The Ando AQ8201A is a modular optical test and measurement system designed for high-accuracy characterization of optical devices and WDM components in laboratory and telecommunications environments. The 19-inch rack-mountable mainframe accommodates up to 10 plug-in modules, with a 6.5-inch TFT color LCD display for real-time measurement data and module status visualization. This architecture delivers flexible configuration of measurement capabilities without requiring multiple instruments.
Technical Specifications
Optical Power Meter Modules (AQ8201-21, AQ8201-22)
• Wavelength range: 700 nm to 1700 nm
• Power measurement range: -80 dBm to +27 dBm
• Accuracy: ±5% (1000 nm to 1600 nm range)
• Detector: Cooled InGaAs
• Configuration: Single sensor (AQ8201-21) or dual sensor (AQ8201-22)
Optical Attenuator Modules (AQ8201-31, AQ8201-32, AQ8201-32A, AQ8201-33, AQ8201-33M)
• Maximum attenuation: 60 dB
• Minimum step: 0.05 dB or 0.01 dB (module dependent)
• Wavelength range: 1200 nm to 1600 nm
• Maximum input power: +23 dBm
• Optical return loss: 60 dB or greater
• Connector: FC/APC
– Key Features
• Modular architecture supports light sources (DFB-LD, ASE, ECL), optical power meters, attenuators, spectrum analyzers, return loss measurement, and optical switches
• Programmable attenuation with sub-decibel resolution for precise signal conditioning
• Cooled InGaAs detector for extended wavelength coverage and low noise performance
• Multi-module display controller (AQ8201-03) with optional external display option (AQ8201-02)
• Supports up to 10 modules for space-efficient rack integration
– Typical Applications
• WDM component and system characterization
• Optical device performance validation
• Telecommunications network testing
• Power measurement across 700 nm to 1700 nm range
• Optical signal attenuation and conditioning
– Compatibility & Integration
The system integrates with IVOA framework capabilities for data management and interoperability support.
