February 14, 2007 -- EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. has announced the launch of the IQS-3150 Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) for demanding optical network testing and active component manufacturing applications.
EXFO's new VOA offers a 65-dB attenuation range and spectral uniformity of ±0.03 dB over the C-band, as well as an optional intelligent function (integrated power meter). This new IQS module can be used in an automated testing environment to simulate the loss of optical power or increased link attenuation. The company says the VOA combines reliable performance, complete control of the signal level, advanced programming capabilities, and user-friendliness inside a one-slot singlemode or multimode module within the IQS-500 Intelligent Test System.
The IQS-3150 VOA has been designed to meet the requirements of the most extensive manufacturing applications in which 24-hours-per-day, 7-days-a-week operation over period of 5 years or more is needed. When equipped with the optional power meter, the instrument can be set to reach a calibrated output power level instead of a known level of attenuation. This two-in-one option eliminates the need for an external power meter and simplifies test setups, the company says.
"Our variable optical attenuator represents a key building block in the development of a multitude of automated test stations for manufacturing, system verification or R&D applications," said Etienne Gagnon, EXFO's vice-president of optical and protocol product management. "A wide range of optical and protocol test modules can be combined to create high-performance test stations like those required for BER testing of transmission cards or gain and noise characterization of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs). Combined with the integrated power meter option, this new VOA increases the flexibility and stability of such test stations."