Attenuators
U.S. patent pending. Specifications subject to change. Copyright ©2004 DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc. All rights reserved.
MEMS Attenuator/On-Off Switch
DiCon’s Attenuator/On-Off Switch is based on a micro-electromechanical
system (MEMS) chip. The MEMS chip consists of an electrically
movable mirror on a silicon support. A voltage applied to the MEMS
chip causes the mirror to rotate, which changes the coupling of
light between the input and output fibers of the Attenuator/On-Off
Switch.
Features
•Combining Variable Optical Attenuator and On-Off Switch
•Small attenuator package
•Qualified to GR-1221
•Available in opaque or transparent versions
•Available in both cylindrical and 14-pin DIP package
Applications
Attenuator/On-Off Switches are used as safety shutters during laser
transmitter power up as well as for channel equalization once the laser has
stabilized. In its highest loss position, the Attenuator/On-Off Switch provides
greater than 45 dB of power isolation. Used as an Attenuator, it allows the
output power of the laser to be continuously adjusted over a 40 dB range.
Attenuator/On-Off Switches are ideally suited for use within line cards or
transponders.
Cylindrical Package
DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc. 1689 Regatta Blvd. Richmond, CA 94804 Tel. (510)620-5000 Fax. (510)620-4100 www.diconfiber.com
MEMS Attenuator/On-Off SwitchAttenuators
0055E
Ordering Information
Attenuators
Specifications1,2
Off state isolation 45 dB min.
Back-reflection -50 dB max.
Wear-out 1 x 10 cycles min.
Response time 2 ms max.
Repeatability 0.1 dB max.
Fiber type 9/125 single mode fiber
Optical power 500 mW max.
Operating temperature -50C to +700C
Storage temperature -400C to +850C
1. All specifications referenced without connectors.
3. Maximum change of each 2 nm segment within the operating range.
Polarization
dependent loss
0 to 15 dB
15 to 20 dB 0.2 dB max.
0.15 dB max.
0.05 ps max.
Polarization mode dispersion
9
2. At room temperature.
Attenuation slope 20 dB/V max.
Excess loss 0.8 dB max.
Flatness
Broad band
Application
Narrow band
Application 3
15 to 20 dB 0.7 dB max.
0 to 15 dB 0.4 dB max.
0 to 20 dB 0.2 dB max.
Electrical Specifications
DC drive voltage
20 uWatt max.
Actuation type Non-latching
Voltage damage threshold
Resistance
Power consumption
2 MΩ min.
10 VDC max.
0 - 6.5 VDC
MSA -
Operating Wavelength Range
15 1528 - 1563 nm
16 1570 - 1610 nm
Connector Type
FC FC/SPC
FC/APC FC/APC
X specify connector type
N None
Attenuator Range
20 20 dB min.
X Specify X dB min. (X <= 40)
Ripple Type
S
1
Slow ripple (broad band)
F Fast ripple (narrow band)
Pigtail Length
1 meter
XSpecify X meters
Attenuator Type
T Transparent
O Opaque 2
1
1. Minimum insertion loss at 0 V.
2. Minimum insertion loss at 6.5 V (high isolation at 0 V).
3. Connector Types: FC/UPC, SC, SC/APC, SC/UPC, LC, LC/UPC, MU/UPC
Housing Type
C Cylindrical
D 14-Pin DIP
---- - - -
9
13 1280 - 1330 nm
Jacket Type
2B 250 µ barefiber
9L 900 µ loosetube
-
3
Housing Dimensions
Units: mm
1
3
.
5
Ø
5
.
56
3
.
00
27.
5
MEM
S
-V
O
A
2
(
CNTL
)
3
(
GND
)
1.
Ø
2.
5
Ø
5
.
56
2
0
.
83
4.
07
9
.
50
7.
50
ø
5
.
50
1
2.7
0
2.
54
ø
.
4
5
4.
8
47.
62
Cylindrical Package
14-pin DIP Package
1
G
N
D
2
C
NT
L
3
N
C
4 N
C
5
N
C
6
N
C
7 N
C
8 NC
9 NC
10 NC
11 CASE GND
12 NC
13 NC
14 NC
Pin Assi
g
nmen
t
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
3
14
To
p
Vie
w
Control Voltage (V)
Attenuation (dB)
Transparent
01 2
34567
0
10
20
30
40
50
Control Voltage (V)
Attenuation (dB)
Opaque
01 2
34567
0
10
20
30
40
50
Optical Performance