ID OSA Optical Spectrum Analyser for Defence & Secure Communication

Why Secure Communication Programmes Need Spectral Qualification

Secure communication systems are built from components that each have to meet a specification before they are trusted in a link: lasers on the right wavelength, multiplexers that place channels where they should be and keep them apart, and amplifiers that boost the signal without distorting its spectrum.

Defence and secure network programmes usually qualify these parts over long campaigns. The same component may be measured on arrival, after integration into a sub-system, after environmental testing and again before a link trial. Each result is only useful if it can be compared with the last one.

That calls for a spectrum measurement that gives the same answer on the same part from one month to the next, and one that can be scripted so the test is run the same way every time.

The Optical Spectrum Analyser for Qualification Work

The ID OSA optical spectrum analyser from ID Photonics measures by coherent detection. Incoming light is mixed with an internal tunable laser reference and the spectrum is rebuilt from the result, instead of being scanned by a grating. The design is solid state, with no moving optical parts.

For secure communication teams this gives one instrument to record channel positions, channel isolation in multiplexers, amplifier output spectra and laser centre wavelengths across the C-band and L-band, at each stage of a qualification campaign.

Saved spectra become part of the record for each component, so a later change can be traced to the stage where it first appeared.

Why Accuracy, Resolution and Power Range Matter

Three figures decide how much a qualification result can be trusted:

• Frequency accuracy: ±1 GHz (±8 pm), to confirm that lasers and channels sit on their specified positions.
• Resolution: 2.5 pm sampling with a 1.7 GHz (13.6 pm) 3 dB bandwidth, to show channel shape and the gap between neighbours.
• Power accuracy: 0.4 dB relative and ±0.7 dB absolute, to compare channel powers and amplifier outputs between tests.

Built for Defence and Secure Communication Labs

The ID OSA is a half-width 19-inch unit that fits test racks and qualification benches.

Two input ports

The standard port takes −30 to +23 dBm, which covers amplifier outputs, and the high-sensitivity port −60 to +3 dBm for weak or tapped signals. Optical return loss is above 35 dB.

C-band and L-band

The C-band covers 1528.5 to 1567.5 nm and the L-band 1569.08 to 1609.73 nm, so C-band and L-band components are qualified with one instrument.

Repeatable test runs

A full band sweep takes 0.5 s, and a 3.3 V TTL trigger in and out lets sweeps start in step with other instruments on the bench.

Scripted control

USB, Ethernet, a browser GUI and SCPI commands for Python, LabVIEW and MATLAB let each qualification test be run the same way every time. The unit operates from 0 to 40 °C on a 100 to 240 V supply.

Building a Complete Secure Link Test Bed

The Narrow Linewidth Tunable Laser Source provides carriers whose centre wavelength the optical spectrum analyser can confirm. Channels combined by the Polarisation-Maintaining Multiplexer are checked for position and isolation, and the output of the Polarisation-Maintaining EDFA is checked for channel power across its C-band range. The modulated spectrum of a channel from the OMFT Optical Multi-Format Transmitter can be recorded at the same time. Running these checks from one script keeps the order, settings and file names the same for every component, which makes the qualification record easier to review.

Who Uses It

• Defence research and development laboratories
• Secure network and communication system developers
• Component qualification and test teams
• System integrators building secure fibre links
• Photonics groups at IITs and national research institutes

Supply and Support in India

United Spectrum Instruments (USI), Chennai, supplies the ID OSA optical spectrum analyser in India as the distributor for ID Photonics, together with the CoBrite lasers and OMFT, and the PM multiplexer and PM EDFA.

USI handles quotations, documentation and import for institutional and government-linked procurement, and supports secure communication teams with set-up, test automation, training and after-sales service.

Request a Configuration

Download the brochure from this page, use the Enquire Now button, write to sales@unitedspectrum.in, or call +91 93631 83748 / +91 97899 04948. Please mention:

• The components you need to qualify
• The bands: C-band, L-band or both
• The power levels at the point of measurement
• Your test software and procurement route