Data Sheet
The Multiple Application Platform (MAP) Variable Optical
Attenuator (mVOA-C) is a stepper motor and filter-based
attenuator that delivers metrology-grade attenuation
performance in the industry’s most compact modular
package.
With more than 20 years of leadership in high-performance attenuators for lab and
manufacturing applications, the mVOA-C1, now in its 5th generation, is available in single,
dual, and/or quad configurations. Also, it works in all MAP-200 platforms, including the new
two-slot MAP-220.
The MAP-200 is the first photonic layer lab and manufacturing platform that complies with
LAN Extensions for Instrumentation (LXI) by conforming to the required physical attributes,
Ethernet connectivity, and interchangeable virtual instrument (IVI) drivers. The optimized
MAP-200 platform’s industry-leading density and maximum configurability meets specific
application requirements within the smallest footprint.
Chassis Flexibility
Leveraging the modularity of the MAP-200 chassis system, the mVOA-C1 can be deployed
in several configurations and in many different environments.
For the basic lab bench, a single VOA module can be deployed in a compact MAP-220C
LightDirect chassis. This simple two-slot solution is ideal for situations that require
simplicity, a local touch screen GUI, and lab portability. When fast, simple, and accurate
measurements are necessary, it eliminates the need to use inferior handheld tools or to
control the device from a PC. The second slot is ideal for flexibly deploying power meters
or optical switches. The MAP-220C can be easily rack-mounted in an automated test
environment that requires one to eight VOAs.
Larger, automated production projects require moving up to the MAP-230B or MAP-280.
The MAP-280 can fit up to 32 VOAs in just 3U of rack height. All VOAs can be controlled
through a simple, common GUI or remote control interface.
Key Benefits
y Ultra low insertion loss (<0.9 dB) and
outstanding spectral uniformity minimize loss
budget utilization
y Fastest transition speed and settling time in its
class reduces testing time
y User-configurable at time of order (fiber type,
density, built-in options, high power option)
y Optional built-in power monitor provides
comprehensive closed-loop power
control settings
y Optional higher power capability can
withstand up to 2W input power for single-
mode fiber (500 mW for multimode fiber)
Key Features
y High accuracy and high repeatability reduces
measurement uncertainty
y Flat spectral response reduces wavelength-
dependent uncertainty in CWDM and DWDM
multi-wavelength applications
y Low backreflection reduces instabilities due to
reflected light
y Optional built-in wavelength calibrated power
meter reduces uncertainty by reducing external
connections
y High input power capability for EDFA testing
and multi-wavelength applications
Applications
y Transmitter dispersion, eye mask, and receiver
sensitivity testing
y EDFA noise figure and gain flatness testing
y Power meter calibration
y Loss simulation
Safety Information
y Complies with CE, CSA/UL/IEC61010-1, plus LXI
class C requirements when installed in a MAP
chassis
MAP Variable Optical
Attenuator
(mVOA-C1)
MAP Variable Optical Attenuator
Figure 1. Deployed in the MAP-280 chassis, the Quad mVOA-C1 delivers up
to 32 VOA channels in just 3U of equipment rack space.
The MAP variable optical attenuator is a hot-pluggable cassette
designed for use within the MAP, which is a general-purpose high-
density test and measurement platform for lab or production
environments. Up to 16 independently controlled attenuators can be
installed in a single MAP chassis.
Figure 2. Example of insertion loss of the MAP variable optical
attenuator with single-mode fiber
Figure 3. Example of spectral uniformity relative to 0 dB attenuation
Insertion Loss vs Wavelength
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1
1250 1350 1450 1550 1650
Wavelength [nm]
Insertion Loss [dB]
Relative Attenuation (dB)
Spectral Uniformity Relative to 0 dB Attenuation
-0.1
-0.08
-0.06
-0.04
-0.02
0
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
1250 1350 1450 1550 1650
Wavelength [nm]
10 dB
20 dB
30 dB
LightDirect Family
The MVOA-C1 is a member of MAP-200 LightDirect family of basic
fiber optic test tools. LightDirect modules can be deployed in all
available MAP chassis systems, including the MAP-220C 2-slot
benchtop chassis. The MAP-220C is ideal for bench use or small
automated test projects and features a local touch screen as well as
Ethernet or GPIB automation. The second slot is ideal for an optical
power meter or variable optical attenuators. The MAP-230B (3-slot)
or MAP-280 (8-slot) is ideal for large deployments and is the most
compact optical test solution on the market.
Without Options
In
Out
Attenuator
With Tap Option
In
MON
Out
Attenuator
Tap
With In-line Power Monitor Op
tion
In
Out
Attenuator
Tap Power
Meter