THORLABS MX110G Series User manual

MX110G Series
110 GHz E-O Converters
User Guide

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 1
Chapter 2 Safety........................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter 3 Quick Start Guide ......................................................................................................... 7
Chapter 4 Operating Instructions................................................................................................ 12
4.4.1 Quadrature Mode ............................................................................................................................................. 17
4.4.2 Peak Mode ........................................................................................................................................................ 17
4.4.3 Null Mode.......................................................................................................................................................... 19
4.4.4 Manual Mode.................................................................................................................................................... 19
4.8.1 Display and Sound Settings Page....................................................................................................................... 26
4.8.2 System Information Page .................................................................................................................................. 27
4.8.3 Accent LED Settings Page .................................................................................................................................. 27
4.8.4 Thorlabs Help Page............................................................................................................................................ 28
Chapter 5 Specifications ............................................................................................................. 29
5.4.1 Tunable Lasers................................................................................................................................................... 31

MX110G Series of E-O Converters
5.4.2 Fixed-Wavelength Lasers................................................................................................................................... 31
Chapter 6 Control and PC Connections ....................................................................................... 32
Chapter 7 Mechanical Drawings ................................................................................................. 35
Chapter 8 Maintenance, Repair, and Fuses................................................................................. 36
Chapter 9 Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................... 38
Chapter 10 Certifications and Compliance .................................................................................... 39
Chapter 11 Warranty and RMA Information................................................................................. 40
Chapter 12 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts..................................................................................... 41

MX110G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 1: Introduction
Rev. A, June 8, 2023 Page 1
Chapter 1 Introduction
General Information
Thorlabs' MX110G Series of Electrical to Optical (E-O) Converters offers a frequency response up to 110 GHz. Each
converter incorporates a telecommunication-grade lithium niobate (LiNbO3) modulator that is stabilized by a fully
automatic bias controller. Select an internal tunable laser source, fixed-wavelength laser source, or couple an
external laser, operating from 1525 nm to 1575 nm for the MX110G and 1260 nm to 1360 nm for the
MX110G-1310, to the PM FC/PC fiber optic connector on the input panel. The instrument is fully driven using the
intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) touchscreen, and the RS-232 connection on the back panel enables remote
control of many instrument functions. Please contact Thorlabs Technical Support for up-to-date information on
the firmware revisions and control functions available.
These converters are particularly well suited for use as accessories that provide optical test capability for an all-
electrical vector network analyzer (VNA). This pairing enables an optical to electrical (O-E) device under test (DUT)
to be accurately measured. To support this use, each E-O converter ships with an *.s2p file characterizing its
frequency response. This frequency response can be used to de-embed the response of the O-E DUT by separating
the E-O converter’s response from the overall measurement response. Please see Section 4.2 for more
information.
This instrument can be controlled in two ways. The simplest method is directly via the built-in graphical user
interface (GUI) and touchscreen. The instrument can also be operated remotely via the RS-232 or USB ports on
the back panel. Remote control is enabled using simple SCPI-type serial commands from a PC. See the remote-
control user guide (RCUG), which can be downloaded from https://www.thorlabs.com/manuals.cfm.
The most recent firmware and remote-control software tool can be downloaded by visiting
https://www.thorlabs.com/software_pages/viewsoftwarepage.cfm?code=MX. Thorlabs’ technical support can
provide up-to-date information on available firmware revisions and control functions.
Parts List
Inspect the shipping container for damage. If the shipping container seems to be damaged, retain it until all
contents have been inspected and the unit has been mechanically and electrically tested. Verify receipt of the
following items:
•E-O Converter Main Unit
•Power Cord According to Local Power Supply
•PM Loopback Fiber Optical Cable
•Interlock Keys
•2.5 mm Interlock Pin (in Back Panel)
•1.25 A 250 VAC Fuse
•USB Type A to Type B Cable, 6' Long
•USB Storage Device with *.s2p File Characterizing Instrument

MX110G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 1: Introduction
Page 2 TTN311832-D02
Block Diagram
Each E-O converter is fully integrated and contains the laser source, lithium niobate (LiNbO3) Mach-Zehnder
intensity modulator (MZM), and automatic bias controller; the only required external input is the signal source to
the Modulator RF In port.
The MX110G converters include a C-band tunable laser and the MX110G-1310 converters include a 1310 nm fixed-
wavelength laser. The C-band laser sources are tunable on the ITU 50 GHz grid and include a dither feature for
wavelength stabilization.
Optical power is monitored in three places (Mon-1,-2,-3) for the purpose of enabling bias and power control.
These power values are also available at the I/O port. Mon-1 is at the Laser Input, Mon-2 is at the MZM Output,
and Mon-3 is at the final Optical Output.
An external laser source, operating from 1525 nm to 1575 nm for the MX110G or 1260 nm to 1360 nm for the
MX110G-1310, can also be used to provide the optical input. Either the internal laser or an external laser source
may be coupled to the Laser In port, which uses PM fiber with light linearly polarized along the slow axis, as shown
on the front panel. The maximum input power to the Laser In port is 17 dBm (50 mW).
Figure 1 Key Components of MX110G Series E-O Converters

MX110G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 1: Introduction
Rev. A, June 8, 2023 Page 3
Front and Back Panel Overview
Figure 2 Front Panel
Callout
Description
F1
Touchscreen Display
F2
Adjustment Knob
F3
Key Switch and Indicator
Lasing Disabled; Lasing Enabled
F4
Grounding Jack (Banana Connector)
Earth Ground
F5
Laser Output (PM FC/PC Connector)
F6
Laser Input (PM FC/PC Connector)
F7
Optical Output (FC/PC Connector)
F8
Modulator RF Input (1.0 mm Connector)
F9
Standby Button
F3
F4
F9
F7
F8
F1
F2
F5
F6

MX110G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 1: Introduction
Page 4 TTN311832-D02
Figure 3 Back Panel
Callout
Description
B1
I/O Port (DB15 Connector)
B2
Laser Interlock (2.5 mm Connector)
B3
Option Label
B4
RS232 Port (DB9 Connector)
B5
USB Port (USB Type B Connector)
B6
Power Connector
B7
Fuse Tray
B8
Power Switch
Supply On; Supply Off
B5
B3
B7
B4
B1
B2
B6
B8

MX110G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 2: Safety
Rev. A, June 8, 2023 Page 5
Chapter 2 Safety
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will only apply when the
unit is operated correctly. If equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired. Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single
components be carried out or components not supplied by Thorlabs be used.
Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock
Before applying power to the instrument, make sure that the protective conductor of the 3
conductor mains power cord is correctly connected to the protective earth contact of the socket
outlet. Improper grounding can cause electric shock with damage to your health or even death.
Only use mains cable with sufficient current and voltage ratings for this instrument. The local
supply voltage must be in the range specified on the rear panel, and the correct fuse must be
installed in the fuse holder. If not, please replace the main fuse (see Section 8.3). Do not position
equipment in a way that makes it difficult for the user to operate the disconnecting device. Do
not remove covers. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
Warning: Risk of Explosion
The instrument must not be operated in explosion endangered environments.
Warning: Laser Radiation
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 components inside this instrument are ESD sensitive. Take all appropriate precautions to
discharge personnel and equipment before making any connections to the unit. A front panel
grounding jack is provided for connection to a wrist strap.

MX110G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 2: Safety
Page 6 TTN311832-D02
Caution: Components not Water Resistant
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.
Caution: Follow Intended Usage Guidelines
This product is not suitable for household room illumination.
Inputs and outputs must only be connected with shielded connection cables.
Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in housing.
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters are not to be used within the
range of three meters of this unit since the electromagnetic field intensity may then exceed
the maximum allowed disturbance values according to IEC 61326-1.
Precautions
The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, unless otherwise specified herein. The
statement for other products will appear in the accompanying documentation.
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.
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to IEC 61326-1 for using connection
cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).
Thorlabs is not responsible for any radio television interference caused by modifications of this equipment or the
substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than those specified by Thorlabs. The
correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification, substitution or attachment will be the
responsibility of the user. The use of shielded I/O cables is required when connecting this equipment to any and
all optional peripheral or host devices. Failure to do so may violate FCC and ICES rules.
This precision device should only be shipped if packed into the complete original packaging including the custom
cut foam padding. If necessary, ask for replacement packing material.