EXFO FTB-5230S User manual

User Guide
Optical Spectrum and Channel Analyzers
for FTB-200 v2
FTB-5230S/-OCA

ii FTB-5230S/-OCA
Copyright © 2013 EXFO 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 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.
Patents
Feature(s) of this product is/are protected by one or more of US patents
6,636,306; 8,358,930; 8,364,034 and equivalent patents pending and granted
in other countries; patent appl. US 2013/0163987 A1; and US patents
6,612,750 and 8,373,852.
Version number: 10.0.9

OSA/OCA iii
Contents
Certification Information ........................................................................................................v
1 Introducing the FTB-5230S/-OCA Optical Spectrum
and Channel Analyzers ................................................................................. 1
Models ....................................................................................................................................2
Typical Applications ................................................................................................................2
Optional Software Packages ...................................................................................................3
Post-Processing Application ....................................................................................................3
Conventions ............................................................................................................................4
2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 5
3 Getting Started with Your OSA/OCA ............................................................ 7
Inserting and Removing Test Modules ....................................................................................7
Starting Module Applications ...............................................................................................13
4 Preparing Your OSA/OCA for a Test ........................................................... 17
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers ...............................................................................17
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI) .........................................................................19
Selecting a Test Mode ...........................................................................................................20
Nulling Electrical Offsets .......................................................................................................22
Performing User Calibration ..................................................................................................24
Using the Autonaming Feature .............................................................................................36
5 Setting Up the Instrument in WDM Mode ................................................ 43
Defining Preferences .............................................................................................................45
Setting Up WDM Analysis Parameters ...................................................................................61
Setting Up Acquisition Parameters ........................................................................................88
6 Setting Up the Instrument in Drift Mode ................................................. 91
Defining Preferences .............................................................................................................93
Setting Up Drift Analysis Parameters ..................................................................................107
Setting Up Acquisition Parameters ......................................................................................132
Building a Custom Drift Measurement ................................................................................139
7 Setting Up Your OCA ................................................................................ 149
8 Starting a Measurement .......................................................................... 153

iv FTB-5230S/-OCA
9 Managing Files and Test Configurations .................................................155
Using the Discover Feature .................................................................................................155
Managing Measurement Files .............................................................................................158
Opening Other Test Mode Files in WDM Mode ...................................................................162
Managing Favorites ............................................................................................................163
Importing a Configuration from the Current Trace .............................................................173
Using a Restore Point ..........................................................................................................173
10 Managing Results .....................................................................................175
Managing WDM Test Results ..............................................................................................176
Managing Drift Test Results ................................................................................................185
Managing OCA Test Results ................................................................................................196
Adjusting the Display Size ...................................................................................................201
Viewing WDM Graph in Full-Screen Mode ..........................................................................203
Using Zoom Controls ..........................................................................................................204
Managing Markers .............................................................................................................206
Managing Trace Information ..............................................................................................210
Generating Reports .............................................................................................................214
11 Maintenance ..............................................................................................217
Cleaning EUI Connectors ....................................................................................................217
Recalibrating the Unit .........................................................................................................220
Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) ..................................................221
12 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................223
Viewing Online Documentation ..........................................................................................223
Contacting the Technical Support Group ............................................................................224
Transportation ....................................................................................................................226
13 Warranty ....................................................................................................229
General Information ...........................................................................................................229
Liability ...............................................................................................................................230
Exclusions ...........................................................................................................................231
Certification ........................................................................................................................231
Service and Repairs .............................................................................................................232
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ........................................................................................233
A Technical Specifications ............................................................................235
Index ...............................................................................................................237

Certification Information
OSA/OCA v
Certification Information
North America Regulatory Statement
This unit was certified by an agency approved in both Canada and the
United States of America. It has been evaluated according to applicable
North American approved standards for product safety for use in Canada
and the United States.
Electronic test and measurement equipment is exempt from FCC part 15,
subpart B compliance in the United States of America and from ICES-003
compliance in Canada. However, EXFO Inc. makes reasonable efforts to
ensure compliance to the applicable standards.
The limits set by these standards are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in
a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the user guide, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.
European Community Declaration of Conformity
An electronic version of the declaration of conformity for your product is
available on our website at www.exfo.com. Refer to the product’s page on
the Web site for details.

OSA/OCA 1
1 Introducing the
FTB-5230S/-OCA Optical
Spectrum and Channel
Analyzers
The FTB-5230S Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA) is designed to measure
optical power as a function of wavelength or frequency and Optical Signal
to Noise Ratio (OSNR) based on the IEC method (interpolation method).
It offers truly portable spectral characterization for DWDM network
commissioning.
The FTB-5230S-OCA Optical Channel Analyzer (OCA) is designed to
measure optical power as a function of wavelength or frequency.
Input port
Handle

Introducing the FTB-5230S/-OCA Optical Spectrum and Channel Analyzers
2FTB-5230S/-OCA
Models
Models
The OSA/OCA comes in different models:
The FTB-5230S is an entry-level optical spectrum analyzer that is ideal
for a variety of field applications, including DWDM and CWDM network
commissioning and troubleshooting. The test modes available for your
module are WDM and Drift.
The FTB-5230S-OCA (Optical Channel Analyzer): This model is
designed to measure optical power as a function of wavelength or
frequency. It offers truly portable spectral characterization for CWDM
and DWDM network commissioning.
Typical Applications
You can use your OSA/OCA for the following tasks:
Characterizing channels in the O- to U-band spectra (OSA only)
Troubleshooting and monitoring key parameters on CWDM or DWDM
signals to check system stability
Characterizing all channel spacings, from 50 GHz DWDM to CWDM
Testing high-speed networks (beyond 40 Gbit/s)

Introducing the FTB-5230S/-OCA Optical Spectrum and Channel Analyzers
OSA/OCA 3
Optional Software Packages
Optional Software Packages
Optional software options are available for your OCA application.
Note: Software options are not available on the OSA.
Post-Processing Application
A post-processing, or offline version of the application is available for you to
use on a conventional computer. This offline version has most of the
module application, but does not allow you to perform acquisitions.
Note: The post-processing application is not available for the OCA.
Option Name Description
WDM This option enables you to perform full WDM analyses as
well as WDM drift measurements, just as you would with
an FTB-5230S OSA.

Introducing the FTB-5230S/-OCA Optical Spectrum and Channel Analyzers
4FTB-5230S/-OCA
Conventions
Conventions
Before using the product described in this guide, 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.

OSA/OCA 5
2 Safety Information
WARNING
Do not install or terminate fibers while a light source is active.
Never look directly into a live fiber and ensure that your eyes are
protected at all times.
WARNING
The use of controls, adjustments and procedures other than those
specified herein may result in exposure to hazardous situations or
impair the protection provided by this unit.
IMPORTANT
When you see the following symbol on your unit , make sure
that you refer to the instructions provided in your user
documentation. Ensure that you understand and meet the required
conditions before using your product.
IMPORTANT
Other safety instructions relevant for your product are located
throughout this documentation, depending on the action to
perform. Make sure to read them carefully when they apply to your
situation.
CAUTION
The following symbol indicates that your unit is equipped with a
laser source: .

Safety Information
6FTB-5230S/-OCA
Your instrument is a Class 1 laser product in compliance with standards
IEC 60825-1: 2007 and 21 CFR 1040.10, except for deviations pursuant to
Laser Notice No. 50, dated June 24, 2007. Invisible laser radiation may be
encountered at the output port.
The following label indicates that a product contains a Class 1 source:
The maximum input power for the FTB-5230S/-OCA Optical Spectrum and
Channel Analyzers is 4 W. For more information on equipment
ratings, refer to the user documentation for your platform.

OSA/OCA 7
3 Getting Started with Your
OSA/OCA
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
CAUTION
Never insert or remove a module while the FTB-200 v2 is turned on.
This will result in immediate and irreparable damage to both the
module and unit.
CAUTION
To avoid damaging your unit, use it only with modules approved by
EXFO.
WARNING
When the laser safety LED is flashing, at least one of your modules
is emitting an optical signal. Please check all modules, as it might
not be the one you are currently using.

Getting Started with Your OSA/OCA
8FTB-5230S/-OCA
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
To insert a module into the FTB-200 v2:
1. Turn off your unit.
2. Position the unit so that its front panel is facing you.

Getting Started with Your OSA/OCA
OSA/OCA 9
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
3. Take the module and place it vertically so that the retaining screw hole
is at the left of the connector pins.
4. Insert the protruding edges of the module into the grooves of the unit’s
module slot.
5. Push the module all the way to the bottom of the slot, until the
retaining screw makes contact with the unit casing.
6. Place the unit so that its bottom panel is facing you.
CAUTION
Inserting a module upside down could result in permanent damage
to the module, as the connector pins might be bent.

Getting Started with Your OSA/OCA
10 FTB-5230S/-OCA
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
7. While applying slight pressure to the module, lift the mobile part of the
retaining screw and use it to turn the retaining screw clockwise until it
is tightened.
This will secure the module into its “seated” position.
When you turn on the unit, the startup sequence will automatically detect
the module.
Turn retaining screws
clockwise
Bottom panel

Getting Started with Your OSA/OCA
OSA/OCA 11
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
To remove a module from the FTB-200 v2:
1. Turn off your unit.
2. Position the unit so that the bottom panel is facing you.
3. Lift the mobile part of the retaining screw and use it to turn the
retaining screw counterclockwise until it stops.
The module will be slowly released from the slot.
4. Place the unit so that the top panel is facing you.
Turn retaining screws
counterclockwise
Bottom panel

Getting Started with Your OSA/OCA
12 FTB-5230S/-OCA
Inserting and Removing Test Modules
5. Hold the module by its sides or by the handle (NOT by the connector)
and pull it out.
6. Cover empty slots with the supplied protective covers.
CAUTION
Pulling out a module by a connector could seriously damage both
the module and connector. Always pull out a module by its casing.

Getting Started with Your OSA/OCA
OSA/OCA 13
Starting Module Applications
Starting Module Applications
Your modules can be configured and controlled from their dedicated
applications in Compact ToolBox.
To start a module application:
1. From Compact ToolBox, select the module to use.
It will turn blue to indicate that it is highlighted.

Getting Started with Your OSA/OCA
14 FTB-5230S/-OCA
Starting Module Applications
2. Under Applications, select an application, then press Start.
To start the Power Meter or Probe application:
From Main Menu, press Power Meter or Probe.
The main window (shown below) contains all the commands required to
control the OSA/OCA:
Display
panes
Result
panes
Function
buttons
FTB-5230S