TECHNOLOGIEMBC-AN series

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Ditherless Modulator Bias Controllers

Delivering Modulation Solutions
Bias Controllers

MBC - AN - BTONPD1 ONPD 1 In

PD 2 InVbias

PD 1 OutPD 2 OutGroundPD1 disconnected

USBAutoPD1 disconnected

Reset+Vbias sat

Photline Technologies MBC are a family of automatic bias controllers speciallydesigned to lock the operating point of LiNb03 Mach-Zehnder modulators near
the quadrature point and ensure a stable operation over time and environmental
conditions.

-Vbias satUnlike classical dither signal based bias controllers, MBC-AN do not superimpose
any tone signal to the optical modulated signal. They are designed for application
where such a tone signal is not desired and typically for analog applications wherea high purity carrier is required. They are easy to implement, and are available asbenchtop instruments and OEM boards.

Features• Designed for Mach-Zehnder modulators• Quad modes• High stability

Principle
MBC-AN bias controllers are based on the comparison of the optical power before
and after the Mach-Zehnder modulator. They use tap couplers and photodiodes
with a proportionnal integrator feed back loop to lock the operating point of themodulator at the Quad+ or Quad- position.
The MBC-AN-board and MBC-AN-BT are operated from a user supplied PC andcome with a Graphical User Interface.

Applications• RoF links• Electronic warfare• Analog communications

Performance Highlights
Parameter

Min

ModeOptions

TypMax

DitherlessDC bias voltage-12

Locking point-Unit-+12Quad- or Quad+V-• Internal photodiodes and tap couplers

Output power stability-±0.1-dB• Benchtop and board versions

Insertion loss (C-band)--2dBControlRemote-

Related EQUIPMENTS• MXAN-LN, MXDO-LN analog modulators• DR-AN series analog RF amplifiers

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MBC-AN series

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Ditherless Modulator Bias Controllers

Bias Controllers
Bias Control and Electrical Characteristics
Parameter

SymbolConditionMin

TypMax

Unit

Locking point-

Automatic

Output power stability-

at quadrature operating points

-±0.1

-dB

Modulator bias voltage

Vbias

automatic mode-12-+12V

manual mode-11.5-+11.5

V

Quad+ or Quad--Optical Characteristics
Parameter

SymbolCondition

MinTypMax

Unit

Wavelengthl-

1 530-

1 580nmInput optical power

PINwith internal PD and tap coupler

0-18dBm

Insertion loss

ILwith internals PD and tap couplers - C-Band--2dB

Absolute Maximum Ratings

Stresses in excess of the absolute maximum ratings can cause permanent damage to the device. These are absolute stress ratings only. Functional operationof the device is not implied at these or any other conditions in excess of those given in the operational sections of the data sheet. Exposure to absolutemaximum ratings for extended periods can adversely affect device reliability.
ParameterSymbolMinMax

Unit

Operating temperature

OT-10+45°C

Storage temperature

ST-40+75°C

Output Power Stability

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Graphical User Interface

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MBC-AN series

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Ditherless Modulator Bias Controllers

Bias Controllers
MBC-AN-BT : Benchtop version
The MBC-AN-BT is a benchtop instrument that incorporates input and ouput tap couplers with their photodiode together
with the bias control electronic.

Dimensions
Dimensions (W x H x D)

24 cm x 8.5 cm x 16 cm

WeightPower supply (rear panel)

1.5 kg - 3.3 pounds
100-120 V / 220-240 V automatic switch,
50-60 HzInterfaces
Bias voltage output

2 mm jack (cables supplied)

Ground2 mm jack (cables supplied)

Optical inputs and outputs

FC/APC bulkhead (other on request)

Remote Control
GUI

Type

USB type B

Connector

Ordering information
Benchtop Modulator Bias Controller MBC-AN-BT

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MBC-AN series

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Ditherless Modulator Bias Controllers

Bias Controllers
MBC-AN-board : OEM version
The MBC-AN-BT is an OEM bias control electronic board designed for integration, it comes with optional input and ouput
tap couplers with their photodiode.

Dimensions
100 mm x 70 mm x 27 mm

Supply voltages-12 V (max -15V) / 0 / +12 V (max +15 V)

Supply current-50 mA / 0 / +60 mA

V1, PT-Q3-2012

Dimensions (W x H x D)

Interfaces
Photodiodes input, Vbias, Ground

2.4 mm plug-in connector

Remote Control
Type / Connector

GUI / USB type B

Ordering information
Board Modulator Bias Controller MBC-AN-Board
Photodiode and tap coupler set, 1300-1550 nm region OPT-PD/TAP-1550

About us
Photline Technologies is a provider of Fiber Optics Modulation Solutions based on the company LiNb03 modulators andhigh-speed electronics modules. Photline Technologies offers high speed and high data rate modulation solutions for thetelecommunication industry and the defense, aerospace, instruments and sensors markets. The products offered by thecompany include : comprehensive range of intensity and phase modulators (800 nm, 1060 nm, 1300 nm, 1550 nm), RFdrivers and modules, transmitters and modulation units.
Photline Technologies reserves the right to change, at any time and without notice, the specifications, design,function or form of its products described herein. All statements, specification, technical information related
to the products herein are given in good faith and based upon information believed to be reliable andaccurate at the moment of printing. However the accuracy and completeness thereof is not guaranteed. No
liability is assumed for any inaccuracies and as a result of use of the products. The user must validate all parameters for each application before use and he assumes all risks in connection with the use of the products.

ZI Les Tilleroyes - Trépillot
16, rue Auguste Jouchoux - 25000 Besançon - FRANCEtél. : +33 (0) 381 853 180 - fax : + 33 (0) 381 811 557
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