Entry level OSA suits field applications

For many CWDM, DWDM and hybrid networks, simple channel checkers are too limiting, whereas full-fledged OSAs often deliver many advanced and features and capabilities, but these sophisticated solutions come at a higher price. Based on key market feedback, EXFO has responded by launching two tier-1 entry-level products that offer great ease of use. The FTB 5230S OSA meets the needs of a variety of turn-up and commissioning applications by delivering power and wavelength measurements, in addition to system critical OSNR testing in accordance with IEC 61280-2-9 (interpolation method). The FTB-5230S OSA can also handle up to 23 dBm per channel, making it an ideal solution for modern cable operator networks.

In addition to the FTB-5230S, EXFO has launched the FTB-5230S-OCA. This tool offers power and central wavelength measurements, along with high-power measurements up to 23dBm per channel, at the value of an advanced channel analyser. Designed for maximum simplicity in the field, this OCA keeps settings to a bare minimum. The FTB-5230S-OCA has also been optimised for a number of multiwavelength applications (DWDM, CWDM, DWDM over CWDM, and CFP power measurements), and can be seamlessly upgraded in the field to an FTB-5230S OSA via software key.

"Offering an affordable and versatile spectral analysis solution, the OCA is ideal for cable operators deploying hybrid networks (DWDM over CWDM), in addition to CWDM and DWDM," said Étienne Gagnon, Vice-President of EXFO's Test and Measurement Division. "The OCA is also perfect for client-side power measurements, which are increasingly multiwavelength due to use of CFPs."

Because CFPs have longer reaches (up to 10km for LR4), meeting the loss budget is now more challenging than ever before. Furthermore, CFP lasers are ageing and need to be replaced. In response, the FTB 5230S OCA features built-in configurations for 40GBASE-LR4 and 100GBASE-LR4/LR10 CFPs, ensuring quick and reliable power measurements at the touch of a button.