Digital Variable Attenuator

A line of precision controllable digital variable attenuators with low backreflection combines standard, low-cost attenuator design with a novel stepper-motor mechanical coupling to create an economical, high-resolution attenuator. The device is controlled by keypad interface and a digital display with 0.01 resolution. The attenuation can be incremented in steps or set to a specified value. A built-in communications port allows remote computer control.

Digital variable attenuators exhibit low backreflection (25, 40, 50, or 60 dB). The resolution is better than 0.01 dB for up to 30 dB of attenuation and 0.02 dB for up to 60 dB of attenuation. The device is calibrated for 1300 nm and 1550 nm. Because the attenuator works by directly blocking the beam, it is polarization insensitive (less than 0.01 dB polarization-dependent losses).

Oz Optics Ltd. 219 Westbrook Rd., Carp, Canada K0A 1L0. Tel: 613-831-0981, 800-361-5415; Fax: 613-836-5089.