Luceo Technologies PARALLEX Series User manual

VARIABEL OPTICAL ATTENUATOR User Manual
I.) Index of Contents
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VARIABEL OPTICAL ATTENUATOR User Manual --- Rev 1.2 --- 2013/05
www.luceotec.com
Luceo Technologies GmbH
Am Borsigturm 13
Berlin 13507
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.luceotec.com
USER MANUAL
VARIABEL OPTICAL ATTENUATOR
P/N L-6001-VOASM-1
P/N L-6001-VOAMM-1
P/N L-6001-VOASA-1
P/N L-6001-VOAMA-1
SERIES: PARALLEX SYSTEM
DOC.REV.1.2

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I.) Index of Contents
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INDEX OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION 4
CLASSIFICATION 4
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 4
BEFORE INITIALIZING AND OPERATING THE UNIT 4
OPERATING THE UNIT 5
SAFETY SYMBOLS 6
GENERAL DESCRIPTION 7
KEY FEATURES OF THE VOA MODULE 9
CLEANING OPTICAL CONNECTORS 10
CLEANING OPTICAL ADAPTERS 11
CLEANING THE FERRULE END-FACE OF THE FIBER-OPTIC CABLE 11
BEFORE INITIALIZING AND OPERATING THE UNIT 12
INITIAL INSPECTION 12
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT 12
TEMPERATURE 12
HUMIDITY 12
VENTILATION 12
STORING AND SHIPPING 13
CLAIMS AND REPACKAGING 13
RETURNING SHIPMENTS TO LUCEO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH 13
CLEANING CONNECTORS 14
OPERATING KEYS OF VOA 15
GUI AND PROGRAMMING REFERENCE 15
INDEX OF CONTENTS 2
GENERAL 4
INSTALLATION 12
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 15

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FIGURES 17
TABLES 18
LUCEO TECHNOLOGIES GMBHFEHLER! TEXTMARKE NICHT DEFINIERT.
APPENDIX 17

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GENERAL
SAFETY INFORMATION
CLASSIFICATION
The VOA module has of a metal chassis that is directly connected to earth when plugged into the
PARALLEX® chassis.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The following safety instructions must be observed whenever the unit is operated, serviced, or
repaired. Failure to comply with any of these instructions or with any precaution or warning contained
in the user’s manual is in direct violation of the standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of
the unit. Luceo Technologies GmbH assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with any
of these safety requirements.
BEFORE INITIALIZING AND OPERATING THE UNIT
Inspect the unit for any signs of damage, and read the user’s manual thoroughly.
Install the unit as specified in the Getting Started section.

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OPERATING THE UNIT
Warning
To avoid the risk of injury or death, always observe the following precautions before initializing the
unit:
Use the Module ONLY in the PARALLEX ® mainframe.
Willfully interrupting the protective earth connection is prohibited.
Never look into the end of an optical component, optical connector or optical cable connected
to an optical output device that is operating. Laser radiation is invisible, and direct exposure
can severely injure the human eye.
Turning off the power to the device does not always block the externally supplied radiation to
the connector at the input of the unit.
Do not use the unit outdoors.
To prevent potential fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to any source of excessive
moisture.
Do not operate the unit when its covers or panels have been removed.
Do not interrupt the protective earth grounding. Any such action can lead to a potential shock
hazard that can result in serious personal injury.
Do not operate the unit if an interruption to the protective grounding is suspected. In this case,
ensure that the unit remains inoperative.
Do not attempt to adjust or perform any maintenance or repair procedure when the unit is
opened and connected to a power source.
Repairs are to be carried out only by a qualified professional.
Do not attempt any adjustment, maintenance, or repair procedure to the unit’s internal
mechanism if immediate first aid is not accessible.
Disconnect the power cord from the unit before adding or removing any components.
Operating the unit in the presence of flammable gases or fumes is extremely hazardous.
Do not perform any operating or maintenance procedure that is not described in the user’s
manual.
Some of the unit’s capacitors can be charged even when the unit is not connected to the
power source.

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SAFETY SYMBOLS
The following symbols and messages can be marked on the unit (Table 1). Observe all safety
instructions that are associated with a symbol.
Table 1: Safety Symbols
Symbol
Description
See the user’s manual for instructions on handling and operating the unit safely.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD). See the user’s manual for instructions on handling
and operating the unit safely.
Frame or chassis terminal for electrical grounding within the unit.
Protective conductor terminal for electrical grounding to the earth.
WARNING
The procedure can result in serious injury or loss of life if not carried out in proper
compliance with all safety instructions. Ensure that all conditions necessary for safe
handling and operation are met before proceeding.
CAUTION
The procedure can result in serious damage to or destruction of the unit if not
carried out in compliance with all instructions for proper use. Ensure that all
conditions necessary for safe handling and operation are met before proceeding.

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The VOA-Module is part of the PARALLEX® test system which has a modular setup depending on the
user’s configuration (i.e. E-BERT-, Clock, Clock divider-, ECDR-module, iCMXFP-module). The
mainframe is controlled via GPIB, USB or LAN.
The VOA module has an optical input OPTin and two optical output ports OPTout 90% and OPTout
10%. It attenuates the incoming optical signal by passive optics. The OPTout 90% output provides a
calibrated attenuation while the OPTout 10% provides a -10dB lower monitor signal.
Depending on product type internal optical fibers guide the signal to the internal attenuator and may
have effect on the signal as specified by fiber type, see table 1. Internal fiber length is about 1m.
table 1: fibers and connectors
P/N
fiber
Connector
L-6001-VOASM-1
Standard 9µm/125µm
according to ITU-G.652
PC
L-6001-VOASA-1
Standard 9µm/125µm
according to ITU-G.652
APC
L-6001-VOAMM-1
Standard 62.5µm/125µm
PC
L-6001-VOASA-1
Standard 62.5µm/125µm
APC
The optical connector is cleanable. It allows removing the shell to access the internal fiber end for
cleaning. The attenuation is controllable in the PARALLEX® graphical user interface (PARALLEX®
GUI) via a GPIB interface or USB or LAN.
The attenuator provides an attenuation beginning at the insertion loss to maximum attenuation. Both
parameters are stored in the module and can be requested by the commands.
For multimode modules the VOA affects the modal distribution in the fiber during operation. To
achieve high repeatability of attenuation values it is mandatory to use sources with a CPR (Coupling
Power Ratio) value higher than 20dB. While DFB lasers and VCSEL’s have low CPR values, therefore
it is recommended to use a mode mixer, e.g. offset-patch fiber.
Please take a look at our website www.luceotec.com for newly released modules; we are constantly
expanding our product spectrum.

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Figure 1: Typical appearance of the PARALLEX®
Figure 2: Collection of PARALLEX® modules

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KEY FEATURES OF THE VOA MODULE
Available for SM and MM fibers
-10dB monitor output
LabViewTM drivers available
GPIB/USB/LAN interface via mainframe
Standard Accessories
Dust plugs for ports
User manual
Programmer’s guide for GPIB

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CLEANING OPTICAL CONNECTORS
Use adapter cleaner supplies for this unit to clean the built-in optical I/O connector ferrule. Clean the
ferrule periodically. An example of the FC adapter is described below. Follow similar methods and
steps for cleaning other adapters.
(1) Pull the adapter lever up then gently pull the adapter out straight towards you after checking
that the latch is released.
(2) Clean by pressing the adapter cleaner which is soaked in alcohol to the ferrule end-face and
side face.
(3) Finish by pressing the tip of a new adapter cleaner without any alcohol on it to the ferrule end-
face and wipe in one direction 2 or 3 times.
(4) Clean the adapter interior with adapter cleaner.(Refer to “Cleaning optical adapter” below.)
(5) Attach the adapter using the steps in reverse order. Be careful not to scratch the ferrule end-
face.

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CLEANING OPTICAL ADAPTERS
Use adapter cleaner supplies for this unit to clean the optical adapter for connection to the fiber-optic
cable. An example of the FC adapter is described below. Follow similar methods and steps for
cleaning other adapters. In addition, clean the adapter which was removed to clean the built-in ferrule
end-face using the following steps.
Insert the adapter cleaner to the split sleeve interior of the adapter then move it back and forth while
rotating it in one direction. Check the ferrule radius. Use only a ø1.25 mm or ø2.5 mm dedicated
adapter cleaner.
CLEANING THE FERRULE END-FACE OF THE FIBER-OPTIC CABLE
Use ferrule cleaner supplies for this device to clean the ferrule of the cable end.
An example of the FC connector is described below. Follow similar methods and
steps for cleaning other connectors.
(1) Lift the ferrule cleaner lever to access the cleaning face.
(2) Keep the lever in this position then press down the ferrule end-face of the optical connector on
the cleaning face and rub in one direction.
Notes:
(1) Do not clean with used adapter cleaner.
(2) Do not finish clean with a cotton swab as cotton fibers may adhere to the surface.
(3) Make sure to cap adapters that are not in use.

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INSTALLATION
BEFORE INITIALIZING AND OPERATING THE UNIT
Inspect the unit for any signs of damage.
Read the user’s manual thoroughly, and become familiar with all safety symbols and
instructions to ensure that the unit is operated and maintained safely.
INITIAL INSPECTION
Check that the unit and contents are complete:
Wear an anti-static wrist strap, and work in an electrostatic discharge (ESD) controlled area.
Inspect the shipping container for any indication of excessive shock to the contents, and
inspect the contents to ensure that the shipment is complete.
Inspect the unit for structural damage that can have occurred during shipping.
Keep the packaging.
Immediately inform Luceo Technologies GmbH and, if necessary, the carrier if the contents
of the shipment are incomplete, if the unit or any of its components are damaged or
defective, or if the unit does not pass the initial inspection.
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
In order for the unit to meet the specifications, the operating environment must meet the following
conditions for temperature, humidity and ventilation:
TEMPERATURE
The unit can be operated in the temperature range of 0 to 40 °C.
HUMIDITY
The unit can be operated in environments with up to 85% humidity (10 to 40 °C). Do not expose it to
any environmental conditions or changes to environmental conditions that can cause condensation to
form inside the unit.
VENTILATION
The unit contains holes to achieve airflow to transport the heat out of the module. Do not place any
stickers or labels on the module cover which will reduce the airflow. Blocking the air circulation of the
unit can cause the unit to overheat, compromising its reliability and possibly leading to permanent
damage.
Warning To avoid electrical shock, do not initialize or operate the unit if it shows
any sign of damage to any portion of its exterior surface, such as the outer cover
or panels.

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Warning
Do not use the unit outdoors.
To prevent potential fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to any
source of excessive moisture.
STORING AND SHIPPING
To maintain optimum operating reliability, do not store the unit in locations where the temperature falls
below -40 °C or rises above 70 °C. Avoid any environmental condition that can result in internal
condensation. Ensure that these temperature and humidity requirements can also be met whenever
the unit is shipped.
CLAIMS AND REPACKAGING
Immediately inform Luceo Technologies GmbH and, if necessary, the carrier, if
The content of the shipment is incomplete
The unit or any of its components are damaged or defective
The unit does not pass the initial inspection
In the event of carrier responsibility, Luceo Technologies GmbH will allow for the repair or replacement
of the unit while a claim against the carrier is being processed.
RETURNING SHIPMENTS TO LUCEO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
Luceo Technologies GmbH only accepts returns for which an approved Return Material Authorization
(RMA) has been issued by Luceo Technologies GmbH sales personnel. This number must be
obtained prior to shipping any material to Luceo Technologies GmbH. The owner’s name and address,
the model number and full serial number of the unit, the RMA number, and an itemized statement of
claimed defects must be included with the return material.
Ship returned material in the original shipping container and packing material. If these are not
available, packaging guidelines are as follows:
Wear an anti-static wrist strap and work in an ESD controlled area.
Cover the front panel, if applicable, with a strip of cardboard.
Wrap the unit in anti-static packaging. Use anti-static connector covers, if applicable.
Pack the unit in a reliable shipping container.
Use enough shock-absorbing material (10 to 15 cm or 4 to 6 in on all sides) to cushion the unit
and prevent it from moving inside the container.
Seal the shipping container securely.
Clearly mark FRAGILE on its surface.
Always provide the model and serial number of the unit and, if necessary, the RMA number on
any accompanying documentation.
Ship the unit only to the address given on page Fehler! Textmarke nicht definiert. of this
document.

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CLEANING CONNECTORS
Caution
Connecting damaged or dirty cable to the unit can damage the connectors of
the unit.
Use SMA torque wrench (90N/cm) to connect cables to the SMA connectors

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATING KEYS OF VOA
Front Panel view of the VOA module.
Figure 41: VOA front panel view
Apply the optical fiber with the signal to be attenuated to OPTin and the fiber with the attenuated
signal to OPTout 90%. Set the attenuation in the VOA window.
Due to instable laser sources it might be useful to monitor the incoming optical power of the source
during operation. Apply the fiber connected to an optical power meter, e.g. L-6001-OPM-1, to
OPTout 10%and adjust the offset of the power meter to -10dB. Now the power meter shows the
actual power on the OPTout 90% output.
GUI AND PROGRAMMING REFERENCE
When using the provided PARALLEX® GUI, please refer to the “Manual-GUI PARALLEX®
PARALLEX-Rev (xx)”to use all functions of this module.
If own software is used all necessary information can be found in the provided
“PARALLEX_programmers_guide_Rev (xx)”.

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Luceo Technologies GmbH
Am Borsigturm 13
Berlin 13507
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail:[e-mail]
Web: www.luceotec.com
ABOUT LUCEO
LUCEO Technologies GmbH was created by engineers involved in optical transceiver design, who
recognized critical gaps in test and measurement equipment for optical component and transceiver
characterization. Luceo’s test system is the first to combine a complete BERT test solution with
affordable cost and German build quality. Targeted for high volume production test applications,
Luceo’s equipment optimizes speed and ease-of-use, allowing users to achieve minimum cost-per-
test. Founded in 2005, Luceo is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, with a worldwide sales network.
Product specifications and descriptions are subject to change without notice.
All rights reserved.

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VI.) Appendix
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APPENDIX
FIGURES
Figure 1: Typical appearance of the PARALLEX® 8
Figure 2: Collection of PARALLEX® modules 8

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VI.) Appendix
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TABLES
Table 1: Safety Symbols 6