The EXFO EM-550 and EM-551 are fixed polarization mode dispersion (PMD) emulators engineered to generate first-order PMD and second-order PMD (SOPMD) components for optical communication system testing and characterization. These instruments employ variable Faraday rotators (VFRs) to deliver stable, repeatable PMD impairments across multi-section configurations. They enable realistic performance assessment of optical transceivers, fiber optic cables, and related components operating at 40 Gbps and higher transmission rates, where PMD represents a critical performance limiter.
Technical Specifications
• PMD Emulation: First-order PMD and second-order PMD (SOPMD) components
• Technology: Variable Faraday rotators (VFRs) with multi-section DGD and polarization rotator configurations
• Laser Safety: Class 1 laser product per IEC 60825-1:2007/2014 and 21 CFR 1040.10, with deviations per Laser Notice No. 42
– Key Features
• Generates configurable PMD spectra through concatenated DGD sections and polarization rotators
• Supports transmission rate evaluation at 40 Gbps and higher
• Provides repeatable impairment conditions for consistent testing protocols
• Enables PMD compensation device optimization and performance validation
– Typical Applications
• Optical transceiver development and manufacturing qualification
• Fiber optic cable characterization and PMD assessment
• PMD compensation algorithm and hardware validation
• System performance degradation analysis under PMD stress conditions
• Research into optical transmission systems
– Compatibility & Integration
The EM-550 and EM-551 integrate into standard optical test benches and characterization setups for component-level and system-level PMD impairment evaluation. These products are discontinued as of November 1, 2016, with end-of-service and support terminated November 1, 2021.
