EXFO FVA-60B User manual

User Guide
Variable Optical Attenuator
FVA-60B

ii
Copyright © 2002–2008 EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. All rights reserved. No
part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form, be it electronically, mechanically, or by any other means
such as photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission
of EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. (EXFO).
Information provided by EXFO is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no
responsibility is assumed by EXFO for its use nor for any infringements of patents or
other rights of third parties that may result from its use. No license is granted by
implication or otherwise under any patent rights of EXFO.
EXFO’s Commerce And Government Entities (CAGE) code under the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization (NATO) is 0L8C3.
The information contained in this publication is subject to change without notice.
Trademarks
EXFO’s trademarks have been identified as such. However, the presence or
absence of such identification does not affect the legal status of any trademark.
Units of Measurement
Units of measurement in this publication conform to SI standards and practices.
Version number: 1.0.0

FVA-60B iii
Contents
Certification Information ................................................................................. iv
1 Introducing the FVA-60B Variable Optical Attenuator ............ 1
Display Description ........................................................................................... 1
Keypad Description ........................................................................................... 1
Secondary Functions Keypad ............................................................................ 2
Connector Panel Description ............................................................................. 2
Conventions ...................................................................................................... 3
2 Safety Information ................................................................... 4
3 Operating the FVA-60B Variable Optical Attenuator ............... 5
Calibrating the Unit .......................................................................................... 5
Using the Absolute Mode ................................................................................. 5
Using the Relative Mode ................................................................................... 6
Using the X + B Mode ...................................................................................... 6
Programming Wavelengths .............................................................................. 7
Setting Attenuation Step Sizes ......................................................................... 7
Programming the Unit ...................................................................................... 8
Initiating the Program Execution ...................................................................... 9
4 Using the RS-232 Interface and Software .............................. 10
Installing the Software .................................................................................... 10
Connecting the RS-232 Interface Cable .......................................................... 11
Starting the Interface Application ................................................................... 11
Using the Interface Application ...................................................................... 11
Understanding the General Operation Menu .................................................. 11
Understanding the Program Menu ................................................................. 12
Viewing Source Files ....................................................................................... 12
Using Interface Commands ............................................................................. 13
5 Maintenance ............................................................................ 14
Cleaning Fixed Connectors .............................................................................. 15
Cleaning EUI Connectors ................................................................................ 17
Cleaning Detector Ports .................................................................................. 19
Recharging the Battery Pack ........................................................................... 19
Replacing the 9 V Alkaline Battery .................................................................. 19
Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) .............................. 20
6 Troubleshooting ...................................................................... 21
Solutions to Common Problems ..................................................................... 21
Contacting the Technical Support Group ........................................................ 22
Transportation ................................................................................................ 22
7 Warranty .................................................................................. 23
General Information ....................................................................................... 23
Liability ........................................................................................................... 23
Exclusions ....................................................................................................... 24
Certification .................................................................................................... 24
Service and Repairs ......................................................................................... 25
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide .................................................................... 26
A Technical Specifications .......................................................... 27

Certification Information iv
Certification Information
F.C.C. Information
Electronic test equipment is exempt from Part 15 compliance (FCC) in the United
States. However, compliance verification tests are systematically performed on
most EXFO equipment.
 Information
Electronic test equipment is subject to the EMC Directive in the European Union.
The EN61326 standard prescribes both emission and immunity requirements for
laboratory, measurement, and control equipment. This unit has undergone
extensive testing according to the European Union Directive and Standards.

FVA-60B v
DCE-FVA-60B_6VER
Application of Council Directive(s): 73/23/EEC - The Low Voltage Directive
89/336/EEC - The EMC Directive
And their amendments
Manufacturer’s Name: EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc.
Manufacturer’s Address: 400 Godin Avenue
Quebec, Quebec
Canada, G1M 2K2
[phone]
Equipment Type/Environment: Test & Measurement / Industrial
Trade Name/Model No.: FVA-60B, Variable Optical Attenuator
Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:
EN 61010-1:2001 Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,
Control, and Laboratory Use, Part 1: General Requirements.
EN 61326:1997 +A1:1998
+A2:2001 + A3:2003
Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory
Use - EMC Requirements
EN 55022: 1998 +A2: 2003 Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Disturbance
Characteristics of Information Technology Equipment.
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above Directive and Standards.
Manufacturer
Signature:
Full Name: Stephen Bull, E. Eng
Position: Vice-President Research and
Development
Address: 400 Godin Avenue, Quebec (Quebec),
Canada, G1M 2K2
Date: April 17, 2008
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Introducing the FVA-60B Variable Optical Attenuator 1
1 Introducing the FVA-60B
Variable Optical
Attenuator
The FVA-60B is a variable optical attenuator used for bit error rate and system
testing, optical margin analysis, calibration verification and component testing. It
can be configured for singlemode or multimode fibers. Calibrated wavelengths are
either 1310/1550 nm or 850/1300 nm respectively.
The FVA-60B is powered by the built-in rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack, the 9 V
alkaline battery, or the AC adapter/charger.
Display Description
Keypad Description
dB
nm
Ni-MH
AC
9V
working
LO BAT
SHIFT
CHARGE
dB
Lights up if Ni-MH
battery pack is low
Operating wavelength (nm)
in Absolute mode
Total attenuation (dB) in
relative or X + B mode
Step number and time interval during
program setup and execution
Secondary function
(shift + key) activated
Ni-MH battery pack
being recharged
Various information during
program and step size setup
Ni-MH battery operation
AC charger/adapter operation
Total attenuation (dB) in
Absolute mode
Relative attenuation (dB) in
relative or X + B mode
Flashes if Ni-MH and
9 V batteries are low
9 V battery operation
Calibration in progress
on / off program
shift/exit
atten.
rel.
Decreases user-defined
parameters during
program setup
Increases attenuation
(hold for rapid scanning)
Increases user-defined parameters
during program setup
Accesses secondary
keypad functions
Exits program
execution or setup
Executes program and
activates program setup
Toggles between
user-defined parameters
Toggles between Absolute
and Relative modes
Decreases attenuation
(hold for rapid scanning)
Powers unit on or off

FVA-60B 2
Secondary Functions Keypad
Note: To access a secondary function, press shift, then the corresponding key.
Connector Panel Description
X + B
shift
STEP SIZE
CALIBRATE
λ SELECT
Activates X + B mode
Toggles between
programmed wavelengths
Activates Wavelength
Programming mode
Repositions internal optics
to minimum attenuation
Activates step size setup
and toggles between
available step sizes
Activates variable
step size setup
FVA-60B
RS-232 12 VDC
INPUT OUTPUT
Input optical port
Supplies DC power to unit
and recharges built-in
Ni-MH battery pack
Connects unit to
computer for remote
control via RS-232
interface cable
Output optical port

Introducing the FVA-60B Variable Optical Attenuator 3
Conventions
Before using the product described in this manual, you should understand the
following conventions:
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in component damage. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
IMPORTANT
Refers to information about this product you should not overlook.

FVA-60B 4
2 Safety Information
WARNING
Do not install or terminate fibers while a laser source is active. Never
look directly into a live fiber and ensure that your eyes are protected
at all times.
WARNING
Use of controls, adjustments and procedures for operation and
maintenance other than those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.

Operating the FVA-60B Variable Optical Attenuator 5
3 Operating the FVA-60B
Variable Optical
Attenuator
Calibrating the Unit
For optimum performance, the unit should be calibrated before each test session.
To calibrate the unit:
1. Tu r n o n t h e u ni t.
2. Press shift/exit, then CALIBRATE. The internal motor runs for a few seconds
(adjusting attenuation to minimum) and the working marker is displayed.
To check the minimum insertion loss for a particular wavelength, select the
wavelength and perform a calibration. The value displayed after calibration is the
minimum insertion loss at the selected wavelength.
Note: Performing a calibration sets the FVA-60B to Absolute mode.
Using the Absolute Mode
The Absolute mode displays the current wavelength and attenuation settings. It is
selected by default when turning on the FVA-60B. Scanning is used to set a new
attenuation value. If you turn off the unit while a scan is in progress, it will be
completed the next time you turn the unit on.
Note: The attenuation value is the actual insertion loss between the input and
output ports including connectors.
CAUTION
The specifications of the FVA-60B are based on a maximum
input power of 15 dBm. Using a greater input power can result
in severe component damage.
To ensure optimal performance from your unit, limit maximum
input power to 15 dBm.