FOM

7900B
SystemFOM

Specifications

7900B System Mainframe
INTERNAL MODULATION
Waveform:
Frequency:
Duty Cycle:1
Modulation Depth:
Rise/Fall Time:
Channel to Channel
Synchronization:2

TTL
0.1–500kHz
50% ±1%
100%<250ns<100nsMODULATION IN
Level:
Frequency:
Duty Cycle:1
Polarity:
Optical Delay:2
Channel to Channel
Synchronization:3
Jitter:4
Connector:

TTL
1–500kHz
50% ±1%
0V = Laser turned OFF
5V = Laser turned ON<1µs<100ns<50ns
BNC Female on rear panel

MODULATION OUT
Level:
Polarity:

TTL
0V = Laser turned OFF
5V = Laser turned ON
Gate Delay:5<60ns/mainframe
Jitter:4<50ns
Connector:
BNC Female on rear panel
Load Capability:
Capable of driving 3 additional
7900B mainframes in parallel

EXTERNAL TRIGGER INPUT/OUTPUT
Level:
Pulse Width:
Connector:

TTL, Active Low
100ns (minimum)
BNC Female on rear panel

COMPUTER INTERFACE
GPIB/IEEE-488 Hardware: ANSI/IEEE Std 488.1–1987
Fanout:
200 modules
RS-232
Baud Rate:
9600
Stop Bits:
1
Parity:None
Data Bits:
8
Flow Control:
None
Connector
RS-232 A Connector: 9 pin male “D” connector
RS-232 B Connector: 9 pin female “D” connector

DISPLAY
Two lines by 20 character vacuum fluorescent display useduniquely by each module or the mainframe. The selected
module channel is always displayed in the upper left corner ofthe display.

GENERAL
Number of Channels:
Size (HxWxD):
WeightMainframe:
Modules (typical):Up to 8 plug-in Modules
14.0cm x 45.1cm x 44.5cm
5.5" x 17.75" x 17.5"

Product Features
Power Requirements:

100–120VAC (50/60Hz, 1.5A)
220–240VAC (50/60Hz, 0.8A)

Temperature
Operating:
0°C–40°C
Storage:–40°C to 70°C
Humidity:<90% RH, non-condensing
CE certified to the following standards:
EMC:
EN 61326-1:2000
Safety:EN 61010-1:2001; 73/23/EEC,
93/68/EEC

NOTES
1 Input modulation duty cycles other than 50% ±1% will result in output power
inaccuracies.
2 Optical Delay is the time between the rising edge of the input modulation
signal and the rising edge of the modulated optical output.
3 Channel to Channel Synchronization is the maximum variation in optical delay
between modules in the same mainframe.
4 Jitter is the variation in optical delay for any given module.
5 Gate Delay is the time between the input modulation signal and the output
modulation signal.
In keeping with our commitment to continuing improvement, ILX Lightwave
reserves the right to change specifications without noticeand without liability
for such changes.

ORDERING INFORMATION
FOM-7900B

System Mainframe with 8-bay capacity(Includes GPIB interface)
FOS-79800F/315C1 WDM DFB 9-10mW Source Module(1527.98-1564.26nm user-specified
wavelength)
FOS-79800F/315L1 WDM DFB 9-10mW Source Module(1564.27-1610.06nm user-specified
wavelength)
FOS-79800F/315C2 WDM DFB 10-20mW Source Module(1527.98-1564.26nm user-specified
wavelength)
FOS-79800F/315L2 WDM DFB 10-20mW Source Module(1564.26-1610nm user-specified wave
length)FOS-79800F/315S WDM DFB 9-20mW Source Module(1475-1527.97nm user-specified wave
length)FOS-79800F/315EL WDM DFB 9-20mW Source Module(1610.01-1625nm user-specified wave
length)FOS-79800F/SERV WDM DFB 9-20mW Source Module(1310, 1480, 1510, and 1625 ± 5nm
user-specified wavelength)
FOS-79800F/000
Special Product for non-standard wave
lengthFOS-79710
1 x 4 Fiber Optic Switch Module
SS-810Source Shutter Option (not compatible
with PM alignment)
SSE50
50dB Ratio of Signal to SpontaneousEmission Option
PM Alignment
Per Channel PM Alignment

For information callwww.ilxlightwave.com±3pm wavelength stability with
±0.003dB power stability
Customer specified WDM DFB
sources covering S, C, and L-bands
at up to 20mW per channel
Internal synchronous modulation to
500kHz
GPIB/IEEE488 and RS-232
interfaces

The FOM-7900B is a high-performance fiber-optic test
and development platform with eight channels supportingplug-in laser source and fiber optic switch modules. Thissystem provides a cost-effective solution for WDM andCWDM test applications including EDFA, SOA, and fiber
optic component characterization.
Front panel plug-in modules are offered at user-specified
wavelengths from 1475-1625nm including service channels
at 1310, 1480, 1510, and 1625nm. Each channel can betuned over a 1.7nm range with 0.001nm resolution. Thesesources can be customized to meet special requirements
including fiber optic connector type, PM alignment and fiber,and center wavelength on ITU grid points.
For higher density WDM system requirements, up to 25
additional FOM-7900B mainframes can be linked together
for a total of 200 channels, all controlled from a single GPIB
address.

High Performance
Multi-Channel Fiber Optic Test System

12.7kg (28lbs)
0.45kg (1lb)

P.O. Box 6310, Bozeman, MT 59771 • FAX: 406-586-9405

8 channels of user-selectable laser
source modules

1-800-459-9459
International Inquiries: 406-556-2481
email: sales@ilxlightwave.com
REV03.011907

7900B
SystemFOM

7900B
SystemFOM

Solutions for Multi-Wavelength
Fiber Optic Test Applications
The FOM-7900B, with the FOS-79800F
source modules and FOS-79710 switch delivers
a multi-wavelength test solution for both active
and passive WDM components and systems.
Each module can be controlled independently
through the front panel or remotely through the
GPIB/IEEE-488 or RS-232 interfaces. Full controlof wavelength, output power, calibration andmodulation, switching, and power measurement
give you the flexibility needed for most fiber optic
testing applications.

Fifth Generation Laser Sources forToday’s Testing Needs
The FOS-79800F laser source modules set
the standard with an impressive list of features:picometer resolution, 20mW output power with
0.005dB stability, >40dB side mode suppression
ratio, coherence control, optional source shutter,and ±0.1dB attenuation accuracy. These modules
provide the performance and reliability required fortoday’s fiber optic testing needs.
Coherence control of the modules broadens
laser linewidth from 30MHz to 1GHz. This reduces
spectral power density and decreases coherence
length from several meters to around 20cm,
which is especially important in component test
and system applications to reduce the effectsof connector reflections and stimulated Brillouinscatting. The final result is power and wavelengthstability of ±0.003dB and ±3pm, respectively.

Performance for EDFA Testing
For gain flatness testing with accurate
attenuator-like performance, the FOS-79800F
modules feature high-resolution attenuation
so that you can easily equalize channel levels.

Attenuation is accurate within ±0.1dB, while
maintaining other specifications from maximum
power to 5dB down. If speed is critical to yourapplication, the optional SS-810 shutter blocks theoutput, effectively turning off the source without
turning off the current to the lasers, eliminating
settling time.
For measuring EDFA spontaneous emission
background levels, the FOS-79800F modules
feature 100% depth and 50% duty cycle modulated
drive current to the lasers. Each source can be
modulated synchronously at any frequency from1-500kHz.
Normal and inverted TTL-level outputs provide
flexible triggering for data acquisition instruments,
simplifying test setup. In addition, a rear panel
modulation input synchronizes multiple mainframes
and allows synchronization of the system with an
external instrument.

Complete Integrated Systems Test
Even more flexibility is available by adding
the FOS-79710 Fiber Optic Switch Module. The
1 x 4 switch is optimized for excellent stability
with minimal insertion and return loss. This
optically- passive fiber optic switch is bidirectional
in operation and transparent to signal formats andbandwidth. The FOS-79710 allows you to switch
the input of a single fiber optic channel to any
one of four output ports or to a “blocking” position
into a zero-reflection terminator. You can define aswitch position sequence to occur at defined timeintervals or by external trigger.
Combining the FOS-79800F Source Modules
and the FOS-79710 Optical Switch Module witha power meter enables splice loss testing, edge
testing, and characterization of optical crossconnects and optical switches.

7900B
SystemPrecise control of laser diode temperature and current densities
ensures a stable wavelength.

Industry-leading fiber optic source power attenuation accuracy.

Multi-Channel Module Control

further control flexibility, LabVIEW® instrument
drivers are available at no additional cost.

Each FOM-7900B module can be controlled
independently through an intuitive menu on thefront panel or remotely through the GPIB/IEEE-488
interface. Easy-to-understand commands allow
full control of each module’s control parameters.
Banked remote capability provides control of up
to two hundred source, switch, and power meter
functions from a single GPIB address.

Remote Control for AutomatedTesting
For complete automated control, the 7900B
system comes with a powerful GPIB interface,allowing remote programming and control frommost computers. This interface uses the National
Instruments TNT488 chip-set, which supports
high-speed GPIB protocol. All instrument functions
accessible from the front panel are also accessible
through the interface bus, and all commands are
based on a set of easy-to-use mnemonics. For

The First Name in Fiber Optic Test
Today’s largest world-leading fiber optic
component manufacturers are testing with morelaser sources from ILX Lightwave than from anyother company. Our technically qualified sales
engineers can help you define the custom fiber
optic source configuration for your component andamplifier testing needs.

FOM

7900B
SystemFOM

Solutions for Multi-Wavelength
Fiber Optic Test Applications
The FOM-7900B, with the FOS-79800F
source modules and FOS-79710 switch delivers
a multi-wavelength test solution for both active
and passive WDM components and systems.
Each module can be controlled independently
through the front panel or remotely through the
GPIB/IEEE-488 or RS-232 interfaces. Full controlof wavelength, output power, calibration andmodulation, switching, and power measurement
give you the flexibility needed for most fiber optic
testing applications.

Fifth Generation Laser Sources forToday’s Testing Needs
The FOS-79800F laser source modules set
the standard with an impressive list of features:picometer resolution, 20mW output power with
0.005dB stability, >40dB side mode suppression
ratio, coherence control, optional source shutter,and ±0.1dB attenuation accuracy. These modules
provide the performance and reliability required fortoday’s fiber optic testing needs.
Coherence control of the modules broadens
laser linewidth from 30MHz to 1GHz. This reduces
spectral power density and decreases coherence
length from several meters to around 20cm,
which is especially important in component test
and system applications to reduce the effectsof connector reflections and stimulated Brillouinscatting. The final result is power and wavelengthstability of ±0.003dB and ±3pm, respectively.

Performance for EDFA Testing
For gain flatness testing with accurate
attenuator-like performance, the FOS-79800F
modules feature high-resolution attenuation
so that you can easily equalize channel levels.

Attenuation is accurate within ±0.1dB, while
maintaining other specifications from maximum
power to 5dB down. If speed is critical to yourapplication, the optional SS-810 shutter blocks theoutput, effectively turning off the source without
turning off the current to the lasers, eliminating
settling time.
For measuring EDFA spontaneous emission
background levels, the FOS-79800F modules
feature 100% depth and 50% duty cycle modulated
drive current to the lasers. Each source can be
modulated synchronously at any frequency from1-500kHz.
Normal and inverted TTL-level outputs provide
flexible triggering for data acquisition instruments,
simplifying test setup. In addition, a rear panel
modulation input synchronizes multiple mainframes
and allows synchronization of the system with an
external instrument.

Complete Integrated Systems Test
Even more flexibility is available by adding
the FOS-79710 Fiber Optic Switch Module. The
1 x 4 switch is optimized for excellent stability
with minimal insertion and return loss. This
optically- passive fiber optic switch is bidirectional
in operation and transparent to signal formats andbandwidth. The FOS-79710 allows you to switch
the input of a single fiber optic channel to any
one of four output ports or to a “blocking” position
into a zero-reflection terminator. You can define aswitch position sequence to occur at defined timeintervals or by external trigger.
Combining the FOS-79800F Source Modules
and the FOS-79710 Optical Switch Module witha power meter enables splice loss testing, edge
testing, and characterization of optical crossconnects and optical switches.

7900B
SystemPrecise control of laser diode temperature and current densities
ensures a stable wavelength.

Industry-leading fiber optic source power attenuation accuracy.

Multi-Channel Module Control

further control flexibility, LabVIEW® instrument
drivers are available at no additional cost.

Each FOM-7900B module can be controlled
independently through an intuitive menu on thefront panel or remotely through the GPIB/IEEE-488
interface. Easy-to-understand commands allow
full control of each module’s control parameters.
Banked remote capability provides control of up
to two hundred source, switch, and power meter
functions from a single GPIB address.

Remote Control for AutomatedTesting
For complete automated control, the 7900B
system comes with a powerful GPIB interface,allowing remote programming and control frommost computers. This interface uses the National
Instruments TNT488 chip-set, which supports
high-speed GPIB protocol. All instrument functions
accessible from the front panel are also accessible
through the interface bus, and all commands are
based on a set of easy-to-use mnemonics. For

The First Name in Fiber Optic Test
Today’s largest world-leading fiber optic
component manufacturers are testing with morelaser sources from ILX Lightwave than from anyother company. Our technically qualified sales
engineers can help you define the custom fiber
optic source configuration for your component andamplifier testing needs.

FOM

7900B
SystemFOM

Specifications

7900B System Mainframe
INTERNAL MODULATION
Waveform:
Frequency:
Duty Cycle:1
Modulation Depth:
Rise/Fall Time:
Channel to Channel
Synchronization:2

TTL
0.1–500kHz
50% ±1%
100%<250ns<100nsMODULATION IN
Level:
Frequency:
Duty Cycle:1
Polarity:
Optical Delay:2
Channel to Channel
Synchronization:3
Jitter:4
Connector:

TTL
1–500kHz
50% ±1%
0V = Laser turned OFF
5V = Laser turned ON<1µs<100ns<50ns
BNC Female on rear panel

MODULATION OUT
Level:
Polarity:

TTL
0V = Laser turned OFF
5V = Laser turned ON
Gate Delay:5<60ns/mainframe
Jitter:4<50ns
Connector:
BNC Female on rear panel
Load Capability:
Capable of driving 3 additional
7900B mainframes in parallel

EXTERNAL TRIGGER INPUT/OUTPUT
Level:
Pulse Width:
Connector:

TTL, Active Low
100ns (minimum)
BNC Female on rear panel

COMPUTER INTERFACE
GPIB/IEEE-488 Hardware: ANSI/IEEE Std 488.1–1987
Fanout:
200 modules
RS-232
Baud Rate:
9600
Stop Bits:
1
Parity:None
Data Bits:
8
Flow Control:
None
Connector
RS-232 A Connector: 9 pin male “D” connector
RS-232 B Connector: 9 pin female “D” connector

DISPLAY
Two lines by 20 character vacuum fluorescent display useduniquely by each module or the mainframe. The selected
module channel is always displayed in the upper left corner ofthe display.

GENERAL
Number of Channels:
Size (HxWxD):
WeightMainframe:
Modules (typical):Up to 8 plug-in Modules
14.0cm x 45.1cm x 44.5cm
5.5" x 17.75" x 17.5"

Product Features
Power Requirements:

100–120VAC (50/60Hz, 1.5A)
220–240VAC (50/60Hz, 0.8A)

Temperature
Operating:
0°C–40°C
Storage:–40°C to 70°C
Humidity:<90% RH, non-condensing
CE certified to the following standards:
EMC:
EN 61326-1:2000
Safety:EN 61010-1:2001; 73/23/EEC,
93/68/EEC

NOTES
1 Input modulation duty cycles other than 50% ±1% will result in output power
inaccuracies.
2 Optical Delay is the time between the rising edge of the input modulation
signal and the rising edge of the modulated optical output.
3 Channel to Channel Synchronization is the maximum variation in optical delay
between modules in the same mainframe.
4 Jitter is the variation in optical delay for any given module.
5 Gate Delay is the time between the input modulation signal and the output
modulation signal.
In keeping with our commitment to continuing improvement, ILX Lightwave
reserves the right to change specifications without noticeand without liability
for such changes.

ORDERING INFORMATION
FOM-7900B

System Mainframe with 8-bay capacity(Includes GPIB interface)
FOS-79800F/315C1 WDM DFB 9-10mW Source Module(1527.98-1564.26nm user-specified
wavelength)
FOS-79800F/315L1 WDM DFB 9-10mW Source Module(1564.27-1610.06nm user-specified
wavelength)
FOS-79800F/315C2 WDM DFB 10-20mW Source Module(1527.98-1564.26nm user-specified
wavelength)
FOS-79800F/315L2 WDM DFB 10-20mW Source Module(1564.26-1610nm user-specified wave
length)FOS-79800F/315S WDM DFB 9-20mW Source Module(1475-1527.97nm user-specified wave
length)FOS-79800F/315EL WDM DFB 9-20mW Source Module(1610.01-1625nm user-specified wave
length)FOS-79800F/SERV WDM DFB 9-20mW Source Module(1310, 1480, 1510, and 1625 ± 5nm
user-specified wavelength)
FOS-79800F/000
Special Product for non-standard wave
lengthFOS-79710
1 x 4 Fiber Optic Switch Module
SS-810Source Shutter Option (not compatible
with PM alignment)
SSE50
50dB Ratio of Signal to SpontaneousEmission Option
PM Alignment
Per Channel PM Alignment

For information callwww.ilxlightwave.com±3pm wavelength stability with
±0.003dB power stability
Customer specified WDM DFB
sources covering S, C, and L-bands
at up to 20mW per channel
Internal synchronous modulation to
500kHz
GPIB/IEEE488 and RS-232
interfaces

The FOM-7900B is a high-performance fiber-optic test
and development platform with eight channels supportingplug-in laser source and fiber optic switch modules. Thissystem provides a cost-effective solution for WDM andCWDM test applications including EDFA, SOA, and fiber
optic component characterization.
Front panel plug-in modules are offered at user-specified
wavelengths from 1475-1625nm including service channels
at 1310, 1480, 1510, and 1625nm. Each channel can betuned over a 1.7nm range with 0.001nm resolution. Thesesources can be customized to meet special requirements
including fiber optic connector type, PM alignment and fiber,and center wavelength on ITU grid points.
For higher density WDM system requirements, up to 25
additional FOM-7900B mainframes can be linked together
for a total of 200 channels, all controlled from a single GPIB
address.

High Performance
Multi-Channel Fiber Optic Test System

12.7kg (28lbs)
0.45kg (1lb)

P.O. Box 6310, Bozeman, MT 59771 • FAX: 406-586-9405

8 channels of user-selectable laser
source modules

1-800-459-9459
International Inquiries: 406-556-2481
email: sales@ilxlightwave.com
REV03.011907

7900B
System