Southern Photonics launches optical modulation analyzer aimed at R&D

Southern Photonics says the new IQScope-30G is an economical option for optical modulation analysis (OMA) in the research and development environment. With 30 GHz of bandwidth, the IQScope-30G is ideally suited to measure 100-Gbps signals, the company adds.

The IQscope-30G is the companion to the higher-speed IQScope, introduced last year (see “Southern Photonics launches optical modulation analyzer based on equivalent-time oscilloscopes”). Both are separate units that must be paired with an equivalent-time oscilloscope – an approach that’s gaining popularity in the industry (see “Tektronix enhances optical modulation analysis with digital oscilloscopes.”)

Priced at under $50,000, the IQScope-30G takes advantage of the high bandwidth and low noise of equivalent-time oscilloscopes, enabling accurate transmitter characterization with up to 2000 sample points per baud.

Only a handful of large telecommunications companies and research laboratories have been able to afford the $250,000 to $800,000 price tag that accompanies the OMA products from other suppliers, according to Southern Photonics. The New Zealand-based company says the new addition to its product range will make OMA more widely available to researchers, and will increase the company’s market presence in the coherent modulation test and measurement field.

Southern Photonics felt it was important to create a new offering to suit the R&D market, says Iannick Monfils, principal engineer at Southern Photonics. “We recognized that, as a company, we are in an ideal position when we can provide a cost-effective solution whilst maintaining the flexibility and bandwidth necessary for 100-Gbps systems,” he said. “We listen to our customers when they asked for an affordable OMA solution, whilst not compromising on the same quality and reliability that Southern Photonics has become well known for.”

The IQScope-30G will be available at a special time-limited introductory price from May through to September.

For more information on test equipment and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.