The Exfo FVA-3100 is a high-performance optical attenuator that delivers precise control of optical signal power across broad wavelength ranges. Engineered for engineers, system integrators, and laboratory environments, this instrument provides repeatable attenuation up to 100 dB with 0.005 dB or 0.01 dB resolution. Available in singlemode and multimode fiber configurations, the FVA-3100 supports both manual front-panel operation and remote computer control via GPIB or RS-232 interfaces.
Technical Specifications
• Maximum Attenuation: ≥100 dB (700 nm to 1000 nm); >80 dB (1350–1600 nm)
• Attenuation Resolution: 0.005 dB or 0.01 dB
• Insertion Loss: 1.1 dB typical (SMF without monitor); 1.4 dB typical (SMF with monitor); 1.5 dB to 1.8 dB maximum
• Return Loss: >55 dB typical; limited by connector return loss in some configurations
• Wavelength Range: 700 nm to 1350 nm or 1200 nm to 1650 nm (model-dependent)
• Wavelength Resolution: 0.1 nm
• Spectral Uniformity: ±0.1 dB
• Maximum Input Power: 25 dBm
• Fiber Types: SMF (9/125 µm); MMF (50/125 µm, 62.5/125 µm, 100/140 µm)
– Key Features
• Programmable attenuation sequences with up to 100 steps; dwell times to 1000 hours per step
• Multiple display modes: absolute (with insertion loss), reference (0.00 dB or 0.001 dB baseline), and offset (X+B relative mode)
• GPIB and RS-232 remote interfaces with LabVIEW drivers and SCPI command support
• Front-panel manual control with user-defined step adjustment or direct value editing
• Optional monitor output ports on specific models
• Operating temperature: 0 °C to 40 °C; storage: -40 °C to 70 °C
• Dimensions: 11.7 cm × 22.2 cm × 33.3 cm; weight: 2.6 kg
– Typical Applications
Automated bit-error-rate (BER) testing, optical component characterization, linearity measurements, and optical system validation requiring repeatable attenuation control.
