Product category:
Test Accessories
News Release from: Tektronix | Subject: OSW 8000 Series optical switching modules
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 15 August 2002
Switching modules cut optical test costs
A new range of optical switching modules allows optical equipment designers to optimise their use of costly stimulus sources to reduce costs without compromising quality or productivity of the tests.
Current economic conditions in the optical market are driving equipment makers to seek cost-cutting strategies, including reduced cost of test Optical tests require the use of costly stimulus sources such as optical transmitters and acquisition tools, including signal analysers and bit-error-rate testers (BERTs)
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 17 Jan 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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The new Tektronix OSW 8000 Series optical switching modules allow optical equipment designers and manufacturing test engineers to efficiently use these tools to reduce costs without compromising quality or productivity of the tests.
These new products are the first to result from Tektronix' March 2002 acquisition of Profile Optische Systeme, one of Europe's leading makers of optical measurement solutions.
"Tektronix is consistently demonstrating its commitment to the optical industry by delivering solutions that help its customers sustain their business in spite of a slow market", said Rick King, Vice President, Optical Business, Tektronix: "The new OSW 8000 Series leverages optical test equipment investments through efficient distribution of multichannel test signals, reducing both test time and cost.
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In addition, the modules readily integrate into users' existing bench setups and test systems, allowing users to easily share resources within their test environment".
New switches reduce cost and complexity of DWDM optical testing: The new Tektronix OSW 8000 Series optical switching modules allow systems and component designers and manufacturing test engineers to selectively distribute optical signals among diverse sources and destinations.
With this capability, users can share instruments such as transmitters and analysers among multiple optical ports, effectively cutting costs.
The switches address the challenge of maintaining viable test repeatability by using the latest microelectromechanical mirror systems (MEMS) technology to deliver uncompromised optical signals from point to point in a test system.
The switches offer excellent repeatability, low insertion loss and low polarisation-dependent loss for optimal and flexible signal routing applications.
The flexibility of the OSW 8000 Series allows a single-source test signal to be switched to as many as eight destinations.
Conversely, one destination can receive its input from up to eight different sources.
Using OSW 8000 switches, it is possible to assemble a multichannel DWDM BERT solution at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a separate BERT for each channel.
Four modules make up the OSW 8000 Series, including bidirectional switching configurations ranging from one input, two outputs to one input, eight outputs.
The modules are hardware- and software-compatible with Tektronix' proven PRO 8000 laser source platform.
Either GPIB commands or local control sequences from the PRO 8000 can be used to activate the switches.
Using the OSW 8000 series with the PRO 8000 forms an integrated solution that combines DWDM laser sources and switching functions.
This minimises hardware costs and conserves space, which is at a premium in cleanroom environments and manufacturing areas.
The modules include LabView and LabWindows/CVI drivers to provide an easy-to-use programming environment that is consistent across Tektronix' line of optical test system instruments. Request a free brochure from Tektronix ...
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