Yokogawa unveils AQ6380 optical spectrum analyzer with improved performance
Yokogawa says it now offers the AQ6380 optical spectrum analyzer (OSA), designed to provide technicians, particularly in R&D applications, with high performance, greater productivity, and future proofing. The instrument, which features an APP Mode for greater flexibility and ease of use, offers optical wavelength resolution to 5 pm, which enables optical signals in close proximity, including modulation side peaks, to be accurately visualized.
The AQ6380 supports a wavelength range of 1200 to 1650 nm. The ability to alter the wavelength resolution from 5 pm to 2 nm makes the instrument suitable for a variety of applications, from narrowband peak/notch measurements to wideband spectral measurements, according to Yokogawa.
The OSA features onboard calibration based on a built-in light source as well as a monochromator that enables a close-in dynamic range of up to 65 dB and stray light suppression of 80 dB. The unit captures data points in 0.23 seconds, significantly faster than the 5.4 seconds Yokogawa’s previous AQ6370D model in certain conditions.
Yokogawa has designed the AQ6380 with several features to make it easier to use. For example, a high-resolution 10.4-inch touchscreen provides intuitive operation. The unit also is programmed with several built-in analysis functions, such as DFB-LD, FP-LD, LED, spectral width (peak/notch), SMSR, optical power, WDM (OSNR), EDFA (gain and NF), filter (peak/bottom), and WDM filter (peak/bottom). Finally, an application menu “APP mode” streamlines measurement setup by enabling app access at the push of a button. Initial testing apps include WDM, DFB-LD, FP-LD, and LED testing. A source at Yokogawa Europe says additional apps and capabilities should be available for download as soon as this November.
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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