The EXFO IQ-3100 Variable Attenuator is a programmable optical attenuator engineered to deliver precise control of optical signal levels across diverse test and measurement applications. This module provides repeatable attenuation with fine resolution and exceptional linearity, serving critical functions in BER testing, component characterization, fiber loss emulation, and receiver protection. Fully programmable through a Windows environment, it combines advanced design with high-quality components to meet the demands of engineers, system integrators, and optical laboratories.
## Technical Specifications
• **Attenuation Range:** 0 to >50 dB (specific models up to 100 dB)
• **Attenuation Modes:** Absolute, Relative, X+B
• **Attenuation Steps:** Up to 100 repeatable steps
• **Dwell Time per Step:** Up to 1000 hours
• **Resolution:** 0.005 dB to 0.01 dB
• **Linearity:** ± 0.1 dB
• **Repeatability:** ± 0.03 dB
• **Spectral Uniformity:** ± 0.1 dB (1520–1570 nm)
• **Insertion Loss:** 1.5–3.0 dB typical; maximum 1.8–4.5 dB depending on model and fiber type
• **Wavelength Range:** 1200–1650 nm (singlemode); 700–1350 nm (multimode)
• **Maximum Input Power:** 25–55 dBm
• **Polarization Dependent Loss:** 0.2 dB @ 20 dB attenuation; up to 0.3 dB @ 50 dB attenuation
• **Shutter Isolation:** >100 dB
• **Monitor Output:** Typically -14.5 dB
• **Operating Temperature:** 0–31 °C (linearly decreasing to 50% at 40 °C)
• **Calibration Wavelengths:** 1310 nm and 1550 nm (singlemode); 850 nm and 1300 nm (multimode)
## Key Features
• Achieves repeatable attenuation steps with dwell times extending to 1000 hours
• Three attenuation modes enable absolute value, relative adjustment, and X+B offset control
• Spectral uniformity maintained across C-band and extended wavelength ranges
• Connector options include FC/APC, FC/UPC, and FC/PC configurations
## Typical Applications
• Bit-Error Rate (BER) testing and optical margin analysis
• EDFA and OFA characterization
• System and component loss simulation
• Accurate power-level monitoring and instrument calibration
• DUT input power modification with spectral preservation
• Receiver protection during high-power test procedures
## Compatibility & Integration
Fully programmable module offering Windows-based control. Suitable for singlemode and multimode fiber installations across telecommunications, component testing, and laboratory environments.
