THORLABS EDFA100SX User manual

EDFA100SX and EDFA300SX
C-Band Fiber Amplifiers –
PXIe Plug-In Modules
User Guide

C-Band Fiber Amplifier Module
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Safety ........................................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 2 Description................................................................................................................... 2
Chapter 3 Operation ..................................................................................................................... 3
Chapter 4 Specifications ............................................................................................................... 6
Chapter 5 Mechanical Drawings ................................................................................................... 8
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................... 9
Chapter 7 Certifications and Compliance .................................................................................... 10
Chapter 8 Warranty and RMA Information ................................................................................. 11
Chapter 9 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts..................................................................................... 12

C-Band Fiber Amplifier Module Chapter 1: Safety
Rev. A, June 23, 2023 Page 1
Chapter 1 Safety
Explosion Warning
This instrument must not be operated in an explosion endangered environment.
Laser Warning
Avoid Exposure – Radiation Emitted from apertures. Do not look into the laser aperture while the laser
is on. Injury to the eye may result. Laser should not be turned on unless there is an optical fiber
connected to the laser output port. Caution – Use of controls or adjustments or performance of
procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Caution: ESD Sensitive Component
The EDFA100SX and EDFA300SX are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Please ensure to store this
product in the original protective electrostatic bag when the product is not installed in the chassis. Take
all appropriate precautions to discharge personnel and equipment before making any connections to
the unit.
Caution
This instrument should be kept clear of environments where liquid spills or condensing
moisture are likely. It is not water resistant. To avoid damage to the instrument, do not expose
it to spray, liquids, or solvents.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.—
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.—Consult
the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

C-Band Fiber Amplifier Module Chapter 2: Description
Page 2 TTN322093-D02
Chapter 2 Description
Thorlabs' Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) offers high gain, high saturation power, and a low noise figure,
making it ideal for use within optical networks as either a booster amplifier or preamplifier. The fiber amplifier
technology offers an alternative to semiconductor amplifiers (SOAs) with improved optical performance by
eliminating the signal distortions typically associated with gain saturation in SOA devices. The C-band fiber
amplifier system is available in two power levels and two form-factors: the benchtop systems (Item # EDFA100S
with 20 dBm output power and EDFA300S with 24.5 dBm output power) and the plug-in PXIe cards (Item #
EDFA100SX with 20 dBm output power and EDFA300SX with 24.5 dBm output power). The benchtop amplifier is
built as a stand-alone system with built-in power supply and user interface, while the PXIe module is designed to
be operated inside a standard PXIe chassis (not sold by Thorlabs). The PXIe chassis provides power to the module
and the amplifier can be remotely controlled using a computer that is connected to the PXIe chassis. The
EDFA100SX and EDFA300SX modules provide the same optical performance as those of the EDFA100S and
EDFA300S benchtop amplifiers, while offering seamless integration into new or existing PXI test and measurement
setups, making it compatible with a broad range of existing electrical and optical plug-in modules. Additionally,
the small form-factor of the 2-slot PXI card saves space, power consumption, and cost especially when multiple
EDFA modules are required to operate in parallel. The module is ready to use when plugged into any PXIe chassis
(not sold by Thorlabs), for example National Instruments’ PXIe-1095. Up to 8 EDFA modules can be operated in
parallel using an 18-slot chassis such as the PXIe-1095.
Each amplifier module integrates pump lasers and precision current drivers to adjust the gain of the amplifier. The
input and output ports of the amplifier are FC/APC standard single-mode fibers, and the system includes input
and output isolators to protect the input laser source from any amplified spontaneous emission or back
reflections, as well as to prevent the pump light from exiting the amplifier. The modules are fully controlled
through the PXIe chassis using a PXI controller module. The device can be recognized as a serial port on a computer
allowing serial communications with the device. A list of control commands is available in Chapter 3 of this manual.
The amplifier module can be controlled in three different modes: automatic current control (ACC), automatic
power control (APC) and automatic gain control (AGC). In each mode, the controlled parameters (pump current,
output power, or gain) are actively controlled to stay at a constant target value.
For added safety, there is an interlock SMB connector located on the front panel that must be shorted in order
for the output to be enabled. This feature can be used to operate a remote interlock circuitry. An enable key-
switch (included) must be set to the “enable” position to activate the amplifier, and a green LED indicator displays
the emission status of the unit. There is a 3 second delay before the fiber amplifier turns on, and the user is warned
by the rapidly blinking LED.

C-Band Fiber Amplifier Module Chapter 3: Operation
Rev. A, June 23, 2023 Page 3
Chapter 3 Operation
Laser Warning
Avoid Exposure – Radiation Emitted from apertures. Do not look into the laser aperture while the laser
is on. Injury to the eye may result. Laser should not be turned on unless there is an optical fiber
connected to the laser output port. Caution – Use of controls or adjustments or performance of
procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Initial Setup
The modules are designed to be operated inside a standard PXIe chassis. Follow these steps to set up the amplifier
for operation:
1. While chassis is off, plug in the module into a 2-slot-wide position within the chassis.
2. Connect the chassis to a computer.
3. Power on the chassis and locate two COM (serial) ports on the computer. Please note that only one of
these ports represents the amplifier. The corresponding port is identified with a lower numeration.
4. Set up serial communication to the device through a terminal emulator or LabVIEW using a 115 kbaud/s
speed.
5. In order to test the link with the device, use the command “getid” as shown in the table of commands.
The command should display the serial number for the device.
6. Ensure that the interlock connector on the front panel has been shorted using the provided SMB short
connector, or it has been connected to appropriate interlock circuitry.
7. Connect two FC/APC standard single-mode fibers to the input and output ports of the amplifier. Examine
all connectors to ensure they are clean before plugging them into the input or output ports.
8. Turn the key switch on the front panel to the “enable” position.
9. Use the commands provided below to operate the amplifier in one of the three modes of operation.
Please see the section below for details.
Commands to Operate the Device
The table below lists the commands that are needed to operate the amplifier using a serial communication link to
the device after it has been plugged into a PXIe chassis system.
Command
Description
Returned Value / Command Syntax
Menu
Display Commands
getid
Get Serial Number of the Device
Returned Value: SN of the Device
mode
Set Device Operating Mode
Syntax: mode A, B, C
A: 1 for constant current, 2 for constant power, 3 for
constant gain
B: value of current (mA), power (dBm), gain (dB)
C: 1 for emission state ON, 0 for emission state OFF

C-Band Fiber Amplifier Module Chapter 3: Operation
Page 4 TTN322093-D02
mode?
Query Device Operating Mode
Returned Value: A, B, C
A: 1 for constant current, 2 for constant power, 3 for
constant gain
B: value of current (mA), power (dBm), gain (dB)
C: 1 for emission state ON, 0 for emission state OFF
defmode
Store Default Operating Mode
(system enters default mode when
powered on)
Syntax: defmode A, B, C
A: 1 for constant current, 2 for constant power, 3 for
constant gain
B: value of current (mA), power (dBm), gain (dB)
C: 1 for emission state ON, 0 for emission state OFF
defmode?
Query Default Operating Mode
Returned Value: A, B, C
A: 1 for constant current, 2 for constant power, 3 for
constant gain
B: value of current (mA), power (dBm), gain (dB)
C: 1 for emission state ON, 0 for emission state OFF
state
Set Emission State
Syntax: state A
A: 1 for ON, 0 for OFF
state?
Query Emission State
Returned Value: 1 for ON, 0 for OFF
curr
Set Current Set-Point (ACC Mode)
Syntax: current A
A: Current in mA
curr?
Query Current Set-Point (ACC Mode)
Returned Value: Current set-point in mA
power
Set Power Set-Point (APC Mode)
Syntax: Power A
A: Power in dBm
power?
Query Power Set-Point (APC Mode)
Returned Value: Power set-point in dBm
gain
Set Gain Set-Point (AGC Mode)
Syntax: gain A
A: Gain in dBm
gain?
Query Gain Set-Point (AGC Mode)
Returned Value: Gain set-point in dB
los?
Query Loss of Signal Error Status
Returned Value:
0: No LOS Error
1: LOS Error
pts0
Read Input Power
Returned Value: Input Power in µW
pts1
Read Output Power
Returned Value: Output Power in µW
ld0curr
Read Pump Current 1
Returned Value: Pump Current 1 in mA

C-Band Fiber Amplifier Module Chapter 3: Operation
Rev. A, June 23, 2023 Page 5
ld1curr
Read Pump Current 2
Returned Value: Pump Current 2 in mA
whoami
Device Locator
(Emission LED blinks in order to
physically locate the device within a
chassis. Amplifier emission is disabled
during this operation.)
Mode of Operation
The EDFA modules can be operated in three modes. The command “mode” shown in the table above is used to
set the mode of the amplifier and to set the specific set-point of the device in each operation mode.
1. Automatic Current Control (ACC) Mode:
In this mode, the pump current of the two pump lasers inside the amplifier module can be adjusted to a user-
settable value between 0 mA and 1200 mA. The pump current controls the gain of the amplifier. Each device is
shipped with a plot showing how gain scales as a function of the applied pump current. The system contains a
hardware control loop that maintains the pump current at a constant level as set by the user.
This mode of operation is suitable for applications that require fast changes to the amplifier gain (by changing the
pump current) or require a constant gain for a rapidly changing input power.
The actual current in each pump laser can be read through two separate commands. Please note that the pump
currents in the two pump laser diodes can be slightly different from the set-point but they are maintained constant
in this operation mode.
2. Automatic Power Control (APC) Mode:
In this mode, the output power of the amplifier is dynamically controlled to stay at a constant set-point that is set
by the user. A software control loop automatically adjusts the pump current of the amplifier to maintain a fixed
output power level. The loop operates at a typical time constant of ~ 1 second.
This mode of operation is suitable for applications that require long-term output power stability.
In the event that the output power set by the user is outside of the normal operating range of the device, the
control loop generates as error and the amplifier is disabled.
3. Automatic Gain Control (APC) Mode:
In this mode, the gain of the amplifier is dynamically controlled to stay at a constant set-point that is set by the
user. A software control loop automatically adjusts the pump current of the amplifier to maintain a fixed gain
level. The loop operates at a typical time constant of ~ 1 second.
This mode of operation is suitable for applications that require long-term gain stability.
In the event that the gain set by the user is outside of the normal operating range of the device, the control loop
generates as error and the amplifier is disabled.

C-Band Fiber Amplifier Module Chapter 4: Specifications
Page 6 TTN322093-D02
Chapter 4 Specifications
Optical Specifications
Item # EDFA100SX EDFA300SX
Amplifier Specifications (Taken at 1000 mA Pump Current Set-Point)
Operating Wavelength Rangea1530 nm - 1565 nm
Saturated Output Power b,c >20 dBm >24.5 dBm
Small Signal Gain (@ -20 dBm Input
Power)b>30 dB >40 dB
Noise Figure (@ 3 dBm Input Power)b<5 dB <6 dB
Output Power Stabilityd(Constant
Current Mode @ 3 dBm Input Power) <±2% Over 24 Hours
Output Power Stabilityd(Constant Power
Mode @ 3 dBm Input Power) <±0.5% Over 24 Hours
Total Dispersion Within Amplifiere <0.06 ps/nm <0.14 ps/nm
Laser Class 3B
Fiber Specifications
Polarization-Dependent Gain <0.5 dB
Return Loss at Input Port >50 dB
Input / Output Isolation >30 dB
Input / Output Fiber Type SMF-28-J9
Input / Output Fiber Connectors FC/APC Compatible, 2.0 mm Narrow Key
a. For the EDFA100SX, this specifies the wavelength range over which the output power (at 3 dBm input power) does not fall
below 18 dBm. For the EDFA300SX, this specifies the wavelength range over which the small signal gain (at -20 dBm input
power) does not fall below 35 dB.
b. Specified at 1550 nm. Please refer to published data on the Thorlabs website for typical curves showing the variation of each
parameter with wavelength.
c. Please refer to published data on the Thorlabs website for the scaling of the output power vs. the input power.
d. After a 15 minute warm-up time, for ambient temperature fluctuations ±2 °C.
e. Amplifier dispersion can be minimized using a dispersion-compensating fiber patch cable. Patch cables with custom dispersion
compensation are possible by contacting Tech Support.
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Item # EDFA100SX EDFA300SX
Absolute Maximum Input Power 10 dBm 13 dBm
Absolute Maximum Output Power 23 dBm 26 dBm
Operating Temperature 15 to 35 °C 15 to 30 °C
Storage Temperature 0 to 50 °C -10 to 40 °C

C-Band Fiber Amplifier Module Chapter 4: Specifications
Rev. A, June 23, 2023 Page 7
General Specifications
General Specifications
Electrical Power (From PXIe Chassis) 12 W (1 A @ 12 V)a
Dimensions (H X W X D) 128.7 x 40.3 x 207.2 mm (5.07” X 1.59” X 8.16”)
Weight 0.45 kg (1 lb)
a. Typical power consumption under standard laboratory environmental conditions. Instantaneous current up to 3 A is possible
upon power-up.

C-Band Fiber Amplifier Module Chapter 5: Mechanical Drawings
Page 8 TTN322093-D02
Chapter 5 Mechanical Drawings
Figure 1 Mechanical Drawing