5 June 2003 Germantown, MD Lightwave -- Acterna, provider of optical transport test and management solutions, has announced the release of the Acterna OLC-65 Optical Level Controller, which features the combination of a variable optical attenuator, optical level controller, and optical power meter function in one rugged, handheld instrument.
The OLC-65 is the first in a new premium-class of optical handheld instruments designed for optical system installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting applications, explain company representatives.
"As our customers expand their networks, the OLC-65 helps them maintain service quality and assurance while more cost-effectively managing technician time in the field," says Enzo di Luigi, general manager for Acterna's Fiber Optics and Systems business. "The Acterna OLC-65, suitable to address various customer environments, also allows field personnel to perform multiple tests on a single handheld, eliminating the cumbersome extra step of carrying numerous test sets into the field."
The Acterna OLC-65 provides for multiple field applications, including control and display of power levels during receiver sensitivity testing, provision of stable power levels at system interfaces, simulation of line loss for amplifier and BER (bit error rate) testing, and power level control for calibration test set ups.
The all-in-one nature of the OLC-65 makes test setup simple and eliminates the need to connect several instruments, cables and couplers.
Additional features of the Acterna OLC-65 include:
• Remote control via SCPI commands over RS232
• Level control function for stable output power level
• Sweep function featuring stable and repeatable automated test cycles for various attenuation values over time
• Universal interchangeable optical adapter system
• Field tried and tested, rugged, lightweight and battery-powered (AA batteries), complete with 1/4 VGA display.