Features
The FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator is the instrument that allows you to
perform several attenuation related tasks.
The FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator is configured for singlemode and
multimode fibers. It is built to offer a high spectral uniformity, an important
feature which allows you to maintain the attenuation value throughout the
entire WDM spectrum. Its low insertion loss allows you to minimize your
loss budget.
The FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator has a program function, which allows
you to create custom programs such as automatic attenuation scan.
The Variable Attenuator has the versatility of three display modes:
Absolute, which includes the insertion loss.
Reference, in reference to the 0.001 dB level.
Offset, relative display to any selected reference value.
The FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator is controlled by easy-to-use software,
enabling multiple-user configuration storage.
The FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator can be remotely controlled through a
GPIB or RS-232 interface.
Variable Attenuator 1
Introducing the FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator
VARIABLE ATTENUATOR
FVA-3150
Offset
ENTER
Abs Up Shutter
Ref
Down Attenuation
Program
Setup
Output port
Offset mode access
Reference mode access
Confirmation
button (Enter)
Absolute mode access
Wavelength control
Arrow buttons for
menu navigation and
parameter setting
Program menu access
Monitor port
(BM and DM models only)
On/off button
Display
Shutter control
Attenuation controls
Step
In Monitor Out
Input port
Setup menu access
Shutter
Front Panel
Front Panel
Note: Your FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator may differ slightly from the illustration
depending on the specific model of your unit.
2 FVA-3150
Back Panel
Electro-Optical Engineering
465 Godin Avenue
Vanier QC G1M 3G7 Canada
R
GPIB IEEE 488.2
SH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT1, C0, E2
This device complies with part 15 of th e FCC rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
harmful interference and (2) this devic e must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Made in Canada
P/N
S/N
Ver.
Mfg.
date
QST-151F
Serial Port
MODEL: GO
LR107723
100-240 V
50/60 Hz
2 A
F2AL250 V
C
US
Serial port (RS-232 DTE)
Fuse holder
Power inlet
GPIB port
Ver.
Mfg.
date
S/N
FVA-3150-B-EI
12345-AB
A-1.0
J
ANUARY
2010
9/125 µ
M
1200 TO 1650
NM
P/N
Ground
Version number
Spectral range
Manufacturing date
Part number
Fiber type
Serial number
Introducing the FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator
Back Panel
Note: Your FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator may differ slightly from the illustration
depending on the specific model of your unit.
Variable Attenuator 3
Introducing the FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator
Available Models
Available Models
According to the models you own, additional options are available. The
FVA-3150-CM, FVA-3150-BM, and FVA-3150-DM all come with a monitor
output, which ensures accurate power-level monitoring.
Typical Applications
The FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator is ideal for:
manufacturing and laboratory applications such as system
characterization
EDFA
component and system loss simulation
instrument calibration
power meter linearity measurement
spectral tuning
The FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator is particularly suitable to demanding
laboratory and manufacturing qualification applications.
4 FVA-3150
Introducing the FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator
Main Concept
Main Concept
The significance of the attenuation value displayed by an optical attenuator
may differ from one manufacturer to another. At EXFO, for example, the
attenuation displayed by the FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator is the actual loss
or attenuation between the input and the output ports of the Variable
Attenuator, including the loss of its own internal connectors, after
performing a reference reading with a power meter.
IMPORTANT
The Variable Attenuator has been calibrated with a light source
connected to the input port and a power meter connected to the
output port. For optimum performance, do not interchange the
input and output connections.
Variable Attenuator 5
Introducing the FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator
Conventions
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.
6 FVA-3150
2 Safety Information
Laser 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.
Variable Attenuator 7
Safety Information
Electrical Safety Information
Electrical Safety Information
This unit uses an international safety standard three-wire power cable. This
cable serves as a ground when connected to an appropriate AC power
outlet.
Note: If you need to ensure that the unit is completely powered off, disconnect the
power cable.
WARNING
Insert the power cable plug into a power outlet with a
protective ground contact. Do not use an extension cord
without a protective conductor.
Before powering on the unit, connect all grounding terminals,
extension cords and devices to a protective ground via a ground
socket. Any interruption of the protective grounding is a
potential shock hazard and may cause personal injury.
Whenever the ground protection is impaired, do not use the
unit and secure it against any accidental operation.
Do not tamper with the protective ground terminal.
The color coding used in the electric cable depends on the cable. New
plugs should meet the local safety requirements and include:
adequate load-carrying capacity
ground connection
cable clamp
IMPORTANT
EXFO assumes no liability if you attempt to perform internal service
on this unit.
8 FVA-3150
Safety Information
Electrical Safety Information
WARNING
Use this unit indoors only.
Position the unit so that the air can circulate freely around it.
Operation of any electrical instrument around flammable gases
or fumes constitutes a major safety hazard.
Do not remove unit covers during operation.
To avoid electrical shock, do not operate the unit if any part of
the outer surface (covers, panels, etc.) is damaged.
Only authorized personnel should carry out adjustments,
maintenance or repair of opened units under voltage. A person
qualified in first aid must also be present. Do not replace any
components while power cable are connected.
Use only fuses with the required rated current and specified
type (IEC, 5 mm x 20 mm (0.197 in x 0.787 in), fast-blow, 250 V,
2 A). Do not use repaired fuses or short-circuited fuse holders.
Capacitors inside the unit may be charged even if the unit has
been disconnected from its electrical supply.
Variable Attenuator 9
Safety Information
Electrical Safety Information
Equipment Ratings
Tem pe rat ur e
Operation
Storage
Relative humidity
a
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
-40 °C to 70 °C (-40 °F to 158 °F)
0 % to 80 % non-condensing
Maximum operation altitude 2000 m (6562 ft)
Pollution degree 2
Overvoltage category II
Power supply rating
b
100 V to 240 V (50 Hz/60 Hz)
maximum input power 2 A
a. Measured in 0 °C to 31 °C (32 °F to 87.8 °F) range, decreasing linearly to 50 % at 40 °C (104 °F).
b. Not exceeding
± 10 % of the nominal voltage.
The following label is located on the back panel of the unit:
10 FVA-3150
3 Getting Started With Your
2
3
4
1
Variable Attenuator
Installing your FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator in a Rackmount
You can place your FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator in a rackmount to
facilitate its usage.
To install the rackmount:
1. Fix the angle iron using four flat Phillips screws.
2. Fix the rackmount bracket to the frame using two round Phillips
screws.
3. Fix the rackmount stiffener using two flat Phillips screws (for the front
panel) and two round Phillips screws.
4. If your rackmount will contain only one unit, fix the rackmount cover
plate to the empty part of the frame using four flat Phillips screws.
Variable Attenuator 11
Getting Started With Your Variable Attenuator
X
A
Installing your FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator in a Rackmount
To install your FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator in a rackmount:
1. Slide the benchtop unit into the rackmount and tighten it from
underneath using the four cover fixing screws.
If measurement X on the illustration exceeds 11.125 in., fix the unit into
the four holes identified as A. Otherwise, use the other four holes.
2. If a second benchtop is to be installed, remove the cover plate and
repeat step 1.
12 FVA-3150
Getting Started With Your Variable Attenuator
Turning the Variable Attenuator On and Off
Turning the Variable Attenuator On and Off
When you turn on your unit:
it beeps twice
it performs a self-test
it enters the mode that was active at the last power-off (Absolute,
Offset, or Reference)
When you turn the unit off, the following items remain in read-only
memory:
current shutter state
current display mode
current attenuation setting
current wavelength
shortlisted wavelengths
each wavelength offsets
step size
remote-control settings
programmed attenuation routine settings
saved configurations
Note: The power cord is the most effective disconnecting device. To ensure that
the power is completely turned off, disconnect the power cord.
Variable Attenuator 13
Getting Started With Your Variable Attenuator
Program
Setup
Delay Duration
Step
ATT.
Start
Stop
Exit
Step Lambda
Offset
Dimmer GPIB-RS
Save
Recall Exit
Lockout
Accessing Menus
To turn the unit on and off:
Use the red button in the lower left corner of the front panel.
IMPORTANT
Some internal mechanisms can sometimes take a few seconds to
adjust, depending on the operation performed. While the Variable
Attenuator is performing internal adjustments (for example after
having changed the wavelength or the attenuation setting), no
buttons should be pressed while Program flashes on the display.
CAUTION
The Variable Attenuator should not be turned off while Program is
flashing in the lower left corner of the display.
Accessing Menus
The blue buttons to the right of the display give access to single-level
menus: Program and Setup. The following diagram shows the menus and
their items.
To move (in a loop) between the menu items:
Use the left/right arrows.
To exit a menu:
Press the button that gave access to the menu;
OR
Use the left/right arrows to move until EXIT is displayed, then press ENTER.
14 FVA-3150
4 Setting Up Your Variable
Attenuator
Selecting the Display Intensity
Display intensity may be set to high or low. You can also turn off the display
without turning off the unit.
To select the display intensity:
1. Press the Setup button.
2. Use the left/right arrows to move until it displays DIMMER.
3. Press ENTER. The current dimmer state will start flashing.
4. Use the up/down arrows to modify the dimmer status: LO, HI, or OFF.
5. Press ENTER.
Note: Setting the dimmer to OFF turns off the display. Press any button to turn the
display back on.
6. To exit the Setup menu, press the Setup button.
Variable Attenuator 15
Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator
Locking Control Key Access
Locking Control Key Access
To prevent unintended use of the FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator during
operation, you can lock the control keys (the blue buttons on the front
panel of the unit).
To lock the control key access:
1. Press the Setup button.
2. Use the left/right arrows until LOCKOUT is displayed.
3. Press ENTER.
The LOCKED message is briefly displayed, then the unit reverts to the
settings that were active before you entered the Setup menu. All control
keys are deactivated.
To unlock the keypad:
1. Press the Setup button.
2. Press ENTER.
The UNLOCKED message is briefly displayed. All control keys are
reactivated.
16 FVA-3150
Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator
Managing the Wavelength Shortlist
Managing the Wavelength Shortlist
The FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator can test at many wavelengths. The
accepted wavelengths depend on the configuration of your unit. You can
store the wavelengths you use most often in a shortlist so you can quickly
access them. The shortlist includes up to 20 wavelengths.
Note: When switching to a new wavelength, the attenuator motor will reposition
itself to keep the current attenuation value for the new wavelength.
Refer to Technical Specifications on page 69 for more information on the
wavelength ranges that you can enter.
Variable Attenuator 17
Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator
nm
Managing the Wavelength Shortlist
To add a wavelength to the shortlist:
1. Press the Setup button.
2. Use the left/right arrows to move until LAMBDA is displayed.
3. Use the up/down arrows to move until Add is displayed .
4. Press ENTER. A wavelength will be suggested and the first digit will
flash.
5. Use the up/down arrows to change the flashing digit and the left/right
arrows to activate the next digit.
6. Once all digits are set, press ENTER.
7. To exit the Setup menu, press the Setup button.
Note: If you are trying to enter a wavelength that is outside the wavelength range,
the Variable Attenuator will beep and reject the wavelength.
18 FVA-3150
Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator
Managing the Wavelength Shortlist
To delete a wavelength from the shortlist:
1. Press the Setup button.
2. Press the left/right arrows until LAMBDA is displayed.
3. Use up/down arrows to move until the wavelength you want to delete
appears in the lower portion of the display.
4. Press ENTER. The wavelength will start flashing.
5. Set all the wavelength digits to zero. To do so, use the up/down arrows
to change the flashing digit and the left/right arrows to activate the next
digit.
6. Press ENTER.
7. To exit the Setup menu, press the Setup button.
To delete all wavelengths from the shortlist:
1. Press the Setup button.
2. Press the left/right arrows until LAMBDA is displayed.
3. Press the up/down arrows until DEL ALL appears in the lower portion
of the display.
4. Press ENTER.
Variable Attenuator 19
Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator
Selecting the Attenuation
Selecting the Attenuation
The attenuation can be set using two methods:
By using the up and down arrows buttons, the attenuation is modified
one step (up or down) at a time.
By using the Attenuation button, you can quickly and precisely set the
attenuation to a specific value
The available step sizes are: 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and
50 dB.
Note: Selecting a larger step size allows for faster attenuation scanning.
To change the step size:
1. Press the Setup button.
2. Press the left/right arrows until STEP is displayed.
3. Press ENTER. The current step size will start flashing.
4. Using the up/down arrows, select one of the available step sizes.
5. Press ENTER.
6. To exit the Setup menu, press the Setup button.
20 FVA-3150
Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator
dB
Abs
nm
Attenuation setting
Current wavelength
Selecting the Attenuation
To enter a specific attenuation value:
1. Press the Attenuation button. The first segment of the attenuation
setting starts flashing.
2. Enter a new attenuation value. Use the up/down arrows to change the
flashing digit and the left/right arrows to activate the next digit.
Note: The difference with the current attenuation must be of at least 0.002 dB for
the new attenuation setting to be valid. For more information on the
variable attenuator optical resolution see Technical Specifications on
page 69.
3. Once you have entered all the segments, press ENTER.
Note: If you try to set an attenuation value that is outside the attenuation range,
the Variable Attenuator will default to the minimum or maximum setting.
The attenuation range (minimum and maximum possible attenuation) of
your FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator depends on the model you have at
hand. Although EXFO guarantees that the minimum insertion loss is below
a specified value, it may vary slightly from one wavelength to another and
from one variable attenuator to another.
Variable Attenuator 21
Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator
VARIABLE ATTENUATOR
FVA-3150
Offset
ENTER
Abs Up Shutter
Ref
Down Attenuation
Program
Setup
Absolute mode access
Step
In Monitor Out
Shutter
Wavelength control Attenuation
Selecting the Attenuation
To set the minimum attenuation:
1. Select a wavelength, by pressing until you reach the desired
wavelength.
2. Press the Abs button.
3. Press the Attenuation button and set an attenuation of 00.000 dB.
4. Press ENTER. The Variable Attenuator will default to the minimum
insertion loss.
22 FVA-3150
Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator
Selecting the Attenuation
To set the maximum attenuation:
1. Select a wavelength by pressing until you reach the desired
wavelength.
2. Press the Abs button.
3. Press the Attenuation button and set an attenuation of -99.999 dB.
4. Press ENTER. The Variable Attenuator will default to the maximum
attenuation.
Variable Attenuator 23
Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator
Selecting and Using an Attenuation Display Mode
Selecting and Using an Attenuation Display
Mode
Note: The total or absolute attenuation referred to in this manual is the actual
optical insertion loss between the input and output ports, including the
connectors.
The Variable Attenuator offers the following three attenuation display
modes:
Absolute attenuation mode
Offset attenuation mode
Reference attenuation mode
Display Mode Description
Absolute The displayed attenuation value takes into account both
the absolute value and the offset value.
Default mode upon initial activation.
Reference
(relative)
24 FVA-3150
The displayed attenuation value is the attenuation relative
to a defined reference value, which can be any value
within the unit’s attenuation range and may be selected as
the reference.
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