AFL unveils rugged, easy-to-use variable optical attenuator for telecom, broadband link activation

For telecom and broadband link activation tasks, AFL is launching its NOYES VOA6-SM variable optical attenuator, enabling users to "dial in" attenuation values for confirming optical link budgets and operating margins or for determining the optical padding required to match power levels.

The VOA6 SM’s 45-dB optical return loss makes it well suited for use with DFB-based transmitters and other devices that can be damaged or degraded by higher levels of reflected power. The VOA6 SM is calibrated at 1310, 1490, 1550, and 1625 nm, making it a strong choice for FTTx and other singlemode fiber applications.

"The VOA6-SM was developed to give our customers an alternative to complex and costly laboratory-grade Variable Optical Attenuators," explains George Rose, general manager of AFL's Test and Inspection Division. "Its simplicity minimizes training and speeds deployment while its thumbwheel attenuation control allows precise, one-hand operation."

For field tasks, the handheld VOA6-SM operates on an internal li-ion battery, includes a 10-minute auto shutdown and a 60-second backlight power down feature, and retains its attenuation setting even while turned off. It can be temporarily installed in a network node should a fixed attenuator be unavailable. The VOA6 SM comes with FC connectors, an AC adapter, a battery charger, and a carrying case.