COMMUNICATIONS COMPONENTS
Variable Slope Attenuators
VSA Series
Key Features
• Low insertion loss
• Wide attenuation slope range
• Available in low and high contrast variants
• Available in positive or negative slope variants
• Low tuning voltage
• Mountable on a PCB
Applications
• Remove cumulative error function
from amplifiers and filters
• Correct variations in amplifier gain
profile due to add-drop
multiplexing and Raman effect
• Balance channel power in
reconfigurable networks
The JDSU variable slope attenuator (VSA) equalizes uneven gain profiles inherent
to the use of optical amplifiers. The VSA is Telcordia GR 1209 and 1221 compliant
and uses hermetic sealing for increased resistance to environmental extremes. It is
available in low contrast and high contrast variants, and offers excellent positive
or negative slope optical performance in either the C or L bands.
The attenuation slope is precisely tuned using a stepper motor driven by an
external IC driver. The stepper motor adjusts the slope in small, uniform step
sizes, thus providing high resolution. The VSA is compact in size and can easily be
mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). It requires minimum voltage. The
electrical pins extrude from the bottom of the package.
The spectral diagram on next page shows the transmission spectrum after passing
through the VSA. Both positive and negative slope profiles are available.
Compliance
• Telcordia GR 1209 and 1221
NORTH AMERICA
:
800 498-JDSU (5378)
WORLDWIDE
:
+800 5378-JDSU
WEBSITE
:
www.jdsu.com
VSA SERIES
2
Performance
(Note: Negative slope and low contrast variant)
0
-1
-2
Loss (dB)
-3
-4
-5
-6
-7
1525
Start
+250
+415
+580
+750
+165
+330
+500
+660
End
1530
1535
1540
1545
1550
1555
1560
1565
1570
Wavelength (nm)
Specifications
Parameter
Optimized wavelength range
C band
L band
Insertion loss at minimum slope
1,2
Insertion loss at maximum slope
1,2
Loss contrast at maximum slope
1
Minimum loss slope
1
Linearity
Polarization dependent loss
Polarization mode dispersion
Return loss
1
Repeatability
3
Resolution
Backlash
Fiber type
Maximum optical power
Dimensions (W x H x D)
4
Operating temperature
Storage temperature
1. Excluding connectors.
2. Measured at
λ
MIN
for negative slope and at
λ
MAX
for positive slope.
3. With reference to potentiometer voltage at 25 °C.
4. Excluding strain relief and connector pins.
High Contrast
Low Contrast
Maximum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximium
Maximum
Maximum
Minimum
Typical
Typical
Typical
Maximum
1530 to 1560 nm
1528 to 1565 nm
1570 to 1610 nm
1568 to 1609 nm
1.3 dB
1.3 dB
2.2 dB
2.0 dB
7.0 dB
4.0 dB
0.02 dB/nm
0.02 dB/nm
1.0 dB (absolute)
0.5 dB (absolute)
0.25 dB
0.25 dB
0.1 ps
0.1 ps
40 dB
35 dB
0.003 dB/nm
0.002 dB/nm
0.003 dB/nm
0.002 dB/nm
0.003 dB/nm
0.002 dB/nm
SMF-28 with 900 µm buffered jacket or 250 µm bare fiber
200 mW
200 mW
25 x 12 x 50 mm
25 x 12 x 50 mm
-5 to 70 °C
-5 to 70 °C
-40 to 85 °C
-40 to 85 °C
VSA SERIES
Ordering Information
For more information on this or other products and their availability, please contact your local JDSU account manager or
JDSU directly at 1-800-498-JDSU (5378) in North America and +800-5378-JDSU worldwide or via e-mail at
customer.service@jdsu.com.
Sample: VSA-0CNHC10NC
VSA-0
Code
C
L
Wavelength
C band
L band
Code
H
L
Contrast Level
High
contrast
Low
contrast
Code
10
15
Fiber Length
1
1.0 m
1.5 m
Code
NC
FP
FA
SC
SU
SP
MU
Connector
No
connector
FC/HPC
FC/APC
SC/HPC
SC/APC
ST/HPC
MU
Code
N
P
Slope
Negative
slope
Positive
slope
Code
C
E
Fiber Type
9/125/900 fiber
9/125/250 fiber
1. Other fiber length available upon request.
SMF-28 is a registered trademark of Corning Incorporated.
All statements, technical information and recommendations related to the products herein are based upon information believed to be
reliable or accurate. However, the accuracy or completeness thereof is not guaranteed, and no responsibility is assumed for any
inaccuracies. The user assumes all risks and liability whatsoever in connection with the use of a product or its application. JDSU reserves
the right to change at any time without notice the design, specifications, function, fit or form of its products described herein, includ-
ing withdrawal at any time of a product offered for sale herein. JDSU makes no representations that the products
herein are free from any intellectual property claims of others. Please contact JDSU for more information. JDSU and the JDSU logo are
trademarks of JDS Uniphase Corporation. Other trademarks are the property of their respective holders. ©2007 JDS Uniphase
Corporation. All rights reserved. 21025483 Rev. 002 10/05 VSA.DS.CC.AE
NORTH AMERICA
:
800 498-JDSU (5378)
WORLDWIDE
:
+800 5378-JDSU
WEBSITE
:
www.jdsu.com
Reviewed February 2007
