EXFO FVA-3100 User Manual
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EXFO FVA-3100 User Manual

Variable attenuator
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  • Page 1 (217) 352-9330 | Click HERE Find the Exfo FVA-3100-B91 at our website:...
  • Page 2 Tel.: +65 6333 8241 · Fax: +65 6333 8242 User Guide TOLL-FREE (USA and Canada) 1 800 663-3936 www.exfo.com · info@exfo.com  © 2003 EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada. Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 3 Tel.: +65 6333 8241 · Fax: +65 6333 8242 User Guide TOLL-FREE (USA and Canada) 1 800 663-3936 www.exfo.com · info@exfo.com  © 2003 EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada. Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 4 Variable Attenuator FVA-3100 User Guide If the equipment described herein bears the symbol, the said equipment complies with the P/N: 1036215 applicable European Union October 2002 Directive and Standards mentioned in the Declaration of Conformity. Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 5 Engineering Inc. (EXFO). Information provided by EXFO is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by EXFO for its use nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from its use.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Laser Safety Information ......................8 Electrical Safety Information ....................8 3 Getting Started With Your Variable Attenuator ........11 Installing your FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator in a Rackmount ..........11 Turning the Variable Attenuator On and Off .................13 Accessing Menus ........................14 4 Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator ............15 Selecting the Display Intensity ....................15...
  • Page 7 Cleaning Connectors Equipped with EUI/EUA Adapters ............62 Cleaning Fixed Connectors ....................66 Cleaning Detector Ports ......................68 Recalibrating the Unit ......................69 8 Troubleshooting ..................71 Finding Information on the EXFO Web Site ................71 Contacting the Technical Support Group ................72 Transportation ........................73 9 Warranty ......................75 General Information ......................75 Liability ..........................76...

  • Page 8: Certification Information

    This unit has undergone extensive testing according to the European Union Directive and Standards. All pre-qualification tests were performed internally, at EXFO, while all final tests were performed externally, at an independent, accredited laboratory. This guarantees the unerring objectivity and authoritative compliance of all test results.
  • Page 9 Use this power cord in conjunction with a properly grounded electrical outlet to avoid electrical shock and to reduce radio frequency interference that may emanate from the power cord. FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 10 Vanier, Quebec Canada G1M 3G7 (418) 683-0211 Equipment Type/Environment: Industrial Scientific Equipment Trade Name/Model No.: FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator Year of Conformity Assessment: 2001 Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared: EN 55011:1993 Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Disturbance Characteristics of Information Technology Equipment.
  • Page 11 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 12: Introducing The Fva-3100 Variable Attenuator

    Introducing the FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator Main Features The FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator is the instrument that allows you to perform several attenuation related tasks. The FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator is configured for singlemode and multimode fibers. It is built to offer a high spectral uniformity, an important feature which allows you to maintain the attenuation value throughout the entire WDM spectrum.

  • Page 13: Front Panel

    (BM and DM models only) Attenuation controls Input port Shutter control Note: Your FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator may differ slightly from the illustration depending on the specific model of your unit. FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 14: Back Panel

    ANUARY date Manufacturing date Serial number Note: Your FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator may differ slightly from the illustration depending on the specific model of your unit. Variable Attenuator Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 15: Available Models

    According to the models you own, additional options are available. The FVA-3100-BM and FVA-3100-BMW offer spectral uniformity and maintain constant attenuation values. The FVA-3100-BM, FVA-3100-BMW, FVA-3100-DM all come with a monitor output, which ensures accurate power-level monitoring. Typical Applications The FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator is ideal for manufacturing and laboratory applications such as system ➤...

  • Page 16: Main Concept

    Main Concept The significance of the attenuation value displayed by an optical attenuator may differ from one manufacturer to another. At EXFO, for example, the attenuation displayed by the FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator is the actual loss or attenuation between the input and the output ports of the Variable Attenuator, including the loss of its own internal connectors, after performing a reference reading with a power meter.
  • Page 17 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 18: Safety Information

    Safety Information Safety Conventions You should understand the following conventions before using the product described in this manual: ARNING Refers to a potential personal hazard. It requires a procedure which, if not correctly followed, may result in bodily harm or injury. Do not proceed unless you understand and meet the required conditions.

  • Page 19: Laser Safety Information

    New plugs should meet the local safety requirements and include the following features: adequate load-carrying capacity ➤ ground connection ➤ cable clamp ➤ FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 20 Safety Information Electrical Safety Information ARNING To avoid electrical shock, do not operate the unit if there are signs of damage to any part of the outer surface (covers, panels, etc.). To avoid serious injury, observe the following precautions before powering on the unit.
  • Page 21 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 22: Getting Started With Your Variable Attenuator

    Variable Attenuator Installing your FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator in a Rackmount You can place your FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator in a rackmount in order to facilitate its usage. To install the rackmount: 1. Fix the angle iron using four flat Phillips screws.
  • Page 23 Getting Started With Your Variable Attenuator Installing your FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator in a Rackmount To install your FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator in a rackmount: 1. Slide the benchtop unit into the rackmount and tighten it from underneath using the four cover fixing screws.

  • Page 24: Turning The Variable Attenuator On And Off

    Getting Started With Your Variable Attenuator Turning the Variable Attenuator On and Off Turning the Variable Attenuator On and Off When you turn on your unit: it beeps twice ➤ it performs a self-test, ➤ it enters the mode that was active at the last power-off (Absolute, ➤...

  • Page 25: Accessing Menus

    To exit a menu: Press the button that gave access to the menu; Use the left/right arrows to move until EXIT is displayed, then press ENTER. FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 26: Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator

    Display intensity may be set to high or low. You can also turn off the display without turning off the unit. To select the display intensity: 1. Press on the Setup. Setup menu access FVA-3100 VARIABLE ATTENUATOR Program ENTER Setup...
  • Page 27 2. Use the left/right arrows to move until it displays DIMMER. 3. Press ENTER. The current dimmer state will start flashing. 4. Use the up/down arrows to modify the dimmer status: LO, HI, or OFF. Arrow buttons for menu navigation and parameter setting FVA-3100 VARIABLE ATTENUATOR Program ENTER Setup Step...

  • Page 28: Locking Control Key Access

    6. To exit the Setup menu, press on the Setup button. Locking Control Key Access To prevent unintended use of the FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator during operation, you can lock the control keys (the blue buttons on the front panel of the unit).
  • Page 29 To unlock the keypad: 1. Press on the Setup button. 2. Press ENTER. The UNLOCKED message is briefly displayed. All control keys are reactivated. FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 30: Managing The Wavelength Shortlist

    Managing the Wavelength Shortlist Managing the Wavelength Shortlist The FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator can test at many wavelengths. The accepted wavelengths depend on the configuration of your unit. You can store the wavelengths you use most often in a shortlist so you can quickly access them.
  • Page 31 7. To exit the Setup menu, press the Setup button. Note: If you are trying to enter a wavelength that is outside the wavelength range, the Variable Attenuator will beep and reject the wavelength. FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 32 Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator Managing the Wavelength Shortlist To delete a wavelength from the shortlist: 1. Press the Setup button. Arrow buttons for menu navigation Setup menu access and parameter setting FVA-3100 VARIABLE ATTENUATOR Program ENTER Absolute mode access Setup Step...
  • Page 33 2. Press the left/right arrows until LAMBDA is displayed. 3. Press the up/down arrows until DEL ALL appears in the lower portion of the display. 4. Press ENTER. FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 34: Selecting The Attenuation

    Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator Selecting the Attenuation Selecting the Attenuation The attenuation can be set using two methods: By using the up and down arrows buttons, the attenuation is modified ➤ one step (up or down) at a time. By using the Attenuation button, you can quickly and precisely set the ➤...
  • Page 35 Note: If you try to set an attenuation value that is outside the attenuation range, the Variable Attenuator will default to the minimum or maximum setting. FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 36 Selecting the Attenuation The attenuation range (minimum and maximum possible attenuation) of your FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator depends on the model you have at hand. Although EXFO guarantees that the minimum insertion loss is below a specified value, it may vary slightly from one wavelength to another and from one variable attenuator to another.
  • Page 37 To set the maximum attenuation: 1. Select a wavelength by clicking on the wavelength control until you reach the desired wavelength. Arrow buttons for menu navigation Setup menu access and parameter setting FVA-3100 VARIABLE ATTENUATOR Program ENTER Absolute mode access Setup...

  • Page 38: Selecting And Using An Attenuation Display Mode

    Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator Selecting and Using an Attenuation Display Mode Selecting and Using an Attenuation Display Mode Note: The total or absolute attenuation referred to in this manual is the actual optical insertion loss between the input and output ports, including the connectors.
  • Page 39 Using the above setup (i.e, light source, variable attenuator, and an accurately determined offset value), Exfo has created a precise variable light source with a dynamic range of nearly 100 dB. Note: You must define the appropriate B value for the operating wavelength before enabling X+B mode.
  • Page 40 Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator Selecting and Using an Attenuation Display Mode To set Absolute attenuation mode: Press on the Abs button at any time to enable Absolute mode. Absolute attenuation Wavelength In Offset mode, the offset value is always displayed in the lower portion of the display while the upper portion (large digits) displays the sum of two values.
  • Page 41 To define an offset value for a specific wavelength: 1. Set the Variable Attenuator to the appropriate wavelength. 2. Choose Setup. Arrow buttons for menu navigation Setup menu access and parameter setting FVA-3100 VARIABLE ATTENUATOR Offset mode access Program ENTER Absolute mode access...
  • Page 42 Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator Selecting and Using an Attenuation Display Mode 4. Press ENTER. The first segment of the current offset value will start flashing. 5. Enter a new offset. Use the up/down arrows to change the flashing digit and the left/right arrows to activate the next digit.
  • Page 43 ➤ and appears in the lower portion of the display; and 0.00 dB (relative attenuation) is displayed in the upper portion of the ➤ display. FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 44 Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator Selecting and Using an Attenuation Display Mode Relative attenuation Absolute attenuation If the attenuation is increased by 1.0 dB, the upper digits (relative attenuation) will display -1.00 dB and the lower digits (absolute attenuation) will indicate -17.45 dB. Variable Attenuator Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ...
  • Page 45 Selecting and Using an Attenuation Display Mode To use the Reference mode: 1. Ensure that the display is in Absolute mode (choose Abs). Arrow buttons for menu Setup menu access navigation and parameter setting FVA-3100 VARIABLE ATTENUATOR Offset mode access Program ENTER Absolute mode access...

  • Page 46: Saving And Recalling A Configuration

    Setting Up Your Variable Attenuator Saving and Recalling a Configuration Saving and Recalling a Configuration Once the Variable Attenuator has been customized for a specific application or user, it is possible to save the configuration. Saved parameters are current wavelength and attenuation ➤...
  • Page 47 Saving and Recalling a Configuration To save a configuration: 1. Customize the Variable Attenuator as required. 2. Press the Setup button. Arrow buttons for menu navigation Setup menu access and parameter setting FVA-3100 VARIABLE ATTENUATOR Program ENTER Setup Step Offset...
  • Page 48 Configuration on page 35), you can recall it at any time. To recall a configuration: 1. Press on the Setup button. Arrow buttons for menu navigation Setup menu access and parameter setting FVA-3100 VARIABLE ATTENUATOR Program ENTER Setup Step Offset...
  • Page 49 4. Use the up/down arrows to select the number of the configuration you want to recall. 5. Press ENTER. 6. To exit the Setup menu, press on the Setup button. FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 50: Operating Your Variable Attenuator

    Operating Your Variable Attenuator Connecting Optical Fibers MPORTANT To ensure maximum output power and to avoid erroneous readings, always clean fiber ends as explained below before inserting them into the port. To connect the fiber-optic cable to the port: 1. Clean the fiber ends as follows: 1a.

  • Page 51: Installing The Exfo Universal Interface (Eui)

    Operating Your Variable Attenuator Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI) Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI) The EUI fixed baseplate is available for connectors with angled (APC) or non-angled (UPC) polishing. A green border around the baseplate indicates that it is for APC-type connectors, as shown below:...

  • Page 52: Performing An Attenuation Routine

    Operating Your Variable Attenuator Performing an Attenuation Routine Performing an Attenuation Routine You can program the FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator to perform an attenuation routine. Once the routine is started, the variable attenuator will automatically increase or decrease the inserted attenuation (by steps), return to the initial attenuation state, and perform the routine again until you stop it.
  • Page 53 Switch to –13 dB attenuation for 10 seconds (step 3), and ➤ Return to the initial attenuation state (-10 dB) for 10 seconds (step 0) ➤ and repeat the routine until you stop it. FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 54 Operating Your Variable Attenuator Performing an Attenuation Routine To program the attenuation routine: 1. Press on the Program button. Arrow buttons for menu Program menu access navigation and parameter setting FVA-3100 VARIABLE ATTENUATOR Program ENTER Setup Step Offset Shutter Shutter λ...
  • Page 55 7. Once the duration is set, press ENTER. 8. Press the right arrow. You will see the following display. FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 56 Operating Your Variable Attenuator Performing an Attenuation Routine 9. Press ENTER. The first digit will start flashing. Use the up/down arrows to change the flashing digit and the left/right arrows to activate the next digit. 10. Once the number of steps is set, press ENTER. 11.
  • Page 57 1. Set the wavelength by pressing the wavelength control until you reach the desired wavelength. 2. Set the Variable Attenuator to the initial attenuation. 3. Press Program. Arrow buttons for menu Program menu access navigation and parameter settin FVA-3100 VARIABLE ATTENUATOR Program ENTER Setup Step Offset...
  • Page 58 Operating Your Variable Attenuator Performing an Attenuation Routine To know... perform the following steps how much time is Press Program left in the delay Press the left/right arrows until DELAY is displayed. how much time is Press Program left in the current Press the left/rigth arrows until DURATION is displayed.
  • Page 59 2. Press the left/right arrows until STOP is displayed. 3. Press ENTER. The routine completes the current attenuation step, then stops (Program disappears from the display). FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 60: Operating The Shutter

    Use the Shutter button to turn the shutter on or off. When the shutter is activated, Shutter On appears in the lower right portion of the display. Arrow buttons for menu navigation and parameter setting FVA-3100 VARIABLE ATTENUATOR Program ENTER Setup...
  • Page 61 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 62: Controlling Your Variable Attenuator Remotely

    Remote appears in the lower left corner of the display. Note: If you have already designed a GPIB program to control an attenuator from EXFO’s IQ Series (IQS-3100), you can reuse sections for the FVA-3100. Setting Up the Variable Attenuator for Remote...
  • Page 63 3. Use the up and down arrows to reach RS-232 (before setting GPIB address 1 or GPIB address 30) 4. Press ENTER. 5. To exit the Setup menu, press the Setup button. FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 64 Controlling Your Variable Attenuator Remotely Setting Up the Variable Attenuator for Remote Control To select a GPIB address: 1. Once you selected GPIB as a command mode, you can set the GPIB address you want. 2. Press ENTER. The bottom part of the displays will start flashing. 3.

  • Page 65: Communication Parameters

    Parity None Data bits 8 bits Stop bits 1 bits Flow control None Activation see Setting Up the Variable Attenuator for Remote Control on page 51 FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 66: Standard Status Data Structure

    Controlling Your Variable Attenuator Remotely Standard Status Data Structure Standard Status Data Structure The following page illustrates the four common status and enable registers as defined by IEEE 488.2. This diagram is a useful aid in understanding the general commands and how a service request (SRQ) is generated. The four registers are: Standard Event Status Register (ESR) ➤...
  • Page 67 ESB MAV Status Byte Service Request Register Generation (STB) read by *STB? & & & & & & & Service Request Enable Register (SRE) ESB MAV FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 68: Command Structure

    The GPIB and RS-232 commands follow the guidelines determined by the Standard Commands for Programmable Interface (SCPI) consortium. For example, the command syntax OUTP[:STAT]<wsp><boolean> is used to control the FVA-3100 shutter. In this particular example, OUTP identifies that the command is a part of the OUTPut subset ➤...

  • Page 69: Error Messages

    Controlling Your Variable Attenuator Remotely Error Messages Error Messages System and device-specific errors are managed by the FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator. The generic format for error messages is illustrated in the following figure. <Device dependent “ <Error number> “ <Error description>...

  • Page 70: Scpi Management Errors (System Errors)

    Controlling Your Variable Attenuator Remotely SCPI Management Errors (System Errors) SCPI Management Errors (System Errors) Error Description Probable Cause Number –100 “Command Error.” An error occurred while validating a command. –101 “Undefined Header.” Unknown command. –102 “Missing Parameter.” A command parameter is missing. –103 “Parameter Not Allowed.”...

  • Page 71: Rs-232 Connector Pinout

    The RS-232 connector (serial port) at the back of the Variable Attenuator uses a DTE pinout configuration. 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 Description Direction Receive (Rx) Input Transmit (Tx) Output Signal ground (Gnd) — FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 72: Maintenance

    Cleaning the Front Panel Clean the front panel of the FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator regularly to avoid buildup of dust, dirt, and other foreign substances. To clean the front panel: 1.

  • Page 73: Cleaning Connectors Equipped With Eui/Eua Adapters

    Alcohol may leave traces if used abundantly. Avoid contact between the tip of the bottle and the wiping cloth, and do not use bottles that distribute too much alcohol at a time. FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 74 Maintenance Cleaning Connectors Equipped with EUI/EUA Adapters 3. Gently wipe the connector and ferrule. MPORTANT Isopropyl alcohol takes approximately ten seconds to evaporate. Since isopropyl alcohol is not absolutely pure, evaporation will leave microscopic residue. Make sure you dry the surfaces before evaporation occurs.
  • Page 75 1. Remove the EUI/EUA adapter from the module connector. Push Turn Pull 2. Moisten a cleaning tip (2.5 mm tip) provided by EXFO with only one drop of isopropyl alcohol. MPORTANT Alcohol may leave traces if used abundantly. Avoid contact between the tip of the bottle and the cleaning tip, and do not use bottles that distribute too much alcohol at a time.
  • Page 76 5. Continue to turn as you withdraw the cleaning tip. 6. Repeat steps 3 to 5, but this time with a dry cleaning tip (2.5 mm tip provided by EXFO). Note: Make sure you don’t touch the soft end of the cleaning tip and verify the cleanliness of the cotton tip.

  • Page 77: Cleaning Fixed Connectors

    4. With a dry lint-free wiping cloth, gently wipe the same surfaces three times with a rotating movement. 5. Throw out the wiping cloths after one use. 6. Moisten a cleaning tip (2.5 mm tip) provided by EXFO with only one drop of isopropyl alcohol. FVA-3100...
  • Page 78 9. Continue to turn as you withdraw the cleaning tip. 10. Repeat steps 7 to 9, but this time with a dry cleaning tip (2.5 mm tip provided by EXFO). Note: Make sure you don’t touch the soft end of the cleaning tip and verify the cleanliness of the cotton tip.

  • Page 79: Cleaning Detector Ports

    1. Remove the detector protective cap and the connector adapter (FOA). 2. If the detector is dusty, remove dirt with compressed air. 3. Take a cleaning tip from the package (supplied with EXFO’s power meters) being careful not to touch the soft end of the swab.

  • Page 80: Recalibrating The Unit

    Recalibrating the Unit Recalibrating the Unit If a calibration due date was not indicated by EXFO on the calibration label, this means that the calibration certificate for your FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator has been modified in conformity with the ISO/IEC 17025 Standard.
  • Page 81 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 82: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Finding Information on the EXFO Web Site The EXFO Web site provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the use of your XX FTB-400 Universal Test System XX. To access FAQs: 1. Type the following address in your Internet browser: www.exfo.com.

  • Page 83: Contacting The Technical Support Group

    Contacting the Technical Support Group To obtain after-sales service or technical support for this product, contact EXFO at one of the following numbers. The Technical Support Group is available to take your calls from Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

  • Page 84: Transportation

    Troubleshooting Transportation Transportation Maintain a temperature range within specifications when transporting the unit. Transportation damage can occur from improper handling. The following steps are recommended to minimize the possibility of damage: Pack the unit in its original packing material when shipping. ➤...
  • Page 85 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 86: Warranty

    EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. (EXFO) warrants this equipment against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of original shipment. EXFO also warrants that this equipment will meet applicable specifications under normal use. During the warranty period, EXFO will, at its discretion, repair, replace,...

  • Page 87: Liability

    Warranty Liability Liability EXFO shall not be liable for damages resulting from the use of the purchased product, nor shall be responsible for any failure in the performance of other items to which the purchased product is connected or the operation of any system of which the purchased product may be a part.

  • Page 88: Service And Repairs

    5. Return the equipment, prepaid, to the address given to you by support personnel. Be sure to write the RMA number on the shipping slip. EXFO will refuse and return any package that does not bear an RMA number.

  • Page 89: Exfo Service Centers Worldwide

    Warranty EXFO Service Centers Worldwide EXFO Service Centers Worldwide If your product requires servicing, contact your nearest authorized service center. EXFO Headquarters Service Center 400 Godin Avenue 1 866 683-0155 (USA and Canada) Vanier (Quebec) G1M 2K2 Tel.: 1 418 683-5498...

  • Page 90: A Technical Specifications

    Measured in 0 °C to 31 °C (32 °F to 87.8 °F) range, decreasing linearly to 50 % at 40 °C (104 °F). ± Not exceeding 10 % of the nominal voltage. Note: The FVA-3100 Variable Attenuator is intended for indoor use only. Variable Attenuator Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 91 MPORTANT The following technical specifications can change without notice. The information presented in this section is provided as a reference only. To obtain this product’s most recent technical specifications, visit the EXFO Web site at www.exfo.com. General Specifications Models FVA-3100-B...

  • Page 92: B Remote Control Commands

    Remote Control Commands IEEE 488.2 Required Commands The Variable Attenuator recognizes the main commands identified in IEEE-488.2. These commands are fully explained on the following pages. Command Function *CLS Clear status command *ESE Standard event status enable command *ESE? Standard event status enable query *ESR? Standard event status register query *IDN?
  • Page 93 The <value> parameter must be between 0 and 255. *ESE? Description This query reads the contents of the Event Status Register. Syntax *ESE? Response Binary integer with a value between 0 and 255. FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 94 The SYST:VERS? and IDN? commands are equivalent to the *IDN? command. They give the same result. *OPC Description This command causes the FVA-3100 to generate the operation complete message in the Standard Event Status Register (ESR) when all pending selected FVA-3100 operations have been finished.
  • Page 95 Forces the device to enter into an Operation Complete ➤ Query Active State (OQIS). Initializes previous responses unless there has been a ➤ program message terminator preceded by an *RST. Syntax *RST Example *IDN?,*RST<NL> FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 96 Remote Control Commands IEEE 488.2 Required Commands *SRE Description This command sets bits in the Service Request Enable Register (default value is 255) and enables the corresponding bit in the Status Register. The command can be used to select which events can initiate a service request.
  • Page 97 “0” if the test is completed without error “1” if the test is completed with errors *WAI Description This command prevents the FVA-3100 from processing any further commands until the No-Operation-Pending Flag is set. All pending operations must be complete before processing another command.
  • Page 98 *LOK? Remote Lockout programming state query *LOK Description This command is used to lock and unlock the FVA-3100 keypad. Once the FVA-3100 keypad is locked, no external input can interfere with the GPIB communication. The only way to unlock the keypad is to use the *LOK command again or turn off the unit.
  • Page 99 Remote Control Commands IEEE 488.2 Required Commands *LOK? Description This query reads the FVA-3100 keypad lock state. Syntax *LOK? Response “1” if the FVA-3100 keypad is locked “0” if the FVA-3100 keypad is unlocked Example *LOK? Note This command can only be used when working with RS-232 communication.

  • Page 100: Specific Commands-Quick Reference Command Tree

    Remote Control Commands Specific commands-Quick Reference Command Tree Specific commands-Quick Reference Command Tree Parameter/ Command Description Response <±99.99 [DB] | MIN|MAX> set attenuation ATT? (± 999.99) obtain attenuation <±99.99> set offset CAL? (± 999.99) obtain offset <0|1> activate shutter (0|1) obtain shutter state DISP DIMM...
  • Page 101 STEP <100 set step parameter <9999.9 [NM]> set wavelength WVL? (9999.9) obtain wavelength Valid parameters are determined by the type of module. This command is HPIB-compatible. FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 102 ATTenuation Description This command sets the attenuation to a specific value. The valid range of values depends on the configuration of the FVA-3100 and on the current wavelength. The resolution of the value is 0.005 dB for singlemode models and 0.01 dB for multimode models.
  • Page 103 Remote Control Commands Specific commands-Quick Reference Command Tree Parameters The <value> parameter can be “MIN” (to set the FVA-3100 to the minimum setting for the ➤ current wavelength) “MAX” (to set the FVA-3100 to the maximum setting for the ➤...
  • Page 104 Remote Control Commands Specific commands-Quick Reference Command Tree ATTenuation? Description This query returns a value indicating the current attenuation setting OR the minimum/maximum attenuation setting. Syntax ATT? [<wsp><value>] Parameters The <value> parameter is optional and can be “MIN” to obtain the minimum setting for the current wavelength “MAX”...
  • Page 105 Absolute, Reference, and Offset modes. This offset value will be included in the measurement returned by ATT? but will not be taken into account on the FVA-3100 display. This offset value is deleted when the FVA-3100 is turned off.
  • Page 106 Remote Control Commands Specific commands-Quick Reference Command Tree Description This command controls the shutter, which can block optical continuity. Syntax D<wsp><numeric> Parameters The <numeric> parameter can be “0” to open the shutter “1” to close the shutter Example Note This command cannot be issued while a program is running. The D command is similar to the OUTP:STAT command.
  • Page 107 Remote Control Commands Specific commands-Quick Reference Command Tree DISPlay:DIMMer Description This command is used to adjust the intensity of the FVA-3100 display (high or low) or to turn off the display without turning off the unit. Syntax DISP:DIMM<wsp><data> Parameters The <data> parameter can be “HI”, “LO”, or “OFF”.
  • Page 108 “1” to specify singlemode fiber “2” to specify multimode fiber Example Note This command has no effect on the FVA-3100. The FVA-3100 is designed to test either singlemode or multimode fiber but not both. Fiber? Description This query returns the type of fiber (singlemode or multimode) that the FVA-3100 was designed to test (no matter what fiber type was entered with the F function).
  • Page 109 INPut:ATTenuation Description This command sets the attenuation to a specific value. The valid range of values depends on the configuration of the FVA-3100 and on the current wavelength. The resolution of the value is 0.005 dB for singlemode models and 0.01 dB for multimode models.
  • Page 110 Remote Control Commands Specific commands-Quick Reference Command Tree Parameters The <value> parameter can be “MIN” (to set the FVA-3100 to the minimum setting for the ➤ current wavelength) “MAX” (to set the FVA-3100 to the maximum setting for the ➤...
  • Page 111 In Absolute mode: response actual attenuation In Reference mode: response actual attenuation reference value(INP:OFFS?) – In Offset mode: response actual attenuation wavelength-specific offset Example INP:ATT? MIN or INP:ATT? FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 112 Specific commands-Quick Reference Command Tree INPut:OFFSet Description This command stores a reference value for the current wavelength and sets the FVA-3100 to Reference mode. In Reference mode, the displayed attenuation is relative to this reference value. A different reference value must be stored for every wavelength.
  • Page 113 Use the INP:STEP:CATA? query to obtain the list of available step sizes. If the requested step is not available, the FVA-3100 is set to the next available step. If the requested step is greater than the maximum available step, the FVA-3100 is set to the maximum available step.
  • Page 114 Remote Control Commands Specific commands-Quick Reference Command Tree INPut:STEP? Description This command is used to obtain the current step size between two attenuation settings. Syntax INP:STEP? Response The current step size in the format “0.02”. Example INP:STEP? INPut:STEP:CATAlog? Description This query returns the list of available step sizes between two attenuation settings.
  • Page 115 Specific commands-Quick Reference Command Tree INPut:WAVElength Description This command selects a specific calibrated wavelength. The wavelength range depends on the type and configuration of the FVA-3100. Syntax INP:WAVE<wsp><numeric_value>[<wsp><NM>] Parameters The <numeric_value> parameter is the actual wavelength in the format “9999.9 NM”. The units are optional.
  • Page 116 Description This command selects Absolute or Reference attenuation mode. When Absolute mode is selected, the Absolute attenuation introduced by the FVA-3100 is displayed. When Reference mode is selected, the current absolute attenuation is set as the reference value, and then the displayed attenuation is relative to the reference.
  • Page 117 “0” if the shutter is optically closed “1” if the shutter is optically open Example OUTP:STAT? Note The OUTP:STAT? command is similar to the D? command. FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...
  • Page 118 Remote Control Commands Specific commands-Quick Reference Command Tree PROGram:SELected:ATTenuation Description This command changes the attenuation parameter for the attenuation program. Syntax PROG:SEL:ATT<wsp><attenuation>[<wsp><DB>] Parameters The <attenuation> parameter is the difference in attenuation between each step in the program (maximum 99.99 dB). The units are optional.
  • Page 119 PROGram:SELected:DURAtion Description This command changes the duration parameter for the attenuation program. Syntax PROG:SEL:DURA<wsp><duration> Parameters The <duration> parameter is the time that the FVA-3100 remains at each attenuation step. This value has the following format: “999,59,59” (hours,minutes,seconds). Example PROG:SEL:DURA 000,10,00 Note This command cannot be issued while a program is running.
  • Page 120 Remote Control Commands Specific commands-Quick Reference Command Tree PROGram:SELected:STATe? Description This query returns a value indicating the status of the loaded program. Syntax PROG:SEL:STAT? Response “0”: the program is stopped “1”: the program is in progress Example PROG:SEL:STAT? PROGram:SELected:STEP Description This command changes the number of steps parameter for the attenuation program.
  • Page 121 Specific commands-Quick Reference Command Tree WaVeLength Description This command selects a specific calibrated wavelength. The wavelength range depends on the type and configuration of the FVA-3100. Syntax WVL<wsp><numeric>[<wsp><NM>] Parameters The <numeric> parameter is the actual wavelength in the format “9999.9[NM]”. The units are optional.
  • Page 122 Description This command returns the FVA-3100 identification string. Syntax SYST:VERS? Response “EXFO E.O. Engineering FVA-3100 Vxx.xx” where xx.xx is the current product version. Note The *IDN? and IDN? commands are equivalent to the SYST:VERS? command. They give the same result.
  • Page 123 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

  • Page 124: Index

    B value. see base offset value, setting diagram of the menus ......... 14 back panel description ........3 dimmer, options .......... 16 benchtop, installing in a rackmount.... 12 disconnecting FVA-3100......13 blocking light transmission ......49 display blocks............49 intensity ..........15 OFF ............
  • Page 125 EUI/EUA adapters, cleaning ......64 EUI/EUA adapters ........64 EXFO service centers........78 fixed connectors ........66 EXFO universal interface. see EUI front panel..........61 EXFO Web site..........71 general information ....... 61 marker, remote programming state (RM) ..88 meaning of the attenuation value ....
  • Page 126 14 display intensity ........15 menu ............. 14 the attenuation........23 programming an attenuation routine the FVA-3100 for remote control ... 51 duration..........44 the wavelength ........19 see also attenuation routine Setup protective cap ........61, 68 button............
  • Page 127 ..........75 liability........... 76 null and void.......... 75 wavelength setting ........... 19 see also shortlist of wavelengths wavelength correction factor. see base offset value, setting FVA-3100 Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com...

This manual is also suitable for:

Fva-3100-bmFva-3100-bmwFva-3100-dm

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