The GN Nettest/Photonetics BT20 is an Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) designed for high-power optical amplification in C-band communication systems. Operating across 1530–1560 nm, it delivers saturated output power up to +20 dBm with small-signal gain exceeding 35 dB at 1530 nm and 25 dB at 1550 nm. The amplifier features a consistent noise figure of typically 4.5 dB and aluminum co-doped fiber for flat spectral response, making it suitable for both standard and locked-gain applications across demanding wavelength ranges.
## Technical Specifications
• **Product Type:** Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA)
• **Wavelength Band:** C-band (1530–1560 nm)
• **Output Power:** Up to +20 dBm saturated output power (double-pump configuration)
• **Small-Signal Gain:** >35 dB at 1530 nm; 25 dB at 1550 nm
• **Gain Flatness:** Typically 1 dB over 30 nm (C-band)
• **Noise Figure:** 4.5 dB typical
• **Pump Wavelength:** 980 nm co-propagating configuration
• **Input Signal Power Range:** Typically −40 dBm at 1550 nm; locked gain from −25 dBm to −10 dBm across 1530–1560 nm
• **Fiber Technology:** Aluminum co-doped for flat response at 1550 nm under low-signal conditions
• **Dimensions:** 345 × 180 × 325 mm
## Key Features
• High saturated output power for demanding amplification tasks
• Locked-gain operation available over specified input range and wavelength span
• Front-panel user controls with rear-panel monitoring analog outputs
• IEEE-488 computer interface for system integration
• Available in 19″ rack-mount configuration
• Benchtop design with integrated control electronics and power supplies
## Typical Applications
• Optical communication system amplification
• High-power signal conditioning in test environments
• C-band signal boost for telecommunications infrastructure
## Compatibility & Integration
The BT20 integrates within the OSICS modular platform and can be paired with tunable external cavity lasers (OSICS-ECL), distributed feedback laser diodes (OSICS-DFB), and amplified spontaneous emission sources (OSICS-ASE) for comprehensive optical test configurations.
