Optical Spectrum Analyzer function | OSA Application Note
This page covers application note on Optical Spectrum Analyzer(OSA). It mentions function of Optical Spectrum Analyzer(OSA) including block diagram. Popular vendors of Optical Spectrum Analyzer are also mentioned.
As we know RF spectrum analyzer is used to view and diagnose RF signals over frequency bands. Here X-axis is electromagnetic radio frequency and Y-axis is the power.
Similarly for measurement of optical signal, optical spectrum analyzer(OSA) is needed. It is basically an optical instrument. It measures properties of light over range of electromagnetic spectrum. The measured variable of OSA is usually light intensity. It can also be polarization state.
Figure-1 depicts Optical Spectrum Analyzer model number AQ6375B from Yokogawa Electric Corporation.
The main application of OSA is to troubleshoot problems in DWDM systems.
Refer DWDM tutorial to know more on DWDM.
The figure-2 depicts simple block diagram of Optical Spectrum Analyzer.
Let us understand functions of each of the modules of OSA.
• Incoming optical signal to be measured is passed through
wavelength tunable filter. This optical filter resolves different spectral components
individually.
• Photodetector converts optical signal into electrical equivalent signal.
This electrical current magnitude is proportional to incident optical power.
• The current is converted into equivalent voltage using transimpedance
amplifier.
• Later this is digitized using ADC converter in the Optical Spectrum Analyzer.
This signal is applied to vertical part of display unit as amplitude.
• Ramp tunes optical filter such that its resonant wavelength is
proportional to horizontal position.
Optical Spectrum Analyzer Vendors
There are different Vendors of Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA). It include YOKOGAWA, Keysight Technologies, Thorlabs, Anritsu, Finisar, EXFO, APEX technologies etc. Following table summarizes popular vendors or manufacturers of OSA.
Vendors | Model, Features or Specifications |
---|---|
YOKOGAWA | Model#1: Long wavelength (1200 to 2400 nm) OSA AQ6375B Model#2: Visible wavelength (350nm to 1200nm) OSA AQ6373B Model#3: Telecom OSA AQ6370B (600nm to1700nm) , for single and multi-mode optics |
FINISAR | Model:WaveAnalyzer 1500S It has 4 measurements per sec across C-band or 10 Hz across any 200GHz frequency window |
Anritsu | Model: MS9740A Benchtop OSA Wavelength: 600 nm to 1750 nm |
EXFO | Model: IQS-5240S-BP Supports 1250 nm to 1650 nm |
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