The Exfo / NetTest / Photonetics BT-17 is a high-power C-band Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) engineered for signal boosting in optical communication systems. Operating across the C-band wavelength range of 1525 nm to 1560 nm with a 980 nm pump diode, the BT-17 delivers saturated output power up to +17.7 dBm and achieves small-signal gain exceeding 25 dB with typical noise figure of 4.5 dB. The amplifier supports both Constant Power Mode and Constant Current Mode operation, with pump power or current adjustable via IEEE488 interface or front-panel dials. Aluminum co-doping provides flat spectral response optimized around 1550 nm, ensuring gain flattening across the C-band. Input/output isolation reaches 35 dB, while polarization sensitivity of gain remains at 0.5 dB nominal.
## Technical Specifications
• **Wavelength Range:** 1525 nm to 1560 nm
• **Pump Wavelength:** 980 nm
• **Saturated Output Power:** Nominal +17 dBm; measured up to +17.7 dBm
• **Small-Signal Gain:** Typical 30 dB; >25 dB minimum; >35 dB at 1530 nm; 25 dB at 1550 nm
• **Noise Figure:** 4.5 dB typical; 6 dB maximum
• **Input/Output Isolation:** 35 dB
• **Polarization Sensitivity of Gain:** 0.5 dB
• **Optical Connectors:** FC/APC
• **Fiber Type:** Single-mode
## Key Features
• Dual operating modes—Constant Power and Constant Current—for flexible system integration
• Gain flattening across C-band via aluminum co-doping
• User-programmable pump control through IEEE488 interface or mechanical front-panel adjustment
• Rear-panel analog monitoring outputs for real-time signal supervision
• Optional RS-232 serial interface for OEM integration
• Available in benchtop, rackmount, modular, and OEM configurations
## Typical Applications
• Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems
• Long-haul telecommunications networks
• Optical communication research and development
• Source booster amplification in advanced optical infrastructures
## Compatibility & Integration
Optical connectors use FC/APC standard. The BT-17 integrates with DWDM system architectures requiring high-power C-band signal amplification. IEEE488 control and analog monitoring enable seamless operation in automated test and production environments.
