OPTILAB EDFA-PA-L-R User manual

Optilab EDFA-PA-L-R User’s Manual
Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier –Pre-Amp Type
Rackmount
CAUTION –
USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES OTHER
THAN THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION
EXPOSURE.
THE USER MUST READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING THE PRODUCT.
OPERATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL MAY RESULT IN
PERSONAL INJURY AND DAMAGE TO THE PRODUCT.
Note that any attempt to open or fix the equipment without prior approval by Optilab, LLC voids the
warranty.
Ver. 1.3
Jan 4th, 2021
Revision History

Version
Date
Summary
1.0
10/22/10
Manual introduced.
1.1
11/15/13
New model introduced.
1.2
11/5/16
Model revision.
1.3
1/4/2021
Updated Logo
Copyright ©2016 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-R 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
2.4 Operation Instructions______________________________________________________ 4
2.5 PC Connection Mode_______________________________________________________ 5
2.6 Remote Command Set ______________________________________________________ 6
3. Troubleshooting_______________________________________________________7
4. Service and Support____________________________________________________8
4.1 Warranty_________________________________________________________________ 8
4.2 Service and Calibration_____________________________________________________ 8
4.3 Care of Fiber-optic Connectors_______________________________________________ 9

EDFA-PA-L-R User’s Manual
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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-R Rackmount erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA)
unit.
1.2 Product Overview
The Optilab EDFA-PA-L-R Pre-amp EDFA is a high-gain, easy-to-use
and cost-efficient solution for photonic subsystems and fiber optic
system integration. Using a high gain design, the EDFA provides over
25 dB gain with a 4.5 dB noise figure and is designed to amplify signal
with a low input level as low as -40 dBm. Pump laser protection and
alarms are equipped to ensure the reliability and safety of the device.
Controllable either through the front panel LCD interface or through
USB 2.0 control, the EDFA-PA-L-R offers superior integration, backed
by a three-year warranty for long term operation.
1.3 Features
•High gain of more than 25 dB in the L-band region
•Low noise figure
•Designed for low input level (as low as -40 dBm)
•Wide wavelength operation range
•Rackmount Design for system integration
1.4 User Safety
1. The EDFA-PA-L-R unit emits high intensity invisible light from the optical
output receptacle. Avoid direct exposure to skin and eyes.
2. The module case is fully certified for EMS protection. The user should
never open the module 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 exterior. It may result in damage to the surface and internal circuits.

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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-R unit, and
discusses the location and function of the controls and connectors.
2.2 Initial Inspection
Your EDFA-PA-L-R 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.

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Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
2.3 Controls
Feature
Function
Front Panel LCD
Displays the current features and functions of the
rackmount EDFA system.
Optical Input and
Output Fiber Ports
The optical input and output fiber ports for the EDFA unit.
The fiber ports shown are FC/APC type.
Arrow Selector
Buttons
These buttons navigate the front panel LCD display, as well
as enable editing of the pump laser driving current.
EDFA Enable Key
Switch
This key provides a key accessed enable / disable switch
for the EDFA system.
AC Input and Main
Power Switch
Accepts the standard 110/220 VAC power plug, with main
power switch enabling / disabling electrical power to the
rackmount EDFA system
USB 2.0 Port
This connection is used for remote access of the EDFA
system, this port is 2.0 USB protocol type. Please see page
6 for more details on the remote access commands.
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, turn the output switch on the
front panel to “OFF” position first and start over.
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.
1
2
3
EDFA-PA-L-R –Front and Rear Panels
5
4
6
7
8

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Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
An external optical isolator at specified wavelength should be used to protect the
EDFA-PA-L-R from optical feedback and to improve stability
2.4 Operation Instructions
Start-up Procedure
1. After plugging in the appropriate power plug into the AC/DC Power
Supply, flip the main AC switch to the On position to enable electrical
power to the unit. The front panel Power LED will enable.
2. Ensuring the input signal is turned off, connect the optical signal for
amplification via the optical input port using the indicated connector
patchcords.
3. Connect the optical output port using the indicated connector patchcords
to the appropriate signal destination to utilize the amplified optical output
signal(s).
4. After checking all physical patchcord connections, turn the input signal
laser source on.
5. Turn the EDFA Enable Key switch to the On position.
6. The EDFA-PA-L-R is now enabled.
Output Power Adjustment Procedure
1. Using the front panel arrow selector buttons, press the Up or Down
buttons to highlight the following screen:
2. Press the center button to enable editing of the pump laser diode current.
Pressing the Up and Down button will adjust the current selected digit, and
the Right and Left arrows to select the appropriate digit to adjust (up to the
hardware limited maximum setting).
3. When finished, press the center button again to confirm the settings, with
the front panel reflecting the change.

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Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
Patchcord Swapping Procedure
1. Turn the EDFA Enable Key switch to the OFF position to disable the
EDFA-PA-L-R output.
2. Swap patchcords as desired. Only connect the indicated connector
patchcords to the optical input/output receptacles, cleaning them as
necessary.
3. Turn the EDFA Enable Key switch back to the ON position; normal
operation will resume after a few seconds.
2.5 PC Connection Mode
For the standard EDFA-PA-L-R, connecting the rackmount unit to an
external PC will allow for parameter monitoring and pump current
adjustments.
Using the front panel USB 2.0 port and an appropriate serial terminal
communication program (such as Termite), connect the EDFA to a PC
using the following connection diagram and serial port settings:

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Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
2.6 Remote Command Set
When the electrical connections have been made, and the software
settings for serial port transmission are set correctly, you are now able
to send commands to the LR module.
Command
Description
Example
Response
READ
Reads the equipment basic
information.
READ{CR,LF}
Optilab,LLC
Model Type:EDFA-PA-L-R
SN:XXXXXXX
Version:V2.0.0
Input:Low
Output :12.52 dBm
READC
Read the working current of the EDFA
READC{CR,LF}
the Current:130
SETC
Set the working current of the EDFA.
The value to be set should be a three-
digit integer number. For two-digit
value, a “0”should be used at the start
bit.
SETC:130{CR,LF}
the Current:130
The screenshot below shows a typical response for the ‘READ’
command:

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Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
3. 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 PC connection ‘READ’ command. 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 ports to prevent the
damage of optical connectors.
C: Pump current setting is too low
S: Check the front panel or remote read command for the current
pump current setting, making adjustments as necessary.
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: Insufficient electrical voltage.
S: Check that the electrical supply is at least 110 VAC.
C: AC 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.
4. Service and Support

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Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
4.1 Warranty
Optilab, LLC guarantees its EDFA-PA-L-R 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
4.2 Service and Calibration
Your EDFA-PA-L-R 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: [e-mail]
4.3 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

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Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
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.