EXFO IQS-2600B User Manual
IQS-2600B
Tunable Laser Source for IQS Platforms
User Guide
Copyright © 2003–2011 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
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its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent
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.
Version number: 3.0.1
ii IQS-2600B
Contents
Contents
Certification Information ........................................................................................................v
1 Introducing the IQS-2600B Tunable Laser Source ...................................... 1
General Information ...............................................................................................................1
Typical Applications ................................................................................................................2
IQS-2600CT Tunable Laser Source for IQS-12004B DWDM Passive Component Test System ...3
Conventions ............................................................................................................................4
2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 5
3 Getting Started with Your Tunable Laser Source ....................................... 7
Inserting and Removing Test Modules ....................................................................................7
Starting the Tunable Laser Source Application ......................................................................11
Entering Values Using Sliders and Numeric Boxes .................................................................14
Exiting the Application .........................................................................................................15
4 Setting Standard Parameters .................................................................... 17
Switching between Normal and High-Resolution (HR) Modes ..............................................18
Selecting the Display Unit .....................................................................................................19
Selecting a Wavelength ........................................................................................................20
Setting the Power .................................................................................................................22
Adding Items to Lists ............................................................................................................24
Deleting Items from Lists ......................................................................................................25
Saving and Recalling Configurations .....................................................................................26
5 Setting Sweep Parameters ........................................................................ 29
Setting the Start and End Wavelengths ................................................................................29
Setting a Delay for the Sweep ...............................................................................................30
Selecting the Sweep Mode ...................................................................................................30
Selecting the Incoming Trigger Option .................................................................................32
Setting the Cycle Options .....................................................................................................33
Setting the Sweep Direction .................................................................................................34
6 Operating your Tunable Laser Source ....................................................... 35
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers ...............................................................................35
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI) .........................................................................37
Activating/Deactivating Light Emission .................................................................................38
Starting a Sweep ..................................................................................................................39
Tunable Laser Source iii
Contents
7 Monitoring Your Tunable Laser Source .....................................................41
Using Monitor Windows .......................................................................................................41
Using QuickTools ...................................................................................................................44
8 Maintenance ................................................................................................47
Cleaning Fixed Connectors ....................................................................................................48
Cleaning EUI Connectors ......................................................................................................50
Adjusting Your Unit According to Wavelength .....................................................................52
Recalibrating the Unit ...........................................................................................................54
Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) ....................................................54
9 Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................55
Solving Common Problems ...................................................................................................55
Viewing Online Documentation ............................................................................................56
Contacting the Technical Support Group ..............................................................................57
Transportation ......................................................................................................................59
10 Warranty ......................................................................................................61
General Information .............................................................................................................61
Liability .................................................................................................................................61
Exclusions .............................................................................................................................62
Certification ..........................................................................................................................62
Service and Repairs ...............................................................................................................63
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ..........................................................................................64
A Technical Specifications ..............................................................................65
B SCPI Command Reference ..........................................................................69
Quick Reference Command Tree ...........................................................................................70
Product-Specific Commands—Description ............................................................................72
C Trigger Option Theory ..............................................................................129
Trigger Option in Continuous Mode ...................................................................................129
Trigger Option in Stepped Mode ........................................................................................130
Index ...............................................................................................................131
iv IQS-2600B
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 IEC 61326-1 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.
IMPORTANT
Use of shielded remote I/O cables, with properly grounded shields
and metal connectors, is recommended in order to reduce radio
frequency interference that may emanate from these cables.
Tunable Laser Source v
Certification Information
Page 1 of 1
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Application of Council Directive(s): 2006/95/EC ± The Low Voltage Directive
2004/108/EC ± The EMC Directive
93/68/EEC ± CE Marking
And their amendments
0DQXIDFWXUHU¶V1DPHDQG$GGUHVV:
EXFO Inc. EXFO Europe
400 Godin Avenue Omega Enterprise Park, Electron Way
Quebec City, Quebec Chandlers Ford, Hampshire
G1M 2K2 CANADA SO53 4SE ENGLAND
Tel.: +1 418 683-0211 Tel.: +44 2380 246810
Equipment Type/Environment: Test & Measurement / Industrial
Trade Name/Model No.: Tunable Laser Source / IQS-2600B
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 ± Part 1: General requirements
EN 60825-1:2007 Edition 2.0
Safety of laser products ± Part 1: Equipment classification and
requirements
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above Directive and Standards.
Manufacturer:
Stephen Bull, E. Eng
Vice-President Research and Development
400 Godin Avenue,
Quebec City, Quebec
G1M 2K2 CANADA
February 03, 2009
vi IQS-2600B
1 Introducing the IQS-2600B
IQS-2600B
ACTIVE
OUTPUT
MONITOR
OUTPUT
TRIG IN
TRIG OUT
Tunable Laser Source
Trigger In connector
Trigger Out connector
Retaining screw knob
Output connector
Active LED
Monitor output connector
LED push button
Tunable Laser Source
General Information
The IQS-2600B Tunable Laser Source addresses the testing requirements
for dense WDM component testing in the C- and L-bands.
Tunable Laser Source 1
The source has a medium coherence length that avoids problems such as
connector-induced interference and it is relatively immune to vibration. Its
linewidth is made up of several longitudinal modes that are present
simultaneously, resulting in no mode-hop-related measurement problems.
It also features a high-accuracy encoder for consistency in your results.
Your module may also feature the possibility to enable or disable the
automatic level control (ALC).
Introducing the IQS-2600B Tunable Laser Source
Typic a l Ap pl ic ation s
The IQS-2600B Tunable Laser Source supports local control (via the
IQS Manager software) and remote control (through GPIB, RS-232, or
Ethernet TCP/IP using SCPI commands or the provided LabVIEW drivers).
For more information, refer to the IQS platform user guide.
Typical Applications
You can use your Tunable Laser Source to perform several tasks, such as
the following:
characterizing filters, multiplexers, Bragg gratings, and other DWDM
components
checking wavelength-dependent gain, noise contribution and
saturation properties
determining the spectral sensitivity of receivers and detectors
performing high-loss tests on passive components
2 IQS-2600B
Introducing the IQS-2600B Tunable Laser Source
IQS-2600CT Tunable Laser Source for IQS-12004B DWDM Passive Component Test System
IQS-2600CT Tunable Laser Source for
IQS-12004B DWDM Passive Component Test
System
EXFO has modified its IQS-2600B Tunable Laser Source in order to
integrate it into the IQS-12004B DWDM Passive Component Test System. To
optimize the performance of the IQS-12004B, the optical attenuator
ensuring a constant power output from the tunable laser source has been
removed.
You can easily identify the type of tunable laser source you have. The unit
designed for the IQS-12004B system will bear the mention 2600CT, while
the stand-alone unit will bear the mention 2600B.
Every customer purchasing the IQS-12004B DWDM Passive Component
Test System for applications covering both the C- and L-bands will receive
an IQS-2600CT model. Even though the tunable laser source has been
modified, it can still be used as a stand-alone instrument using an IQS-600
Integrated Qualification System. However, you will notice a warning
message when turning the instrument on.
This warning informs you that the power output is not monitored and
cannot be controlled internally. Also note that the power stability and
repeatability values presented in the IQS-2600B specification sheet do not
apply to the IQS-2600CT.
Any other functionality or specification, particularly those concerning the
accuracy of the instrument and wavelength stability, will not be affected by
this design change.
Tunable Laser Source 3
Introducing the IQS-2600B Tunable Laser Source
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.
4 IQS-2600B
2 Safety Information
While handling optical fibers, laser radiation may be encountered at
source output ports and fiber ends. Avoid long-term exposure to laser
radiation.
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 1M laser product in compliance with standards
IEC 60825-1 and 21 CFR 1040.10. Invisible laser radiation may be
encountered at the output port.
The product is safe under reasonably foreseeable conditions of operation
but it may be hazardous if you use optics within a diverging or collimated
beam. Do not view directly with optical instruments.
Tunable Laser Source 5
3 Getting Started with Your
Retaining screw
knob
Protective cover
2b
2a
Tunable Laser Source
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
CAUTION
Never insert or remove a module while the controller unit and its
expansion units are turned on. This will result in immediate and
irreparable damage to both the module and unit.
To insert a module into the controller or expansion unit:
1. Exit IQS Manager and turn off all your units.
2. Remove the protective cover from the desired unused module slot.
2a. Pull the retaining screw knob firmly towards you and release the
bottom of the cover.
2b. Gently pull the top of the protective cover downwards, to remove
it from the unit grooves.
3. Position the module so that its front panel is facing you and the top and
bottom protruding edges are to your right.
Tunable Laser Source 7
Getting Started with Your Tunable Laser Source
Retaining screw
Retaining screw knob
Protruding edges
(right side of module)
5
6
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
4. Insert the protruding edges of the module into the grooves of the unit’s
module slot.
5. Push the module all the way to the back of the slot, until the retaining
screw makes contact with the unit casing.
6. While applying slight pressure to the module, turn the retaining screw
knob (located at the bottom of the panel) clockwise until the knob is
horizontal.
This will secure the module into its “seated” position.
8 IQS-2600B
Getting Started with Your Tunable Laser Source
Retaining screw knob
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
The module is correctly inserted when its front panel is flush with the front
panel of the controller or expansion unit.
When you turn on the controller unit, the startup sequence will
automatically detect your module.
Note: You can insert IQ modules into your controller or expansion unit; the
IQS Manager software will recognize them. However, the IQS-2600B
locking mechanism (retaining screw) will not work for IQ modules.
To remove a module from your controller or expansion unit:
1. While pulling gently on the knob, turn it counterclockwise until it stops.
The module will slowly be released from the slot.
2. Place your fingers underneath the module or hold it by the retaining
screw knob (NOT by the connector) and pull it out.
Tunable Laser Source 9
Getting Started with Your Tunable Laser Source
YES
NO
Retaining screw
knob
Connector
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
CAUTION
Pulling out a module by a connector could seriously damage both
the module and connector. Always pull out a module by the
retaining screw knob.
3. Cover empty slots with the supplied protective covers.
3a. Slide the top of the protective cover into the upper grooves of the
unit.
3b. Snap the cover into place by pushing the retaining screw knob.
CAUTION
Failure to reinstall protective covers over empty slots will result in
ventilation problems.
10 IQS-2600B
Getting Started with Your Tunable Laser Source
Highlighted module
(white background)
Starting the Tunable Laser Source Application
Starting the Tunable Laser Source Application
Your IQS-2600B Tunable Laser Source module can be configured and
controlled from its dedicated IQS Manager application.
Note: For details about IQS Manager, refer to the IQS platform user guide.
To start the application:
1. From the Current Modules function tab select the module to use.
It will turn white to indicate that it is highlighted.
2. Click Start Application.
OR
Press the green LED push button on the front of the corresponding
module.
You can also double-click its row.
Tunable Laser Source 11
Getting Started with Your Tunable Laser Source
Data
display
Control
Center
Title bar
Function
tabs
Status bar
Starting the Tunable Laser Source Application
Note: Pressing the LED push button will not activate or turn on the module.
Note: To start the corresponding monitor window at the same time, click Start
App. & Monitor. The window opens on the Monitors function tab.
The main window (shown below) contains all the commands required to
control the Tunable Laser Source:
?
12 IQS-2600B
Getting Started with Your Tunable Laser Source
Slot number in which module is inserted
(0 identifies first slot)
Controller unit or expansion unit (1 to 999) housing
the module
[ 999 – 1 ]
Current date and timeModule/unit status
Local: Module controlled locally only.
Remote: Module controlled remotely, but
local commands can also be used.
Lockout: Module controlled remotely only.
Control mode
Starting the Tunable Laser Source Application
Title Bar
The title bar is located at the top of the main window. It displays the
module name and its position in the controller or expansion unit. The
module position is identified as follows:
Status Bar
The status bar, located at the bottom of the main window, identifies the
operational status of the IQS-2600B Tunable Laser Source.
For more information about automating or remotely controlling the
IQS-2600B Tunable Laser Source, refer to your platform user guide.
Tunable Laser Source 13
Getting Started with Your Tunable Laser Source
Numeric box
button
Fine-tuning
box
Slider
Navigation buttons
Parameter identification
Toggle button
Backspace button
(to correct a value)
Clear button
Entry display
Entering Values Using Sliders and Numeric Boxes
Entering Values Using Sliders and Numeric
Boxes
Many parameters in IQS Manager and module applications can be set
using the following tools.
Slider: Drag it to the desired value on the scale below.
Navigation buttons: Click either buttons to move the slider. The slider
moves by steps corresponding to the number in the fine-tuning box,
which you can change by using the up and down arrow buttons next to
the box. You cannot change the list of fine-tuning values from here.
Numeric box: Click it to display the on-screen numeric pad, which you
can use to enter a powe value.
To enter a value using the numeric box:
1. Use the button to clear the entry display.
14 IQS-2600B
2. Enter the value.
3. Click OK to confirm the value.
Getting Started with Your Tunable Laser Source
Exiting the Application
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.
OR
Click the Exit button located at the bottom of the function bar.
To close all currently running applications:
From IQS Manager, click Close All Applications.
Tunable Laser Source 15
4 Setting Standard Parameters
The standard parameters are set through the Instrument function tab.
Tunable Laser Source 17
Setting Standard Parameters
Switching between Normal and High-Resolution (HR) Modes
Switching between Normal and
High-Resolution (HR) Modes
You can use two different modes to select your values in your Instrument
function tab.
High-Resolution
Normal
In HR mode, the laser linewidth is reduced by a factor of 20 %. Typically, at
1550 nm, the Normal mode will produce a 1.6 GHz FWHM linewidth, while
the HR mode will produce a 1.4 GHz FWHM linewith. The tuning range
(or power at extreme wavelength) might be smaller in HR mode than in
Normal mode.
To select the operation mode:
Move the switch located in the Mode panel of the Instrument function tab.
.
18 IQS-2600B
Setting Standard Parameters
Selecting the Display Unit
Selecting the Display Unit
It is possible to select the display unit with which you want to work.
To select the display units, use the switch located in the Wl. Unit panel of
the Instrument function tab.
.
The THz units are only supported in the main window. Settings in the
Settings function tab use nm as units.
Tunable Laser Source 19
Setting Standard Parameters
Selecting a Wavelength
Selecting a Wavelength
There are several ways to select a wavelength for testing.
Whenever you use controls in the Wa velength panel, the LED on the upper
right-hand corner will light up to indicate which settings you are changing.
Entering a Wavelength Directly
Any desired wavelength within the operational limits of the source can be
entered directly by clicking on the numeric box button in the Wavelength
panel of the Instrument function tab.
If the set power cannot be maintained at the selected wavelength
(especially at extreme wavelengths), the displayed power value will flash,
a message appears in the status bar, and the power is no longer in constant
power mode. The output power stability and level will be the natural laser
emission.
To stop the power display from flashing and have the power regulation
work again, set the wavelength at an interval where the displayed power
can be reached, or decrease the power.
20 IQS-2600B
Setting Standard Parameters
Selecting a Wavelength
Retrieving a Wavelength from a Stored List
To select a wavelength from the list of wavelengths already
saved in the internal memory:
1. In the Instrument function tab, use the arrow buttons next to the
Wavelength panel’s Preset list and select the wavelength you want.
2. Click Apply to use your new settings.
To add a wavelength to the list, see Adding Items to Lists on page 24.
Using a Step Value From a Stored List
To select a step from the list of existing step values:
In the Instrument function tab, use the arrow buttons next to the
Wavelength panel’s Step list to select the value you want.
Tunable Laser Source 21
Setting Standard Parameters
Setting the Power
Setting the Power
There are several ways to select a power value for testing.
Whenever you use controls in the Power panel, the LED on the upper
right-hand corner will light up to indicate which settings you are changing.
Entering a Power Value Directly
Any desired power value within the operational limits of the source can be
entered directly by clicking on the numeric box button in the Power panel
of the Instrument function tab.
Your source can either be in Normal Power mode (where the ALC is
enabled), or in Max. Power mode (where the ALC is disabled).
To ch a nge t h e Automatic Level Control status, click the Max Power
button.
22 IQS-2600B
Setting Standard Parameters
Setting the Power
Retrieving Power Step Value from a Stored List
To select a power step value from the list of existing values:
In the Instrument function tab, use the arrow buttons next to the Power
(dBm) panel’s Step list to select the value you want.
To add a wavelength to the list, see Adding Items to Lists on page 24.
Using the Slider
You can select a power value by using the slider in the Instrument function
tab.
For a more precise adjustment of your values, use the arrow buttons under
the slider.
Note: The power you select will affect the sweep range available. For example,
setting the power at 0 dBm will give you a range from 1515 nm to 1610 nm,
and setting the power at 10 dBm will give you a range of 1510 nm to
1612 nm. Please keep this in mind as you set the power for your sweep.
Tunable Laser Source 23
Setting Standard Parameters
Adding Items to Lists
Adding Items to Lists
You can add items to the current Wavelength Presets, Wavelength Step,
Power Step and Sweep Step lists.
To add items:
1. Click the Settings function tab.
2. Select the Lists tab.
3. In the Wavelength Presets (nm), Wavelength Step, Power Step (dB)
or Sweep Step (nm) panels, depending on where you want to add a
value, type in the desired wavelength or step in the New Value box.
4. Click to add the value to the list.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to add more values if needed.
24 IQS-2600B
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