Product Bulletin VA5B and VA6B Series Precision Variable Attenuators Description The VA5B and VA6B Series of precision variable attenuators are portable instruments for system testing in the field as well as test and development applications in the laboratory. These attenuators provide continuously variable attenuation of 50 to 70 dB with calibration wavelengths of 830, 1300, or 1550 nm. The VA5B and VA6B Series attenuators are based on JDS FITELs ultra-linear attenuator prism and highly reliable microlens technology, combined with a micrometer and electronic display of attenuation. The result is highly accurate, continuously variable attenuation, combined with low insertion loss and excellent return loss. The attenuators are available in single-mode and multimode versions. The VA5B attenuator is equipped with 3 mm cable Key Features Highly precise attenuation 0.01 dB resolution Low insertion loss Return loss >60 dB Portable Long battery life Universal connector adapters (UCAs) pigtails, with or without connectors, of which most major types are available. The VA6B attenuator has the same package as the VA5B attenuator, but has panel-mounted PC or APC universal connector adapters (UCA) supporting FC/ PC, SC/PC, and ST/PC, or FC/APC and SC/APC connector types. Applications Precise power control The VA5B and VA6B Series attenuators are available with an analog option with high return loss and low spectral ripple Receiver testing Field system testing for CATV AM systems. Attenuators with this option have extra-smooth wavelength response to avoid causing Power meter linearity checks distortion, and they also have >60 dB return loss. Page 2 VA5B and VA6B Series Specifications Parameter Wavelength range1 Attenuation range2 Attenuation Insertion loss2,4,5 Return loss3 830 nm 750 to 1000 nm 750 to 1700 nm 70 dB 70 dB 1300 nm 1550 nm 1200 to 1700 nm 1200 to 1700 nm 750 to 1700 nm 1200 to 1700 nm 60 dB 60 dB 50 dB 60 dB 0.01 dB 0.02 dB 0.1 dB or 0.02 dB/dB, whichever is greater 1.5 dB >45 dB >60 dB >35 dB >30 dB 200 mW 2 years 0.08 dB pigtail mounted bulkhead mounted universal PC or APC 0 to 50 C -40 to 60 C 95% up to 40 C, 60% above 40 C single-mode (SM) multimode (MM) SM MM resolution2 repeatability accuracy2,3,5 SM SM, analog MM, 50/125 MM, other Maximum optical input power Recalibration period (recommended) Polarization dependent loss4 Connectors VA5B VA6B Operating temperature Storage temperature Humidity 1. Recommended wavelength range for acceptable insertion loss and attenuation slope. 2. At calibration wavelength. 3. Except below 3 dB attenuation, measured with a laser source. 4. Not including connectors, if installed. 5. Including bulkhead mounted UCA, the VA6B unit has an insertion loss of 2.5 dB. Ordering Information Indicate your requirements by selecting one option from each configuration table. Please print the corresponding codes in the available boxes to form your part number. For more information on this or other products and their availability, please contact your local JDS FITEL sales representative, or JDS FITEL directly at (613)727-1303, or by fax at (613)727-8284, or via e-mail at sales@jdsfitel.com. Sample: VA5B71+1KFP0 VA Code 5 6 Port Type Pigtails UCA bulkheads Code 1 2 4 7 Fiber Type (m) 50/125 62.5/125 100/140 9/125 Code 9 3 1 B +1 Calibrated Wavelength (nm) 830 1300 1550 Code K A Return Loss (>) Low (45 dB) Analog (60 dB) Code NC FP FA SC SU SP Connector Type No connector FC/HPC FC/APC SC/HPC SC/APC ST/HPC Code 0 1 Carry Case Without With All information contained herein is believed to be accurate and is subject to change without notice. No responsibility is assumed for its use. As this is a new/advanced product, JDS FITEL or manufacturer are likely to make changes, and reserves the right to do so, without notice, to product design, product components, and product manufacturing methods. Some specific combinations of options may not be available. Please contact JDS FITEL for more information. (c) JDS FITEL Inc. All rights reserved. MKT-DS-0099 Rev. E 03/99 Printed in Canada JDS FITEL Inc. 570 West Hunt Club Rd. Nepean (Ottawa), Ontario K2G 5W8 CANADA Tel. (613) 727-1303 Fax. (613) 727-8284 sales@jdsfitel.com www.jdsfitel.com