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Summary of Contents for THORLABS MBX Series
- Page 1 MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers User Guide...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction ....................... 1 1.4.1 Block Diagram ..............................2 1.4.2 General System Specifications ..........................3 1.4.3 Power and Environmental Specifications ......................3 1.4.4 Internal Control Specifications ..........................4 1.4.5 Mechanical Drawings ............................5 1.5.1... - Page 3 MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers 4.6.5 Thorlabs Help Page ............................25 4.7.1 General Purpose I/O, RS-232, and USB Connections ..................26 Chapter 5 Maintenance and Cleaning ..................28 Chapter 6 Troubleshooting and Repair ..................30 Chapter 7 Disposal ........................31 Chapter 8 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ...................
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Page 4: Chapter 1 Introduction
Description Thorlabs' MBX Series of Bias Controllers provides complete and precise control of DC bias and optical output power for any fiber-coupled lithium niobate (LiNbO ) electro-optic intensity modulator, regardless of signal speed. -
Page 5: Block Diagram
1.4.1 Block Diagram The MBX Series of instruments integrates an automatic bias controller for external modulators along with full power control and stabilization at the output. This architecture allows the user to select their own laser source and their own external modulator for the most flexibility in system design. -
Page 6: General System Specifications
MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 1: Introduction 1.4.2 General System Specifications All specifications are at the nominal instrument wavelength (852 nm for the MBX2, 1064 nm for the MBX3, and 1550 nm for the MBX) and 25 °C ambient temperature, unless otherwise noted. -
Page 7: Internal Control Specifications
MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 1: Introduction 1.4.4 Internal Control Specifications Valid at all Power Calibration Wavelengths for each respective model. Parameter Typical Notes Power Monitor Accuracy ±0.5 dBm All Monitors Power Monitor Resolution 0.01 dBm All Monitors 0.1 dB... -
Page 8: Mechanical Drawings
MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 1: Introduction 1.4.5 Mechanical Drawings Figure 2 MBX Series Mechanical Drawing Rev. D, August 1, 2024 Page 5... -
Page 9: Modulator Bias Controller Front And Back Panels
MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 1: Introduction Components 1.5.1 Modulator Bias Controller Front and Back Panels Figure 3 Front Panel (MBX3 Device Shown) All fiber connectors are narrow key (2.0 mm). Callout Description Type (MBX) Type (MBX2 and MBX3) -
Page 10: Simplified Declaration Of Conformity
MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 1: Introduction Figure 4 Back Panel Callout Description Type I/O Port HD-DB15 Connector RS-232 Port DB9 Connector USB Port USB Type B Connector Power Connector Fuse Tray Power Switch Supply On; Supply Off Simplified Declaration of Conformity The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=10477... -
Page 11: Chapter 2 Safety
MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 2: Safety 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. -
Page 12: Chapter 3 Installation
USB Type A to Type B Cable (6 ft) Unpacking Instructions Please exercise caution when unpacking the MBX Series Instrument box as it contains sensitive electronic and optical components. A simple shipping inventory should be performed when unpacking to ensure all parts mentioned in Section 3.2 are present and accounted for before beginning the installation process. -
Page 13: Installation Instructions
Installation Instructions The MBX Series Instrument requires roughly 9.8" x 12.7" (24.9 cm x 32.3 cm) of table space, not including clearance for mating optical or electrical cables. In addition, the instrument has air intakes on the bottom, left, and right sides of the enclosure, which are perforated to permit airflow. -
Page 14: Controls On The Home Page
MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 3: Installation 3.4.2 Controls on the Home Page Full access to all of the instrument’s controls and functions are 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 15: Controls In The Settings
MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 3: Installation 3.4.3 Controls in 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. -
Page 16: Quick Start
MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 4: Operation 3.4.4 Quick Start The following steps summarize the setup procedure required to operate the Modulator Bias Controller in the standard mode. Please refer to previous sections in Chapter 3 and the expanded operating instructions in Chapter 4 for additional information. - Page 17 MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 4: Operation Note that a real transmission function does not go perfectly from 0% to 100%. This is characterized by the Extinction Ratio of the modulator (Peak power / Null power). The efficiency of the modulator is also characterized by Vπ, which is defined as the voltage necessary to change the transmission from Null to Peak.
- Page 18 Figure 15 Block Diagram of the MBX Series Modulator Bias Controller Showing Control Loops 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 Modulator Bias Controller performs a calibration routine to determine the approximate bias voltages required for the various MZM operating points.
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Page 19: Quadrature Mode
MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 4: Operation The Bias Settings page contains the settings for controlling the modulator bias and operating modes. There are four modes for MZM bias control: 1) Quadrature, 2) Peak, 3) Null, and 4) Manual. The screenshot in Figure 17 is an example of the information presented and the controls available when the Mode field is selected while the controller is operating in Quadrature mode. - Page 20 MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 4: Operation The dither tone amplitude can also be adjusted to any amplitude between 20 mV and 2 V with 1 mV resolution by tapping the Dither Amplitude field highlighted in Figure 19. Higher amplitudes will typically be more stable in the presence of MZM drift and broadband RF signals, but larger dither tones also decrease SNR.
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Page 21: Peak Mode
MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 4: Operation 4.3.2 Peak Mode The Peak Mode adjusts the DC bias voltage so the transmission is centered at a nearby transmission maximum. In the Peak mode only dither frequency and amplitude settings are available. -
Page 22: Manual Mode
MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 4: Operation 4.3.4 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 MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 4: Operation 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.
- Page 24 MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 4: Operation VOA Mode Set to Constant Attenuation Tap Here to Change Attenuation Level Tap Here to Change Units of All Displayed Power Measurements Figure 27 Constant Attenuation Mode Settings 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).
- Page 25 Tap here to control the accent LEDs producing the light emanating from the bottom of the instrument. Tap Here to Find System Info Tap here to find help from Thorlabs Technical Support. Figure 31 Controls on the Menu Page Page 22...
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Page 26: System Wavelength
MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 4: Operation 4.6.1 System Wavelength To adjust the system wavelength, tap the SYSTEM WAVELENGTH button from the Menu Pane. The instrument can be used at any wavelength specified in the wavelength range, but the power monitors are only calibrated at three main wavelengths. -
Page 27: System Information Page
The System Information page displays the installed hardware and software versions. This is useful information to reference when speaking with Thorlabs’ tech support or when verifying firmware revisions. The screen shot shown in Figure 34 illustrates the format of the System Information page, but this example is given for informational purposes only and does not show valid configuration information. -
Page 28: Thorlabs Help Page
4.6.5 Thorlabs Help Page To open the screen shown below, tap the THORLABS HELP button on the Menu pane. The Thorlabs Help page displays the Thorlabs Tech Support phone number, Thorlabs web site URL, and the installed hardware and software versions. This information will be useful when speaking with Tech Support. The screen shot shown in Figure 36 illustrates the format of the Thorlabs Help page, but this example is given for informational purposes only and does not show valid configuration information. -
Page 29: General Purpose I/O, Rs-232, And Usb 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=MX . 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 30 MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 4: Operation Figure 38 I/O Connector Pin Configuration I/O Connector (HD-DB15) Pin # Description Power Monitor 1 (Mon-1) Power Monitor 2 (Mon-2) Power Monitor 3 (Mon-3) Reserved for Future Use Analog Ground Analog Ground...
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Page 31: Chapter 5 Maintenance And Cleaning
Fiber Cleaning Cloth Spool 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 32 5. 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.
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Page 33: Chapter 6 Troubleshooting And Repair
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting and Repair Below are a few checks to help in troubleshooting problems that may arise. Please contact your local Thorlabs Technical Support office with any questions. If the unit does not appear to turn on correctly, please check the following items: •... -
Page 34: Chapter 7 Disposal
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 waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site. It is the user’s responsibility to delete all private data stored on the device prior to disposal. -
Page 35: Chapter 8 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
MBX Series Modulator Bias Controllers Chapter 8: Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts Chapter 8 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts For technical support or sales inquiries, please visit us at for our most up-to-date www.thorlabs.com/contact contact information. Corporate Headquarters Product Manufacturer Thorlabs, Inc. Thorlabs Ultrafast Optoelectronics... - Page 36 www.thorlabs.com...
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