ID OSA Optical Spectrum Analyser for Telecommunications & Optical Networks

Why Optical Networks Need Fine Spectral Detail

Optical networks now pack channels tightly on 50 GHz and flexgrid plans, and each channel carries a modulated signal that fills much of its slot. Checking that channels sit where they should, at the right power, with no spill into their neighbours, needs more spectral detail than a basic power reading can give.

The same need applies across the lab and the network: verifying a multiplexer or ROADM, checking the gain flatness of an amplifier, confirming the centre wavelength of a transceiver or looking at the spectral shape of a new modulation format. Each of these is a spectrum measurement, and each benefits from fine resolution and a wide power range.

The Optical Spectrum Analyser Built on Coherent Detection

The ID OSA optical spectrum analyser from ID Photonics measures by coherent detection. The incoming light is mixed with an internal tunable laser reference, and the spectrum is reconstructed from the resulting signal, rather than by scanning a grating.

The design is solid state, with no moving optical parts, and covers DWDM grids at 50 GHz, 100 GHz and flexgrid spacing in line with ITU-T G.694.1, which suits racks and production lines where the analyser runs for long periods.

Why Resolution and Power Range Matter

Three figures decide what an OSA can show on a DWDM link:

• Resolution: 2.5 pm spectral sampling with a 1.7 GHz (13.6 pm) 3 dB bandwidth shows the shape of modulated channels and the gap between them.
• Frequency accuracy: ±1 GHz (±8 pm) confirms that each channel sits on its grid position.
• Power range: two ports together cover −60 to +23 dBm, with 0.4 dB relative and ±0.7 dB absolute power accuracy.

Built for Optical Networks Labs and Racks

The ID OSA is designed for test benches, production lines and network equipment racks.

Two input ports

The standard port takes −30 to +23 dBm and the high-sensitivity port −60 to +3 dBm, so strong amplifier outputs and weak tapped signals can both be measured. 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 and L systems are checked with one instrument.

Fast sweeps

A full C-band or L-band sweep takes 0.5 s, at a 2 Hz scan rate, with a 3.3 V TTL trigger in and out for synchronised measurements.

Rack and automation

The unit is a half-width 19-inch, 1.8 kg instrument with USB, Ethernet, a browser GUI and SCPI commands for Python, LabVIEW and MATLAB. It runs from a 100 to 240 V supply at 40 W and operates from 0 to 40 °C.

Building a Complete DWDM Test Bench

A loaded DWDM grid comes from the Multi-Channel Tunable Laser Sources, and the PM EDFA amplifies it so the optical spectrum analyser can check channel power and gain flatness across the C-band. A modulated channel from the Optical Multi-Format Transmitter shows spectral shape and spacing, while the CORX Coherent Optical IQ Receiver measures the same channel’s constellation and EVM. For laser and transceiver work, the same analyser checks centre wavelength, spectral width and side-mode suppression.

Who Uses It

• Telecom equipment makers and DWDM system developers
• Optical component makers testing multiplexers, AWGs and ROADMs
• Transceiver and laser manufacturers
• Network operator test labs and field maintenance teams
• Optical communication research groups at IITs and 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, OMFT and PM EDFA, and the CORX receiver.

Sourcing the bench from one supplier gives optical networks teams a single point of contact for band choice, port use, automation, installation and after-sales support. Pre-sales guidance helps match the analyser to your bands and measurement tasks.

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 bands you need: C-band, L-band or both
• What you will measure: DWDM channels, components, amplifiers, transceivers or modulated signals
• The power levels at the point of measurement
• Whether the unit will sit on a bench, in a production line or in a network rack