The IPG Photonics EAD-500 is an Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) engineered for laboratory and bench-top operation. It delivers saturated output power from 40 mW to 500 mW across selectable C-band (1533–1570 nm) or L-band (1560–1610 nm) windows, with an optional extension to 1528 nm. The amplifier employs multimode diode pumping at 970 nm coupled into a multi-clad Ytterbium-Erbium doped active fiber, achieving typical gain equalization of ±0.3 dB in C-band and ±0.7 dB in L-band under saturation. Input and output optical isolation reach 40 dB and 30 dB respectively, while noise figures measure 5.0 dB and 6.0 dB across the same bands. The unit supports random or optional linear polarization (>17 dB extinction ratio) with 0.2 dB polarization sensitivity. Pump diodes feature 500,000 hrs MTBF at 20 °C.
## Technical Specifications
• Output power: 40 mW to 500 mW (0.04 W to 0.5 W); peak to 26 dBm / 400 mW
• C-band: 1533–1570 nm with ±0.3 dB gain equalization; 5.0 dB noise figure
• L-band: 1560–1610 nm with ±0.7 dB gain equalization; 6.0 dB noise figure
• Band extension option: down to 1528 nm
• Optical bandwidth: 35 nm FWHM
• Input isolation: 40 dB; output isolation: 30 dB
• Polarization mode dispersion: extremely low
• Pump wavelength: 970 nm broad-stripe diodes (1×100 µm)
• Pump reliability: 500,000 hrs MTBF @ 20 °C
## Key Features
• Single-channel amplification with dual-band capability
• Optional linear polarization mode with extinction ratio >17 dB
• Super-stable power option available
• Dispersion compensation option
• Automatic power control (APC) and automatic current control (ACC)
• Extremely low polarization mode dispersion
## Typical Applications
• Optical signal amplification in laboratory environments
• Fiber-optic test and measurement systems
• Long-haul and metro telecommunications research
## Compatibility & Integration
The EAD-500 operates on 100/110/200/220 V AC (50/60 Hz). Front-panel controls include monitor display, power adjustment, and fiber connectors (FC/PC, FC/SPC, or FC/APC). Rear-panel interfaces provide RS232 and optional GPIB control. Standard fiber pigtails measure 1.5 m with FC/APC interfaces. Operating temperature range: 0–50 °C. Bench-top and 19″ rack-mount packages available.
