VIAVI MAP Series mVOA-C2B High-Density Variable Optical Attenuator Module

The VIAVI mVOA-C2B is a programmable variable optical attenuator module based on a MEMS mirror design. It is a single-slot, hot-pluggable cassette for MAP-300 generation mainframes, part of the VIAVI MAP modular test and measurement platform for lab and production environments. It follows the earlier mVOA-C1 module.

Each module holds 4, 8 or 12 independently controlled attenuators with singlemode LC/PC or LC/APC connectors. Up to eight modules fit in one MAP-300 mainframe, so a 3U chassis can hold up to 96 attenuators. VIAVI lists network emulation test systems, client optic testing, next-generation coherent interfaces, long-haul network stress testing and silicon photonics development as uses.

Operating modes

The module has three control modes. In Attenuator Mode, the user sets the output attenuation directly from the user interface or by remote SCPI command. This mode works on both the no-monitor and the in/out monitor variants. In Constant Power Mode, the in/out monitor variant uses its monitors to keep the output power at a set level while the input power changes. In IL Mode, the in/out monitor variant uses a VIAVI calibration so the user can set the insertion loss from input to output port. This means the 0 dB loss point is known, which it is not on a conventional VOA.

Variants

The in/out monitor variant has a tap coupler and a power meter on both the input and the output of each attenuator. The standard variant has no monitors and offers lower insertion loss and a higher maximum input power.