AttenuX Precision Variable Optical Attenuators
The AttenuX, a multi-port Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) by Echola Systems, is a state-of-the-art solution for precise optical signal power management. Designed for both test and production environments, it is widely used in R&D labs and production settings to simulate real-world transmission losses, optimize power equalization, and enhance network reliability. Its compact design, high resolution, low insertion loss, robust performance, and reliability make it an indispensable tool for demanding applications. With a user-friendly web interface for easy configuration and monitoring, and seamless integration of REST APIs for automation and remote control, the AttenuX is an excellent choice for modern, automated networks.
Key Features
- High Resolution: 1024 steps for precise control.
- High Attenuation: > 50 dB attenuation range.
- Large Extinction Ratio: 18 dB ensures superior performance.
- Low Insertion Loss: Typically < 2 dB, ensuring minimal signal degradation.
- Highly Reliable: Over 1012 cycle operation for long-term use.
- Compact Form Factor: Up to 20 ports in 1RU design.
- Bi-Directional: Supports optical signals in both directions.
Applications
The AttenuX VOA is a versatile tool tailored for a wide range of applications:
- Test Lab Environments: Simulate real-world optical power losses to validate hardware performance.
- Production Networks: Dynamically equalize signal power levels in production networks to ensure uniform behavior, particularly in long-haul networks where EDFAs are used.
- Optical Network Maintenance: Troubleshoot and optimize network paths in both lab and live environments with precise attenuation control.
- System Integration: Ideal for integration into larger automated test systems using REST APIs or CLI-based tools.
Advanced Capabilities
- Ultra-Fast Response: MEMS technology enables a typical response time of 3 ms.
- Protocol and Speed Agnostic: Supports Ethernet, Fibre Channel, OTN, and more, at speeds from 1G to 100G+.
- Telcordia Compliance: Fully meets Telcordia 1209 and 1221 reliability standards.
Ease of Management
- Remote Management: Web-based interface over HTTPS and CLI via SSH.
- Automation Ready: Integrates seamlessly with REST APIs and legacy CLI-based tools.
- Low Power Consumption: Energy-efficient for long-term operation.
Available Models
The AttenuX is available in 10-port and 20-port models, designated as VOX10-SM and VOX20-SM, respectively. These models come factory calibrated and offer high-resolution control with 1024 steps. In contrast, the VFC1011-SM and VFC2011-SM models from the VFC series are designed for fiber-cut applications, featuring lower resolution (256 steps) and no factory calibration.
VOX10-SM
10-port Single-mode Optical Attenuator
VOX20-SM
20-port Single-mode Optical Attenuator
VOX10-SM Specifications
| PARAMETER | TYPICAL VALUE |
|---|---|
| Wavelength | 1280-1625 nm |
| Insertion Loss | ≤ 2.0 dB |
| Wavelength Dependent Loss (WDL) | ≤ 0.15 dB |
| Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL) | ≤ 0.1 dB |
| Return Loss | > 55 dB |
| Attenuation Dynamic Range | > 50 dB |
| Attenuation Resolution | 1024 steps |
| Switching Time | ≤ 5ms |
| Max Repetition Rate | 20 Hz |
| Operating Temperature Range | -5 ~ 70 °C |
| Relative Humidity Range | 5 ~ 85 % RH |
| Durability | 1012 Cycles |
| Form Factor | 1RU, 5 inch deep |
| Power Supply | 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz |
| Power Consumption | < 10 Watts |
| Display | 1 inch OLED |
| Optical Interface | 10x Duplex Single-mode LC connectors |
| Network Interface | 1x Fast Ethernet (RJ45) connector |
| Peripheral Interface | 1x USB for WiFi Dongle or external Flash |
| Console/Debug Interface | 1x USB micro connector serial interface (Baud 115200) |