IQABC
AUTOMATIC BIAS
CONTROLLERS P EC I F I C AT I O N S H E E T

AVA I L A B L E I N PX I
AVA I L A B L E I N M AT R I Q

quantifiphotonics.com

F E AT U R E S

The IQABC uses advanced algorithms to Automatically
Bias Control (ABC) the DC voltage bias points required
to control an OIF-compliant optical modulator.
The easy-to-use COHESIONUI™ graphical interface
enables the user to quickly optimize these DC
modulator voltages (either automatically or manually)
for ideal QPSK, DP-QPSK, and other M-QAM opticallymodulated signals.

Format-independent
ABC algorithm.

Compatible with OIF
standard IQ modulators.

Accurate & stable
tracking of bias drifts.

The robust ABC algorithm works
with any modulation formats for atruly automated operation.

The external modulator adaptor
board provides simple and quickconnectivity to any IQ modulator
with OIF compatibility.

The advanced ABC algorithm
constantly tracks any drift, so you
get stable and repeatable results
every time.

Superior connectivity.

Easy-to-use software.

You can control IQABC locally or
remotely via usb or ethernet. With
its SCPI compatibility, the option is
yours.

COHESIONUI web-based userinterface provides access to all thefunctions in a clean, simple andintuitive graphical layout.

OIF

Independent control of
all DC biases.
Each of I, Q or phase DC biases canbe controlled independently in either
automatic or manual mode.

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I Q O P T I M I Z AT I O N M A D E S I M P L E

Hit the AUTO button and focus on your research withoutworrying if your modulator is biased correctly.
Quantifi Photonics’ IQABC’s advanced ABC (Automatic
Bias Control) algorithm accurately and reliably controls
and optimizes all the modulator bias points regardlessof the modulation format or pattern.
Optimizing DC bias points of an IQ modulator is no trivial task. There are six different Mach-Zehnder structuresinside one dual polarization IQ modulator, all simultaneously influencing the properties of a single optical signal.
Trying to optimize bias points using just the intensity measurement of the optical signal is time consuming,
inaccurate and requires a lot of knowledge and experience.
With its robust and adaptive ABC algorithm, IQABC will take care of finding optimal bias points and maintaining
optimization against any bias drifts or changes to the driving signal. So put IQABC to work and enjoy having a stable
and reliable optical signal for all your testing and development needs.

C O N V E N I E N T A N D S I M P L E TO O P E R AT E

Simply connect your OIF compliant IQ modulator toan IQABC modulator adaptor board and feed themodulator’s optical output to IQABC, then you areready to go. The IQABC starts to optimize the biases
automatically upon start-up.
Tunable laser

OIF IQ modulator

Signal in >Adapter board

Opticalconnections
Modulator
connection

Signal out >RF amplifier andsignal generator

Modulated opticalsignal output

IQABC connection example

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G R A P H I C A L U S E R I N T E R FAC E

Simple, Intuitive Control with COHESIONUI™
COHESIONUI makes it simple to control our PXI or MATRIQ instruments from a PC, tablet or smartphone.
Its cutting-edge design offers a sleek modern interface, cross device compatibility, customizableviews and remote network access.

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C H O O S E YO U R FO R M FACTO R

PX Ie – M O D U L A R

Our expanding range of PXIe optical test solutions
are used by customers in mixed-signal test andmeasurement systems, reducing complexity, lowering
the cost of test and accelerating time to market.
 Multi vendor, open standard with over 2500 PXI
modules available
 Advanced timing and synchronization capabilities
across instruments
 Low latency, high performance processing and fast
data throughput
 Design and build scalable, high channel count systems
 Small footprint and lower power consumption

M AT R I Q – C O M PACT & P O RTA B L E

The MATRIQ series provides the same high-performance
test capabilities of our PXIe modules in an compact
benchtop design. MATRIQ instruments are simple tosetup and easy to operate, making them the perfectchoice for your optical lab or test bench.
 Same performance and control as our PXIe modules
 Plug and play with USB or Ethernet connectivity
 Control via the web-based GUI, COHESIONUIor SCPI commands
 Compact and portable design saves benchtop space

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I QA B C T EC H N I C A L S P EC I F I C AT I O N S

PX I – M O D U L A R

IQABC-1001-1-FC-PXIE

M AT R I Q – C O M PACT & P O RTA B L E

53 mm

120

2
20

m
m

mm

Ventilation fan
IP address LCD screen

Power button

IQABC-1001-1-FC-MTRQ

53 mm

m

12

0m
m

2m
20

Power supply port

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USB type B port

Ethernet port

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I QA B C T EC H N I C A L S P EC I F I C AT I O N S

General Specifications

PX I

M AT R I Q

Bus connection

PXIe

USB or ethernet

1-

FC/PC, FC/APC, SC/PC, SC/APC

FC/PC, FC/APC, SC/PC, SC/APC

Number of channels

11

Dimensions (HxWxD)

130 x 20 x 215 mm | 5.1 x 1.6 x 8.5 inch

53 x 120 x 202 mm | 2.1 x 4.7 x 8.0 inches~ 1 kg | ~ 2.2 lbs~ 1.1 kg | ~ 2.4 lbs

Operating temperature range

5 °C to 45 °C | 41 °F to 113 °F

5 °C to 45 °C | 41 °F to 113 °F

Storage temperature range-40 °C to 70 °C | -40 °F to 158 °F-40 °C to 70 °C | -40 °F to 158 °F

Power Specifications

PX I

M AT R I Q

Slot countOptical connector type

WeightAC input voltage range

90 to 264 VAC

AC input current
AC frequency range
DC output voltage

1.3A (115Vac), 0.9A (230Vac)

Please refer to the latest PXI Express
Hardware Specifications published by
the PXI Systems Alliance.

47 to 63 Hz
12V

DC output current max

5.41A

Dimensions (LxWxH)

4.58 x 2.06 x 1.23” (116.3 x 52.4 x 31.3 mm)

Specifications continued over page

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M O D E L N A M E T EC H N I C A L S P EC I F I C AT I O N S

Model Number

10 0 1

10 0 210 0 1

10 0 2Fiber type

Single mode fiber

Polarization mode
fiber

Single mode fiber

Polarization mode
fiber

Supported modulator types

Single & dual pol.
LiNbO3 IQ
Mach Zehnder

Single & dual pol.
LiNbO3 IQ
Mach Zehnder

Single & dual pol.
LiNbO3 IQ
Mach Zehnder

Single & dual pol.
LiNbO3 IQ
Mach Zehnder

Supported modulation formats

Any modulation
formatAny modulation
formatAny modulation
formatAny modulation
formatBias control options

Automatic locking
and individual
manual bias

Automatic locking
and individual
manual bias

Automatic locking
and individual
manual bias

Automatic locking
and individual
manual bias

28 V

28 V

28 V

28 V

6

6

6

6

Start up time until settled< 3 minutes(< 1 minute typical)< 3 minutes(< 1 minute typical)< 3 minutes(< 1 minute typical)< 3 minutes(< 1 minute typical)

Quadrature error

Averaged mean
< ± 0.3°, standard
deviation> 24 hours: < 2°

Averaged mean
< ± 0.3°, standard
deviation> 24 hours: < 2°

Averaged mean
< ± 0.3°, standard
deviation> 24 hours: < 2°

Averaged mean
< ± 0.3°, standard
deviation> 24 hours: < 2°

ABC impact on EVM

< 1%

< 1%

< 1%

< 1%

Wavelength range

1260 nm - 1620 nm

1510 nm - 1610 nm

1260 nm - 1620 nm

1510 nm - 1610 nm

Dither size vs Vpi1

max 5%, typical 2%

max 5%, typical 2%

max 5%, typical 2%

max 5%, typical 2%

Max optical input power to ABC+10 dBm+10 dBm+10 dBm+10 dBm

Optical insertion loss

< 0.5 dB

< 0.5 dB

< 0.5 dB

< 0.5 dB

-5 dBm to +10 dBm-5 dBm to +10 dBm-5 dBm to +10 dBm-5 dBm to +10 dBm

RF drive levels supported

0 to 1.9 Vpi

0 to 1.9 Vpi

0 to 1.9 Vpi

0 to 1.9 Vpi

Manual bias control range± 13 V± 13 V± 13 V± 13 V

Maximum bias voltage range
Number of bias control channels

Optical power operating range2

Notes
1. A small low frequency dither is applied to the biases as part of the control
mechanism.
2. Average power with modulation applied.

3.

Specifications are valid at 23 °C ± 3 °C.

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O R D E R I N G I N FO R M AT I O N

IQABC - XXXX - X - XX - PXIEIQABC - XXXX - X - XX - MTRQ

Model number:
1001 = Single Mode Fiber
1002 = Polarization Maintaining Fiber

Connector TypeFC = FC/PC
FA = FC/APC
SC = SC/PC
SA = SC/APC
Number of channels
1 = 1 channel

AC C E S S O R I E S

IQABC - X X X X
Options
9001 = Solder type adapter board for use with OIF
compatible dual polarization IQ modulator.
9002 = Plug-in type adaptor board for use with OIF
compatible dual polarization IQ modulator.
9003 = Solder type adapter board for use with OIF
compatible single polarization IQ modulator.
9004 = Plug-in type adaptor board for use with OIF
compatible single polarization IQ modulator.
9005 = Cable for connecting the adaptor board to the
IQABC main unit.
9006 = Break-out cable for use with any IQ modulator.

WA R R A N T Y I N FO R M AT I O NThis product comes with a standard 1 year warranty.

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E X T E N D E D WA R R A N T I E S A N D C A L I B R AT I O N P L A N S

With an Extended Warranty and Calibration Plan you
can spend more time focused on your priorities and lesstime worrying about maintenance.
Over time and with regular use, all optical parts and connectors require re-calibration and maintenance toguarantee accurate and reliable performance.

Add a 3 or 5 year Extended Warranty at the time ofpurchase.
Guarantee peak
performance

Lower cost of ownership

Peace of mind

Ensure your equipment is operating
at its best for reliable and accurate
results.

Lock in savings and maximise
your budget with a lower cost ofownership.

Spend less time worrying aboutmaintenance and more on
generating results.

C A L I B R AT I O N P L A N S FO R A D D I T I O N A L D I S C O U N TS

Order a Calibration Plan when you purchase your
Quantifi Photonics’ test instruments and qualify for
additional discounts.
10% Discount

25% DiscountOn calibrations ordered at the timeof purchase.

Add on an extended warranty
and receive a 25% discount on
calibrations.

With an instrument calibration performed by Quantifi Photonics technicians you receive.
 Comprehensive calibration to factory specifications.
 End-to-end inspection to ensure all instrument
functions are working and connectors are clean.

 Firmware, software and documentation updates.
 Certificate of Calibration which includes detailed test
results.

We recommend Quantifi Photonics optical instruments are re-calibrated every 12 months.

How to purchaseContact your Quantifi Photonics sales representative about our Extended Warranty or Calibration Plans or email

sales@quantifiphotonics.com.

Extended Warranties and Calibration Plans must be ordered at the time of purchase and are available only for Quantifi Photonics’ products. The 25% calibration
discount only applies to calibrations while the product is covered by the Extended Warranty period.

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C ATA LO G U E

Our portfolio of optical and electrical test modules is
rapidly expanding to meet a wide range of customer
requirements and applications.
Tunable Laser Sources

Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA)

Polarization Controller & Scrambler

Versatile telecom laser sources with fullLow cost, fast spectral measurement in

High-speed automated polarization control

tunability across C or L bands. Narrow 100

a compact module with built-in analysis

with broad wavelength coverage fromkHz linewidth, up to 16.5 dBm of power,

including SMSR, OSNR and spectral

1260nm to 1650nm, low insertion loss andoptional whisper mode to disable frequency

width. Targeted wavelengths for specificback reflection. Full remote control via

dither.

applications in O band, C band and L band.

intuitive GUI, LabVIEW or SCPI.

Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier(EDFA)

Optical-to-Electrical Converter
High bandwidth, broadband O-to-E

Photonic Doppler Velocimeter(PDV)

High power Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier

converter. Available in a range of

Purpose-built module for Photonic Doppler

for signal power amplification in C and L

configurations; choose from 1 or 2 channels,

Velocimetry (PDV). A circulator, two VOAs

bands with various control modes, including

AC or DC coupling and various conversion

and a passive coupler all built into one

automatic gain control.

gain and operating wavelength ranges.

compact module.

Fixed Wavelength Laser Sources

Bit Error Rate Tester (BERT)

Passive Component Integration

Highly customizable DFB or FP laser

2 or 4-channel Pulse Pattern Generator andIntegrate passive optical components

sources available in a wide range ofError Detector at rates up to 29 Gbps forof your choice such as WDM couplers,

wavelengths and powers. Models support

the design, characterization and production

splitters, band-pass filters, PM

SMF, MMF and PMF.

of optical transceivers and opto-electricalbeamsplitters and circulators. Models

components.

support SMF, MMF and PMF.

Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA)

Pulse Pattern Generator (PPG)

Passive Component Storage

Fast attenuation speed with low insertion

4 channel Pulse Pattern Generator

Protect and store your own passive fiber

loss and built-in power monitoring.

from 0.3 to 30 Gbps for high-density

optic components such as splitters,

Operates in fixed attenuation or constantmultichannel applications. With integrated

connector adaptor patchcords, WDM

output power modes. Models support SMF,

clock synthesizer and programmable de-couplers, and isolators in one handy

MMF and PMF.

emphasis and CTLE processor.

module.

Optical Power Meters

Optical Switch

Fast terminating or inline monitoring

Proven reliability and fast switching time.

of optical signal power from -60 to +10

Wide variety of switch onfigurations: 1x4,

dBm across 750 – 1700 nm wavelengths.

1x16, 16x16 and more. Models support SMF,

Model with logarithmic analog output for

MMF and PMF.

applications such as silicon photonics fiberalignment.

PX I – T E ST M O D U L E S

M AT R I Q – T E ST M O D U L E S

We provide these products as PXIe modules andcompact MATRIQ benchtop instruments.
See our website for more details
quantiﬁphotonics.com/products

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W H Y C H O O S E Q UA N T I F I P H OTO N I C S

Test.
Measure.
Solve.
Quantifi Photonics is transforming the world of photonics test andmeasurement. Our portfolio of optical and electrical test instruments is
rapidly expanding to meet the needs of engineers and scientists around theglobe. From enabling ground-breaking experiments to driving highly efficient
production testing, you’ll find us working with customers to solve complex
problems with experience and innovation.

To ﬁnd out more, get in touch with us today.
General Enquiries
Technical Support
Phone
North America

sales@quantifiphotonics.com
support@quantifiphotonics.com+64 9 478 4849
+1-800-803-8872

quantifiphotonics.com© 2022 Quantifi Photonics Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, adapted, or translated in any form or by any means without the priorpermission from Quantifi Photonics Ltd. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Please contact Quantifi Photonics for the latest information.

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