THORLABS EDFA300S and EDFA300P C-Band Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers Instruction Manual
- June 8, 2024
- THORLABS
Table of Contents
- Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions
- Chapter 2 Safety
- Chapter 3 Description
- Chapter 4 Setup
- Chapter 5 Operation
- Chapter 6 Remote Operation from Command-Line Interface
- Chapter 7 Making Safety Interlock Connections
- Chapter 8 Troubleshooting
- Chapter 9 General Maintenance
- Chapter 10 Specifications
- Chapter 11 Mechanical Drawings
- Chapter 12 Regulatory
- Chapter 13 Declaration of Conformity
- Chapter 14 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
EDFA300S and EDFA300P C-Band Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers
Instruction Manual
EDFA300S and EDFA300P
C-Band Erbium-Doped
Fiber Amplifiers
Operating Manual
Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions
Note: Throughout this manual, references to temperature are with respect to
°C.
Below is a list of warning symbols you may encounter in this manual or on your
device.
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| **** | Direct Current |
| Alternating Current | |
| Both Direct and Alternating Current | |
| Earth Ground Terminal | |
| **** | Protective Conductor Terminal |
| Frame or Chassis Terminal | |
| Equipotentiality | |
| On (Supply) | |
| Off (Supply) | |
| In Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control | |
| Out Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control | |
| Caution: Risk of Electric Shock | |
| Caution: Hot Surface | |
| Caution: Risk of Danger | |
| Warning: Visible or Invisible Laser Radiation | |
| Caution: Spinning Blades May Cause Harm |
Chapter 2 Safety
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will only apply when the unit is operated correctly.
SHOCK WARNING
High voltage inside. To avoid electrical shock, before powering the unit on,
make sure that the protective conductor of the 3-conductor power cord is
correctly connected to the protective earth contact of the socket outlet.
Improper grounding can cause electric shock resulting in severe injury or even
death. Do not operate without cover installed.
EXPLOSION WARNING
This instrument must not be operated in an explosion endangered environment.
LASER WARNING
Avoid Exposure – Radiation Emitted from apertures. Do not look into the laser
aperture while the laser is on. Injury to the eye may result. Laser should not
be turned on unless there is an optical fiber connected to the laser output
port. Caution – Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures
other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
CAUTION
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION
This instrument should be kept clear of environments where liquid spills or
condensing moisture are likely. It is not water resistant. To avoid damage to
the instrument, do not expose it to spray, liquids, or solvents.
The unit is supplied with a region-specific power cord. If using your own
power cord, make sure it is IEC 320 compatible.
Make sure that the line voltage rating marked on the rear panel agrees with
your local supply and that the appropriate fuses are installed. Changing of
the mains fuse can be done by the user (see Section 4.2, Changing the Fuse).
With the exception of the mains fuses, there are no user serviceable parts in
this product.
Do not operate in wet or damp conditions. Do not obstruct the air ventilation
slots in the housing!
This device can only be returned when packed into the complete original
packaging, including all foam packing inserts. If necessary, ask for a
replacement package.
Mobile telephones, cellular phones, or other radio transmitters should not to
be used within the range of three meters of this unit since the
electromagnetic field intensity may exceed the maximum allowed disturbance
values according to EN50082-1.
Chapter 3 Description
Thorlabs’ EDFA300S and EDFA300P are core-pumped Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers
that provide >40 dB small signal gain and >300 mW saturated output power. The
amplifiers are offered in a compact, turnkey benchtop package with FC/APC
input and output connectors and in two single-mode (SM) and polarization-
maintaining (PM) models. The EDFA300S SM (non-PM) amplifier is polarization-
insensitive and input/output fibers to the amplifier are standard single-mode
fiber (SMF-28 Ultra). The EDFA300P PM amplifier is polarization sensitive,
only amplifying light that is linearly polarized along the slow axis. The
input and output fibers of the PM amplifier are polarization maintaining fiber
(PM1550-XP) and the connector keys are aligned the slow axis of the fibers.
The EDFAs include precision current drivers to adjust the pump laser power in
the amplifier. The current adjustment, done through an adjustment knob on the
front panel, varies the amplifier gain. The amplifier includes input and
output isolators to protect the input laser source from any amplified
spontaneous emission or back reflections, as well as to prevent the pump light
from exiting the amplifier.
The EDFA gain can be controlled in constant current control (ACC) mode via the
front panel interface. The pump current of the amplifier is adjustable through
the instrument’s front panel, allowing the user to vary the gain and output
power. The display screen shows the pump level, as well as the temperature and
emission status. An indicator light is also included on the enable button to
show when the internal laser is active. In addition to this mode of operation,
the EDFA can be operated in constant power control (APC) and constant gain
control (AGC) modes using a command-line interface via USB connection with a
PC. These modes of operation allow the user to control the amplifier for a
fixed output power level or a fixed gain value. The amplifier automatically
adjusts the pump current in order to maintain the power or gain target values.
For further information regarding all three modes of operation, please see
Chapter 5.
For added safety, there is an interlock connector located on the rear panel
that must be shorted in order for the output to be enabled. This can easily be
configured to be triggered by doors to disable the fiber amplifier in unsafe
conditions. An enable button must be set to activate the amplifier, and a
green LED indicator displays the current state of the unit. There is a 3
second delay before the fiber amplifier turns on, and the user is warned by
the rapidly blinking LED.
The amplifier includes a universal power supply allowing operation over 100 to
240 VAC without the need for selecting the line voltage. The fuse access is
conveniently located on the rear panel.
3.1. Shipping List
The EDFA300 units consist of the following components:
- C-Band Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier in Benchtop Package
- Interlock-Shorting BNC Connector
- Region-Specific Power Cord
- FBC250 Connector and Bulkhead Cleaner
- 1 m long FC/APC patch cables (P3-SMF28Y-FC-1 or P3-SMF28E-FC-1 for SM, P3-1550PMY-1 or P31550PM-FC-1 for PM); please see section 4.4 for how to safely connect to the amplifier ports and minimize the risk of connector damage.
- Sacrificial fiber interface for connection to the output port (please see section 4.4).
Chapter 4 Setup
CAUTION
Prior to using the EDFA systems, it is highly recommended to clean the input
and output bulkheads as well as the connector facets to be connected to the
bulkheads. Failure to clean the connectors can result in damage to the
internal connectors in the EDFA as well as the connectors on fiber patch
cables connected to the amplifier.
Please follow one of the two recommended methods to connect the output of the
amplifier to the optical setup. Failure to use one of these methods can
significantly increase the risk of damaging the output connector of the
amplifier.
When cleaning the connectors, ensure that the EDFA is powered off by turning
off the push-button switch. Never inspect optical connectors unless all light
sources in your setup have been switched off. Please refer to Section 9.2 for
further instructions regarding connector cleaning.
4.1. Setting the AC Line Voltage
The fiber amplifier has been shipped configured for 100 to 240 VAC operation.
There is no end user adjustment of the line voltage for 110 or 220 VAC. The
user needs to select the correct AC cord for their location.
4.2. Changing the Fuse
To change the power fuse, follow the following steps.
- Remove the AC power cord if it is connected to the unit.
- Locate the fuse tray directly adjacent to the AC power cord connection on the rear panel of the unit.
- Carefully use a flat blade screwdriver to open the fuse tray.
- Remove the existing fuses and install two fuses with the appropriate specifications. The replacement fuses must be 5 mm x 20 mm, 2 A, 250 VAC, slow-blow type.
- Push the fuse tray back into place making sure that it snaps and sits correctly.
- Connect the appropriate power cord into the AC receptacle and plug the unit in.
4.3. Initial Setup
- Set the unit on a dry, level working surface.
- Plug the female end of the provided AC line cord into the IEC input receptacle on the rear of the unit. Plug the male end into a properly grounded AC socket.
- Install the interlock BNC connector. (See Chapter 7 for details on the interlock circuitry.)
4.4. Making Fiber Connections to the Amplifier
- Input Connection: Connect the input to be amplified to the input fiber receptacle using a FC/APC fiber patch cable, carefully cleaning both the input FC bulkhead connector and the patch cable connector beforehand.
- Output Connection: It is highly recommended to minimize the number of times that a cable is connected to the output receptacle in order to reduce the probability of damage to this connector. Repeated connection to this port can cause a build-up of contamination on the internal connector surface, which can damage the connector at high powers. There are two components shipped with every amplifier for this purpose:
a. A one meter FC/APC patch cable is included. The connectors on this cable have been pre-cleaned and are ready to mate with the output of the amplifier. Please inspect one end of this cable for any contamination, and connect one end of the cable to the amplifier. Keep this end connected at all times, while using the other end to make connections to the optical setup. This end should still be regularly inspected and cleaned when needed. This approach protects the output receptacle on the amplifier from repeated connections and the resulting optical damage. In the event that the cable end is damaged due to over-usage, it can be replaced with a new cable or a new fiber pigtail can be spliced.
b. A sacrificial optical interface compatible with FC/APC connectors is supplied with the amplifier. This interface can be plugged into the output port of the amplifier. All fiber cable connections can be made to this interface while the interface should stay connected to the output port. This option will introduce approximately 0.7 dB of extra insertion loss, but it offers the advantage of preventing direct contact between a fiber cable and the internal connector surface to reduce the risk of damage to the internal connector. Additionally, using this method shortens the fiber path outside the amplifier for applications that are sensitive to the fiber length.
Important Note: Please note that when the amplifier is enabled, it generates amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) even when there is no input light entering the amplifier. This should be considered when connecting measurement instruments to the output port of the amplifier and when inspecting the fiber connectors.
Chapter 5 Operation
5.1. Front and Back Panel Overview
Figure 1 Front and Rear Panels of the Fiber
Amplifier (EDFA300S or EDFA300P)
5.2. Turning On the Amplifier
-
Please consult with your organization’s laser safety officer regarding proper operation of the amplifier at your institution.
LASER WARNING
The amplifier generates invisible amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) even without any optical input. The power level of the ASE can be as high as 200 mW. Therefore, all laser safety measures should be followed even if the input light to the amplifier has been disconnected or switched off.
Additionally, it should be noted that connecting a laser to the output port of the amplifier by mistake can cause damage to the laser due to the ASE light getting coupled into the laser source. -
Turn on the AC power switch on the back panel.
-
Turn on the POWER key switch. The display will turn on. The pump current set-point (in % of max) will be displayed in the middle of the screen.
-
Check the temperature status on the bottom left corner of the display. It should show “OK”. If the temperature status shows “Stabilization” for more than 30 seconds or if it shows “Error”, please turn the unit off and contact technical support.
-
Check the emission status of the device on the bottom right corner of the screen. It should show “Off” prior to enabling the amplifier.
-
Make sure the interlock input on the back panel is short-circuited. See Chapter 7 for detailed instructions.
-
Press and release the ENABLE switch to activate the fiber amplifier. There will be a 3 second delay before the fiber amplifier powers up. During this time, the ENABLE indicator will light up and blink.
-
Adjust the pump current set-point to the desired value by pressing the adjustment knob once. The “%” sign blinks in the adjustment mode and it times out after 5 seconds. The knob must be pressed again after the time-out in order to make additional adjustments to the pump current set-point.
-
Ensure that the temperature status still shows “OK” after the pump current has been increased to the desired level. The amplifier is now producing gain and is ready to use.
5.3. Adjusting the Fiber Amplifier Gain
The fiber amplifier gain and output power are controlled by varying the pump
current set-point. The system specifications represent the performance at max
operating set-point (100%). Each unit is shipped with a test data sheet that
shows the amplifier output power at two different input power levels (0 dBm
and -20 dBm) as a function of the pump current set-point. The data can be used
as a reference to adjust the pump current set-point for a desired gain level.
5.4. Turning the Fiber Amplifier Off
- Disabling the amplifier emission – The amplifier output can be turned off by pressing and releasing the ENABLE switch. The pump diode temperature will be maintained even when the amplifier is disabled. The temperature status should show “OK” after the amplifier has been disabled.
- Power Down – When completely powering down an enabled unit, first press and release the ENABLE switch and then turn off the POWER key switch, which will turn OFF the entire unit. Anytime the unit is turned OFF and then turned back ON, the fiber amplifier will be disabled until the ENABLE switch is pressed. If the amplifier is not being used for an extended period of time, it is recommended to turn off the AC power using the switch located on the back panel of the instrument. Please note that the pump current set-point goes back to 0% after each AC power cycle.
Chapter 6 Remote Operation from Command-Line Interface
The Command Line Interface (CLI) provides the user with a method of controlling the EDFA remotely over the USB interface that is emulating a serial port. A standard terminal program (such as Tera Term) can be used to send commands to the EDFA and receive responses. The following functions are available through the CLI:
- Enabling and disabling the amplifier emission.
- Reading status indicators
- Setting the current set-point value in the ACC operation mode.
- Operating the system in APC or AGC modes at user-defined power or gain values.
The list below shows the list of available commands along with a brief description and syntax:
| Command: | Command description: |
|---|---|
| Help | DISPLAY COMMANDS – Lists commands available to the user |
| le | ENABLE LASER – Turns the Pump LASER ON |
| ld | DISABLE LASER – Turns the Pump LASER OFF |
| sloc | SET LASER DIODE OPERATING CURRENT – Sets the Pump LASER output sloc |
Please note that the system default mode is the ACC mode. This mode is accessible by the front panel operation and the current set point is adjustable using the front panel knob as well as the CLI. The instrument enters this mode after every power cycle. Enabling the laser from the front panel switch or by executing the “le” command results in entering the ACC mode of operation. The APC and AGC modes of operation can be activated using the commands “runpwr” and “rungain”. These commands enable the amplifier and start control loops to maintain a constant level of output power or gain. The control loops can be interrupted by turning the laser off using the command “ld”. Alternatively, by setting the power or gain to zero, the control loop is interrupted and amplifier emission is turned off. If the control loop fails to reach its target under either APC or AGC modes, the closed-loop operation is automatically terminated and the amplifier id disabled. Upon exiting the control loop, the amplifier goes back to the default ACC mode.
Chapter 7 Making Safety Interlock Connections
The EDFA300S and EDFA300P instruments are equipped with a remote interlock
connector located on the rear panel. In order to enable the fiber amplifier, a
short circuit must be applied across the terminals of the Remote Interlock
connector. This connection is made available to allow the user to connect a
remotely actuated switch to the connector (i.e. an open door indicator).
The switch that is connected to this interlock must be normally open (N.O.),
meaning that it has to be closed in order for the unit to be enabled. If the
switch is changed to an open state, the amplifier will automatically shut
down.
If the switch returns to a closed condition, the amplifier will not re-enable
until the ENABLE switch is pressed. All units shipped from Thorlabs are
configured with a shorting BNC device installed in the interlock connector. If
you are not going to use this feature then you can leave the shorting device
installed and the unit will operate normally, as described throughout this
manual. If you wish to make use of the interlock feature you will need to
acquire the appropriate mating connector (BNC male) and wire it to your remote
interlock switch.
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting
CAUTION
Invisible Laser Radiation. Do not look directly into the fiber receptacle. Use
a viewing card to help determine whether the fiber amplifier is generating an
output.
WARNING
Never open the amplifier housing cover for troubleshooting. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel.
The following table describes some typical problems that may be encountered
while using the EDFA and possible solutions to these problems.
| Problem | Problem |
|---|---|
| Unit does not turn on when switching the power ON/OFF on the front panel. | 1. |
Make sure the AC line cord is fully inserted into the AC Input receptacle and
plugged into an outlet providing 100 to 240 VAC. Also ensure that the AC
power switch on the back panel has been turned on. 2. Fuse(s) may be open.
Refer to Section 4.2 for information on replacing open fuses. If the problem
persists, please return the unit to Thorlabs for evaluation.
Unit powers on but does not enable when pressing the ENABLE button.| 1. Check
to make sure the interlock connector is installed on the rear panel. See
Chapter 7 for details. 2. Check the temperature status on the front panel
display. If temperature status is not OK for more than 30 seconds, turn the
unit off and contact technical support.
Unit is enabled but there is no output.| 1. Check to make sure you are using
the correct type of fiber patch cable for the particular wavelength and FC/APC
connector type.
2. Check to make sure the input connector to the EDFA has power.
3. Inspect the connectors on both cables connected to input and output ports
to ensure they are clean and not damaged.
Chapter 9 General Maintenance
Aside from the AC input fuse, there are no user serviceable parts in this
product. If you suspect something has failed in the unit, please contact
Thorlabs for advice on returning the unit for evaluation.
Always clean fiber optic connectors that will be inserted into the system and
install the dust cap whenever the source is not being used. Allowing dust and
dirt onto the fiber end faces will degrade coupling efficiency and possibly
damage the fiber patch cables, both inside and outside.
9.1. Cleaning
The housing can be cleaned using a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid using any
solvents on or near the unit. Keep the vent holes on the sides, rear and
bottom of the enclosure free of dust buildup. Restricted airflow will cause
the temperature controls to operate inefficiently and, in extreme cases, loss
of temperature control.
9.2. Connector Cleaning
Always clean the ferrule end of your fiber patch cables as well as the input
and output FC bulkheads prior to inserting the fiber patch cables into the FC
bulkheads. Thorlabs offers the FCC-7020 Fiber Cleaning Cloth Spool, which can
be used for cleaning the ferrule ends of the patch cables.
Additionally, each unit is shipped with an FBC250 Bulkhead and Connector
Cleaner for cleaning the input and output bulkheads.
Figure 2 FBC250 Bulkhead and Connector
Cleaner
To use the FBC250 Bulkhead and Connector Cleaner, please refer to the
instructions shipped with the FBC250.
Chapter 10 Specifications
| Item # | EDFA300S | EDFA300P |
|---|---|---|
| Amplifier Specifications (Taken at 100% Pump Current Set-Point) | ||
| Operating Wavelength Ranged | 1530 nm 1565 nm | |
| Saturated Output Power b’ c | >24.5 dBm | |
| Small Signal Gain (@ -20 dBm Input Power)” | >40 dB | |
| Noise Figure (@ 3 dBm Input Power)b | <6 dB | |
| Output Power Stabilityd (Constant Current Model @ 3 dBm Input Power) | <±2% |
Over 24 Hours
Output Power Stabilityd (Constant Power Model @ 3 dBm Input Power)| <±0.5%
Over 24 Hours
Total Dispersion Within Amplifier°| <0.14 ps/nm
Laser Class| 3B
Fiber Specifications| |
Output Polarization| Random| Linear. Aligned to Slow Axis
Polarization Extinction Ratio| N/A| >25 dB
Polarization-Dependent Gain| <0.5 dB| N/A
Return Loss at Input Port| >50 dB
Input / Output Isolation| >30 dB
Input / Output Fiber Type| SMF-28-J9| PM1550-XP
Input / Output Fiber Connectors| FC/APC Compatible 2.0 mm Narrow Key
a. The wavelength range over which the small signal gain (at -20 dBm input
power) does not fall below 35 dB.
b. Specified at 1550 nm. Please refer to published data on the Thorlabs
website for typical curves showing the variation of each parameter with
wavelength.
c. Please refer to published data on the Thorlabs website for the scaling of
the output power vs. the input power.
d. After a 15 minute warm-up time, for ambient temperature fluctuations ±2 °C.
e. Amplifier dispersion can be minimized using a dispersion-compensating fiber
patch cable. Patch cables
with custom dispersion compensation are possible by contacting Tech Support.
| Absolute Maximum Input Power | 13 dBm |
|---|---|
| Absolute Maximum Output Power | 26 dBm |
| Operating Temperature | 15 to 30 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -10 to 40 °C |
General Specifications
| Input Voltage | 100 – 240 VAC, 50 – 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Input Power | 20 W (Max) |
| Fuse Rating | 2 A, 250 V |
| Fuse Type | Time-Lag (Slow-Blow) |
| Fuse Size | 5 mm x 20 mm |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 250.0 mm x 300.0 mm x 122.2 mm (9.84″ x 11.81″ x |
4.81″)
Weight| 7.5 lbs
Chapter 11 Mechanical Drawings
Figure 3 EDFA300S
Mechanical Drawing
Figure 4 EDFA300P
Mechanical Drawing
Chapter 12 Regulatory
As required by the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive)
of the European Community and the corresponding national laws, Thorlabs offers
all end users in the EC the possibility to return “end of life” units without
incurring disposal charges.
This offer is valid for Thorlabs electrical and electronic equipment:
- Sold after August 13, 2005
- Marked correspondingly with the crossed out “wheelie bin” logo (see right)
- Sold to a company or institute within the EC
- Currently owned by a company or institute within the EC
- Still complete, not disassembled and not contaminated
Wheelie Bin Logo
As the WEEE directive applies to self-contained operational electrical and
electronic products, this end of life take back service does not refer to
other Thorlabs products, such as:
- Pure OEM products, that means assemblies to be built into a unit by the user (e. g. OEM laser driver cards)
- Components
- Mechanics and optics
- Left over parts of units disassembled by the user (PCB’s, housings etc.).
If you wish to return a Thorlabs unit for waste recovery, please contact
Thorlabs or your nearest dealer for further information.
12.1. Waste Treatment is Your Own Responsibility
If you do not return an “end of life” unit to Thorlabs, you must hand it to a
company specialized in waste recovery.
Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site.
12.2. Ecological Background
It is well known that WEEE pollutes the environment by releasing toxic
products during decomposition. The aim of the European RoHS directive is to
reduce the content of toxic substances in electronic products in the future.
The intent of the WEEE directive is to enforce the recycling of WEEE. A
controlled recycling of end of life products will thereby avoid negative
impacts on the environment.
Chapter 13 Declaration of Conformity
Chapter 14 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
For technical support or sales inquiries, please visit us at
www.thorlabs.com/contact for our most up-
to-date contact information. 
USA, Canada, and South America
Thorlabs, Inc.
sales@thorlabs.com
techsupport@thorlabs.com
Europe
Thorlabs GmbH
europe@thorlabs.com| UK and Ireland
Thorlabs Ltd.
sales.uk@thorlabs.com
techsupport.uk@thorlabs.com
Scandinavia
Thorlabs Sweden AB
scandinavia@thorlabs.com
---|---
France
Thorlabs SAS
sales.fr@thorlabs.com
Japan
Thorlabs Japan, Inc.
sales@thorlabs.jp| Brazil
Thorlabs Vendas de Fotônicos Ltda.
brasil@thorlabs.com
China
Thorlabs China
chinasales@thorlabs.com
References
- Thorlabs, Inc. - Your Source for Fiber Optics, Laser Diodes, Optical Instrumentation and Polarization Measurement & Control
- Thorlabs, Inc. - Your Source for Fiber Optics, Laser Diodes, Optical Instrumentation and Polarization Measurement & Control
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