OPTILAB EDFA-PA-LN-M User manual

Optilab EDFA-PA-LN-M User’s Manual
Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier –Pre-Amp –Low Noise Type Module
Caution: The user must read this manual before operating the EDFA-PA-LN-
M 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. 1.5
February 8th, 2018

Revision History
Version
Date
Summary
1.0
10/22/10
Manual introduced.
1.1
11/15/13
New model introduced.
1.2
11/5/14
Model revision.
1.3
3/12/16
Software interface revision.
1.4
2/5/18
Low Noise Model Introduced
1.5
2/8/18
Added COM port settings
Copyright ©2018 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-M User’s Manual
Page iii of iii
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602)-343-1496, Fax: (602) 343-1489, Email: sales@oequest.com
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 DB15 Pin-Out Diagram _____________________________________________________ 4
2.5 Operation Instructions______________________________________________________ 4
2.6 PC Connection Mode_______________________________________________________ 6
2.7 RS485 Command Set _______________________________________________________ 6
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-M User’s Manual
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Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602)-343-1496, Fax: (602) 343-1489, Email: sales@oequest.com
1. General Information
1.1 Introduction
This manual contains information on the installation and operation
of the EDFA-PA-LN-M modular erbium doped fiber amplifier
(EDFA) unit.
1.2 Product Overview
The Optilab EDFA-PA-LN-M Pre-Amp EDFA is a high-gain, easy-
to-use and cost-efficient solution for photonic subsystems, OEM
integration, and fiber optic system integration. Using a high gain
design, this module provides 50 dB nominal gain with a low noise
figure and is designed to amplify signal with a low input level as low
as -50 dBm. Pump laser protection and alarms are equipped to
ensure the reliability and safety of the device. The module requires
a single ±5 Volt DC power supply for operation that comes included
with each EDFA-PA-LN-M as well as a standard with a three-year
warranty.
1.3 Features
•High optical gain of over 50 dB at 1550nm
•Low noise figure
•Designed for low input level (as low as -50 dBm)
•Variable wavelength operation range
•Modular Design for OEM Integration
1.4 User Safety
1. The EDFA-PA-LN-M 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: (602)-343-1496, Fax: (602) 343-1489, Email: sales@oequest.com
2. Operation
2.1 Introduction
This chapter describes how to operate the EDFA-PA-LN-M unit,
and discusses the location and function of the controls and
connectors.
2.2 Initial Inspection
Your EDFA-PA-LN-M 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: (602)-343-1496, Fax: (602) 343-1489, Email: sales@oequest.com
2.3 Controls
Feature
Function
Electrical
Connection Port
This port is used to connect the EDFA module to the power
supply and RS485 cable. It is a DB15 type connector, with
the full pin-out diagram shown on page 5 of this manual.
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.
Model and Serial
Number Label
This label shows the model number and serial number of
the EDFA-PA-LN-M device.
Status LEDs
These LEDs show the current status of the EDFA:
Optic: Blue –EDFA Power Switch is enabled; Red –EDFA
Power Switch is disabled.
Power: Blue –Electrical power enabled; Off –Electrical
power disabled.
*Note –Optic LED not present on all units
An external optical isolator at specified wavelength should be used to protect
the EDFA-PA-LN-M from optical feedback and to improve stability
1
2
3
EDFA-PA-LN-M –EDFA Module
2
4

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Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602)-343-1496, Fax: (602) 343-1489, Email: sales@oequest.com
2.4 DB15 Pin-Out Diagram
Listed below is the pin-out diagram for the DB15 pin port on the
external of the EDFA-PA-LN-M module:
2.5 Operation Instructions
Start-up Procedure
1. Ensure that the proper cable connections are made, including the
DB15 connection between the module and power supply.
2. Due to the increased temperature of the device over time, it is strongly
recommended to use the EDFA in a well-ventilated area with an
adequate heat sink in contact with the EDFA for proper heat
dissipation.
3. 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 AC/DC converter supply’s LED will enable.
4. Ensuring the input signal is turned off, connect the optical signal for
amplification via the optical input port using the indicated connector
patchcords.
5. Connect the optical output port using the indicated connector
patchcords to the appropriate signal destination to utilize the amplified
optical output signal(s).
6. After checking all physical patchcord connections, turn the input signal
laser source on.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
0
1
1
1
2
1
3
1
4
1
5
Pin
RX Pin
GND
Enable Pin
-5 VDC
+ 5 VDC
Pins 1, 2, 9, 10 –+5 VDC. It is
important to have all pins connected for
proper operation.
Pins 3, 4, 5, 12 –-5VDC. It is
important to have all pins connected for
proper operation.
Pins 6, 7, 8, 13 –Ground
Pin 11 –Enable, short this pin to
Ground to enable EDFA operation.
Pin 14 –RS485 RX, for receiving data
via standard serial communication.
Pin 15 –RS485 TX, for transmitting
data via standard serial communication.

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Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602)-343-1496, Fax: (602) 343-1489, Email: sales@oequest.com
7. Turn the EDFA / Power supply laser switch to the On position.
8. The factory default state has been set to the operating current and the
default RS485 address has been set to “0”.
9. Through the software set up (explained in section 2.6 and 2.7), send
the command to the device “SET0C:###” to control the current of the
internal laser diode for amplification.
10.The EDFA-PA-LN-M is now enabled, with both status LEDs enabling to
blue.
Patchcord Swapping Procedure
1. Turn the EDFA power switch to the OFF position to disable the EDFA-
PA-LN-M 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 power switch back to the ON position; normal operation
will resume after a few seconds.
Over-temperature Procedure
1. When the Temp Overheat warning enables the pump laser will
shutdown automatically and the system will freeze up.
2. Flip the main AC switch to the Off position.
3. Restart the unit using the Start-up Procedure described above.
4. To prevent temperature issues in the future, please allow for
adequate ventilation and increased heat sinks for proper dissipation
of heat.

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Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602)-343-1496, Fax: (602) 343-1489, Email: sales@oequest.com
2.6 PC Connection Mode
For the standard EDFA-PA-LN-M, connecting the module to an
external PC will allow for parameter monitoring and pump current
adjustments.
Using the RS485 port on the cable assembly, connect the EDFA
module to a PC using the following connection diagram and serial
port settings:
2.7 RS485 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 EDFA module. The COM port
settings that you will need are the following:
•Baud Rate: 9600
•Data bits: 8
•Stop bits: 1
•Parity: none
•And make sure to check the Append CR-LF box
Computer
RS232 Port
Computer
Standard
RS232 Cable
Serial Port Settings
Baud Rate: 9600 bps
Data Bits: 8
Stop bits: 1
Parity: None
Flow Control: None
RS232 PortTX
EDFA-25P-C-M
DB15 Pin
Port
Optical Input
Port
AC/DC Conv.
Optical
Output Port
Enable Switch
EDFA-PA-M

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Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602)-343-1496, Fax: (602) 343-1489, Email: sales@oequest.com
Command
Description
Example
Response
READ#
Reads the
equipment basic
information. The
“#” sign is the
address of the
device.
READ0
Optilab,LLC
Model Type:EDFA-PA-
LN-M
SN:9060001
Version:V1.0.0
Input:Low
Output :12.52 dBm
Temp:26 C
READ#C:
Read the working
current of the laser
READ0C:
the Current:130
SETADD:#
Sets the numerical
Address for using
multiple EDFAs on
the same
communication
line
SETADD:0
success SETPALD
SET#C:
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.
SET0C:130
the Current:130
The screenshot below shows a typical RS485 response for the
‘READ’ command:

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Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602)-343-1496, Fax: (602) 343-1489, Email: sales@oequest.com
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: Improper pin connections
S: If directly connecting the voltage to the DB15 pins, ensure that
all +5 VDC pins are making adequate contact to your supply.
EDFA module is
overheating
C: Insufficient ventilation / heat dissipation.
S: Place unit in well-ventilated area or supply additional fans for
ventilation. You may need to add a heat sink for additional heat
dissipation.
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: Improper pin connections
S: If directly connecting the voltage to the DB15 pins, ensure that
all +5 VDC pins are making adequate contact to your supply.
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.

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Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602)-343-1496, Fax: (602) 343-1489, Email: sales@oequest.com
4. Service and Support
4.1 Warranty
Optilab, LLC guarantees its EDFA-PA-LN-M 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-LN-M 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: (602)-343-1496
Fax: (602) 343-1489

EDFA-PA-M User’s Manual
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Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602)-343-1496, Fax: (602) 343-1489, Email: sales@oequest.com
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
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.
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