Fiber-optic power monitor

Model 310 fiber-optic power monitor provides continuous readout of optical power being carried by a fiber-optic cable without interrupting the flow of optical energy. The device operates at 1310 and 1550 nm and features singlemode fiber input and output and a power range of -50 to +20 dBm. It provides an analog output voltage that can be used for data logging by connecting a voltmeter with an IEEE interface or equivalent to the microphone jack. The voltage can also be used to display absolute optical power on a voltmeter when the monitor is in dB relative mode. Insertion loss is less than 1.2 dB, return loss is greater than 60 dB and polarization-dependent loss is less than 0.05 dB. Operating temperature is 0° to +40°C and battery life is greater than three years. Applications include power monitoring in fiber-optic systems, bidirectional transmission measurements, long-term system monitoring, component testing and return-loss measurements. Enclosed in flame-retardant plastic, the 3.7 ¥ 1.5 ¥ 1.4-inch monitor weighs 5 oz., including batteries. The unit is priced from $2850 and includes a miniature coaxial-cable jumper and a BNC-to-banana adapter. Among the accessories are an anodized aluminum mount and a plastic carrying case with a foam interior.

Eigenlight Corp., Ocean, NJ