Working principle of variable optical attenuator
Optical attenuators can take a number of different forms and are typically classified as fixed or variable attenuators.
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Wavelength of Optical Attenuator
Wavelength: single mode 1310um, 1550um or dual wavelength; multimode 850um or dual wavelength, equipped with dust cap. An optical attenuator, or fiber optic attenuator, is a device used to reduce the power level of an optical signal, either in free space or in an optical fiber. The basic types of optical attenuators are fixed, step-wise variable, and continuously variable.
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How to calculate a 10dB optical attenuator
A dB = 10 · log 10 (P in /P out) If you know attenuation in dB, switch to "Output values from known dB attenuation". Of course, you also need to be able to determine the attenuator value in decibels required for your application. In this example let's assume that the maximum optical input power a fiber-optic receiver can operate with is -6dBm. The tool computes resistor values in different configurations: R1 = Zo [10dB/20 + 1] / [10dB/20 – 1] R2 = Zo/2 [10dB/10 – 1] / [10dB/20] where R1 is the shunt resistor (to ground). Determine output power in dBm and milliwatts, power reduction ratio, transmittance percentage, and total system loss including insertion loss.
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Why add an optical attenuator
Optical attenuators are commonly used in, either to test power level margins by temporarily adding a calibrated amount of signal loss, or installed permanently to properly match transmitter and receiver levels. They are usually installed at the transmit end of active modules, such as OTU and OSC boards, to prevent the downstream receiver modules from being burnt due to excessively high output optical power. Transmitter power (TP) = 3dBm Receiver maximum optical input power (MP) = -6dBm Total losses (TL) = 5dB Minimum attenuation required = MP + TL – TP = -6dBm + 5dB – 3dBm = – 4 dB At a minimum, a 4 dB attenuator is required.
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MEMS optical array switch
MEMS optical switches utilize arrays of movable micro-mirrors that can adjust to direct light beams from one fiber to another. Non-blocking switching: Ensuring that multiple signals can traverse the network simultaneously without interference. DiCon's MEMS 1xN Switch components are produced based on DiCon's proprietary and proven MEMS tilting mirror technology.
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