EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. (EXFO), a Canada-based manufacturer of test and monitoring solutions, has introduced a new high-performance optical spectrum analyzer (OSA). The new analyzer will assist network operators in their deployment of current and new optical networks. The new in-band OSNR test method delivers highly accurate measurements for new systems in which noise can fluctuate from channel to channel.
The FTB-5240S OSA test module, housed in either the FTB-200 Compact Platform or newly launched FTB-500 Platform, is purpose-built for fast and accurate dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) network commissioning and high-speed network upgrades up to 40G.
Within the FTB-200 platform, it’s the smallest, high-performance solution for spectral characterization of new networks. When equipped with in-band optical-signal-to-noise-ratio (OSNR) measurement capabilities in the FTB-500 platform, this versatile OSA can be combined with the FTB-8140 Transport Blazer to create a unique ROADM/POTS/40G tests solution.
Traditional OSNR test tools tend to produce erroneous results, especially for ROADMs and 40G systems. The built-in polarization diversity detection capabilities on the company’s new OSA enable customers to obtain accurate and automated OSNR measurements from a next-generation network.
The FTB-5240S OSA benefits from ultra-fast scanning and analysis inside the new FTB-500 platform. A 90 dB dynamic range scan can be carried out within 1 second, including complete data analysis.
The OSA also supports new modulation schemes, such as NRZ, duobinary, DPSK, and QPSK, which present large line widths and often display multiple peaks. In-depth analysis ensures the correct identification and signal measurement of each carrier.
The company’s new OSA will be showcased at OFC/NFOEC 2009, booth No. 1035, from March 24 to March 26, 2009, in San Diego.
“The deployment of high-speed, next-generation DWDM optical networks is increasingly becoming commonplace due to the unabated demand for bandwidth-intensive services worldwide,” said Etienne Gagnon, EXFO’s vice-president of product management and marketing. “As a result, spectral characterization is becoming ubiquitous, but it presents serious challenges for network operators. EXFO’s new OSA addresses these issues with the most compact and flexible solution on the market for the Supertech.”