THORLABS MX10C User manual

MX10C Series
12.5 Gb/s Optical Transmitters
MX40C Series
40 Gb/s Optical Transmitters
User Guide

MX10C, MX40C Series of Optical Transmitters
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
2.1 Precautions....................................................................................................................................................6
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 Control Loop Diagram.................................................................................................................................12
4.2 Amplifier Settings Page ..............................................................................................................................12
4.3 Variable Optical Attenuator Settings Page................................................................................................15
4.4 Laser Settings Page ....................................................................................................................................16
4.5 Load Page ....................................................................................................................................................18
4.6 Menu Page....................................................................................................................................................19
4.6.1 Display and Sound Settings Page.....................................................................................................19
4.6.2 System Information Page..................................................................................................................20
4.6.3 Accent LED Settings Page................................................................................................................20
4.6.4 Thorlabs Help Page ..........................................................................................................................21
Chapter 5 Specifications.........................................................................................................................................................22
5.1 General System Specifications ..................................................................................................................22
5.2 Power and Environmental Specifications .................................................................................................23
5.3 Internal Control Specifications...................................................................................................................23
5.4 Internal Amplifier Specifications................................................................................................................23
5.5 Internal Modulator Specifications..............................................................................................................23
5.6 Laser Specifications....................................................................................................................................24
Chapter 6 Control and PC Connections.................................................................................................................................25
6.1 General Purpose I/O, RS-232, and USB Connections...............................................................................25
6.2 The Laser Safety Interlock..........................................................................................................................26
Chapter 7 Mechanical Drawings.............................................................................................................................................27
7.1 MX10C Series...............................................................................................................................................27
7.2 MX40C Series...............................................................................................................................................28
Chapter 8 Maintenance, Repair, and Fuses...........................................................................................................................29
8.1 Maintenance and Repair .............................................................................................................................29
8.2 Replacement Parts ......................................................................................................................................29

MX10C, MX40C Series of Optical Transmitters
8.3 Replacing the Main Fuse.............................................................................................................................30
Chapter 9 Troubleshooting.....................................................................................................................................................31
Chapter 10 Declarations of Conformity.........................................................................................................................32
Chapter 11 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts....................................................................................................................34

MX10C, MX40C Series of Optical Transmitters Chapter 1: Introduction
Rev. F, February 21, 2020 Page 1
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Description
Thorlabs' MX10C and MX40C series of optical transmitters with phase modulators are designed for high-speed phase
modulation of light. They are fully-integrated and user-configurable solutions based on proven lithium niobate (LiNbO3) modulator
technology driven by high-fidelity digital RF amplifiers. They are designed for digital applications, and the maximum output swing
of their limiting RF amplifiers is user-adjustable. Variable optical attenuators (VOAs) and power monitors enable completely
automatic optical output power control and stabilization. The MX10C series includes an external loop-back cable for the driver
RF output and modulator RF input ports, which provides the opportunity to use an external driver, if desired.
The MX10C/MX40C, MX10C-LB/MX40C-LB, and MX10C-1310/MX40C-1310 include a tunable C-band laser, a tunable L-band
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 with all models to provide the optical input.
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.
The most recent firmware and remote control software tools can be downloaded by visiting
https://www.thorlabs.com/navigation.cfm?Guide_ID=2191 and entering the Item # into the search field. Thorlabs’ technical
support can provide up-to-date information on available firmware revisions and control functions.
NOTE: This manual covers both the MX10C and MX40C series of models as the architectures are very similar. Any differences
will be clearly noted in the following sections.
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. MX10C or MX40C Series Optical Transmitter Main Unit
2. Power Cord According to Local Power Supply
3. PM Loopback Fiber Optic Cable
4. SMA Loopback RF Cable (not required for MX40C series)
5. Interlock Keys
6. 2.5 mm Interlock Pin (in back panel)
7. 1.25 A 250 VAC Fuse
8. USB Type A to Type B Cable, 6' Long

MX10C, MX40C Series of Optical Transmitters Chapter 1: Introduction
Page 2 TTN048898-D02
1.3 Block Diagram
These instruments are fully integrated and contain both the laser source and a high-speed phase modulator. All the user needs
to supply is the signal source to the Amplifier RF In port. The user can choose to use the internal laser source (via loop-back
fiber) or an external laser source of their own. The Laser In port uses PM fiber with light linearly polarized along the slow axis as
shown on the front panel. Maximum input power is 20 dBm (100 mW). In the MX10C series, the user also has the option of using
their own modulator driver connected to the Modulator RF In port. Transmitters in the MX40C series does not have this option
in order to preserve signal integrity. 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 modulator
output, and Mon-3 is at the final Optical Output.
Figure 1 Block Diagram of the MX10C and MX40C Series

MX10C, MX40C Series of Optical Transmitters Chapter 1: Introduction
Rev. F, February 21, 2020 Page 3
1.4 Front and Back Panel Overview
Figure 2 Front Panel
Callout
Description
MX10C Series
MX40C Series
A
Touchscreen Display
-
-
B
Adjustment Knob
-
-
C
Key Switch and Indicator
Lasing Disabled; Lasing
Enabled
-
-
D
Grounding Jack (Banana
Connector)
Earth Ground
Banana
Banana
E
Laser Output
PM FC/PC
PM FC/PC
F
Laser Input
PM FC/PC
PM FC/PC
G
Optical Output
FC/PC
FC/PC
H
Amplifier RF Output
SMA
Not Available
J
Modulator RF Input
SMA
Not Available
K
Amplifier RF Input
SMA
2.92 mm
L
Standby Button
-
-
C
D
A
B
L
K
J
H
G
F
E

MX10C, MX40C Series of Optical Transmitters Chapter 1: Introduction
Page 4 TTN048898-D02
Figure 3 Back Panel
Callout
Description
MX10C Series
MX40C Series
M
I/O Port
DB-15
DB-15
N
Option Label
-
-
O
RS-232 Port
DB-9
DB-9
P
USB Port, Type B
-
-
Q
Laser Interlock
2.5 mm
2.5 mm
R
Power Connector
-
-
S
Fuse Tray
-
-
T
Power Switch
Supply On; Supply Off
-
-
P
O
N
M
T
Q
S
R

MX10C, MX40C Series of Optical Transmitters Chapter 2: Safety
Rev. F, February 21, 2020 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 maychanges to single components becarried 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. The local supply voltage must be in the range specified on the back
panel, and the correct fuse must be installed in the fuse holder. If not, please replace the main fuse (see section on
instrument maintenance). Only use mains cable with sufficient current and voltage ratings for this instrument. 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 maythen exceed the maximum allowed disturbance values according
to IEC 61326-1.

MX10C, MX40C Series of Optical Transmitters Chapter 2: Safety
Page 6 TTN048898-D02
2.1 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 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.