THORLABS MX40G Series User manual

MX40G Series
40 GHz E-O Converters
MX70G Series
70 GHz E-O Converters
User Guide

MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters
Table of Contents
Chapter 1Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1Description ..................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2Parts List ........................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.3Block Diagram................................................................................................................................................ 2
1.4Front and Back Panel Overview ................................................................................................................... 3
Chapter 2Safety......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter 3Quick Start Guide ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1Hardware Set Up ............................................................................................................................................ 7
3.2Controls on the Home Page .......................................................................................................................... 8
3.3System Wavelength Setting .......................................................................................................................... 9
3.4Controls on the Settings Pages .................................................................................................................. 10
3.5Quick Start ................................................................................................................................................... 11
Chapter 4Operating Instructions ........................................................................................................................................... 12
4.1The Modulator Transmission Function ...................................................................................................... 12
4.2De-Embedding Procedures ......................................................................................................................... 12
4.3Control Loop Diagram ................................................................................................................................. 13
4.4Bias Settings Page ...................................................................................................................................... 14
4.4.1Quadrature Mode .............................................................................................................................. 15
4.4.2Peak Mode ........................................................................................................................................ 17
4.4.3Null Mode .......................................................................................................................................... 17
4.4.4Manual Mode .................................................................................................................................... 18
4.5Variable Optical Attenuator Settings Page ................................................................................................ 20
4.6Laser Settings Page .................................................................................................................................... 22
4.7Load Page .................................................................................................................................................... 24
4.8Menu Page .................................................................................................................................................... 25
4.8.1System Wavelength .......................................................................................................................... 25
4.8.2Display and Sound Settings Page ..................................................................................................... 26
4.8.3System Information Page .................................................................................................................. 26
4.8.4Accent LED Settings Page ................................................................................................................ 27
4.8.5Thorlabs Help Page .......................................................................................................................... 27
Chapter 5Specifications ......................................................................................................................................................... 28
5.1General System Specifications .................................................................................................................. 28
5.2Power and Environmental Specifications ................................................................................................. 29
5.3Internal Control Specifications ................................................................................................................... 29
5.4Internal Modulator Specifications .............................................................................................................. 29
5.5Laser Specifications .................................................................................................................................... 30
Chapter 6Control and PC Connections ................................................................................................................................. 31
6.1General Purpose I/O, RS-232, and USB Connections ............................................................................... 31
6.2The Laser Safety Interlock .......................................................................................................................... 32
Chapter 7Mechanical Drawings ............................................................................................................................................. 33
Chapter 8Maintenance, Repair, and Fuses ........................................................................................................................... 34
8.1Maintenance and Repair ............................................................................................................................. 34

MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters
8.2Replacement Parts ...................................................................................................................................... 34
8.3Replacing the Main Fuse ............................................................................................................................. 35
Chapter 9Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................................... 36
Chapter 10Declaration of Conformity ........................................................................................................................... 37
Chapter 11Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts .................................................................................................................... 38

MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 1: Introduction
Rev. E, March 19, 2019 Page 1
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Description
Thorlabs' MX40G series (MX40G, MX40G-LB, and MX40G-1310) and MX70G series (MX70G, MX70G-LB, and MX70G-1310)
of Electrical to Optical (E-O) Converters offer frequency response to 40 GHz and 70 GHz, respectively. 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 or fixed-wavelength laser source or couple an external laser operating from 1250 nm to
1610 nm 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 its response from the overall measurement response.
Please see Section 4.2 for more information.
These instruments 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, for details.
The most recent firmware and remote control software tool can be downloaded by visiting
https://www.thorlabs.com/software_pages/viewsoftwarepage.cfm?code=MXG. Thorlabs’ technical support can provide up-to-
date information on available firmware revisions and control functions.
1.2 Parts List
Inspect the shipping container for damage. If the shipping container seems to be damaged, keep it until you have inspected the
contents and tested the unit mechanically and electrically. Verify that you have received the following items within the package:
1. E-O Converter Main Unit
2. Power Cord According to Local Power Supply
3. PM Loopback Fiber Optic Cable
4. Interlock Keys
5. 2.5 mm Interlock Pin (in Back Panel)
6. 1.25 A 250 VAC Fuse
7. USB Type A to Type B Cable, 6' Long
8. USB Storage Device with *.s2p File Characterizing Instrument


MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 1: Introduction
Page 2 TTN116413-D02
1.3 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 MX40G/MX70G, MX40G-LB/MX70G-LB, and MX40G-1310/MX70G-1310 include a C-band tunable laser, an L-band
tunable laser, and a 1310 nm fixed-wavelength laser, respectively. Both the C- and L-band laser sources are tunable on the ITU
50 GHz grid and include a dither feature for wavelength stabilization. An external laser source, operating from 1250 nm to
1610 nm, 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 20 dBm (100 mW).
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.
Figure 1 Key Components of the E-O Converter


MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 1: Introduction
Rev. E, March 19, 2019 Page 3
1.4 Front and Back Panel Overview
Figure 2 Front Panel
Callout Description
F1 Touchscreen Display
F2 Adjustment Knob
F3 Key Switch and Status 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
(MX40G Series: 2.92 mm Connector;
MX70G Series: 1.85 mm Connector)
F9 Standby Button

F3
F4
F1 F2
F9
F8
F7
F6
F5

MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 1: Introduction
Page 4 TTN116413-D02
Figure 3 Back Panel
Callout Description
B1 I/O Port (DB15 Connector)
B2 Laser Interlock (2.5 mm Connector)
B3 Option Label
B4 RS-232 Port (DB9 Connector)
B5 USB Port (USB Type B Connector)
B6 Power Connector
B7 Fuse Tray
B8 Power Switch
Supply On; Supply Off
B5
B4
B3
B1
B8
B2
B7
B6

MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 2: Safety
Rev. E, March 19, 2019 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.
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.

LASER RADIATION
DO NOT VIEW DIRECTLY WITH
OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS
CLASS 1M LASER PRODUCT

MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 2: Safety
Page 6 TTN116413-D02
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 and meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Standard ICES-003 for digital
apparatus. 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.