continuous range within the valid frequency range is also allowed. To avoid interpolation and rounding problems, it is
recommended to check that the frequencies are specified to at least 3 decimal places in the .wsp file.
Frequency
Each frequency data point (specified in absolute terms for
*.wsp files) must have a corresponding value of Attenuation, Phase and
Port. If no specific attenuation or phase value is required, values of 0 must be specified at these points.
Attenuation
The calibrated attenuation values available in the WaveShaper hardware are 0 to 30 dB. However, the WaveShaper hardware will
control attenuation down to (maximally) 40 dB and also provides a ‘Block’ state with attenuation of typically >50 dB. To guarantee
the portability of filter shapes between WaveShaper units, the attenuation range should be limited to 0-30 dB. However, the
interpretation of the
*.wsp files provides access to the full range of attenuation controls are the same as for *.ucf files.
Requested Attenuation
*.wsp
Interpretation
less than 0 dB
Truncated to 0 dB
0 - 30 dB
Guaranteed accuracy according to the WaveShaper specification
30.1 - 40 dB
WaveShaper attempts to set attenuation to requested value. No guarantee of accuracy
greater than 40 dB
Signal set to ‘Block’
Note:
Excluding the WaveShaper 100A Tuneable Optical Filter which does not provide attenuation control.
Phase
The phase control range available in the WaveShaper is 0-2
π
. (Not available in the 100A and 500A models, phase must be is set as
0.) The
*.wsp file may specify a phase outside of this range; however, this will be re-calculated by the WaveShaper software on
interpolation as (phase modulo 2
π
).
Parameter
Units
*.wsp
Interpretation
Frequency
THz
Interpolated to fit defined filter bandwidth
Attenuation
dB
Value dependent
Phase
Rad
Modulo 2
π
Port
The port range available depends on the WaveShaper model.
Model
Ports Available
500A,
1000A
The port needs to be either 1 or 0, where 0 corresponds to the block state, and 1 to the only available output port.
4000A
The output port can be set to 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4, where 0 corresponds to the block state.
16000A
The alpha-numeric port combination (e.g. A-1) is referenced by a sequential port number. Consult the tables below
to identify the port number for each configuration. Block is again signified by port 0.
WaveShaper A Series User Manual
32
