EXFO FVA-3150 User Manual

5 (2)
EXFO FVA-3150 User Manual

User Guide

FVA-3150

Variable Attenuator

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

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

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

vi

FVA-3150

1Introducing 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

Front Panel

Front Panel

Program menu access

 

 

 

Setup menu access

Confirmation

 

 

Display

 

 

button (Enter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shutter control

 

 

 

Arrow buttons for

Absolute mode access

 

 

 

 

menu navigation and

 

 

 

 

parameter setting

 

 

 

 

 

Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENTER

 

 

Step

 

 

 

Setup

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abs

Offset

Up

Shutter

 

 

 

 

Ref

Down

Attenuation

In

Monitor

Out

On/off button

 

 

 

 

 

Output port

Wavelength control

 

 

 

Monitor port

 

 

 

 

 

(BM and DM models only)

Reference mode access

 

 

 

Input port

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Offset mode access

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attenuation controls

 

 

 

Note: Your FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator may differ slightly from the illustration depending on the specific model of your unit.

2

FVA-3150

Introducing the FVA-3150 Variable Attenuator

Back Panel

Back Panel

Serial port (RS-232 DTE)

Fuse holder

GPIB port

Power inlet

GPIB IEEE 488.2

Serial Port

MODEL: GO

 

 

R LR107723

 

C

US

100-240 V 50/60 Hz

2 A

F2AL250 V

SH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT1, C0, E2

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

P/N

 

Ver.

 

 

S/N

 

Mfg.

 

date

Made in Canada QST-151F

Electro-Optical Engineering

465 Godin Avenue

Vanier QC G1M 3G7 Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ground

Part number

 

 

P/N

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Version number

 

 

FVA-3150-B-EI

A-1.0

 

 

 

Ver.

 

 

Spectral range

Fiber type

 

 

 

 

 

9/125 µM

1200 TO 1650 NM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S/N

 

Mfg.

 

 

 

 

12345-AB

JANUARY 2010

 

 

 

Manufacturing date

Serial number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Temperature

 

 

Operation

 

0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)

Storage

 

-40 °C to 70 °C (-40 °F to 158 °F)

 

 

 

Relative humiditya

 

0 % to 80 % non-condensing

Maximum operation altitude

 

2000 m (6562 ft)

 

 

 

Pollution degree

 

2

 

 

 

Overvoltage category

 

II

 

 

 

Power supply ratingb

 

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

3Getting Started With Your 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.

3

2

41

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

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.

X

A

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

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delay

 

 

 

Duration

 

 

 

Step

 

 

 

 

ATT.

 

Start

 

 

 

Stop

 

 

Exit

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step

 

 

 

 

Lambda

 

 

 

 

Offset

 

 

 

Dimmer

 

 

 

 

GPIB-RS

 

 

 

 

 

Save

 

 

 

Recall

 

 

 

Lockout

Exit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Setup

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

4Setting 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

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.

nm

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

Selecting the Attenuation

To enter a specific attenuation value:

1.Press the Attenuation button. The first segment of the attenuation setting starts flashing.

Attenuation setting

dB

Abs

nm

Current wavelength

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

Selecting the Attenuation

To set the minimum attenuation:

1.Select a wavelength, by pressing until you reach the desired wavelength.

Program

ENTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Setup

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abs

 

Offset

Up

 

 

 

Shutter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In

 

Monitor

 

 

Out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ref

Down

 

 

Attenuation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wavelength control

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attenuation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Absolute mode access

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

The displayed attenuation value is the attenuation relative

(relative)

to a defined reference value, which can be any value

 

within the unit’s attenuation range and may be selected as

 

the reference.

 

 

24

FVA-3150

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