EXFO offers entry-level Tier 1 spectrum analyzers

Believing that some applications require more than a channel checker but less than a fully feature optical spectrum analyzer, EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO) (TSX: EXF) has launched a pair of products for “entry-level” applications. The FTB-5230S Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA) is suitable for a variety of field applications, says EXFO, while the FTB-5230S-OCA Optical Channel Analyzer (OCA) performs power and wavelength measurements.

EXFO believes that the new systems will meet the demands of many CWDM, DWDM, and hybrid networks. For example, the FTB 5230S OSA is designed to meet the needs of a variety of turn-up and commissioning applications by delivering power and wavelength measurements, in addition to OSNR testing in accordance with IEC 61280-2-9 (interpolation method). The FTB-5230S OSA can handle up to 23 dBm per channel, which makes it suitable for cable MSO networks as well as telcos.

Meanwhile, the FTB-5230S-OCA is meant of offer an attractive compromise between an OSA and a channel analyzer. The instrument offers power and central wavelength measurements, along with high-power measurements up to 23 dBm per channel, at the price of an advanced channel analyzer. EXFO also has designed the system for ease of use, with a minimum of settings. The FTB-5230S-OCA can support a number of multiwavelength applications (DWDM, CWDM, DWDM over CWDM, and CFP power measurements). Should requirements change, the system can be upgraded in the field to an FTB-5230S OSA via software key.

“Offering an affordable and versatile spectral analysis solution, the OCA is ideal for cable operators deploying hybrid networks (DWDM over CWDM), in addition to CWDM and DWDM,” said Étienne Gagnon, vice-president of EXFO’s Test and Measurement Division. “The OCA is also perfect for client-side power measurements, which are increasingly multiwavelength due to use of CFPs.”

To meet the requirements the use of such CFP optical transceivers pose, the FTB 5230S OCA features built-in configurations for 40GBase-LR4 and 100GBase-LR4/LR10 CFPs. EXFO says the instrument ensures quick and reliable power measurements at the touch of a button.

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