EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. has launched the FPMD-5600 Femtosecond Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) Analyzer. Based on a new Reference Test Method called Poincaré Sphere Analysis, the FPMD-5600 has been approved by leading international standards bodies, including the ITU, IEC, and TIA. This test method enables users to measure very small levels of PMD in narrowband DWDM channels and broadband components in a simple, fast, and repeatable manner.
PMD is a physical phenomenon inherent to optical fiber and optical components that causes a spreading of light pulses as they travel along a network. This degrades the quality of the transmission signal and, in turn, limits the transmission speed carried by optical networks.
"With optical data transmission rates reaching 10 Gbits/sec and even 40 Gbits/sec, PMD characterization has become extremely important," explains Mario Larose, vice president of marketing at EXFO. "Optical component and system manufacturers must test for PMD in the femtosecond range because even the smallest amounts from individual components do accumulate, and the total might limit performance in high-speed networks."
The Femtosecond PMD analyzer also reduces testing time, say company representatives. It offers a measurement time of less than two minutes at any resolution compared to alternate testing methods that can take as long as 30 minutes.
"Simplified single-button measurements allow a high throughput for production testing, thus reducing optical component manufacturing costs," Mr. Larose added. "And we all know that reducing manufacturing costs is at the top of our customers' priorities these days."
For more information about EXFO (Quebec) and its products, visit the company's Web site at www.exfo.com.