There are sixteen 1x1 VOA modules from A1 to A16, with SC/PC adapters on rear panel. We have figured out max attenuation setting is 70dB which shows maximum measured attenuation data.
This is Dicon A-type variable attenuator. See user guide and specification at 2nd pdf link below.
User instruction example to set attenuation of A3 module as 6.23dB:
At front panel keypad, press “DEV”, “NEXT”, “NEXT”, 6.23, “ENTER”.
GPIB command example to set attenuation of A3 module as 6.23dB:
A3 6.23
Variable attenuator is verified working ok at our lab, mostly show low minimum loss and good linearity.
At 1550nm, we tested insertion loss (including 2-connector loss) with HP81525A optical head:
Set ATT(dB), A1 IL(dB), A9 IL(dB), A16 IL(dB)
0, 2.094, 1.398, 1.747. (This is minimum insertion loss)
5, 6.856, 6.458, 6.604.
10, 11.855, 11.467, 11.531
20, 22.301, 31.365, 31.363
30, 32.400, 31.365, 31.363
40, 42.612, 41.202, 41.168
50, 51.36, 49.982, 49.95 (accuracy is limited by optical head at weak signal).
Set 0dB, minimum insertion loss (dB) of A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A10, A11, A12, A13, A14, A15 :
2.6, 2.11, 2.05, 1.52, 0.91, 2.93, 1.35, 1.64, 3.19, 2.66, 1.84, 1.70, 2.36.
All internal fiber connectors are cleaned by fiber cleaner pen. Many samples of connectors are verified clean under fiber scope for female-connector.
