Product
Spotlight:
Integral
Variable Optical Attenuator and Power Monitor Switch
The
Polatis Incorporated team is pleased to introduce a new
and improved VST series of products offering high precision,
non-blocking switches. The first of its kind in this class
of switch, the Polatis VST series offers instrument-grade
optical performance in a non-blocking switch matrix with
the ability to both monitor optical power and attenuate
signals on a port basis. The VST series is based on the
award-winning DirectLight beam-steering technology, which
ensures highly reliable switching without the use of MEMS
or micro-mirrors. The new product provides efficient, innovative
capabilities into automated manufacturing test and network
test markets.
The
VST series is designed to simplify and consolidate costs
and complexity within automated test stations. Integral
power monitoring capabilities enable faster setup and debug
of test layouts, as users can quickly determine the presence
of optical signals at the switch ports. The variable optical
attenuator function allows users to select a fixed (absolute)
output power for each port, providing a layer of protection
to sensitive downstream equipment. Users may also select
the switch with input and output monitors, allowing for
relative attenuation (fixed offset) between input and output
ports. Using the simple SCPI interface, the VST enables
a wide variety of parametric optical measurements. The VST
further enhances test efficiencies as multiple, simultaneous
testing is possible due to the strictly non-blocking nature
of the switch fabric.
 The
DirectLight technology featured in the VST series is operated
by a beam-steering architecture that uses piezoelectric
technology for precision alignment of fiber collimators.
This technology guarantees extremely reliable, precise switching.
Like
other Polatis switch products, the VST delivers low insertion
loss, high return loss, very low crosstalk, and extremely
high repeatability. Additionally, the VST offers the capability
of integral power monitoring of input and/or output ports,
as well as either absolute VOA or relative VOA configurations.
There
are numerous applications for the new VST series, including:
- Optical
components test
- Automated
manufacturing test
- SONET/Video/FTTx
span emulation
-
Shared equipment test facility
- Equipment
change–out switch in certification labs
- Optical
sensor systems
- Network
monitoring
- Power
equalization
- Optical
power surge protection
The
VST series is an ideal match for automated optical component
testing. It is also ideal for use in networking labs to
minimize costly manual fibering cost. Built around customer
requirements for real network deployments, the VST provides
access into the test network for parametric and service-layer
testing. Low insertion loss ensures the maximum dynamic
range of the installed test equipment, while the ability
to switch without light means it is possible to monitor
dark or active fibers. The rapid, deterministic disconnect
capabilities of the VST also make it a useful test fixture
for protection switching software testing. PON networks
place additional challenges for test & monitoring equipment,
requiring the ability to function under specific bi-directional
multi-wavelength conditions.
Read
more about FTTx/PON monitoring
The
VST incorporates the same easy-to-use interfaces as all
other Polatis products, including SCPI and an intuitive
Graphical User Interface (GUI) is also available on request.
To
find out more about this new product, please view the VST
datasheet, or call for details.
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