Ditherless Modulator Bias Controllers
Photline MBC are a family of automatic bias controllers specially designed to lock the operating point of LiNbO3 Mach-Zehnder modulators near the quadrature point and ensure a stable operation over time and environmental conditions.
Unlike classical dither signal based bias controllers, Photline MBC-AN do not superimpose any tone signal to the optical modulated signal. They are designed for application where such a tone signal is not desired and typically for analog applications where a high purity carrier is required. They are easy to implement, and are available as benchtop instruments and OEM boards.
Principle
Photline MBC-AN bias controllers are based on the comparison of the optical power before and after the Mach-Zehnder modulator. They use tap couplers and photodiodes with a proportionnal integrator feed back loop to lock the operating point of the modulator at the Quad+ or Quad- position.
The Photline MBC-AN-board and the Photline MBC-AN-BT are operated from a user supplied PC and come with a Graphical User Interface.
FEATURES
• Designed for Mach-Zehnder
modulators
• Quad modes
• High stability
APPLICATIONS
• RoF links
• Electronic warfare
• Analog communications
OPTIONS
• Internal photodiodes and tap couplers
• Benchtop and board versions
RELATED EQUIPMENTS
• MXAN-LN, MXDO-LN analog modulators
• DR-AN series analog RF amplifiers
Performance Highlights
Parameter
Min
Typ
Max
Unit
Mode
Ditherless
-
DC bias voltage
-12
-
+12
V
Locking point
Quad- or Quad+
-
Output power stability
-
±0.1
-
dB
Insertion loss (C-band)
-
-
2
dB
Control
Remote
-
Bias Control and Electrical Characteristics
Parameter
Symbol
Condition
Min
Typ
Max
Unit
Locking point
-
Automatic
Quad+ or Quad-
-
Output power stability
-
at quadrature operating points
-
±0.1
-
dB
Modulator bias voltage
Vbias
automatic mode
-12
-
+12
V
manual mode
-11.5
-
+11.5
V
Optical Characteristics
Parameter
Symbol
Condition
Min
Typ
Max
Unit
Wavelength
l
-
1 530
-
1 580
nm
Input optical power
PIN
with internal PD and tap coupler
0
-
18
dBm
Insertion loss
IL
with internals PD and tap couplers - C-Band
-
-
2
dB
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Stresses in excess of the absolute maximum ratings can cause permanent damage to the device. These are absolute stress ratings only. Functional operation of the device is not implied at these or any other conditions in excess of those given in the operational sections of the data sheet. Exposure to absolute maximum ratings for extended periods can adversely affect device reliability.
Parameter
Symbol
Min
Max
Unit
Operating temperature
OT
-10
+45
°C
Storage temperature
ST
-40
+75
°C
Output Power Stability
Graphical User Interface
MBC-AN-BT
Benchtop version
The MBC-AN-BT is a benchtop instrument that incorporates input and ouput tap couplers with their photodiode together with the bias control electronic.
Dimensions
Dimensions (W x H x D) 24 cm x 8.5 cm x 16 cm Weight
1.5 kg - 3.3 pounds
Power supply (rear panel)
100-120 V / 220-240 V automatic switch,
50-60 Hz
Interfaces
Bias voltage output
2 mm jack (cables supplied)
Ground
2 mm jack (cables supplied)
Optical inputs and outputs
FC/APC bulkhead (other on request)
Remote Control
Type
GUI
Connector
USB type B
Ordering information
Benchtop Modulator Bias Controller MBC-AN-BT
MBC-AN-board
OEM version
The MBC-AN-BT is an OEM bias control electronic board designed for integration, it comes with optional input and ouput tap couplers with their photodiode.
Dimensions
Dimensions (W x H x D) 100 mm x 70 mm x 27 mm Supply voltages
-12 V (max -15V) / 0 / +12 V (max +15 V)
Supply current
-50 mA / 0 / +60 mA
Interfaces
Photodiodes input, Vbias, Ground
2.4 mm plug-in connector
Remote Control
Type / Connector
GUI / USB type B
Ordering information
Board Modulator Bias Controller MBC-AN-Board
Photodiode and tap coupler set, 1300-1550 nm region OPT-PD/TAP-1550