Solution for Next-Generation Networks

Today’s systems and networks rely on new technologies like reconfigurable add-drop multiplexer (ROADM), and transmit at speeds reaching 40G and 100G. In such a challenging technological environment, getting reliable in-band OSNR values is key—which is exactly what the IQS-5240S/BP provides, thanks to EXFO’s polarization-resolved optical spectrum (PROS) OSNR measurement approach.

Sharp and Accurate OSNR Measurement

The IEC subsystem test procedure 61280-2-9 defines OSNR measurement as the power ratio between the peak power and the noise at half the distance between the peaks. Using this method, as shown in figure 1, the noise level at the channel (or peak power) wavelength is interpolated from the noise level between the channels. However, in ROADM or 40 Gbit/s systems, this method may lead to incorrect results since the noise level between the peaks is no longer directly correlated with the noise level at the channel wavelength. For instance, Figure 3 displays closely spaced 40G signals that require in-band OSNR measurement, since the power level between channels is higher than the actual noise due to channel overlap.

The built-in polarization-resolved optical spectrum method of EXFO’s IQS-5240S-P and IQS-5240BP OSAs enables you to achieve accurate in-band OSNR measurements of a ROADM or 40 Gbit/s system directly and automatically.

High Resolution for Dense Signal Analysis

With 33 pm (or ~4.5 GHz) resolution bandwidth defined as the FWHM of the OSA filter shape, the instrument can analyze all densely spaced signals, including important 50 GHz ITU-grid WDM signals, high-speed modulated lasers/emitters and DWDM passive components—all critical in today’s networks.

Combined with a very sharp rejection ratio (–35 dBc at 0.1 nm), the optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) and modulated band profile can be measured with high accuracy. To ensure accurate noise and broad signal power measurements, the noise equivalent bandwidth (NEB) of the OSA is calibrated at many points from 950 nm to 1650 nm.

Choice without Compromise

The all-new IQS-5240S and IQS-5240BP Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA) series covers your DWDM applications and all channel spacings, from 50 GHz DWDM to CWDM. This is what we call “no-compromise performance”, whatever your network specificities and testing requirements.

Flexible and Powerful Automation

Thanks to the IQS-600 platforms’s Windows-based, open architecture and Ethernet connectivity, the IQS-5240S/BP OSA test modules can easily be controlled remotely using SCPI commands and LabVIEW drivers, or any other automation software.

Quicker Setups—Easier Testing

The application software has been designed to optimize all testing operations—boosting productivity.

• Easy-to-use zooming capabilities and quick translation of the signal trace
• Favorites button enables direct access to your defined configuration list—right in the field
• Discover button automatically adjusts the settings to identify all channels in one easy step. It automatically selects optimal settings for quick system qualification
• Setups and test configurations can easily be defined and stored in the instrument

Advanced EDFA Analysis

Since amplifiers are critical elements in all networks, it is crucial to ensure that they are optimized, that the gain is well-distributed and that the output power is flat. Now, you can further optimize EDFAs by measuring key parameters such as gain per channel, noise figure, gain flatness, gain slope, etc. More importantly, you can save and print this precious information.

Drift Measurements

You can now monitor power, wavelength and OSNR over time. Follow the evolution of these critical parameters, set relative or absolute thresholds and get alarm notifications when they are crossed. You can also view the current and historical status of all channels in a single view called the dashboard and view the WDM trace of any acquisition that displays a change of state (i.e., when a threshold is crossed).

Accurate Spectral Transmittance

With the advent of larger spectral content through the implementation of 40G and 100G, knowing the bandwidth of any given filter and the residual network bandwidth guarantees proper transmission. The new Spectral Transmittance software feature now compares the filtered wavelength to the nominal one, showing insertion loss, channel isolation and bandwidth at different power levels.

In-Depth DFB Laser Analysis

Make sure your transmitters are within specifications. With the DFB Laser Analysis feature, you can now characterize a DFB laser source for central wavelength, peak power, bandwidth, side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) and much more.

Faster Is Always Better

Testing speed is critical, which is why EXFO’s IQS-5240S and IQS-5240BP OSAs can complete a scan and display the results in less than one second—that’s fast enough for highly efficient network element adjustments on the go.