MARCH 2, 2009 -- EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. (search for EXFO) today introduced a new high-performance optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) to assist network operators in the deployment of current and next-generation optical networks.
The FTB-5240S OSA test module, housed in either the FTB-200 Compact Platform or newly launched FTB-500 Platform (see "EXFO launches next-generation field-testing platform"), is purpose-built for fast and accurate DWDM network commissioning and high-speed network upgrades up to 40G, says the company.
Within the FTB-200 platform, it's the smallest high-performance option for spectral characterization of next-generation networks, note EXFO representatives. When equipped with in-band optical-signal-to-noise-ratio (OSNR) measurement capabilities in the FTB-500 platform, this OSA can be combined with the FTB-8140 Transport Blazer to create a ROADM/POTS/40G test platform.
EXFO says its proprietary in-band OSNR test method delivers accurate measurements for next-generation systems in which noise can fluctuate from channel to channel. Traditional OSNR test tools tend to produce erroneous results, especially for ROADMs and 40G systems. The built-in polarization diversity detection capabilities on EXFO's new OSA enable customers to obtain accurate and automated OSNR measurements from a next-generation network.
The FTB-5240S OSA benefits from ultra-fast scanning and analysis inside the new FTB-500 platform. According to EXFO, a 90-dB dynamic range scan can be carried out within 1 second, including complete data analysis.
The OSA also supports new modulation schemes, such as NRZ, duobinary, DPSK, and QPSK, which present large line widths and often display multiple peaks. In-depth analysis ensures the correct identification and signal measurement of each carrier.
"The deployment of high-speed, next-generation DWDM optical networks is increasingly becoming commonplace due to the unabated demand for bandwidth-intensive services worldwide," reports Etienne Gagnon, EXFO's vice president of product management and marketing. "As a result, spectral characterization is becoming ubiquitous, but it presents serious challenges for network operators. EXFO's new OSA addresses these issues with the most compact and flexible solution on the market for the Supertech," he contends.
EXFO's new OSA will be showcased at OFC/NFOEC 2009, Booth No. 1035, from March 24-26, 2009, in San Diego.
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