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Electronic Variable Optical Attenuators

 

Chapter 3: Introduction & Quick Start 

Page 4 

 

TTN095737-D02 

Figure 1  

Front View 

Chapter 3  Introduction & Quick Start 

3.1. Introduction 

The EVOA1550F and EVOA1550A are electronically controlled variable 
optical attenuators (EVOAs) for single mode fiber applications. The control 
knob allows analog adjustment of the attenuation, while the digital meter 
reports the actual output power. A key feature is the Power Lock function, 
which allows the user to lock the output power level by using the VOA as a 
power stabilizer. 

These EVOAs are designed for use with standard single mode fiber (e.g. 
SMF-28e+) and accept either FC/PC connectors (Item # EVOA1550F) or 
FC/APC connectors (Item # EVOA1550A). The wavelength selector switch 
accesses calibrated settings for 1310 nm and 1550 nm, and also provides a 
position which the user can calibrate for any wavelength from 1250 nm to 
1625 nm. 

The unit is battery powered and can last for hundreds of hours on a single 
charge. Charging can be done through the utility side panel with either the 
included external power supply or a USB mini-B cable (not included). The side 
panel also provides an external modulation input and a power monitoring 
output via SMA connectors. 

3.2. Features 

 

 

 

 

Digital Display

Wavelength

Selector: 1310 nm,

1550 nm, or User

Bi-Stable Lock

Button

Fiber Bulkhead (2 Places)

2.0 mm Narrow Key

Label Indicates PC or

APC Compatibility

Utility 
Panel 

Power Adjustment

Knob

Rocker 
Power 
Switch 

Summary of Contents for EVOA1550A

Page 1: ...EVOA1550F EVOA1550A Electronic Variable Optical Attenuators User Guide...

Page 2: ...nstructions Details 7 4 1 Overview 7 4 2 Powering Charging the Unit 7 4 3 Fiber Connections 8 4 4 Wavelength Selection Calibration 8 4 5 Attenuation Control 9 4 6 Digital Output Power Display 9 4 7 Mo...

Page 3: ...Direct Current Alternating Current Both Direct and Alternating Current Earth Ground Terminal Protective Conductor Terminal Frame or Chassis Terminal Equipotentiality On Supply Off Supply In Position...

Page 4: ...rdance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio communications However there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation Thorlabs is not responsi...

Page 5: ...d accept either FC PC connectors Item EVOA1550F or FC APC connectors Item EVOA1550A The wavelength selector switch accesses calibrated settings for 1310 nm and 1550 nm and also provides a position whi...

Page 6: ...3 Fiber Interface Utility Panels Rocker Power Switch 2 1 mm Charging Jack for Included Power Supply USB Mini B Charging Jack Charging Indicators Green Fully Charged Yellow Charging SMA Modulation Inpu...

Page 7: ...ally takes 5 hours to reach a full charge starting from the Low Battery indicator that lasts for hundreds of hours 2 Connect input and output fiber patch cables single mode only to the bulkheads Make...

Page 8: ...controlled by the manual power adjustment knob the Power Lock control loop or the SMA modulation input When the power is switched off the EVOA defaults to a mid range attenuation whose value is indep...

Page 9: ...at uses virtually no current as the EVOA is an ultra low current device This feature does not drain the battery meaningfully faster than the battery itself would lose charge otherwise 4 3 Fiber Connec...

Page 10: ...panel see Figure 1 This knob provides the full range of attenuation Rotating it clockwise increases the output power while rotating it counterclockwise decreases the output power The knob has ten full...

Page 11: ...wer setpoint This circuit has a maximum bandwidth of 1 Hz Note that pushing the button may cause a slight offset in the output power which is due to the resolution of the sample and hold circuit If th...

Page 12: ...t thorlabs com Do not disassemble the unit There are no user serviceable components inside The end faces of any fiber patch cables being connected to the EVOA should be cleaned every time a connection...

Page 13: ...V to 4 9 V Absolute Maximum 5 0 V Input Impedance High Z Bandwidth DC to 1 kHz Typ Connector Female SMA Monitor Output Conversion Gain 20 mV mW Output Impedance High Z Bandwidth DC to 1 kHz Min DC to...

Page 14: ...Electronic Variable Optical Attenuators Chapter 6 Specifications Rev B September 5 2017 Page 13 6 2 Mechanical Drawings 3 1 mm 0 12 55 2 mm 2 17 166 9 mm 6 57 161 0 mm 6 34 87 0 mm 3 43 93 2 mm 3 67...

Page 15: ...other Thorlabs products such as Pure OEM products that means assemblies to be built into a unit by the user e g OEM laser driver cards Components Mechanics and optics Left over parts of units disassem...

Page 16: ...Electronic Variable Optical Attenuators Chapter 8 Certificate of Compliance Rev B September 5 2017 Page 15 Chapter 8 Certificate of Compliance...

Page 17: ...anada and South America Thorlabs Inc sales thorlabs com le techsupport thorlabs com Europe Thorlabs GmbH europe thorlabs com France Thorlabs SAS SA sales fr thorlabs com Japan Thorlabs Japan Inc sales...

Page 18: ...www thorlabs com...

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