OPTILAB EDFA-PA-L-B User manual

EDFA-PA-L-B USER’S MANUAL
Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier –Pre-Amp Type, L-Band, Benchtop
Caution: The user must read this manual before operating the EDFA-PA-L-B unit.
Operations other than those described in this manual may result in personal
injury and damage to the unit.
Note that any attempt to open or fix the equipment without prior approval
by Optilab, LLC voids the warranty.
Ver. 1.1
Nov.10th, 2021

Revision History
Version
Date
Summary
1.0
6/13/14
Manual introduced.
1.1
11/10/2021
Updated format
Copyright ©2019 by Optilab, LLC.
All rights reserved.
This document is copyrighted property of Optilab, LLC. It may not be used in whole or in
part for manufacture, sale, or design of items without the written permission of Optilab,
LLC.
Information herein is preliminary and subject to change without any notices.

EDFA-PA-L-B User’s Manual
Page iii of iii
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
Table of Contents
1. GENERAL INFORMATION 1
1.1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.2. PRODUCT OVERVIEW 1
1.3. FEATURES 1
1.4. USER SAFETY 1
2. OPERATION 2
2.1. INTRODUCTION 2
2.2. INITIAL INSPECTION 2
2.3. CONTROLS 3
MAIN DISPLAY SCREEN 5
2.4. OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 5
PC CONNECTION MODE (OPTIONAL) 7
3. TROUBLESHOOTING 8
4. SERVICE AND SUPPORT 9
4.1. WARRANTY 9
4.2. SERVICE AND CALIBRATION 9
4.3. CARE OF FIBER-OPTIC CONNECTORS 10

EDFA-PA-L-B User’s Manual
Page 1of 10
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
1. General Information
1.1. Introduction
This manual contains information on the installation and operation of the
EDFA-PA-L-B benchtop erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) unit.
1.2. Product Overview
The EDFA-PA-L-B is an ultra-stable high gain optical amplifier unit designed
for applications requiring high efficiency optical amplification. It is a self-
contained, benchtop unit designed to supply high and stable gain across the
L-Band range of the communications window. The EDFA-PA-L-B is
optimized for optical input power from -30 to 0 dBm.
The Optilab EDFA-PA-L-B comes in several output power levels and multiple
output ports. Please visit www.oequest.com for more details.
1.3. Features
•High saturation output power
•High gain
•High stability
•Low noise
•Low polarization dependence
•Touchscreen and remote interface
1.4. User Safety
1. The EDFA-PA-L-B unit emits high intensity invisible light from the optical output
receptacle. Avoid direct exposure to skin and eyes.
2. The equipment case is fully certified for EMS protection. The user should never
open the equipment case; any attempt will void the warranty and may result in
electric shock and EMS attack to equipment in the vicinity.
3. The user should avoid using any solvent or vaporizing chemical to clean the
equipment panel or case. It may result in damage to the surface and internal
circuits.

EDFA-PA-L-B User’s Manual
Page 2of 10
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
2. Operation
2.1. Introduction
This chapter describes how to operate the EDFA-PA-L-B unit, and discusses
the location and function of the controls and connectors.
2.2. Initial Inspection
Your EDFA-PA-L-B was carefully inspected before it left the manufacturer. It
should be in proper working order upon receipt. You should, however,
inspect the unit for any damage that may have occurred in transit. If the
shipping container or the packing material is damaged, keep it until the
contents of the shipment have been checked to be free of mechanical and
electrical damages. Notify Optilab, LLC promptly if any notable damage is
found.

EDFA-PA-L-B User’s Manual
Page 3of 10
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
2.3. Controls
FEATURE
Function
MAIN DISPLAY
The LED display shows the parameters and optical settings
of the EDFA-PA-L-B Benchtop unit. This display is
touchscreen with context sensitive buttons for each menu
option.
Laser Enable
Switch
This switch enables / disables the laser optical output for
the EDFA output.
Optical Input and
Output Ports
The optical input and output receptacles for the benchtop
unit. Multiple output ports are available upon request. The
ports shown are FC/APC type.
An external optical isolator at specified wavelength should be used to protect the
EDFA-PA-L-B from optical feedback and to improve stability
1
2
3
EDFA-PA-L-B Front Panel

EDFA-PA-L-B User’s Manual
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Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
FEATURE
Function
AC Power Socket
The AC power socket is the input for the AC power source.
A three-pin standard power cord should be used to connect
this equipment to any 110 or 220 V main supply.
MAIN ACPOWER
SWITCH
This switch enables the electrical power to the EDFA unit.
VENTILATION FANS
The ventilation fans ensure proper ventilation inside the
unit. The back panel of this equipment should be placed at
least 3 inches from the wall to dissipate heat effectively.
USB2.0 PORT
Using a standard USB cable, this port allows for remote
control and monitoring through a PC workstation.
This feature is not enabled on all units.
LAN PORT
This terminal is used allow for Ethernet connection to the
EDFA-PA-L-B for remote operation and monitoring.
This feature is not enabled on all units.
INTERLOCK
This BNC female connector is a safety interlock. It must be
shorted in order for the pump lasers to enable.Use the
provided accessory to short this port or connect it to a
compatible interlock device. If the interlock is open during
normal operation, the pump lasers will be turned off. To re-
enable the pump laser output, after the interlock connection
has been re-established, turn the output switch on the front
panel to “OFF” position first and start over.
1
2
EDFA-PA-L-B Rear Panel
3
3
4
5
6

EDFA-PA-L-B User’s Manual
Page 5of 10
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
Main Display Screen
Upon powering up the EDFA-PA-L-B unit, the Main Display will become lit
while the unit initializes. After initialization, the Main Display will appear.
The Main Display allows the user to quickly view the various specifications of
the EDFA-PA-L-B. By pressing the Next button, you can proceed to the next
page. Follow the onscreen instructions to edit the various parameters.
2.4. Operation Instructions
Start-up Procedure
1. After plugging in the appropriate power plug into the AC Power Socket, flip the
main switch to the On position to enable electrical power to the unit. The LCD
display will turn on.
2. Wait for the LCD display to switch to the Main Display / Status screen.
3. Ensuring the input signal is turned off, connect the optical signal for amplification
via the optical input receptacle using the indicated connector patchcords.
4. Connect the optical output receptacle using the indicated connector patchcords
to the appropriate signal destination to utilize the amplified optical output
signal(s).
5. After checking all physical patchcord connections, turn the input signal laser
source on.
6. Turn the front panel Laser Enable Switch to the On position.
7. The EDFA-PA-L-B is now enabled. The laser output will then be activated, as
indicated by the Main Display Output Power monitor value.

EDFA-PA-L-B User’s Manual
Page 6of 10
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
Optical Output Adjustment Procedure
1. To adjust the optical output level for the EDFA-PA-L-B, press the SHIFT
touchscreen button to toggle cursor placement followed by pressing the INC
button to increase cursor placement value.
2. Press the SET button to allow adjustment to the current, observing the noted LD
Limit.
3. In addition to this current adjustment feature, pressing the Next button will allow
for viewing the system information, as seen below:

EDFA-PA-L-B User’s Manual
Page 7of 10
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
PC Connection Mode (OPTIONAL)
1. Connect the EDFA-PA-L-B to computer via a standard USB 2.0 cable, and refer
to the following connection diagram and serial port settings:
Computer
MD-20-M
USB 2.0
Serial Port Settings
Baud Rate:9600 bps
Data Bits：8
Stop bits：1
Parity：None
Flow Control：None
3. Using the computer program Device Manager, determine the appropriate
COMport to assign in the RS232 software, to ensure proper communication to
the EDFA-PA-L-B unit.
2. Use the RS232 commands to control the EDFA-PA-L-B remotely. The RS232
commands are listed in the table below.
Command
Description
Example
READ
Reads the basic parameters of
the device for remote monitoring
READ
SETC
Set the desired driving current
level, in mA (requires three
digits, leading zero required if
transmitting two digit value.
The setting range is 000 to 270,
which is the default current limit
setting
SETC:100
SETC:050
SETC:270
EDFA-PA-L-B

EDFA-PA-L-B User’s Manual
Page 8of 10
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
Troubleshooting
SYMPTOM
Possible Cause and Solution
OPTICAL OUTPUT POWER
NOT HIGH ENOUGH.
C: No optical input or optical input power too small.
S: Check optical input present or check optical input power is
correct.
C:Optical input/output connectors dirty.
S:Disable optical output and clean optical connectors.
C:Use of incorrect optical adapters or connectors.
S:Use only the indicated optical adapters and connectors. If
measurement instruments accept different connector type, then
use hybrid patchcords.
C:Optical output connector damaged.
S:Measure optical output power with power meter and compare
with readout on Main Display. Return to Optilab for repair if the
difference is high (>4 dB) and cannot be corrected by cleaning
or replacing the optical connectors. Always apply dust cover
plugs to unused optical receptacles to prevent the damage of
internal optical connectors.
C:Static electrical discharge.
S:Wait 10 to 30 seconds for the display to refresh.
MAIN DISPLAY GOES
BLANK
C:Insufficient ventilation.
S:Place unit in well ventilated area or supply additional fans for
ventilation.
OPTICAL OUTPUT POWER
UNSTABLE.
C:Insufficient optical output isolation.
S:Connect isolator of corresponding wavelength to optical
output connector.
UNIT DOES NOT POWER
UP.
C:Blown fuse.
S:Check fuse and replace if it has blown.
C:Insufficient electrical voltage.
S:Check that the electrical supply is at least 110 VAC.
C:Power cord is loose.
S:Plug power cord is firmly into the unit.
UNIT RESETS OR BLINKS
ON AND OFF.
C:Insufficient electrical voltage.
S:Check that the electrical supply is at least 110 VAC.

EDFA-PA-L-B User’s Manual
Page 9of 10
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
3. Service and Support
3.1. Warranty
Optilab, LLC guarantees its EDFA-PA-L-B unit is guaranteed to be free of
defects for 1 year from the date of shipment. The guarantee does not cover
any damages resulting from the misuse or improper handling of the
equipment, or any incidental or consequential loss. Note that the warranty
will be void upon any attempt to open or to fix the equipment by the user
without prior approval of Optilab, LLC
3.2. Service and Calibration
Your EDFA-PA-L-B unit has been designed to provide years of trouble-free
operation. No internal maintenance is required provided that the equipment
is properly handled, operated and kept away from contamination. For any
questions regarding the operation and performance of the unit, please
contact Optilab, LLC at:
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: s[email protected]om

EDFA-PA-L-B User’s Manual
Page 10 of 10
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
3.3. Care of Fiber-optic Connectors
Damage to optical connectors account for more than 70 percent of
equipment performance degradation. To avoid such damage, the user
should use only industrial grade 99% pure isopropyl alcohol and follow the
procedures below to keep the connectors, adaptors and receptacles clean.
Cleaning Optical Connector End-face with Wipe and Alcohol
To properly clean optical connectors utilizing lens tissue grade wipes and alcohol follow
the procedure below. The moist wipe removes dust particles, oil and contaminants that
may damage or blot the end-face of the connector during connection. The dry wipe
removes residual alcohol that may be ignited by optical emission.
1. Disable the optical output and turn off unit to prevent accidental exposure or
damage to the optical connector by optical emission.
2. Moisten a wipe with alcohol by placing on top of the alcohol dispenser and push
down to saturate the wipe.
3. Place the moist wipe on a work surface, and place a second dry wipe next to it.
4. Wipe the optical connector, end-face down on the moist wipe 3 times and then
repeat on the dry wipe.
5. Visually inspect the end-face of the optical connector with an optical microscope
to verify cleanliness. Repeat steps 2 to 5 as needed.
Cleaning Optical Connector Sides, Receptacles, Adaptors with Swab and Alcohol
Dust or particles can adhere to the insides of receptacles and adaptors or the sides of
the optical connector ferrule. Their presence can affect the alignment of the optical fiber
connectors and increase connection loss. To properly clean optical connectors,
receptacles, and adaptors utilizing a swab and alcohol follow the procedure below:
1. Disable the optical output and turn off unit to prevent accidental exposure or
damage to the optical connector by optical emission.
2. Moisten the swab by placing it on top of the alcohol dispenser and push down to
saturate the swab.
3. For receptacles, adapters, or other connection points, insert the moistened swab
and rotate the tip 1/2 turn clockwise and counter-clockwise 6 times while applying
light but firm pressure.
4. For fiber connectors, rotate the tip of the moistened swab 5 revolutions around
the connector while applying light but firm pressure.
5. Visually inspect the end face of the connector with an optical microscope to verify
cleanliness. Clean end-face as needed.