THORLABS MX10A Manuel utilisateur
MX10A or MX40A
12.5 Gb/s Modulator Driver
40 Gb/s Modulator Driver
User Guide
MX10A, MX40A Modulator Driver
Rev B, October 5, 2017
Table of Contents
Chapter 1Warning Symbol Definitions..............................................................................................1
Chapter 2Safety....................................................................................................................................2
Chapter 3Introduction..........................................................................................................................4
3.1.Description.......................................................................................................................4
3.2.Intensity or Phase Modulators .......................................................................................4
3.3.Parts List ..........................................................................................................................4
3.4.Block Diagram .................................................................................................................5
3.5.Front and Rear Panel Overview .....................................................................................6
Chapter 4Quick Start Guide................................................................................................................7
4.1.Hardware Set-up..............................................................................................................7
4.2.Controls on the Home Page ...........................................................................................8
4.3.Controls in the Settings Pages ......................................................................................9
Chapter 5Operating Instructions.......................................................................................................10
5.1.The Modulator Transmission Function (Intensity Modulators Only)........................10
5.2.Control Loop Diagram ..................................................................................................10
5.3.Bias Settings Page (Intensity Modulators Only) ........................................................11
5.4.Amplifier Settings Page ................................................................................................17
5.5.Variable Optical Attenuator Settings Page .................................................................19
5.6.Load Page ......................................................................................................................20
5.7.Menu Page .....................................................................................................................21
Chapter 6Specifications.....................................................................................................................24
6.1.General System Specifications....................................................................................24
6.2.Power & Environmental Specifications.......................................................................24
6.3.Internal Control Specifications ....................................................................................24
6.4.Internal Amplifier Specifications .................................................................................25
Chapter 7General Purpose I/O, RS-232, and USB Connections...................................................26
Chapter 8Mechanical Drawings.........................................................................................................27
Chapter 9Maintenance, Repair & Fuses...........................................................................................28
9.1.Maintenance & Repair...................................................................................................28
9.2.Replacement Parts ........................................................................................................28
9.3.Replacing the Main Fuse ..............................................................................................29
Chapter 10Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................30
MX10A, MX40A Modulator Driver
TTN035544-D02
Chapter 11Regulatory...........................................................................................................................31
Chapter 12Declaration of Conformity.................................................................................................32
Chapter 13Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts..........................................................................................34
MX10A, MX40A Modulator Driver Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions
Rev B, October 5, 2017 Page 1
Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions
Below is a list of warning symbols you may encounter in this manual or on your device.
Symbol Description
Direct Current
Alternating Current
Both Direct and Alternating Current
Earth Ground Terminal
Protective Conductor Terminal
Frame or Chassis Terminal
Equipotentiality
On (Supply)
Off (Supply)
Caution: Risk of Electric Shock
Caution: Hot Surface
Caution: Risk of Danger
Warning: Laser Radiation
Caution: Spinning Blades May Cause Harm
Caution: ESD Sensitive Component
MX10A, MX40A Modulator Driver
Page 2 TTN035544-D02
Chapter 2 Safety
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will only apply
when the unit is operated correctly. If equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer,
the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
SHOCK WARNING
Before applying power to the instrument, make sure that the protective conductor of the 3 conductor
mains power cord is correctly connected to the protective earth contact of the socket outlet. Improper
grounding can cause electric shock with damage to your health or even death.
The local supply voltage must be in the range specified on the rear panel, and the correct fuse must
be installed in the fuse holder. If not, please replace the main fuse (see section on instrument
maintenance).
Only use mains cable with sufficient current and voltage ratings for this instrument.
Do not position equipment in a way that makes it difficult for the user to operate the disconnecting
device.
Do not remove covers. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
EXPLOSION WARNING
The instrument must not be operated in explosion endangered environments.
LASER WARNING
Avoid Exposure – Radiation Emitted from apertures. Do not look into the laser aperture while the laser
is on. Injury to the eye may result.
Caution – Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified
herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
MX10A, MX40A Modulator Driver Chapter 2: Safety
Rev B, October 5, 2017 Page 3
CAUTION
This product is not suitable for household room illumination.
Inputs and outputs must only be connected with shielded connection cables.
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components be carried out or
components not supplied by Thorlabs be used.
Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in housing.
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters are not to be used within the range of
three meters of this unit since the electromagnetic field intensity may then exceed the maximum
allowed disturbance values according to IEC 61326-1.
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to IEC 61326-1 for using
connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).
The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, unless otherwise specified
herein. The statement for other products will appear in the accompanying documentation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules and meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference
Causing Equipment Standard ICES-003 for digital apparatus. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
Thorlabs is not responsible for any radio television interference caused by modifications of this
equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than those
specified by Thorlabs. The correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification,
substitution or attachment will be the responsibility of the user. The use of shielded I/O cables is
required when connecting this equipment to any and all optional peripheral or host devices. Failure to
do so may violate FCC and ICES rules.
This precision device should only be shipped if packed into the complete original packaging
including the custom cut foam padding. If necessary, ask for replacement packing material.
ESD CAUTION
Caution – The components inside this instrument are ESD sensitive. Take all appropriate precautions
to discharge personnel and equipment before making any connections to the unit. A front panel
grounding jack is provided for connection to a wrist strap.
CAUTION
This instrument should be kept clear of environments where liquid spills or condensing moisture are
likely. It is not water resistant. To avoid damage to the instrument, do not expose it to spray, liquids,
or solvents.
MX10A, MX40A Modulator Driver
Page 4 TTN035544-D02
Chapter 3 Introduction
3.1. Description
Thorlabs' High-Speed LiNbO3 Modulator Drivers provide control for fiber-coupled, lithium-niobate, electro-optic
modulators. Depending on the model, each driver is compatible with modulators that can operate at up to speeds
of 12.5 Gb/s or 40 Gb/s. The drivers’ internal circuitry enables bias control with peak, null, and quadrature set
points. The drivers also include a series of power monitors at the laser input, modulator output, and final optical
output, as well as a variable optical attenuator, for fully automatic monitoring and control of optical power along
the entire optical path. The operational wavelength range extends from 1250 nm to 1610 nm (O- through L-band),
and the user may select from power calibration points at 1310 nm, 1550 nm, and 1590 nm using the touchscreen
interface.
The instrument can be controlled in two ways. The simplest method is directly via the built-in graphical user
interface (GUI) and touchscreen. The instrument can also be operated remotely via the RS-232 or USB ports on
the back panel. Remote control is enabled using simple SCPI-type serial commands from a PC. See the remote
control user guide (RCUG), which can be downloaded from https://www.thorlabs.com/manuals.cfm, for details.
The most recent firmware and remote control software tool can be downloaded by visiting
https://www.thorlabs.com/navigation.cfm?Guide_ID=2191 and entering the Item # into the search field.
Thorlabs’ technical support can provide up-to-date information on available firmware revisions and control
functions.
NOTE: This manual covers both the MX10A and MX40A models, as their architectures are very similar.
Differences are clearly noted in the following sections.
3.2. Intensity or Phase Modulators
These drivers can be used for either intensity or phase modulators. For intensity modulators, the unit provides a
full complement of biasing options, both manual and automatic.
However, in the case of phase modulators, the DC biasing circuitry is not needed as it performs no function. In
that case, the user is advised to simply leave the Bias Control functionality turned OFF. All other functions will
operate normally.
3.3. Parts List
Inspect the shipping container for damage. If the shipping container seems to be damaged, keep it until you have
inspected the contents and tested the unit mechanically and electrically. Verify that you have received the
following items within the package:
1. MX10A or MX40A Modulator Driver Main Unit
2. Power Cord According to Local Power Supply
3. 1.25 A, 250 VAC Fuse
4. USB Type A to Type B Cable, 6’ Long
MX10A, MX40A Modulator Driver Chapter 3: Introduction
Rev B, October 5, 2017 Page 5
3.4. Block Diagram
These instruments provide all the electronics and control circuitry to bias and drive high-speed, fiber-coupled,
intensity or phase modulators. The user supplies the laser source, the signal source, and the modulator of their
choice. The Laser In port uses PM fiber with light linearly polarized along the slow axis as shown on the front
panel. Maximum input power is 20 dBm (100 mW). Optical power is monitored in three places (Mon-1,-2,-3) for
the purpose of enabling bias and power control. These power values are also available at the I/O port. Mon-1 is at
the Laser Input, Mon-2 is at the modulator Output, and Mon-3 is at the final Optical Output.
MX10A, MX40A Modulator Driver
Page 6 TTN035544-D02
3.5. Front and Rear Panel Overview
Feature Description MX10A MX40A
Front Panel
A Touchscreen Display - -
B Adjustment Knob - -
D Grounding Jack Banana Banana
E Laser Input PM FC/PC PM FC/PC
F Laser Output to Modulator PM FC/PC PM FC/PC
G Return from Modulator FC/PC FC/PC
H Optical Output FC/PC FC/PC
J Amplifier RF Output SMA 2.92 mm
K
Bias Output SMA SMA
L RF Input SMA 2.92 mm
M Standby Button - -
Back Panel
N I/O Port DB-15 DB-15
O Option Label - -
P RS-232 Port DB-9 DB-9
Q USB Port Type B Type B
S Power Connector - -
T Fuse Tray - -
U Power Switch - -
A B
D
M
E F G HJKL
N O P Q
S T U
MX10A, MX40A Modulator Driver Chapter 4: Quick Start Guide
Rev B, October 5, 2017 Page 7
Chapter 4 Quick Start Guide
ESD CAUTION
Caution – The components inside this instrument are ESD sensitive. Take all appropriate precautions
to discharge personnel and equipment before making any connections to the unit. A front panel
grounding jack is provided for connection to a wrist strap.
4.1. Hardware Set-up
For first use, plug the main power cable into the rear panel connector, and then plug the other end into an AC wall
receptacle. Flip the power switch on the rear panel to the ON (I) position. The unit will now be in the “Standby”
mode, and the front panel standby button should glow amber.
Turn on the unit by pressing the amber standby button on the front panel which will then turn green to indicate the
unit is fully on. The touchscreen display will come up with a boot screen for about 5 seconds and then go to the
home page. The unit will initialize in the factory default state with all functions OFF.
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