Dual Polarisation Optical Multi-Format Transmitter
An optical multi-format transmitter is a laboratory instrument that turns electrical signals from an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) into a coherent optical signal. It modulates...
Dual Polarisation Optical Multi-Format Transmitter
Terabit-Class Dual-Polarisation IQ Reference Transmitter up to 80 GHz — OMFT by ID Photonics
An optical multi-format transmitter is a laboratory instrument that turns electrical signals from an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) into a coherent optical signal. It modulates the amplitude and phase of laser light on two polarisations, producing formats such as DP-QPSK, 16QAM and 64QAM exactly as a next-generation transceiver would.
The OMFT Optical Multi-Format Transmitter from ID Photonics GmbH, Germany, is a turn-key dual-polarisation IQ reference transmitter in a 19″ chassis. It integrates a narrow linewidth CoBrite tunable laser (25 kHz typical), a high-bandwidth dual-polarisation IQ modulator, per-channel RF driver amplifiers with gain and peaking control, and ID Photonics’ in-house automatic bias control, which works independently of RF amplitude and modulation format. Three classes are available: Class 40, Class 60, and Class 80 with more than 80 GHz electro-optic bandwidth and demonstrated data rates up to 1.6 Tb/s.
United Spectrum Instruments is the official authorised distributor of the OMFT in India, providing configuration guidance, quotations, delivery and after-sales technical support across the country.
The OMFT is a dual-polarisation IQ reference transmitter with up to 80 GHz bandwidth, an integrated tunable laser and automatic bias control for Terabit-class coherent research and receiver testing — available in India through United Spectrum Instruments.
Understanding the Optical Multi-Format Transmitter
What is an optical multi-format transmitter?
Coherent optical systems send data by modulating four dimensions of light: the in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components on each of two orthogonal polarisations (X and Y). An optical multi-format transmitter is the optical front end that does this in the lab. An AWG generates four high-speed electrical signals (XI, XQ, YI, YQ), and the transmitter amplifies them and drives a dual-polarisation IQ Mach-Zehnder modulator to imprint them onto a laser carrier.
Because the modulation format is defined entirely by the AWG waveform, the same transmitter can generate QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, 256QAM, probabilistically shaped constellations or any custom format simply by loading a new pattern. That is why it is called “multi-format”.
Why a reference transmitter matters
Testing a coherent receiver, DSP or optical link requires a signal source whose own impairments are small, stable and well characterised. The OMFT is built for this role: XY polarisation imbalance below 1 dB, IQ offset below −20 dB, quadrature error within ±0.5° on average, and device-specific calibration files that allow software-based pre-distortion of the remaining response.
The importance of automatic bias control
An IQ modulator contains several Mach-Zehnder interferometers whose operating points drift with temperature and time. If the bias drifts, constellations distort and EVM degrades. Many bias controllers depend on the data signal itself and must be re-tuned when the format changes. The OMFT’s in-house automatic bias control, refined over more than ten years, uses internally generated pilot signals instead, so it works with any RF amplitude and any modulation format. It settles in about one minute, and a “zero noise” mode can mute the pilot tones and freeze the bias for the cleanest possible measurement.
Choosing a class
- Class 40 — up to 45 GHz typical bandwidth, for symbol rates up to about 96 GBaud.
- Class 60 — 60 GHz class bandwidth, for symbol rates up to about 120 GBaud.
- Class 80 — more than 80 GHz bandwidth with 1.00 mm RF connectors and internal optical amplification, for symbol rates up to about 160–170 GBaud.
Match the class to your AWG: the transmitter only reaches its full performance when the AWG bandwidth and sample rate are comparable.
Technical Specifications
RF and Optical Specifications by Class
| Parameter | Class 40 | Class 60 | Class 80 |
| E/O Bandwidth, −6 dB | >40 GHz, 47 GHz typ. | >53 GHz, 58 GHz typ. | >80 GHz, 82 GHz typ. |
| E/O Bandwidth, −3 dB | 35 GHz, 40 GHz typ. | 35 GHz, 40 GHz typ. | – |
| Typical Symbol Rate Capability | Up to ~96 GBaud | Up to ~120 GBaud | Up to ~160–170 GBaud |
| RF Connectors | 1.85 mm female, differential | 1.85 mm female, differential | 1.00 mm female, differential |
| Typical RF Input Voltage | 250 mVpp | 250 mVpp | 300 mVpp |
| E/O Skew I & Q | ±2 ps | ±2 ps | 0 to 20 ps, characterised per device |
| Low-Frequency Cut-off | 1 MHz | 1 MHz | 4 MHz |
| DC Extinction Ratio | >30 dB | >30 dB | Not applicable |
| Insertion Loss | <12 dB | <12 dB | Not applicable (internal optical amplifiers) |
| Typical Output Power under DP Modulation | −13 to −10 dBm (laser at 16 dBm) | −13 to −10 dBm (laser at 16 dBm) | −3 to 0 dBm (laser at 13 dBm) |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 483 × 90 × 275 mm | 483 × 90 × 275 mm | 483 × 90 × 344 mm |
| Weight | 4.5 kg | 4.5 kg | 5.2 kg |
| Order Code | OMFT-C-00-FA | OMFT-C-01-FA | OMFT-C-02-FA |
Common Specifications
| Operating Wavelength Range | 1525–1570 nm (191.1–196.25 THz) |
| Gain Imbalance | <1 dB, adjustable with per-channel RF gain control |
| RF Differential Input Impedance | 100 Ω |
| XY Polarisation Imbalance | <1 dB |
| IQ Offset | <−20 dB |
| Quadrature Error | ±0.5° averaged mean; <±5° with 99% confidence over >4 h |
| Automatic Bias Control | Format and RF-amplitude independent; settles in <3 min (1 min typ.); locking range 9–18 dBm at modulator input |
| Max Optical Input | +18 dBm at modulator input (Class 80 recommended 13–14 dBm) |
| Max RF Input | 1000 mVpp AC at RF connectors |
| Optical Connectors / Fibre | FC/APC; PM PANDA on laser output and modulator input (PER >20 dB); SSMF G.652.D on modulator output |
| Control | Front touch display; built-in web GUI over USB and Ethernet; SCPI-style commands |
| Power Supply | 100–240 VAC, 1 A, 50/60 Hz, 80 W |
| Operating Temperature | 10 to 35 °C, non-condensing |
| Compliance | Class 1M laser product (EN/IEC 60825-1) |
Integrated Tunable Laser
| Frequency Range | 190.70–196.65 THz (1524.5–1572 nm) |
| Linewidth | 25 kHz typical, <100 kHz |
| Output Power | +10 to +16 dBm, 0.01 dB setting resolution |
| Fine Tuning | ±6 GHz at 1 MHz resolution |
| Frequency Accuracy | ±0.3 GHz over 24 h; ±1.5 GHz over lifetime |
| SMSR / RIN | >40 dB (50 dB typ.) / <−145 dB/Hz |
Key Features and Advantages
Up to 80 GHz Bandwidth and 1.6 Tb/s
The Class 80 delivers more than 80 GHz electro-optic bandwidth. ID Photonics reference tests show 160 GBaud 32QAM at 1.6 Tb/s and 170 GBaud 16QAM at 1.36 Tb/s, putting next-generation 1.6T coherent research within reach of a single instrument.
Any Modulation Format, No Re-Tuning
The format is set by the AWG waveform, so switching between QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, 256QAM or shaped constellations is instant. The OMFT has demonstrated 40 GBaud 256QAM with 2.9% EVM on the Class 40 and 110 GBaud 64QAM (1.32 Tb/s) on the Class 60.
Format-Independent Automatic Bias Control
ID Photonics’ in-house bias control uses internal pilot signals rather than the data signal, so it locks with any RF amplitude or format. It settles in about a minute, holds quadrature error to ±0.5° on average, and offers a zero-noise mode that freezes the bias and mutes the pilots for the cleanest measurements.
Integrated Narrow Linewidth Laser
A built-in CoBrite tunable laser with 25 kHz typical linewidth covers the C-band. It can be bypassed to use an external laser, in which case it serves as a separate general-purpose source, for example as the local oscillator for a coherent receiver.
Differential RF Drive with Per-Channel Gain and Peaking
Integrated RF amplifiers accept differential inputs from modern AWGs for maximum bandwidth and signal quality. Per-channel gain and peaking adjustments equalise the four lanes and compensate for cable and connector losses.
Calibration Files for Pre-Distortion
Each OMFT ships with device-specific calibration data describing its frequency response and skew, so AWG software can pre-distort the waveform and squeeze out the last fraction of a dB in signal quality.
Touch Display, Web GUI and SCPI
Operate the OMFT from its front touch display, from any browser via the built-in web server over USB or Ethernet, or by SCPI-style commands in automated test scripts. No software installation is required.
Low-Loss Class 80 Architecture
The Class 80 adds internal optical amplification to offset the high insertion loss of multi-level modulation on Mach-Zehnder modulators, delivering −3 to 0 dBm output under dual-polarisation modulation. ID Photonics designs and manufactures the OMFT in Germany.
Applications Across Industries
800G and 1.6T Coherent System Research
Telecom R&D teams use the OMFT to generate next-generation coherent signals for telecommunications and optical networks, evaluating new modulation formats, probabilistic shaping, symbol rates beyond 130 GBaud and fibre transmission performance before transceiver silicon exists.
Coherent Receiver and DSP Testing
Paired with a CORX coherent optical receiver, the OMFT forms a complete reference transmitter–receiver pair for testing coherent DSP algorithms, receiver sensitivity and OSNR tolerance across formats from QPSK to 256QAM.
Multi-Channel Transmission Experiments
Combined with a CoBrite MX multi-channel laser for neighbouring channels, the OMFT supports WDM and superchannel experiments that measure crosstalk, filtering penalties and nonlinear effects.
Satellite and Free-Space Optical Links
For satellite and space communication, the OMFT generates coherent waveforms for evaluating optical inter-satellite and ground links, including high-bandwidth signals for next-generation constellations.
Defence and Secure Communication
In defence and secure communication programmes, the OMFT acts as an optical front end for custom waveforms, supporting research into secure, high-capacity coherent links.
Continuous-Variable QKD Research
For quantum key distribution, the OMFT’s precise IQ modulation and stable bias control support generation of Gaussian-modulated coherent states and other continuous-variable protocols.
Coherent LiDAR and Microwave Photonics
For coherent LiDAR and microwave photonics, the IQ modulator enables single-sideband frequency shifting, chirp generation and arbitrary optical waveform synthesis.
Optical Front End for AWG Systems
Laboratories with high-speed AWGs use the OMFT as a plug-in optical front end, avoiding the effort of building and stabilising their own modulator setup. For labs that already own modulators, ID Photonics also offers a stand-alone automatic bias controller.
Why Choose United Spectrum Instruments?
Official Authorised Distributor in India
United Spectrum Instruments is the authorised Indian distributor for ID Photonics, so you receive a genuine OMFT backed by the manufacturer.
Help Choosing the Right Class
The right OMFT class depends on your target symbol rate, modulation formats and AWG. We review your setup and recommend the class and RF cable set that make the most of your existing equipment.
Experience with Indian Research and Industry
We work with IITs, CSIR laboratories, defence establishments, telecom companies and photonics start-ups across India and understand their procurement and documentation requirements.
Delivery and Local Technical Support
We deliver anywhere in India and provide after-sales support for installation, AWG integration, SCPI automation and troubleshooting.
A Complete Coherent Test Bench
Alongside the OMFT, we supply CORX coherent receivers, CoBrite tunable lasers, PM amplifiers and optical spectrum analysers, so your full coherent transmission setup can come from one partner.
Contact Us
Phone: +91 93631 83748 / +91 97899 04948
Email: sales@unitedspectrum.in
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FAQs
What is the OMFT optical multi-format transmitter?
The OMFT is a turn-key dual-polarisation IQ reference transmitter from ID Photonics GmbH. It converts four differential electrical signals from an arbitrary waveform generator into a coherent optical signal on a C-band laser, generating formats such as DP-QPSK, 16QAM and 64QAM for research and testing.
What classes of OMFT are available?
Three: Class 40 (more than 40 GHz, 47 GHz typical, −6 dB bandwidth), Class 60 (more than 53 GHz, 58 GHz typical) and Class 80 (more than 80 GHz, 82 GHz typical). Classes 40 and 60 use 1.85 mm differential RF inputs; Class 80 uses 1.00 mm connectors.
What data rates can the OMFT achieve?
ID Photonics reference tests show 160 GBaud 32QAM at 1.6 Tb/s and 170 GBaud 16QAM at 1.36 Tb/s on the Class 80, 110 GBaud 64QAM at 1.32 Tb/s on the Class 60, and 80 GBaud 64QAM at 960 Gb/s on the Class 40.
Which modulation formats does the OMFT support?
Any format your AWG can generate, including BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 32QAM, 64QAM, 256QAM and probabilistically shaped constellations, in single or dual polarisation. Switching formats only requires loading a new waveform.
Does the OMFT need an arbitrary waveform generator?
Yes. The OMFT is the optical front end; the electrical data signals come from a high-speed AWG with four differential outputs. For best results, choose an AWG whose bandwidth matches the OMFT class.
Does the OMFT include a laser?
Yes. It has a built-in CoBrite narrow linewidth tunable laser covering 1524.5–1572 nm with 25 kHz typical linewidth and +10 to +16 dBm output. You can also feed an external laser and use the internal one as a separate light source.
How does the OMFT automatic bias control work?
It uses internally generated pilot signals, not the data signal, to find and track the optimum bias of each Mach-Zehnder section. It therefore works with any format and RF amplitude, settles in about one minute, and offers a zero-noise mode that freezes the bias for clean measurements.
What is the output power of the OMFT?
Under dual-polarisation modulation, typical output is −13 to −10 dBm for Class 40 and 60 with the laser at 16 dBm. The Class 80 includes internal optical amplifiers and delivers −3 to 0 dBm with the laser at 13 dBm.
How is the OMFT controlled?
Locally from a front-panel touch display, remotely from any browser through the built-in web server over USB or Ethernet, or with SCPI-style commands for automated testing. No software installation is needed.
What are the size and power requirements of the OMFT?
The OMFT is a 19″ rack instrument, 483 × 90 mm, with a depth of 275 mm (Class 40/60, 4.5 kg) or 344 mm (Class 80, 5.2 kg). It runs on 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 80 W, and operates from 10 to 35 °C.
Who is the authorised distributor of the OMFT in India?
United Spectrum Instruments, Chennai, is the authorised distributor of ID Photonics products, including the OMFT, in India. We supply research institutions, defence establishments and telecom companies nationwide with configuration guidance and after-sales support.
How can I get a quote or datasheet for the OMFT in India?
Use the Get in Touch form on this page, email sales@unitedspectrum.in, or call +91 93631 83748 or +91 97899 04948. Share your target symbol rate, formats and AWG model, and we will recommend a class and send a quotation.
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