The CoBrite MX is a scalable, high-density tunable laser mainframe platform built for professional optical test and measurement at any channel count. It is the most capable product in the CoBrite family — sitting above the single-port DX1, dual-port DX2, and four-port DX in terms of channel density and system-level testing capability.

What is a multi-channel tunable laser source? A multi-channel tunable laser source is an instrument that generates multiple independent, simultaneously active laser outputs, each independently tunable in wavelength and power. In the CoBrite MX, up to 48 outputs can be individually set to different C-band or L-band wavelengths, enabling complete DWDM channel grids to be generated, tested, and characterised from a single rack instrument — replacing what would otherwise require dozens of standalone laser units.

What makes the CoBrite MX different from other multi-channel laser platforms? The CoBrite MX combines three capabilities that are rarely available together: field-scalable channel count (2 to 48 ports in one chassis), mixed laser type support (N, S, G, C, X types on different cards simultaneously), and hot-swappable card architecture for zero-downtime expansion. This makes it the only platform in its class that can serve as both a cost-entry DWDM test system and a full 48-channel production test mainframe — within the same physical chassis.

Engineered for Optical Precision

Scalable Architecture — Expand from 2 to 48 independently controlled tunable laser channels using modular slide-in card architecture within the CBMA24 or CBMA48 chassis. Each card hosts up to four CoBrite laser modules, and cards can be added in the field without system downtime. This protects your capital investment as channel requirements grow.

Choice of 5 Laser Types — N, S, G, C, and X laser variants are available and can be mixed within the same mainframe chassis on a per-card basis. N-type provides sub-25 kHz linewidth for coherent and interferometric applications; S-type provides higher output power for DWDM signal injection; G-type offers a cost-balanced general-purpose option; C and X types cover specialised band and application requirements.

High Spectral Purity — The N-type variant delivers a linewidth of less than 25 kHz with output power up to 16 dBm on C-band — placing the CoBrite MX in the ultra-narrow linewidth tier suitable for QPSK, 16-QAM, and 64-QAM coherent modulation testing, local oscillator applications, and high-resolution interferometric measurement.

Wide Frequency Tuning — Full C-band (190.7–196.65 THz), L-band (186–191.1 THz), and C+L combined band coverage, with 1 MHz tuning resolution (N-type) aligned to the ITU-T G.694.1 DWDM frequency grid. Enables precise channel-by-channel wavelength alignment across all 48 ports simultaneously.

Hot-Swappable Cards — Field-replaceable laser cards and controller modules ensure continuous system uptime. Cards can be inserted, removed, or replaced during operation — critical for production test environments and shared research labs where downtime translates directly into cost.

User-Friendly GUI — Zero-install browser-based interface with pictographic controls, accessible from any web-enabled device — PC, tablet, or smartphone — on the same network via Ethernet. No software downloads, drivers, or plugins required. All 48 ports are visible and controllable from a single browser window.

Seamless Integration — Dual connectivity via Ethernet and USB, with full SCPI-style command support for Python (PyVISA), LabVIEW (NI-VISA), MATLAB (Instrument Control Toolbox), and custom automation frameworks. Enables complete programmatic control of all ports simultaneously in production test and research automation workflows.

Compact Rackmount Design — 3 HE 19-inch chassis fits neatly into standard telecom and lab racks. The CBMA48 delivers 48 laser ports in 3U of rack space — a density that would require 12 separate CoBrite DX four-port units to replicate.

Why It Delivers More

Scalability Without Limits

Start with as few as 2 laser channels and expand incrementally to 48 as project requirements grow — adding cards in the field without replacing the chassis, rewiring infrastructure, or requalifying the system. Each incremental card addition immediately integrates into the existing GUI and SCPI automation environment. This protects capital investment in growing labs and production lines by eliminating the need to purchase a new platform at each channel count milestone.

Performance Tailored to Applications

Mix and match laser types — N, S, G, C, and X — on a per-card basis within the same chassis, allowing a single CoBrite MX system to simultaneously support coherent transmission testing (N-type, sub-25 kHz), DWDM signal injection (S-type, high power), and general-purpose optical experiments (G-type) — all from one instrument, one GUI, and one automation interface. This eliminates the cost and complexity of maintaining separate laser platforms for different test functions.

Precision Tuning and Power Stability

Fine-tuning resolution to 1 MHz (N-type) enables precise ITU-T G.694.1 DWDM channel alignment across all active ports simultaneously. Stable, adjustable output power across C-band (up to 16 dBm) and L-band ensures consistent, repeatable signal injection — critical for production-line pass/fail testing where measurement repeatability directly determines yield.

Streamlined Operation and Automation

Plug-and-play browser-based GUI requires no software installation and is accessible from any device on the network — enabling immediate deployment in shared lab environments, remote monitoring from outside the lab, and multi-user access without licensing costs. Full SCPI command support over USB and Ethernet enables integration into Python, LabVIEW, and MATLAB automated test sequences for high-throughput production testing and research data collection.

DWDM Transport Layer Testing

With the ability to generate and independently control up to 48 laser channels simultaneously, the CoBrite MX Series is the definitive platform for full-scale DWDM transport layer validation aligned to the ITU-T G.694.1 frequency grid. Engineers use it for:

• Complete C-band and L-band channel grid generation and spectral alignment verification
• Channel spacing validation and adjacent-channel crosstalk measurement
• 100G, 400G, and 800G multi-wavelength transmission testing across DWDM multiplexers, reconfigurable OADMs (ROADMs), and wavelength-selective switches (WSS)
• Parallel multi-channel insertion loss and gain characterisation — testing all channels simultaneously rather than sequentially, reducing test cycle time by up to 48×

Coherent Transmission Development

The CoBrite MX N-type variant’s sub-25 kHz linewidth and polarisation-maintaining output make it a high-density platform for coherent transmission research and system validation. Applications include:

• QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, and higher-order coherent modulation format experiments at multiple simultaneous wavelengths
• Multi-channel local oscillator generation for parallel coherent receiver testing
• Coherent DSP algorithm development and validation under realistic multi-channel signal conditions
• High-speed transmission emulation over multi-span fibre optic networks with simultaneous channel loading

Photonics R&D and University Labs

The CoBrite MX’s modularity, mixed laser type support, and browser-based GUI make it a versatile research platform for academic institutions and national laboratories. Research groups at IITs, NITs, DRDO establishments, and private photonics research centres use it for:

• Optical physics and nonlinear fibre effects experiments requiring simultaneous multi-wavelength excitation
• Photonic integrated circuit (PIC) and silicon photonics chip characterisation across multiple wavelength channels in parallel
• Wavelength-swept distributed sensing and fibre Bragg grating (FBG) interrogation systems
• Advanced modulation format studies including 128-QAM, 256-QAM, and optical OFDM requiring stable multi-carrier sources

Local Oscillator in Receiver Validation

The CoBrite MX can serve as a multi-channel local oscillator platform — providing stable, independently tunable LO signals across multiple coherent receiver ports simultaneously. This is critical for:

• Parallel coherent receiver sensitivity benchmarking across multiple wavelength channels
• Balanced detection setup validation with independently controlled LO frequencies
• Multi-channel coherent receiver BER characterisation under simultaneous, realistic LO conditions
• Accurate frequency control and stable power output essential for polarisation-diversity coherent receiver testing

Optical Component and System Testing

From WDM filters to amplifiers, multiplexers, and photonic integrated circuits, the CoBrite MX supports complete multi-channel optical component and system characterisation:

• Multi-wavelength insertion loss, return loss, and polarisation-dependent loss (PDL) measurement across all DWDM channels simultaneously
• Optical filter roll-off, stopband rejection, and channel isolation characterisation
• EDFA and Raman amplifier gain flatness measurement across full C-band channel loading
• Multi-wavelength BER analysis for WDM transceiver and coherent module qualification

United Spectrum Instruments is the official authorised distributor of ID Photonics GmbH products — including the CoBrite MX Series Tunable Laser Mainframe System — across India. We provide local application expertise, product configuration support, and dedicated after-sales technical service to ensure that every CoBrite MX deployment delivers optimal performance from day one.

What you receive when you buy through United Spectrum:

• Genuine, warranty-backed CoBrite MX instruments with full ID Photonics GmbH manufacturer backing
• Pre-sales consultation: chassis variant selection (CBMA24 vs CBMA48), laser type mix, band configuration, and channel count planning
• Integration support for Python, LabVIEW, and MATLAB SCPI automation environments
• After-sales technical support for calibration, hot-swap card replacement, firmware updates, and SCPI troubleshooting
• GST-inclusive pricing, MSME-registered invoicing, and complete documentation for institutional and government procurement

Pan-India customer coverage: We serve customers across Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi NCR, Kolkata, and across India — including IITs, NITs, DRDO, ISRO, BEL, telecom OEMs, optical component manufacturers, and photonics research institutions.