Introduction of Optical Attenuator on Huawei OptiX OSN 1800

Abstract

This article will give you detailed introduction of optical attenuators: its classification and application on Huawei OSN1800.

Huawei OptiX OSN 1800 II

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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. Optical attenuators are classified into fixed optical attenuators and variable optical attenuators (VOAs).

Note: an optical attenuator is optional. That is, it must be purchased separately, if it is required.

Classification

Fixed Optical Attenuator

A fixed optical attenuator can reduce the optical power on an optical path by a fixed value. The common attenuation specifications of fixed optical attenuators are 2 dB, 5 dB, 7 dB, 10 dB, and 15 dB.

Figure 1 shows the appearance of a fixed optical attenuator.

Figure 1 Fixed optical attenuator

Mechanical Variable Optical Attenuator

A mechanical variable optical attenuator (MVOA) can adjust the optical power on an optical path within a permitted range. The attenuation adjustment range of an MVOA is 2 dB to 30 dB.

Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the appearance of common MVOAs.

Figure 2 Dual-channel MVOA

Figure 3 Single-channel MVOA

EVOA Module

Definition:

An electrical variable optical attenuator (EVOA) module is used to adjust the optical power of signals.

Note: As pluggable SFP optical modules, EVOA modules are optional. That is, it must be purchased separately, if it is required.

Functions

An EVOA module adjusts the optical power of signals by adjusting line attenuation. You can view the attenuation on the NMS.

You can connect the EVOA module to the IN port on the board where the EVOA module resides to adjust the receive optical power of the board. For details, see Figure 4.

Figure 4 Application of the EVOA module (adjusting the receive optical power of the board)

You can also connect the EVOA module to the OUT port on the board where the EVOA module resides to adjust the transmit optical power of the board. For details, see Figure 5.

Figure 5 Application of the EVOA module (adjusting the transmit optical power of the board)

Boards Supporting EVOA Modules

Table 1 describes the boards supporting EVOA modules and the corresponding working modes and ports of the boards.

Note: as shown in Table 1, among the boards supporting EVOA modules, the F2LQM2(VA8) and OBU boards support logical fiber connections only when optical ports function as EVOAs.

After reading this article, hope you can choose your suitable optical attenuator based your needs. If you still not clear about your requirement, you may contact our experienced and professional support team freely: supports@thunder-link.com