What is variable optical attenuator?
A variable optical attenuator is used to trim a fiber’s optical signal power levels. Applications include leveling the power exiting an optical amplifier across a fiber’s spectrum, and protecting a photodetector at a receiver from being overwhelmed by too strong a signal (Fig. 4.3).
How does a variable optical attenuator work?
Optical attenuators usually work by absorbing the light, like sunglasses absorb extra light energy. Another type of attenuator utilizes a length of the high-loss optical fiber, that operates upon its input optical signal power level in such a way that its output signal power level is less than the input level.
What is the role of variable attenuator in the test setup?
Variable attenuator: It is used to attenuate microwave signal with variable attenuation settings as made by the user. The different attenuation can be set.
What is the purpose of optical attenuator?
An optical attenuator, or fiber optic attenuator, is a device used to reduce the power level of an optical signal, either in free space or in an optical fiber.
Why do we need fiber optic attenuators?
Fiber optic attenuators are used in applications where the optical signal is too strong and needs to be reduced. For example, in a multi-wavelength fiber optic system, you need to equalize the optical channel strength so that all the channels have similar power levels.
What is attenuation in optical fiber communication?
The attenuation of an optical fiber measures the amount of light lost between input and output. Total attenuation is the sum of all losses. Optical losses of a fiber are usually expressed in decibels per kilometer (dB/km).
How can be the waveguide used as an attenuator?
Waveguide-based high-frequency systems often require some control of amplitude or signal level. Waveguide attenuators can deliver that means of control, with fixed attenuators providing a single value attenuation setting and variable attenuators providing a range of attenuation control across a desired frequency range.
What is the purpose of variable attenuator?
What is a variable attenuator? The best equipment for simulating the change of the radio wave in the air. These attenuators can switch the attenuation of the microwave signal. It corresponds to various tests and simulations.