Product Bulletin
The JDS Uniphase manual variable optical
attenuators are compact, portable instruments
for field system testing as well as test and
development in laboratory applications. They
provide continuously variable attenuation range
of up to 65 dB with calibration wavelengths of
830/1300 nm or 1300/1550 nm. Attenuation is
set manually from the front panel at a 0.1 dB
resolution. Unlike programmable attenuators,
the attenuation level is maintained when the
power is turned on or off. The attenuators use
JDS Uniphase's ultra-linear attenuator prism
and highly reliable microlens technology to
produce accurate attenuation settings with low
insertion loss and excellent return loss.
The display features a large-scale LCD readout,
and the unit is powered by a long-lasting 9 V
lithium battery for handheld operation in the
field. Input and output ports are equipped with
rear panel-mounted connector bulkheads, and
all major connector types as well as the optional
universal connector adapter (UCA) are available.
Key Features & Benefits
· Precision attenuation
· Two calibration wavelengths
· Low insertion loss
· Return loss > 60 dB
· Very long battery life
· Portable for field use
· Optional universal connector adapter
Applications
· Optical power control
· Receiver testing
· Field system testing
· Power meter linearity checks
Manual Variable Optical
Attenuators (VA4 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 Variable
Optical Attenuators
(VA4 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 1300/1550 nm 830/1300 nm
Attenuation range 65/60 dB 50/40 dB
Maximum insertion loss1, 2 single-mode (SM) ≤ 3.0 dB ≤ 7.0 dB
multimode (MM), 50/125 µm ≤ 3.2 dB ≤ 4.2 dB
MM, other ≤ 3.9 dB ≤ 4.9 dB
Return loss3 SM, analog > 60 dB
MM, 50/125 µm > 35 dB
Maximum optical input power 200 mW
Attenuation accuracy2± 0.5 dB
Display resolution 0.1 dB
Repeatability2± 0.1 dB
Polarization dependent loss2≤ 0.1 dB
Recalibration period (recommended) 2 years
Battery lifetime4, 5, 6 > 6000 hours
Dimensions (W x H x D) 11.5 x 6 x 12.5 cm
Weight 0.82 kg
Operating temperature 0-50 °C
Storage temperature - 40-60 °C
Humidity maximum 95 % RH from 0-50 °C
1. Including 0.5 dB for each connector.
2. Measured at 25 °C using unpolarized light at either calibration wavelength.
3. Excluding connectors.
4. With continuous display use.
5. A "Low Battery" message is displayed when battery replacement is required.
6. 9 V lithium battery.
Sample Order: VA47K+1ASU20
VA4 +1
CODE FIBER TYPE (µm)
1 50/125
2 62.5/125
4 100/140
7 9/125
CODE RETURN LOSS
KLow MM
A Analog (> 60 dB) SM
CODE CARRY CASE
0 Without
1 With
CODE CALIBRATED WAVELENGTHS (nm)
G 830/1300
K 1300/1550
CODE CONNECTOR TYPE1
FP FC/HPC
FA FC/APC
SC SC/HPC
SU SC/APC
SP ST/HPC
NC No connector
CODE PORT TYPE (ON FRONT)
2 Bulkheads
4 Pigtails
8 UCA bulkheads
MKT-DS-0044 Rev. 500 01/03/01
