Santec Corp. today announced the introduction of its LambdaTracker series of Optical Channel Monitors (OCMs) that satisfy the wavelength monitoring needs in DWDM and CWDM systems.
Optical Channel Monitors tap off a small portion of the optical signal from a fiber, separate the wavelengths, and measure the optical power in each wavelength channel. Such devices are useful in fault detection, gain equalization, and variable optical attenuation applications in DWDM and CWDM systems.
Most of the components used in Santec's LambdaTrackers are manufactured by the company itself. The devices are based on Santec's small-form-factor power monitor (IPD-Series) and dielectric interference filter technologies. Santec uses its own filters for channel counts of 16 or less, and Array Waveguides (AWG).
The LambdaTracker is being offered with 8-, 16-, 32- and 40-channel capabilities and for 50-, 100-, 200-GHz and CWDM frequency/wavelength spacings in the C-, L-, and S-bands. Other channel counts and frequency/wavelength spacings may be customized.
A dynamic range of 53 dB, low crosstalk figure of -35 dB, and a fast response time (<15ms for 40 channels, total) enable the LambdaTrackers to be used in a variety of monitoring applications. The package size is 130 x 80 x 15 mm for a 40-channel device and 100 x 80 x 15 mm for an 8-channel device.
The LambdaTrackers guarantee reliable systems monitoring while enabling substantial cost reductions, claim company representatives. The devices have been developed in response to customer demands for integrated modules with systems-friendly digital interfaces such as I2C, RS-232, and SPI, and with Dual-Port Memory.
For more information about Santec Corp. (Komaki, Japan), visit the company's Web site at www.santec.com.