VXOA41 Tektronix Optical Attenuator

The VXOA41 Optical Attenuator is a high-performance instrument used to attenuate optical signals.

Some of the outstanding characteristics of the VXOA41 are:
• Attenuation to 60 dB — the VXOA41 can attenuate signals up to 60 dB in steps of 0.01 dB. A shutter provides greater than 100 dB attenuation
• 600 nm to 1700 nm calibrated spectral response in one unit
• Linear response within ±0.05 dB
• Ability to store attenuation levels, which is useful for repeat measurements
• Versions available for both single and multimode fiber
• VXI double-wide C-size module with message-based interface

The VXOA41 is a message-based VXI module. Control communications are provided at two levels: low-level word serial commands and ASCII commands. Low-level word serial commands provide system administration services. Word serial commands are used by the VXI Resource Manager to determine system status, allocate resources, and initiate normal system operation. These commands are not normally accessed by the system user.

The ASCII command set is used for instrument control and communication. The commands use IEEE Std 488.2 style syntax. Word serial protocol transports these communications between the system controller or slot 0 (if the system controller is not included in the VXI mainframe) and the instrument module.