VIAVI MAP mPCX-C1 Polarization Control Module – High-Speed Polarization Scrambler, Controller and Stabilizer

Single-slot MAP module for high-speed polarization scrambling, control and SOP stabilization, with scrambling rates from 1.00 rad/s to 3.00 Mrad/s.

Wavelength range: 1520 to 1620 nm
Wavelength range: 1265 to 1365 nm
Wavelength range: 1265 to 1620 nm
Maximum input power: +20 dBm

Datasheet

Overview

The VIAVI Multiple Application Platform (MAP) Polarization Control Module (mPCX-C1) is a single-slot polarization scrambler, controller and stabilizer. It uses electro-optic wave-plates based on lithium niobate, which provide the response time needed for demanding polarization management applications.

Coherent modulation formats and polarization-multiplexed systems make it more important to understand how the polarization state of a signal interacts with single-mode fiber. The mPCX-C1 is designed for these tests in the laboratory and also when they move into a manufacturing environment.

Measurement principle

At its core, the mPCX-C1 cascades eight quarter wave-plates. They can be rotated at high speed and are reset-free (endlessly rotatable), so they can control the state of polarization (SOP). In direct wave-plate mode, users can set static angles or rotational velocities in a Q-Q or a Q-H-Q configuration and save settings as presets. In scrambling mode, the module offers six predefined patterns (Random, Rayleigh, Ring, Polar Ring, Oscillating Ring and Random Ring) and a user-defined discrete mode with tables of up to 1000 entries.

SOP feedback option

The optional SOP feedback monitors the output state of polarization. It adds automated ring alignment and lets the module hold or return to a tagged SOP while compensating for environmental drift. It also simplifies the automatic generation of diagnostic scrambling modes.

Platform

The mPCX belongs to the MAP LightDirect module family and works with all current MAP-300 and MAP-200 chassis. The MAP platform is LXI-compliant and provides SCPI-based automation drivers and a web-enabled multi-user interface.

Key Features

High-speed polarization scrambler, rate programmable from 1.00 rad/s to 3.00 Mrad/s
Operation in C/L, O and All-band with less than 3 dB of insertion loss
Uniform scrambling by design, independent of input state of polarization
Six advanced scrambling modes including Rayleigh, Random and Ring
User-defined scrambling tables with up to 1000 entries
Polarization stabilization and return-to-state capability with proprietary SOP feedback option
Manual polarization control via classic waveplates
Eight cascaded lithium-niobate quarter wave-plates, reset-free (endlessly rotatable)
Compact single-slot module
Compatible with all current MAP-300 and MAP-200 chassis
CE, CSA/UL/IEC61010-1 and LXI Class C compliance when installed in a MAP chassis

Specifications

Basic Optical Specifications

Wavelength range C/L Band	1520 to 1620 nm Guaranteed over 13°C to 33°C; calibration λ: 1550nm
Wavelength range O-Band	1265 to 1365 nm Guaranteed over 13°C to 33°C; calibration λ: 1310nm
Wavelength range All Band	1265 to 1620 nm Guaranteed over 13°C to 33°C; calibration λ: 1550nm
Maximum input power	+20 dBm
Insertion loss C/L Band	≤ 3.0 dB no feedback, SMF; ≤ 3.5 dB with feedback, SMF; ≤ 3.5 dB no feedback, PMF; ≤ 4.0 dB with feedback, PMF Excludes the loss from one optical connector
Insertion loss O-Band	≤ 3.5 dB no feedback, SMF; ≤ 4.0 dB with feedback, SMF; ≤ 4.0 dB no feedback, PMF; ≤ 4.5 dB with feedback, PMF Excludes the loss from one optical connector
Insertion loss All Band	≤ 3.5 dB Excludes the loss from one optical connector
Polarization dependent loss C/L Band	≤ 0.2 dB
Polarization dependent loss O-Band	≤ 0.25 dB no feedback, SMF; ≤ 0.30 dB with feedback, SMF; ≤ 0.25 dB no feedback, PMF; ≤ 0.30 dB with feedback, PMF
Polarization dependent loss All Band	≤ 0.25 dB
Return loss	≥ 40 dB

Manual Waveplate Mode

Control modes C/L Band, O-Band	[QWP + QWP] or [QWP + HWP + QWP] Guaranteed over 13°C to 33°C; N/A for All Band
Waveplate rotation C/L Band, O-Band	Continuous (reset-free) N/A for All Band
Waveplate angle setting resolution C/L Band, O-Band	0.01 ° N/A for All Band
Maximum waveplate rotation frequency C/L Band, O-Band	40 kHz N/A for All Band
Rotation frequency setting resolution C/L Band, O-Band	0.01 Hz N/A for All Band

Scrambling Modes – Random

Maximum scrambling rate range (Poincaré-space)	1.0 rad/s to 3.0 Mrad/s Guaranteed over 13°C to 33°C
Minimum scrambling rate resolution (Poincaré-space)	0.1 rad/s
Maximum scrambling rate accuracy (Poincaré-space)	± 1 % of most significant digit
Depolarization	DOP of <5% in less than 10µs Random mode, for applications requiring rapid depolarization

Scrambling Modes – Rayleigh

Mode scrambling rate range (Poincaré-space) C/L Band, O-Band	350 krad/s to 1.0 rad/s Parameters specified as the mode, σ, of the Rayleigh distribution; N/A for All Band
Maximum scrambling rate accuracy (Poincaré-space) C/L Band, O-Band	± 1 % of most significant digit N/A for All Band

Scrambling Modes – Ring

Ring auto align time C/L Band, O-Band	5s typical (with feedback only) Large SOP excursions may require a two-step process to ensure original position is maintained; software overhead not included; N/A for All Band
Half-waveplate rotational frequency rate range (Poincaré-space) C/L Band, O-Band	2.5 rad/s to 1 Mrad/s (with feedback only) N/A for All Band
Half-waveplate rotational frequency range (Waveplate-space) C/L Band, O-Band	0.1 Hz to 40 kHz N/A for All Band
Other supported ring modes C/L Band, O-Band	Oscillating, Random, Polar N/A for All Band

Scrambling Modes – Discrete (User Tables)

Maximum table length C/L Band, O-Band	1000 N/A for All Band
Angle transition rate (Optical ΔSOP slew rate) C/L Band, O-Band	≤ 60 μs N/A for All Band

SOP-Tracking (only available with feedback)

Holding accuracy, 15 min. user defined SOP C/L Band, O-Band	≤ 5 ° (typical) Typical controlled environment: 25°C ± 3°C, normal fiber management on benchtop; requires stable optical power; N/A for All Band
Holding accuracy, 15 min. mPCX determined fixed state C/L Band, O-Band	≤ 3 ° (typical) Typical controlled environment: 25°C ± 3°C, normal fiber management on benchtop; requires stable optical power; N/A for All Band
Response time to stabilize an input impulse ΔSOP C/L Band, O-Band	≤ 0.3 s (typical) During continuous ΔSOP variation, 90% of the time excursions from target will be less than 20°; N/A for All Band
Maximum input signal ΔSOP rate C/L Band, O-Band	40 ° /s N/A for All Band
Min / max input power range C/L Band, O-Band	-5 dBm to +20 dBm N/A for All Band
Recall of user-defined SOP (QWP + QWP mode only) C/L Band, O-Band	100 ms N/A for All Band

Environmental

Warm up time	60 min.
Operating temperature	0°C to 50°C
Storage temperature	-30°C to 70°C

Physical

Size (W x H x D)	4.06 cm x 13.26 cm x 37.03 cm
Weight (approximate)	0.95 kg (2.0 lbs)
Form factor	Single slot module Compatible with all current MAP-300 and MAP-200 chassis

Other

Recalibration interval	2 years
Compliance	CE, CSA/UL/IEC61010-1, and LXI Class C requirements When installed in a MAP chassis

Specifications are taken from the manufacturer's documentation. See the datasheet for complete and current values.

Applications

Photonic communication test automation
100G+ coherent interface testing
Temporal depolarizer for loss, gain and PDL min/max measurements
Stabilization and tracking of target SOP
Fiber emulation

Options & Accessories

Option	Description
MPCX-C11S0S-M100-Mxx	C/L-Band SMF High-speed polarization scrambler/controller — xx = connector code (MFP FC/PC, MFA FC/APC, MSC SC/PC, MSU SC/APC)
MPCX-C11S0S-M103-MFA	C/L-Band PMF High-speed polarization scrambler/controller with FC/APC Connector
MPCX-C11SFS-M100-Mxx	C/L-Band SMF High-speed polarization scrambler/controller with SOP Feedback Option — xx = connector code (MFP FC/PC, MFA FC/APC, MSC SC/PC, MSU SC/APC)
MPCX-C11SFS-M103-MFA	C/L-Band PMF High-speed polarization scrambler/controller with SOP Feedback Option with FC/APC Connector
MPCX-C11S03-M100-Mxx	O-Band SMF High-speed polarization scrambler/controller — xx = connector code (MFP FC/PC, MFA FC/APC, MSC SC/PC, MSU SC/APC)
MPCX-C11S03-M103-MFA	O-Band PMF High-speed polarization scrambler/controller with FC/APC Connector
MPCX-C11SF3-M100-Mxx	O-Band SMF High-speed polarization scrambler/controller with SOP Feedback Option — xx = connector code (MFP FC/PC, MFA FC/APC, MSC SC/PC, MSU SC/APC)
MPCX-C11SF3-M103-MFA	O-Band PMF High-speed polarization scrambler/controller with SOP Feedback Option with FC/APC Connector
MPCX-C11SBA-M100-Mxx	Basic all-band High-speed polarization scrambler/controller — xx = connector code (MFP FC/PC, MFA FC/APC, MSC SC/PC, MSU SC/APC)
MFP	FC/PC connector code
MFA	FC/APC connector code
MSC	SC/PC connector code
MSU	SC/APC connector code
AC500	FC/PC-FC/PC Universal Connector Adapter — Replacement mating sleeve
AC501	FC/PC-SC/PC Universal Connector Adapter — Replacement mating sleeve
AC502	FC/APC-FC/APC Universal Connector Adapter — Replacement mating sleeve
AC503	FC/APC-SC/APC Universal Connector Adapter — Replacement mating sleeve
CleanBlastPRO	CleanBlastPRO fiber end-face cleaning system — Optional inspection and cleaning tool, available in benchtop and portable versions
FiberChek Probe	FiberChek probe microscope — Optional handheld fiber inspection tool
P5000i	P5000i fiber microscope — Optional automated fiber inspection and analysis probe with PASS/FAIL capability