The AQ6380 OSA is the highest performance optical spectrum analyzer from Yokogawa Test&Measurement. Its excellent optical wavelength resolution, accuracy, and close-in dynamic range specifications allow optical signals in close proximity to be clearly separated and precisely measured.
This OSA incorporates smart technology and functionality including an intuitive touchscreen, automated wavelength calibration, and optimized sweep speed, allowing users to operate more efficiently. In addition, the AQ6380 OSA includes gas purging mechanisms, fully-automated wavelength calibration, compatibility with high-resolution and high sample counts, and single-mode fiber input.
Key Features:
- High wavelength resolution: 5 pm
- High wavelength accuracy: ±5 pm
- Wide close-in dynamic range: 65 dB
- High stray light suppression: 80 dB
Unparalleled Optical Performance
5 pm high wavelength resolution
The AQ6380 achieves a wavelength resolution of 5 pm. It enables to separate closely allocated DWDM channels and modulation side peaks of optical transceivers.
Modulated spectrum of 10G optical transceiver
65 dB wide close-in dynamic range
The monochromator has sharper spectral characteristics than ever. Signals in close proximity (e.g., residual longitudinal modes of external cavity laser) can be clearly separated and accurately measured.
Spectrum of external cavity laser
Wide wavelength range and variable resolution support multiple applications
The AQ6380 has a wavelength band of 1200 to 1650 nm. This means a single unit can meet diversifying wavelength measurement needs. Wavelength resolution can be varied from 5 pm to 2 nm, supporting a wide range of applications from narrowband peak/notch measurements to wideband spectral measurements. In addition, the increased resolution contributes to an improvement in measurement speed and accuracy for low power signals.
Transmission spectrum of optical filter
80 dB stray light suppression
Stray light is optical noise caused by the diffuse reflection of incident light inside a monochromator. In situations such as laser SMSR measurement, where multiple optical spectra with different levels are measured at the same time, the stray light can interfere with the measurement. When this occurs, high stray light suppression performance is required. The AQ6380 provides high dynamic range measurements with excellent stray light suppression performance of 80 dB, with no spurious noise generated.
Stray light suppression performance
Gas purging mechanism to minimize water vapor absorption
In the near-infrared wavelength range there are wavelength regions where strong light absorption is observed due to the influence of water vapor in the air. In an OSA, there is a wavelength band in which the light absorption characteristics of water vapor inside the monochromator are noticeably detected. Such phenomena interferes with accurate optical spectrum measurements in the applicable wavelength band. The AQ6380 is equipped with a purge mechanism that replaces the air inside the monochromator with nitrogen or dry air by continuously supplying it through dedicated ports on the back panel. This results in accurate measurements that are unaffected by the light absorption phenomenon of water vapor.
Effect of purging
±5 pm wavelength accuracy
The AQ6380 offers ±5 pm in the C band to meet the most stringent accuracy requirements. It also offers ±10 pm in the S and L bands and ±50 pm over the entire wavelength range. With such accuracy, some applications may not require an optical wavelength meter anymore. Periodic self-wavelength calibration using the built-in wavelength reference light source ensures long-term stability for each measurement.
Automated wavelength calibration maintains high accuracy
Ambient temperature change, vibrations, and shock affect the measurement accuracy of high precision products such as optical spectrum analyzers. The AQ6380 delivers high-precision measurements long-term with the wavelength calibration and alignment adjustment functions using the built-in light source. Wavelength calibration with the internal light source can be performed fully automatically and regularly without an external fiber cord. Wavelength calibration using an external light source is supported and is accomplished by setting the exact wavelength.
Single-mode fiber input
The optical input uses a PC-type single-mode fiber. It achieves an optical return loss of 30 dB or more (even when connected with a PC-type optical plug) and reduces the impact of reflectioni-sensitive optical devices on measurements.
Improve measurement efficiency and productivity
Up to 20x faster measurement
With a new sensitivity mode (RAPID) specialized for CW light, measurement speed is up to 20x faster than conventional models.
New sensitivity settings optimize measurement time
Sensitivity settings have a significant impact on measurement time. The AQ6380 has two modes and 19 sensitivity settings. Shorten measurement time by selecting the optimum sensitivity according to the type of optical signal and the minimum sensitivity requirement. Measurement sensitivity can also be set numerically. The appropriate sensitivity setting is automatically selected when entering the required minimum sensitivity value.
- RAPID: Sensitivity mode for fast measurement specialized for CW light
- TRAD: Traditional sensitivity mode that supports both CW light and pulsed light
Note: The sensitivity is a reference value at 1550 nm, not a guaranteed value
Built-in analysis functions eliminate post-processing tasks
The AQ6380 has built-in analysis functions to characterize optical spectrum from a variety of optical systems and devices including WDM, DFB-LD, EDFA, and filters. The automatic calculation of the major parameters of the device under test will contributes to fast characterization. Analysis functions include DFB-LD, FP-LD, LED, spectral width (peak/notch), SMSR, optical power, WDM (OSNR), EDFA (NF and gain), filter (peak/bottom), and WDM filter (peak/bottom).
Example of SMSR analysis
DUT-oriented test apps simplify the test process
The appplication mode (APP) transforms an OSA into a versatile machine dedicated to a device under test (DUT). APP mode provides a DUT-specific user interface that navigates the user from configuration settings to test result output without worrying with other OSA settings. The AQ6380 comes pre-installed with several standard applications including WDM testing, DFB-LD testing, and FP-LD testing. Additional optional applications are available for download from the Yokogawa Test&Measurement website.
APP menu window
WDM test application
Backward-compatible remote interface for easy upgrade of test system
Easily build an automated measurement system using a remote-control interface (Ethernet or GP-IB). The remote command set conforms to the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI), compatible with AQ6370 series and AQ6319, as well as proprietary AQ6317-compatible commands, allowing for easy upgrades to existing measurement systems.
OSA Viewer enables emulation and remote control on a PC
Emulate and remotely control the AQ6380 using OSA Viewer, the application software included with the AQ6370 Viewer. OSA Viewer’s user interface and analysis capabilities allow R&D and production users to easily view and analyze waveforms on their PC or laptop. The AQ6380 can be controlled remotely via a direct connection or over a network. The screen image from the AQ6380 displays in real time on remotely-connected PCs or laptops, where you can operate it as if you are using the AQ6380 directly, and data files saved on the AQ6380 are remotely transferable to your computer. These features are ideal when R&D users need to evaluate and analyze measurement data and optimize test conditions and troubleshoot on remote lines, as well as when Production users need to collect and analyze measurement results of remote production lines.