Product Bulletin
JDS Uniphase precision variable attenuators
provide precise, repeatable, and manual control
of light levels for field system testing as well as
for test and development in laboratory
applications. Both series use micrometer
control for high-resolution attenuation of
50-70 dB with calibration wavelengths of 830,
1300, or 1550 nm. Using our ultra-linear
attenuator prism and highly reliable microlens
technology, they provide highly accurate,
continuously variable attenuation with low
insertion loss and an excellent return loss of
> 60 dB. Each model is available in both single
-mode and multimode versions. Single-mode
models are available with our analog option
and feature > 60 dB return loss and low
spectral ripple for CATV AM systems.
These attenuators are battery-powered for
portability and convenient use in the field when
high precision is required.
The VA5B attenuator features 3 mm cable
pigtails that are supplied bare or with the
customer's choice of connector type. The
VA6B attenuator features a panel-mounted
PC or APC universal connector adapter (UCA),
which supports FC/PC, SC/PC, and ST/PC or
FC/APC and SC/APC connector types.
Key Features & Benefits
· Highly precise attenuation
· 0.01 dB resolution
·Low insertion loss
· Return loss > 60 dB
· Long battery life
· Portable for field use
· Universal connector adapter
Applications
· Precise optical power control
· Receiver testing
· Field system testing
· Power meter linearity checks
Manual Precision
Variable Attenuators
(VA5B and VA6B Series)
JDS Uniphase Corporation Tel 613 727-1303
570 West Hunt Club Road Fax 613 727-8284
Nepean (Ottawa), Ontario instruments@jdsuniphase.com
K2G 5W8 Canada www.jdsuniphase.com
All information contained herein is believed to be accurate and is subject to change
without notice. No responsibility is assumed for its use. JDS Uniphase Corporation, its
subsidiaries and affiliates, or manufacturer, reserve the right to make changes, without
notice, to product design, product components, and product manufacturing methods.
Some specific combinations of options may not be available. Please contact JDS
Uniphase for more information. ©JDS Uniphase Corporation. All rights reserved.
Manual Precision
Variable Attenuators
(VA5B and VA6B Series) | 2
Ordering Information
Indicate your requirements by selecting one
option from each configuration table. Print
the corresponding codes in the available
boxes to form your part number.
For more information on this or other
products and their availability, contact your
local JDS Uniphase sales representative or
JDS Uniphase directly.
Specifications
PARAMETER 830 nm 1300 nm 1550 nm
Operating wavelength range1single-mode (SM) 750-1000 nm 1200-1700 nm 1200-1700 nm
multimode (MM) 750-700 nm 750-1700 nm 1200-1700 nm
Attenuation range2SM 40 dB 60 dB 60 dB
MM 70 dB 50 dB 60 dB
Attenuation resolution20.01 dB
repeatability 0.02 dB
accuracy2, 3, 4 ± 0.1 dB or ± 0.02 dB/dB, whichever is greater
Insertion loss2, 5, 6 ≤ 1.5 dB
Return loss3SM > 45 dB
SM, analog > 60 dB
MM, 50/125 µm > 35 dB
MM, other > 30 dB
Maximum optical input power 200 mW
Recalibration period (recommended) 2 years
Polarization dependent loss3 ≤ 0.08 dB
Connectors VA5B pigtail mounted
VA6B bulkhead mounted universal PC or APC
Operating temperature 0-50 °C
Storage temperature - 40-60 °C
Humidity maximum 95 % up to 40 °C, 60 % above 40 °C
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. At constant temperature.
5. Not including connectors, if installed.
6. Including bulkhead mounted UCAs, the VA6B unit has an insertion loss of ≤ 2.5 dB.
Sample Order: VA5B71+1KFP0
VA B +1
CODE FIBER TYPE (µm)
7 9/125
1 50/125
2 62.5/125
CODE RETURN LOSS
KLow
A Analog (> 60 dB SM)
CODE CARRY CASE
0 Without
1 With
CODE CALIBRATED WAVELENGTHS (nm)
9 830
3 1300
1 1550
CODE CONNECTOR TYPE1
FP FC/HPC
FA FC/APC
SC SC/HPC
SU SC/APC
SP ST/HPC
NC No connector
CODE PORT TYPE
5 Pigtails
6 UCA bulkheads
MKT-DS-0099 Rev. 500 01/03/01
