AQ23321A Variable Optical Attenuator (with monitor)
High-Accuracy Optical Attenuation with Integrated Output Monitoring
The AQ23321A is a single-channel variable optical attenuator module with an integrated output monitor for the AQ2300 Series Test Platform. It enables optical attenuation and output-power monitoring within a single module, simplifying optical test configurations.
The module is suitable for receiver sensitivity testing, optical component evaluation, and automated systems requiring controlled and monitored optical power levels. It can be combined with AQ2300 Series light sources, optical switches, and optical power meters.
Key Specifications
- Insertion loss: 1.9 dB (typ.)
- Wavelength range: 1200 to 1700 nm
- Maximum attenuation: 60 dB
- High-Attenuation accuracy: ±0.1 dB or less
- Applicable fiber: SMF
- Connector: FC/PC, SC/PC
Optical transceiver measurements
The AQ2300 provides comprehensive optical transceiver evaluation by combining optical power measurement, optical attenuation, optical path switching, and ASE noise loading within a modular system. Multiple transceiver channels can be routed through optical switches, while variable optical attenuators enable controlled adjustment of optical signal levels. When combined with the AQ6151B Optical Wavelength Meter and the AQ6361/AQ6370E Optical Spectrum Analyzer, the system also delivers comprehensive wavelength and spectral analysis. The AQ23191A ASE Light Source can also be incorporated into the optical path to evaluate transceiver performance under controlled ASE noise-loading conditions.
[Measurement items] Optical power, wavelength, Spectrum, optical power adjustment, ASE noise loading
Optical Fiber Amplifier Measurements
The AQ2300 supports optical fiber amplifier evaluation under wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) conditions. Multiple optical signals at different wavelengths can be independently controlled, attenuated, and multiplexed to create realistic inputs for the amplifier under test. Combined with the AQ6370E/AQ6361 Optical Spectrum Analyzer, the system can evaluate gain, gain flatness, noise figure, and ASE across multiple wavelength channels. The AQ6370E/AQ6361 provides dedicated optical amplifier analysis capabilities for gain and noise figure evaluation, while the AQ2300 enables flexible control of optical power levels and measurement paths for multi-wavelength testing.
[Measurement items] Gain, gain flatness, noise figure, ASE noise
Specifications
AQ23321A Variable Optical Attenuator (with Monitor)
| Items | Specifications | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | AQ23321A | |
| Number of channels (Slot widths) | 1 channel (1 slot) | |
| Wavelength range | 1200 to 1700 nm | |
| Insertion loss | Typical | 1.9 dB (typ.)*1, *2, *3, *4 |
| Maximum | 2.3 dB or less*1, *2, *3, *5 | |
| Maximum attenuation | 60 dB | |
| Attenuation accuracy | ±0.1 dB or less*2, *3, *6, *7 | |
| Attenuation repeatability | ±0.01 dB or less*1, *2, *8 | |
| Display resolution | 0.001 dB | |
| Output monitor accuracy | ±5% or less*2, *9, *11, *13 | |
| Optical return loss | 45 dB or less*3, *6, *12 | |
| Polarization dependence | 0.1 dBp-p or less*3, *6 | |
| Maximum input power | +23 dBm | |
| Shutter isolation | 90 dB or more [operating life: 10 million cycles (typ.)] | |
| Attenuation setting speed | — | |
| Applicable optical fiber | SMF (ITU-T G.652.D) | |
| Monitor port option | — | |
| Optical connector | FC/PC, SC/PC | |
| Dimensions (excluding protrusions) | 106.5 (H) × 31 (W) × 321.5 (D) mm | |
| Weight | Approx. 0.9 kg | |
*All values in the specifications assume a warm-up period of one hour. The environmental conditions are subject to the specification of frame controller.
*Unless otherwise noted, all specifications include the connector.
*1: Wavelength: 1310±15 nm, 1550±15 nm
*2: Ambient temperature: 23±2°C (constant temperature)
*3: When using the Yokogawa reference master cord (SMF)
*4: Connectors not included
*5: Connectors are included
*6: Wavelength: 1550±15 nm
*7: 0.15 dB or less if the wavelength is 1310±15 nm
*8: 2 σ
*9: Polarization dependence is not included.
*10: 1 minute after setting the attenuation
*11: Any one wavelength within 1310±15 nm or 1550±15 nm
*12: When using PC connectors (return loss 48 dB or more)
*13: Output power: ‒10 dBm
*14: Under step operation (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 dB)
