Technical description — JDS Uniphase MTAS7+1100NCN
Overview
The JDS Uniphase MTAS7+1100NCN is a compact, rack‑mount optical attenuator mainframe engineered for multi‑channel fiber‑optic test systems. It centralizes control of removable attenuator cassettes to provide precise, repeatable attenuation for DWDM and lab testbed applications.
Mechanical and electrical specifications
- Form factor: 19‑inch rack, 2U height.
- Chassis slots: Nine total slots (typically eight MTA300 attenuator cassettes plus one control cassette).
- Power: Universal AC input 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz; internal power supply with typical consumption under 100 VA.
- Front / rear I/O: Front‑panel cassette access; rear power inlet and control connectors (GPIB/serial/Ethernet options depend on control cassette fitted).
Optical performance
- Wavelength range: 1200–1700 nm (covers O‑band through L‑band; optimized for 1310/1550 nm regions).
- Attenuation resolution: 0.05 dB nominal step size for fine control.
- Accuracy / repeatability: Typical ±0.1 dB class accuracy when cassettes are within calibration; repeatability better than one resolution step under stable conditions.
- Insertion loss: Dependent on cassette type and connector; expect low additional loss from the mainframe itself when cassettes are properly seated.
Modules, control, and interfaces
- Module compatibility: Accepts MTA300 series variable attenuator cassettes (single‑channel per cassette).
- Control cassette: Houses system controller and external interface; supports remote control and local front‑panel operation.
- Control interfaces: Common options include GPIB, RS‑232/serial, and Ethernet (availability depends on installed control cassette and firmware).
- Software: Firmware provides per‑cassette addressing, attenuation set/readback, and status reporting; remote command set varies by firmware revision.
Typical applications
- DWDM system testbeds and channel power balancing.
- Automated test equipment (ATE) racks requiring centralized attenuation control.
- Laboratory research where repeatable, fine‑step attenuation is required across multiple channels.