JDSU MTA 100 Overview

The MTA Series Attenuator Shelf is a modular system that holds up to eight programmable attenuator cassettes and an IEEE 488.2 control cassette in a low-profile, 19 in (48.26 cm) rackmounting shelf.

The system is designed for power equalization applications, such as eight-channel dense wavelength division multiplexer (DWDM) amplified systems. The attenuators feature low polarization dependent loss (PDL) and high return loss. The optical design is etalon-free for low signal distortion. Attenuation resolution and accuracy are 0.05 dB nominal and better than ±0.1, respectively. The attenuation is calibrated from 1200 to 1700 nm, with optimal performance within the 1545 to 1645 nm range.

The modular system consists of the following elements:
• One MTA100 AC-powered, rack-mountable chassis
• One MTA150 GPIB control cassette
• Up to eight MTA300 attenuator cassettes with user-defined connectors

The optics of the MTA300 cassettes are bidirectional. Therefore, either fiber port can be used as the input. If an optional coupler or switch is installed, the user must ensure that the connections to these instruments are appropriate.

The linear design and low polarization sensitivity of the MTA system allow the attenuators to be inserted directly at the output of an array of laser sources. This, in turn, allows stable optical power to be provided or adjusted over each channel. A built-in beam blocking switch provides rapid attenuation change from any attenuation setting to infinite attenuation. This feature can be used to simulate a broken fiber or a laser module failure and to emulate switching. Each attenuator cassette is available with a retractable connector plate to facilitate maintenance and cleaning.

One attenuator is selected at a time for control. Control is achieved via the keypad and display on the control cassette or the IEEE 488.2 remote interface. The commands are SCPI compatible and LabVIEW drivers are supplied to simplify remote control.

Features:

• Up to eight programmable attenuators
• 0.5 dB resolution
• Low polarization sensitivity
• IEEE 488.2 interface
• SCPI compatible commands
• 19 in rack mount shelf
• LabVIEW1 drivers
• Power equalization in DWDM test systems
• Production testing of transmission systems
• Laboratory trials

How can we help you with today?