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Summary of Contents for THORLABS MX40G Series
- Page 1 MX40G Series 40 GHz E-O Converters MX70G Series 70 GHz E-O Converters User Guide...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
4.8.3 System Information Page ........................26 4.8.4 Accent LED Settings Page ........................ 27 4.8.5 Thorlabs Help Page .......................... 27 Chapter 5 Specifications ................................. 28 General System Specifications ........................28 ... - Page 4 MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Replacement Parts ............................34 Replacing the Main Fuse ..........................35 Chapter 9 Troubleshooting ..............................36 Chapter 10 Declaration of Conformity ........................... 37 Chapter 11 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ........................38 ...
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Page 5: Chapter 1 Introduction
1610 nm to the PM FC/PC fiber optic connector on the input panel. The instrument is fully driven using the intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) touchscreen, and the RS-232 connection on the back panel enables remote control of many instrument functions. Please contact Thorlabs technical support for up-to-date information on the firmware revisions and control functions available. -
Page 6: Block Diagram
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 1: Introduction 1.3 Block Diagram Each E-O converter is fully integrated and contains the laser source, lithium niobate (LiNbO ) Mach-Zehnder intensity modulator (MZM), and automatic bias controller; the only required external input is the signal source to the Modulator RF In port. The MX40G/MX70G, MX40G-LB/MX70G-LB, and MX40G-1310/MX70G-1310 include a C-band tunable laser, an L-band tunable laser, and a 1310 nm fixed-wavelength laser, respectively. -
Page 7: Front And Back Panel Overview
Grounding Jack (Banana Connector) Earth Ground Laser Output (PM FC/PC Connector) Laser Input (PM FC/PC Connector) Optical Output (FC/PC Connector) Modulator RF Input (MX40G Series: 2.92 mm Connector; MX70G Series: 1.85 mm Connector) Standby Button Rev. E, March 19, 2019 Page 3... - Page 8 MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 1: Introduction Figure 3 Back Panel Callout Description I/O Port (DB15 Connector) Laser Interlock (2.5 mm Connector) Option Label RS-232 Port (DB9 Connector) USB Port (USB Type B Connector) Power Connector Fuse Tray Power Switch Supply On;...
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Page 9: Chapter 2 Safety
If equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components be carried out or components not supplied by Thorlabs be used. - Page 10 3 meters (9.8 feet). Thorlabs is not responsible for any radio television interference caused by modifications of this equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than those specified by Thorlabs. The correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification, substitution or attachment will be the responsibility of the user.
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Page 11: Chapter 3 Quick Start Guide
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 3: Quick Start Guide Chapter 3 Quick Start Guide 3.1 Hardware Set Up For first use, plug the main power cable into the rear panel connector, and then plug the other end into an AC wall receptacle. -
Page 12: Controls On The Home Page
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 3: Quick Start Guide 3.2 Controls on the Home Page Full access to all of the converter's controls and functions is available using the resistive touchscreen display, which is sensitive to finger pressure or the tap of a plastic stylus. In addition, the knob on the front panel can be used in place of the on-screen arrow buttons for quickly changing set-point values. -
Page 13: System Wavelength Setting
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 3: Quick Start Guide System Wavelength Setting The operational wavelength range of each converter extends from 1250 nm to 1610 nm. The three calibration wavelengths of the power monitors, 1310 nm, 1550 nm, and 1590 nm, represent the centers of the O-band, C-band, and L-band and provide the user with accurate power readings at or near those wavelengths. -
Page 14: Controls On The Settings
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 3: Quick Start Guide 3.4 Controls on the Settings Pages The Settings pages all possess the same general design and functionality as shown in the example screen shot below. The upper section with white letters displays the parameters that can be changed. Simply tap on the parameter of interest. A yellow border highlights the choice and controls for that parameter are presented. -
Page 15: Quick Start
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 3: Quick Start Guide Quick Start The following steps summarize the setup procedure required to operate the converter in the standard mode. Please refer to previous sections in this chapter and the expanded operating instructions in Chapter 4 for additional information. Turn on power to the converter via the power switch on the back panel (Figure 4). -
Page 16: Chapter 4 Operating Instructions
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 4: Operating Instructions Chapter 4 Operating Instructions 4.1 The Modulator Transmission Function The Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) has a repetitive transmission function with applied voltage as can be seen in the diagram below. In order for the MZM to work correctly, a DC bias voltage must be applied and maintained at the desired set point. The high-frequency AC signal can then be applied to the modulator to enable the correct optical modulation of the laser beam. -
Page 17: Control Loop Diagram
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 4: Operating Instructions Thorlabs provides a file (.s2p format) with each E-O converter that contains the S magnitude and phase response of the modulator across its frequency range of operation. These data are used to perform the de-embedding process. Note that most modern E-E VNA systems provide a built in function for doing this type of de-embedding based on the user-supplied .s2p file. -
Page 18: Bias Settings Page
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 4: Operating Instructions 4.4 Bias Settings Page The Bias Settings page is accessed by tapping the center bias monitors pane on the Home page. When the MZM Bias control is first turned on, the converter performs a calibration routine to determine the approximate bias voltages required for the various MZM operating points. -
Page 19: Quadrature Mode
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 4: Operating Instructions 4.4.1 Quadrature Mode Quadrature mode is the default mode and biases the MZM at the 50% point on the MZM transmission curve shown in Figure 23. Quadrature mode is essential for VNA applications in which linear response is critical. The screen shot below shows the parameters that can be controlled in the Quadrature mode. - Page 20 MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 4: Operating Instructions The dither tone frequency may be changed by tapping the Dither Frequency field, which is highlighted in Figure 22. Standard frequencies are selected using the blue buttons, or a custom frequency may be chosen by pressing User Define. The dither tone frequency usually has very little effect on the accuracy of the bias control, but in some cases a different frequency may work better or be desirable depending on the RF signal applied or on the specific application.
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Page 21: Peak Mode
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 4: Operating Instructions 4.4.2 Peak Mode The Peak Mode adjusts the DC bias voltage so the transmission is centered at a nearby transmission maximum. In this mode only dither frequency and amplitude settings are available. These controls and settings are the same as previously described for the Quadrature mode. -
Page 22: Manual Mode
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 4: Operating Instructions 4.4.4 Manual Mode The Manual mode allows the user to bias the modulator at any desired point of the transmission function. Manual mode offers two operation options: 1) Constant Bias, or 2) Constant Ratio. In both of these options, the dither function is not active, and the controller uses different techniques to hold the bias steady. - Page 23 MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 4: Operating Instructions In the Constant Ratio mode there is an option to select between the two available operating regions by selecting the Slope field. Positive slope is the non-inverting operating point where increasing voltage on the MZM results in increasing optical output power.
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Page 24: Variable Optical Attenuator Settings Page
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 4: Operating Instructions Variable Optical Attenuator Settings Page Tap in the VOA monitors pane on the Home page to access the Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) Settings page shown below. The VOA provides the means for adjusting and stabilizing the output power after the MZM. Note that units of all power measurements are determined by the Power Units setting this page, see Figure 32. - Page 25 MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 4: Operating Instructions Constant Output Power Mode acts as a stabilizer by holding the final optical power constant independent of input fluctuations (within controllable limits such as input power and attenuation). VOA Mode set to Constant Output Power.
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Page 26: Laser Settings Page
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 4: Operating Instructions Laser Settings Page To access the Laser Settings page, tap on the Laser monitors pane on the Home page. Here the user can control the laser wavelength and choose whether or not to use the dither feature to stabilize the wavelength. Turning the dither off will result in lower phase and intensity noise, but the wavelength may drift slightly over time. - Page 27 MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 4: Operating Instructions Figure 36 shows laser frequency noise as a function of optical frequency when the laser is operated with and without dither enabled. The red trace shows low noise operation when dither is turned off. Wavelength stability is improved by operating with dither, but the blue trace shows that this comes at the expense of added noise.
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Page 28: Load Page
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 4: Operating Instructions 4.7 Load Page Access the Load page by tapping the blue Load button on the Home page. The Load page has a factory-defined, standard operating mode stored as a preset. Applying the preset configures the converter with the stored instrument settings and is a fast way to put the instrument in a known state. -
Page 29: Menu Page
Links to system information and guidance for obtaining help form Thorlabs’ technical support are also included on this page. The functions and information available through this page are described in the following sections. -
Page 30: Display And Sound Settings Page
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 4: Operating Instructions 4.8.2 Display and Sound Settings Page To open the screen shown below, tap the DISPLAY AND SOUNDS button on the Menu pane. Tap any of the fields to access the respective controls. Figure 41 Display and Sound Settings Page DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS controls the overall brightness of the touch-screen display DISPLAY SLEEP TIME controls how long the touch-screen display is visible before it sleeps BUTTON CLICK toggles the sound produced when tapping buttons (On/Off) NOTIFICATION BEEP toggles the sound associated with certain on screen notifications (On/Off) -
Page 31: Accent Led Settings Page
To open the screen shown below, tap the THORLABS HELP button on the Menu pane. The Thorlabs Help page displays the Tech Support phone number, Thorlabs web site, and the installed hardware and software versions. This information will be useful when speaking with Tech Support. -
Page 32: Chapter 5 Specifications
(Response Shape) An 850 nm fixed-wavelength laser can be substituted upon request: contact Thorlabs’ technical support. Using the modulator at another wavelength (e.g. visible light) may cause an increase in insertion loss and will void the warranty. -
Page 33: Power And Environmental Specifications
Per Monitor 0.4 dB Typical VOA Insertion Loss VOA Response Time 5.4 Internal Modulator Specifications Parameter Typical Values Notes MX40G Series 40 GHz Electro-Optic Bandwidth MX70G Series 70 GHz DC Optical On/Off Extinction Ratio 20 dB RF Drive Voltage (V 5.5 V... -
Page 34: Laser Specifications
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 5: Specifications 5.5 Laser Specifications Parameter Unit Typ. C-Band Tunable Laser (MX40G, MX70G) Optical Output Power 12.5 13.5 14.5 Frequency Range 191.50 196.25 Wavelength Range 1527.6 1565.5 -1.5 Frequency Accuracy Tuning Resolution Tuning Speed (Between Wavelengths) Side Mode Suppression Ratio (SMSR) Optical Signal to Noise Ratio (OSNR) Intrinsic Linewidth... -
Page 35: Chapter 6 Control And Pc Connections
The most recent firmware and remote control software tools are available from Thorlabs' website at https://www.thorlabs.com/software_pages/viewsoftwarepage.cfm?code=MXG. The instrument’s firmware can be updated by uploading the new version from a PC via the USB port. Thorlabs’ technical support can provide up-to-date information on available firmware revisions and control functions. -
Page 36: The Laser Safety Interlock
The shorting device (interlock pin) installed in all units shipped from Thorlabs performs this function. Leave the shorting device installed unless using an external safety circuit or other type of remotely controlled switch to enable laser output. -
Page 37: Chapter 7 Mechanical Drawings
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 7: Mechanical Drawings Chapter 7 Mechanical Drawings Figure 49 E-O Converter Mechanical Drawing Rev. E, March 19, 2019 Page 33... -
Page 38: Chapter 8 Maintenance, Repair, And Fuses
Fiber End-Face Cleaner for Patch Cords The optical connectors on the front panel may be cleaned using a 2.5 mm bulkhead cleaner such as the Thorlabs FBC1. This allows the user to clean the fiber end-face without removing it from the internal bulkhead adapter. -
Page 39: Replacing The Main Fuse
Investigate the fuse. This can be done with a simple continuity check. If in doubt, replace the fuse. A spare fuse is stored in the fuse holder. Additional replacement fuses can be purchased from Thorlabs. Always use fuses of the same type as the original. -
Page 40: Chapter 9 Troubleshooting
Below is some information about status indicators and a few checks to help in troubleshooting general problems. If you have any questions, please contact your local Thorlabs Technical Support office. If the unit does not appear to turn on correctly, please check the following items: ... -
Page 41: Chapter 10 Declaration Of Conformity
MX40G, MX70G Series of E-O Converters Chapter 10: Declaration of Conformity Chapter 10 Declaration of Conformity Rev. E, March 19, 2019 Page 37... -
Page 42: Chapter 11 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
(see right), were sold to and are currently owned by a company or institute within the EC, and are not dissembled or contaminated. Contact Thorlabs for more information. Waste treatment is your own responsibility. “End of life” units must be returned to Thorlabs or handed to a company specializing in Annex I waste recovery. - Page 44 www.thorlabs.com...
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