AQ6380 Highest Performance Optical Spectrum Analyzer 1200 - 1650 nm
The AQ6380 OSA is the highest performance optical spectrum analyzer from Yokogawa Test&Measurement. Its excellent optical wavelength resolution, accuracy, and close-in dynamic range specifications allow optical signals in close proximity to be clearly separated and precisely measured.
This OSA incorporates smart technology and functionality including an intuitive touchscreen, automated wavelength calibration, and optimized sweep speed, allowing users to operate more efficiently. In addition, the AQ6380 OSA includes gas purging mechanisms, fully-automated wavelength calibration, compatibility with high-resolution and high sample counts, and single-mode fiber input.
Key Features:
- High wavelength resolution: 5 pm
- High wavelength accuracy: ±5 pm
- Wide close-in dynamic range: 65 dB
- High stray light suppression: 80 dB
Unparalleled Optical Performance
5 pm high wavelength resolution
The AQ6380 achieves a wavelength resolution of 5 pm. It enables to separate closely allocated DWDM channels and modulation side peaks of optical transceivers.
Modulated spectrum of 10G optical transceiver
65 dB wide close-in dynamic range
The monochromator has sharper spectral characteristics than ever. Signals in close proximity (e.g., residual longitudinal modes of external cavity laser) can be clearly separated and accurately measured.
Spectrum of external cavity laser
Wide wavelength range and variable resolution support multiple applications
The AQ6380 has a wavelength band of 1200 to 1650 nm. This means a single unit can meet diversifying wavelength measurement needs. Wavelength resolution can be varied from 5 pm to 2 nm, supporting a wide range of applications from narrowband peak/notch measurements to wideband spectral measurements. In addition, the increased resolution contributes to an improvement in measurement speed and accuracy for low power signals.
Transmission spectrum of optical filter
80 dB stray light suppression
Stray light is optical noise caused by the diffuse reflection of incident light inside a monochromator. In situations such as laser SMSR measurement, where multiple optical spectra with different levels are measured at the same time, the stray light can interfere with the measurement. When this occurs, high stray light suppression performance is required. The AQ6380 provides high dynamic range measurements with excellent stray light suppression performance of 80 dB, with no spurious noise generated.
Stray light suppression performance
Gas purging mechanism to minimize water vapor absorption
In the near-infrared wavelength range there are wavelength regions where strong light absorption is observed due to the influence of water vapor in the air. In an OSA, there is a wavelength band in which the light absorption characteristics of water vapor inside the monochromator are noticeably detected. Such phenomena interferes with accurate optical spectrum measurements in the applicable wavelength band. The AQ6380 is equipped with a purge mechanism that replaces the air inside the monochromator with nitrogen or dry air by continuously supplying it through dedicated ports on the back panel. This results in accurate measurements that are unaffected by the light absorption phenomenon of water vapor.
Effect of purging
±5 pm wavelength accuracy
The AQ6380 offers ±5 pm in the C band to meet the most stringent accuracy requirements. It also offers ±10 pm in the S and L bands and ±50 pm over the entire wavelength range. With such accuracy, some applications may not require an optical wavelength meter anymore. Periodic self-wavelength calibration using the built-in wavelength reference light source ensures long-term stability for each measurement.
Automated wavelength calibration maintains high accuracy
Ambient temperature change, vibrations, and shock affect the measurement accuracy of high precision products such as optical spectrum analyzers. The AQ6380 delivers high-precision measurements long-term with the wavelength calibration and alignment adjustment functions using the built-in light source. Wavelength calibration with the internal light source can be performed fully automatically and regularly without an external fiber cord. Wavelength calibration using an external light source is supported and is accomplished by setting the exact wavelength.
Single-mode fiber input
The optical input uses a PC-type single-mode fiber. It achieves an optical return loss of 30 dB or more (even when connected with a PC-type optical plug) and reduces the impact of reflectioni-sensitive optical devices on measurements.
Improve measurement efficiency and productivity
Up to 20x faster measurement
With a new sensitivity mode (RAPID) specialized for CW light, measurement speed is up to 20x faster than conventional models.
New sensitivity settings optimize measurement time
Sensitivity settings have a significant impact on measurement time. The AQ6380 has two modes and 19 sensitivity settings. Shorten measurement time by selecting the optimum sensitivity according to the type of optical signal and the minimum sensitivity requirement. Measurement sensitivity can also be set numerically. The appropriate sensitivity setting is automatically selected when entering the required minimum sensitivity value.
- RAPID: Sensitivity mode for fast measurement specialized for CW light
- TRAD: Traditional sensitivity mode that supports both CW light and pulsed light
Note: The sensitivity is a reference value at 1550 nm, not a guaranteed value
Built-in analysis functions eliminate post-processing tasks
The AQ6380 has built-in analysis functions to characterize optical spectrum from a variety of optical systems and devices including WDM, DFB-LD, EDFA, and filters. The automatic calculation of the major parameters of the device under test will contributes to fast characterization. Analysis functions include DFB-LD, FP-LD, LED, spectral width (peak/notch), SMSR, optical power, WDM (OSNR), EDFA (NF and gain), filter (peak/bottom), and WDM filter (peak/bottom).
Example of SMSR analysis
DUT-oriented test apps simplify the test process
The appplication mode (APP) transforms an OSA into a versatile machine dedicated to a device under test (DUT). APP mode provides a DUT-specific user interface that navigates the user from configuration settings to test result output without worrying with other OSA settings. The AQ6380 comes pre-installed with several standard applications including WDM testing, DFB-LD testing, and FP-LD testing. Additional optional applications are available for download from the Yokogawa Test&Measurement website.
APP menu window
WDM test application
Backward-compatible remote interface for easy upgrade of test system
Easily build an automated measurement system using a remote-control interface (Ethernet or GP-IB). The remote command set conforms to the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI), compatible with AQ6370 series and AQ6319, as well as proprietary AQ6317-compatible commands, allowing for easy upgrades to existing measurement systems.
OSA Viewer enables emulation and remote control on a PC
Emulate and remotely control the AQ6380 using OSA Viewer, the application software included with the AQ6370 Viewer. OSA Viewer's user interface and analysis capabilities allow R&D and production users to easily view and analyze waveforms on their PC or laptop. The AQ6380 can be controlled remotely via a direct connection or over a network. The screen image from the AQ6380 displays in real time on remotely-connected PCs or laptops, where you can operate it as if you are using the AQ6380 directly, and data files saved on the AQ6380 are remotely transferable to your computer. These features are ideal when R&D users need to evaluate and analyze measurement data and optimize test conditions and troubleshoot on remote lines, as well as when Production users need to collect and analyze measurement results of remote production lines.
Interface
Measurement applications and user-friendly multi-touch operation and connectivity
With over four decades perfecting the user experience, the Precision Makers of Yokogawa Test&Measurement developed the AQ6380 with an easy-to-use front-panel design and intuitive operability.
Large LCD touchscreen
The high-resolution, responsive 10.4-inch multi-touch capacitive touchscreen makes device operation simple and intuitive. Easily change the view and measurement conditions and perform analysis with just a touch. In the optical spectrum view, the waveform view can be zoomed or shifted by a simple tap and drag.
Enhanced function keys
Operability is improved with the addition of frequently-used function keys on the front panel. These include sweep control (Auto/Single/Repeat/Stop), resolution, and sensitivity. The function keys can also be displayed as a pop-up on the screen.
WDM transmission systems
To test a multi-channel, narrowly-spaced WDM system, high-spectral measurement performance is required to test the system’s internal circuit boards (e.g., laser modules, optical transceivers, final output signal). This includes simultaneous peak and OSNR measurements. AQ6380’s wide close-in dynamic range allows accurate OSNR measurement of DWDM transmission systems. The built-in WDM analysis function analyzes the measured waveform and shows peak wavelength, peak level, and OSNR of WDM signals up to 1024 channels simultaneously.
Example of DWDM OSNR analysis
Lasers/optical transceivers
Testing of optical components used in WDM transmission systems such as laser devices, laser modules, and optical transceivers requires high accuracy. Example applications include modulated signal measurement of optical transceivers and transponders and measurement of all channels of optical transceivers with WDM technology beyond 100 G. The AQ6380’s sharp spectral characteristics and high straylight suppression performance enables users to visualize and accurately measure spectral peaks in close proximity.
Example of DFB-LD analysis
Passive components (FBG/WSS)
In conjunction with a broadband light sources such as ASE, SLD, or Super Continuum (SC), the AQ6380 enables higher resolution and wider dynamic range measurements and performs evaluation of passive devices including WDM, FBG, ROADM, and WSS. In addition, the built-in optical filter analysis function simultaneously reports peak/bottom wavelength, level, crosstalk, and ripple width.
USB ports
The AQ6380 has USB ports that are compatible with a USB storage device, mouse, and keyboard. The file feature allows users to save data and screenshots to internal memory or USB storage for use in creating test reports. By connecting a mouse or keyboard to the USB port, you can comfortably operate the AQ6380 as if you were operating a PC.
Data access through LAN
The standard LAN port allows convenient access to files stored in the internal memory and enables remote updates for firmware from a PC.
Functions
Specifications
*1: Using a 9.5/125 μm single mode fiber with a PC type connector, after optical alignment and wavelength calibration with built-in reference light source
*2: Wavelength resolution setting: ≥ 0.1 nm
*3: Resolution: 0.005 nm, number of sampling: AUTO, excluding sensitivity RAPID1 and NORM_HOLD
*4: After performing RBW calibration using a single longitudinal mode laser (wavelength: 1520 to 1560 nm, peak level: ≥ −20 dBm, level stability: ≤ 0.1 dBpp, and wavelength stability: ≤ ±0.001 nm), at the wavelength of RBW calibration
*5: TRAD mode: applicable for CW light and pulsed light measurement, RAPID mode: applicable for CW light measurement
*6: Resolution: 0.1 nm, number of sampling: AUTO
*7: 1523 nm, high dynamic range mode: SWITCH
*8: HeNe laser (1523 nm), wavelength resolution: 0.1 nm, 1520 nm to 1620 nm (except peak wavelength ±2 nm)
*9: Using Yokogawa’s master single mode fiber with a PC connector
*10: Typical value
*11: Some AQ6317 series commands may not be compatible due to changes in specifications or functions.
*12: Liquid crystal display may include a few defective pixels (within 0.002% with respect to the total number of pixels including RGB). There may be a few pixels on the liquid crystal display that do not emit all the time or remains ON all the time. These are not malfunctioning.
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Reduced emission of CO2 about 74% compared to the previous model. Results of Life Cycle Assessment |
AQ6370 Viewer
The AQ6370 Viewer is a package of PC application software for the AQ6380, the AQ6360, and the AQ6370 series Optical Spectrum Analyzer.
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OSA Macro Program Function
The OSA Macro Program Function enables automated measurement by creating programs for entry of measurement conditions and other tasks. Users can program a sequence of measurement procedures from entry of measurement conditions (e.g., wavelength sweep width, setting resolution) to analyses, data saving, output, and others and eliminates redundant procedures on the production line. The function acts as a controller of other connected devices through the LAN or RS232C port and allows users to build an automatic measuring system without using an external PC and input measurement conditions or output measured results while programs are running.
Overview of optical communications via optical fibers including: signal conversion, optical fiber benefits, techniques like wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) for increased capacity, key components like optical amplifiers and spectrum analyzers for maintaining transmission quality.
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Brochures
- AQ6380 Optical Spectrum Analyzer (3.2 MB)
- Optical Spectrum Analyzer Selection Guide (1.0 MB)
Instruction Manuals
- AQ6380 Optical Spectrum Analyzer User's Manual (13.4 MB)
- AQ6380 Optical Spectrum Analyzer Getting Start Guide (3.9 MB)
- AQ6380 Optical Spectrum Analyzer Remote Control User's Manual (1.9 MB)
Specifications
Software
- AQ6370 Viewer
- APP for Optical Spectrum Analyzer
- LabVIEW Drivers for AQ6380 Optical Spectrum Analyzer (NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS Web Page)
- Sample Program for OSA
- Logging Data Utility
Firmware
Drawings
- AQ6380 Optical Spectrum Analyzer (525 KB)
