VIAVI Solutions
Data Sheet
VIAVI
Multiport Tunable Filter Module (mTFX)
MAP Series G+ Wavelength Management Filter
The Multiple Application Platform (MAP series) multiport
tunable filter module (mTFX) dramatically simplifies test signal
management for next-generation coherent interfaces,
sub-systems, and system test.
Benefits
y Tunable filter with bandwidth adjustment from
. to GHz with . GHz resolution
y Offered in C- and L-band
y Low loss continuous extended C-band coverage
with ±. GHz wavelength accuracy
y Automated peak tracking function without loss of
transmitted power
Key Features
y Up to (for L-band) and (for C-band)
independent filters, each with independent attenuation
and output port assignment
y New filters can be added and removed without
disturbing existing connections
y Internal power meter option with automated single
and multiple peak find algorithms
y Center frequency and bandwidth resolution
< pm.
y Fast, simple GUI and SCPI control interfaces
for filter generation
y Optional SW license to enable up to
output ports
y C-band offered in a single slot cassette and
L-band in a dual slot
Applications
y Transmitter dispersion, eye mask, and receiver
sensitivity testing
y Photonic communication test automation
y ROADM node emulation
y Signal extraction or insertion during DWDM
system testing
y Amplifier gain spectrum management and load
tone generation
y OSNR measurements
Safety Information
y Complies with CE, CSA/UL/IEC, plus LXI class C
requirements when installed in a MAP chassis
Get the right wavelengths to
the right test port with the
right power—quickly. Flexibly
isolate, groom, manage, and
route any wavelength or group
of wavelengths with a simple,
intuitive GUI and/or SCPI based
remote commands. The mTFX
is a modular instrument and
can be directly managed from
your PC-based automation
system. It eliminates the need
to re-purpose optical network
technology or use complex
libraries with specialized
interface cards.
Figure 1 - Example application: isolate (drop) a signal from a DWDM test
system and route to a test application while expressing all other wavelengths
to other receivers
Tx
Tx
Tx
mTFX
Rx
Rx
Rx
To test
Drop and groom channel with
ideal or stressed filter shape
1085.900.0222
Multiport Tunable Filter Module (mTFX)
Functional Description
Based on next-generation liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) technology, the mTFX is much more than a tunable filter.
It combines variable attenuator, switch, power meter, and DWDM multiplexer functions to dramatically simplify
photonic testing of coherent interfaces, amplifier, and DWDM systems. Leveraging TrueFlex™ technology, filters are
continuously tunable in center wavelength and bandwidth and are not locked to the ITU grid.
Multiple parallel wavelength paths can be created without
disrupting already established connections—all with sub-GHz
resolution. Industry leading specifications for loss and out-of-
band rejection ensure minimal impairments on your test signals.
The tunable filter is offered in the C- and L-bands variant with the
option of power monitoring.
To simplify interaction and programming, control of the mTFX
has been divided into simple, easy-to-visualize functional blocks.
A “virtual filter” is defined by a center wavelength, bandwidth,
shape, and attenuation. A virtual filter can be easily moved
anywhere in the C-band or L-band through assignment of the
center wavelength. The virtual switch allows the filter to be
expressed to a physical output port. Up to 180 (C-band) or
120 (L-band) virtual filters can be created and independently
controlled. To manage assignment conflicts, a slice of spectrum
may only be assigned to one output port at a time (although
multiple independent slices can go to the same port).
Filter
VOA
1x8
VP1: 1
VP1: 2
VP1: 3
VP1: 4
VP1: 5
VP1: 6
VP1: 7
VP1: 8
Square Top
Gaussian -
(PF off only)
0 to 15 dB
1x2
default
Ports 3-8
by license
Filter
VOA
1x8
VP1: 1
VP1: 2
VP1: 3
VP1: 4
VP1: 5
VP1: 6
VP1: 7
VP1: 8
Square Top
Gaussian -
(PF off only)
0 to 15 dB
1x2
default
Ports 3-8
by license
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
C
Common
Ports
OFF
Basic GFF
Inter-leaver
Arb. (table)
Filter
VOA
1x8
VP1: 1
VP1: 2
VP1: 3
VP1: 4
VP1: 5
VP1: 6
VP1: 7
VP1: 8
Square Top
Gaussian -
(PF off only)
0 to 15 dB
1x2
default
Ports 3-8
by license
Filter
VOA
1x8
VP1: 1
VP1: 2
VP1: 3
VP1: 4
VP1: 5
VP1: 6
VP1: 7
VP1: 8
Square Top
Gaussian -
(PF off only)
0 to 15 dB
1x2
default
Ports 3-8
by license
Post Filter
1086.900.0222
Figure 2 - The mTFX showing individual control blocks
Figure 3 - mTFX MAP-300 summary view GUI
Figure 4 - mTFX MAP-300 detailed view GUI
An intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) is optimized
for use in either a laboratory or a manufacturing
environment. Efficient transition between summary
and detailed views (figure 3 and figure 4) allow users
to operate at a system level or access the full power
of a module. The mTFX has a more complex GUI
than many of VIAVI’s other modules due to its three
modes of operations, channel mode, full mode and
shape mode.